Things to do in Phu Quoc island

Phu Quoc is arguably the most tempting tropical paradise in Vietnam. It has everything for a perfect beach holiday from fine sand beaches to gentle waves, from famous historic sites to amazing islands with wealthy coral reefs. Hence, things to do in Phu Quoc are plentiful ranging from spotting the starfish at a beach to dive in its emerald waters or simply soak up the local culture with a market visit.       
Here are the top Phu Quoc travel experiences you should not miss:

Photo: MarenViol 

Things to do in Phu Quoc for beach lovers

Undoubtedly, the very first reason that takes you to Phu Quoc is its splendid beaches. If that, you should check out these beautiful spots

Walk along Star Beach

Indulge in the enchanting allure of Sao Beach, where you can immerse yourself in the powdery white sand and crystalline turquoise waters. Widely regarded as one of Phu Quoc's finest beaches, if not the entire Vietnam, this destination promises an unforgettable experience.        
With its pristine waters, snorkeling becomes an absolute delight, allowing you to explore breathtaking corals and encounter numerous starfish. Beyond the water's edge, a world of adventure awaits.        
Just take your time a walk a little further out of the main port, you`ll have chance to see many starfish!        

See Ong Lang Beach

Another attractive beach in the area that you should see is Ong Lang beach. It is home to the azure sea, white sand, and golden sunshine create a picturesque setting.        
What sets this beach apart are its unique rocky shores, offering an ideal vantage point to witness breathtaking sunsets.        
Ong Lang beach is not just a scenic spot; it is also a haven for outdoor activities, such as group games and delightful barbecues. During the day, embark on a kayaking adventure to explore the surrounding area, followed by a romantic meal illuminated by the twinkling shore lights. To enhance your stay, Ong Lang beach boasts a plethora of luxurious resorts, providing a tranquil space to unwind and rejuvenate. 

Make an island safari tour

Amongst the best things to do in Phu Quoc, taking a boat tour is worth for a day trip. There are many tours available ranging from daily small group tours to private tour with the most luxurious services.        
These exciting tours typically encompass a delicious lunch, refreshing fruits, and the opportunity to snorkel in the paradisiacal waters surrounding the islands. Delve into the pristine depths of Turtle Island in the North or venture to the enchanting southern islands like Fingernail Island or May Rut Island. With a stroke of luck, you might even catch a glimpse of the majestic green or hawksbill turtles gracefully navigating through the waters.

Things to do in Phu Quoc for active travelers

This charming island is not lack of adventurous experiences. From jungle trek to ocean safari, you`ll be amazed by the number of day trips that Phu Quoc has to offer.

Trek through Phu Quoc national Park to Ganh Dau beach

Phu Quoc National Park is a paradise for active adventure travelers. This protected area covers almost half of the Island’s area. It houses a range of wildlife species such as reptiles, insects, hornbills, macaques and pit vipers. If Wildlife is not your intention, the park is also famous for hiking. There are two trails to follow (Phu Quoc park trail and Ganh Dau trail). Of the two trails, Ganh Dau is more rewarding. It reveals plenty of allures such as the Ganh Dau beach, animals and the famed Ancient tree.            
 

Explore the island on a Jeep Tour

There are other ways to explore the Island, but a tour by jeep gives an extra treat. You have two options: either book a tour with a driver or rent the jeep and drive around on your own. Jeep tours on Phu Quoc Island are of three types embodying south of island tours, whole island tours and north of island tours. You are free to choose one based on your interests.

Hit the road on a motorbike

Embarking on a motorbike adventure is undoubtedly one of the must-try experiences in Phu Quoc! It not only offers a breathtakingly beautiful perspective of the island but also proves to be the most convenient mode of transportation. Glide effortlessly from one beach to another, from one stunning viewpoint to the next, relishing the sensation of wind in your hair and a liberating island vibe.        
Despite the presence of numerous undeveloped roads, fear not, for you can easily navigate your way around using the trusty aid of Google Maps.        
So, hop on your motorbike and let the exhilarating exploration begin!

Explore Phu Quoc's nature

As the island is full of mountains and jungle, it is not difficult to find your own adventure here. Here is our short guide to soak up the nature of Phu Quoc   

Things to do in Phu Quoc with kids: Visit Phu Quoc Safari.

For Wildlife in Phu Quoc Island, visit the Phu Quoc Safari. Located in the northern region of the Island, this Wildlife conservation Centre consists of 1200 flora and 150 fauna species. There is a lot to relish, including animal watching and feeding. Don’t miss to take photos when posing with the animals.

Walk to Suoi Tranh Waterfall.

Nestled amidst the lush forest near the Ham Ninh Mountains, lies a captivating waterfall. While it may be petite in size, its surroundings boast splendid natural beauty, making it a delightful spot to refresh and take a swim.     
To reach this enchanting waterfall, make your way to the heart of Phu Quoc island, near the airport. From there, a short 20-minute hike will lead you to the pinnacle of the waterfall, taking you through vibrant green foliage, blooming flowers, and babbling streams.     
For an optimal experience, consider visiting during the rainy season when the water flow is abundant. Aim to arrive as early as possible in the morning to relish the tranquility before the crowds arrive. If feasible, combining your visit to the waterfall with a trip to Sao Beach can help optimize your time and conserve energy.

Ride a cable car over the islands

The Phu Quoc Cable Car provides an exciting and novel experience for tourists visiting the island. Established in 2018, this attraction quickly became a top recommendation for visitors. Stretching over a distance of 7,899.9 meters, the Phu Quoc Cable Car connects the An Thoi Archipelago to Hon Thom Islet, providing a breathtaking aerial view of the island's most stunning areas. However, it's worth noting that the main drawback of this mode of transportation is its relatively high cost. The ticket prices for the cable car ride, which also includes access to the waterpark, are VND 400,000 for adults (USD 17.5) and VND 300,000 for children (USD 13).

Phu Quoc for foodie 

Seafoods are delicious here and more importanty, the local cuisine is worth trying. There is no regret to take a foodie tour where you can sample the typical Phu Quoc dishes or simply learn how the make them.

Try a Phu Quoc street food tour

This tour allows you to taste some of the most mouthwatering dishes of Phu Quoc. Many of them are signature dishes from southern Vietnam, the other combines fresh local ingredients with fresh-catch seafoods.        
It is recommended to start a food tour in the evening after the beautiful sunset by one of the finest Phu Quoc beaches.

Sample Local cuisine at Duong Duong district 

Phu Quoc Island is a highlight for any trip to Vietnam. It has several travelers’ favorite spots, including the Duong dong town. In addition to grand draws, the Duong town delights visitors with its vibrant nightlife. Ensure to be part of the night market on Bach Dang Street. It is often full of local products to buy as souvenirs. Meet with the Viet people and also enjoy the entertainment from the traditional performers.        
Visit Ham Ninh fishing village

Nestled in proximity to the picturesque Suoi Tranh waterfall, lies the captivating fishing village of Ham Ninh. As one of the oldest fishing villages in Vietnam, it offers a glimpse into an ancient way of life. Take a moment to immerse yourself in the authentic lifestyle of the locals who have called this place home and toiled here for generations. Don't miss the opportunity to savor the bounties of the sea, particularly the delectable crab, which is a specialty of this village. Indulge in freshly caught seafood and relish the unique flavors that define this charming coastal community.

Things to do in Phu Quoc for culture vultures

For a week in Phu Quoc, you will have enough time to step in some of its best beaches and now it`s time to explore its culture. To do that, start with the following Phu Quoc attractions: Pay a visit to Nguyen Trung Truc temples For an insight into Phu Quoc’s tragic history, visit one of Nguyen Trung Truc temples. Nguyen Trung Truc was an iconic leader. He surrendered himself to the French in October 1868, and this was meant to protect his people on the Island. To commemorate his great leadership, people decided to build temples with his statues. There are many in numbers, but the most beautiful is found in Ganh Dau.

Visit Phu Quoc Pepper Farm

The Island features a plethora of pepper farms. Peppers are one of the fresh ingredients that turn Vietnamese dishes more piquant. Make sure to visit one of the farms to discover the secrets of growing these dish add-ons. It is more satisfying when you visit during the harvesting time. This is between November and February annually.

Phu Quoc Prison

Built by the French, Phu Quoc Prison is a landmark in Vietnam’s history. Thousands of people including soldiers were tortured in this place during the Vietnam War. It is now a museum that showcases numerous torture instruments, photos of detainees and brutal punishments.

Learn about Pearl Farm

This is more important for those who practice agriculture. If you plan to invest in pearl farming endeavor to visit Phu Quoc Pearl farm for some skills on how oysters are planted and harvesting of pearls. Buy some pearl products to take home as souvenirs.

Best time to visit Phu Quoc

Phu Quoc experiences distinct wet and dry seasons throughout the year. During the dry season, which spans from November to March, temperatures range between 25-28°C, making it the optimal time to visit this tropical paradise. However, it is advisable to plan ahead and book accommodations in advance, as hotels tend to fill up quickly during this period. From April to June and again in October, the weather remains favorable, but temperatures can soar up to 35°C, particularly in April and May when humidity levels are high. If you prefer a quieter holiday and don't mind occasional heavy rain, the monsoon season from July to September offers an ideal opportunity to avoid crowds. Regardless of the season you choose, Phu Quoc holds its own charm and allure, promising a memorable experience amidst its stunning landscapes and inviting waters.

Getting to Phu Quoc island

By air

Since its inauguration in 2013, the Phu Quoc airport has emerged as a relatively new addition to the island. The presence of this airport has significantly contributed to the growth of tourism in the region. Now, travelers can conveniently fly directly from Ho Chi Minh City to Phu Quoc, covering the distance in just one hour. The cost of a single plane ticket typically ranges from $40 to $80, providing an accessible and efficient means of transportation for visitors seeking to explore this captivating destination.

By Ferry

Embark on an adventure by boarding the SuperDong ferry from Ha Tien, which will transport you to your destination in approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes. The cost for a one-way journey is around 230,000 Dong, equivalent to approximately $10 USD. It's important to keep in mind that during peak or holiday seasons, ferry tickets tend to sell out quickly. To ensure a smooth journey, it is advisable to secure your tickets in advance to avoid any potential disruptions.   

How long I should spend in Phu Quoc

Even if you find yourself constrained by limited time and a tight budget, it is highly recommended to allocate a minimum of 2-3 days for your visit to Phu Quoc to fully relish all that the island has to offer.  
By dedicating a day to exploring the Southern part and another short trip to the North, you can ensure comprehensive coverage of the entire island. This strategic itinerary allows you to make the most of your time, enabling you to immerse yourself in the captivating essence of Phu Quoc and create lasting memories.

How big is Phu Quoc Island?

Phu Quoc Island, the largest island in Vietnam, spans an area of 589 square kilometers. As of the 2020 census, the population of this island is approximately 180,000 people. Over the past decade, Phu Quoc has experienced a significant surge in tourism, leading to accelerated economic growth for the island.

Do I need a visa to visit Phu Quoc

Phu Quoc offer visa waiver policy for travelers all over the world for 30 days. That means when you travel to Phu Quoc directly, you do not need a Vietnam Visa. However, if you travel around Vietnam before or after Phu Quoc island then you will need to have a valid visa.