Phu Quoc, the largest island in Vietnam, is regarded as a pearl island with pristine and wild natural beauties. This destination is an excellent place for those who would like to explore the charming nature and history of Vietnam. Let’s find out things you should know before traveling to Phu Quoc with Handspan Travel Indochina!

Bai Sao Beach (Star Beach) in the South of Phu Quoc island

Through this blog post, you will learn about these pieces of information below.

General information about Phu Quoc

Phu Quoc is a stunning island located in the Gulf of Thailand, off the southwest coast of Vietnam. It belongs to Kien Giang Province, near the border with Cambodia. The island features a diverse terrain, including lush jungles, rolling hills, and stunning coastlines. 

Possessing a 150-kilometer coastal line stretching from the North Island to the South Island with numerous sandy beaches, Phu Quoc is undoubtedly a paradise for beach lovers. 

With a diverse ecosystem, natural resources, and cultural values, Phu Quoc offers various experiences for tourists. Besides beach bliss, when traveling to Phu Quoc, you will also have a chance to join many exciting activities. They are snorkeling and diving, exploring national park, fishing villages, historical sites, etc. Let’s keep reading for more things to know before traveling to Phu Quoc!

The best time to visit Phu Quoc

Phu Quoc has the typical tropical monsoon climate with two distinct seasons, the dry season and the rainy season. The dry season is from October to May the next year, and the rainy seasons are between June to early October.

During the rainy season, the air humidity is high, and the rain is constant. You will catch up with the sudden heavy rain, which will make the road slippery and uneasy about transferring. Therefore, if you choose to travel to Phu Quoc in the rainy season, there will be a limitation for water activities such as diving and snorkeling or exploring the National Park and mangroves. However, this is the green season, and one can enjoy the low season rates.

On the contrary, in the dry season, when the rain stops, the sea is peaceful, and the waves are not strong. Therefore, this will be the best time to visit Phu Quoc. Traveling to Phu Quoc this time, you will have a chance to discover the full beauty of Phu Quoc, from the mountains, the range connecting from the North to the South of the island, the national park with various types of flora and fauna, the sandy beaches, etc.

How to get to Phu Quoc?

You can choose to get to Phu Quoc by plane, bus, and ferry. Here are some insights into each way. 

By airplane from major cities

The most convenient way to get to Phu Quoc is by plane, which will save a lot of time. There are direct flights to Phu Quoc from Hanoi, Hai Phong, Can Tho, and Ho Chi Minh City. You can choose to book the flight ticket on your own or contact us for more convenience.

By bus from Ho Chi Minh City

Besides traveling to Phu Quoc by airplane, you can travel by land combined with the waterway if you go from Ho Chi Minh City. From the West Station in Ho Chi Minh City, you will catch the coach to transfer to Rach Gia or Ha Tien Harbor, and from these two harbors, you will continue to use the Superdong speedboat or ferry to reach Phu Quoc. Although this way will take a lot of time, you will have more chances to see the scenery on the road and in the sea.

You will have to spend six hours getting from Ho Chi Minh City to Rach Gia and eight hours to Ha Tien. From Ha Tien to Phu Quoc, you can use a high-speed boat, which will take you an hour, or a ferry for about three hours. There are four turns by high-speed boat and two turns by ship from Ha Tien to Phu Quoc each day and vice versa. From Rach Gia to Phu Quoc, you can only use the high-speed boat, which takes you 1,5 hours.

From Mekong Delta

The Mekong Delta is a must for anyone visiting Vietnam. Phu Quoc is well connected with the Mekong Delta's main attractions, including Can Tho and Chau Doc. From Can Tho, you can either take a 45-minute flight or drive to Rach Gia before taking a ferry to Phu Quoc island. From Chau Doc, you will need to travel by road to Ha Tien and get a boat to the island. The boats we recommend are Phu Quoc Express and Superdong.

• Price for ferry per person (Updated in 2023)
  • Rach Gia to Phu Quoc or vice versa: from VND 340,000 per person one way.

  • Ha Tien to Phu Quoc or vice versa: from VND 250,000 per person one way.

• The boat schedule from Rach Gia to Phu Quoc 
  • Phu Quoc Express: 07.00 a.m.; 08.40 a.m.; 10.20 a.m.; 12.40 p.m.; 01.45 p.m.

  • Superdong: 07.00 a.m.; 08.10 a.m.; 10.30 a.m.; 01.10 p.m.

• The boat schedule from Phu Quoc to Rach Gia
  • Phu Quoc Express: 07.10 a.m.; 08.10 a.m.; 10.30 a.m.; 12.40 p.m.; 01.45 p.m.

  • Superdong: 07.20 a.m; 10.10 a.m.; 12.45 p.m.; 01.30 p.m.

• The boat schedule from Ha Tien to Phu Quoc
  • Phu Quoc Express: 06.00 a.m; 07.25 a.m.; 09:40 a.m.; 01.45 p.m.

  • Superdong: 06.00 a.m.; 08.00 a.m.; 09.10 a.m.; 12.00 a.m.; 01.45 p.m.

• The boat schedule from Phu Quoc to Ha Tien
  • Superdong: 07.00 a.m.; 08.00 a.m.; 10.00 a.m.; 11.10 a.m.; 02.00 p.m.

  • Phu Quoc Express: 07.50 a.m.; 09.10 a.m.; 11.30 a.m.; 02.30 p.m.

Interesting attractions in Phu Quoc

Phu Quoc is an attractive destination with a long coastal line from the North to the South. Traveling to Phu Quoc, you will have the chance to admire the charming sceneries of pristine Sao, Khem, Truong, Long, and many other beaches, the diverse system of flora and fauna, and the marine ecosystem of fishes, coral reefs in different sizes and shapes, etc. Let us go through each part of Phu Quoc Island for more information about the attractions.

The North Island

The North Island of Phu Quoc is a fertile land with abundant forest ranges, rich flora and fauna, and countless beaches hidden behind the forests. Coming to the North of the island, you will have opportunities to visit the attractions below.

Khu Tuong Pepper Garden

Pepper is one of the specialties in Phu Quoc Island. From Duong Dong to Ganh Dau, you can catch up with hundreds of pepper gardens along the road. Khu Tuong Pepper Garden, the largest growing pepper garden in Phu Quoc, is one of the attractions you should not miss when traveling to Phu Quoc. 

Khu Tuong Pepper Garden is 15 kilometers to the North of the center of Duong Dong town. Setting foot on Khu Tuong, you will feel that you are lost in a maze of high green pepper trees with a red beam of ripe pepper. Coming to the garden, not only will you have the chance to see farmers growing and caring peppers, and listen to farmers talking about the growing and caring process, but you can join in these activities as well. You will learn about local farmers' methods to create a special pepper with firm seeds and a distinctive spicy taste, different from peppers in other regions. After visiting, you can buy peppers directly in the garden as a souvenir for the trip.

Undoubtedly, you will have an unforgettable experience with the spicy smell of the lush pepper trees and friendly local people who are always willing to help you and answer your questions.

Ganh Dau Cape

Traveling to Phu Quoc, you should not miss visiting Ganh Dau Cape. The cape is a cape protruding from the northwestern sea in Ganh Dau commune, Phu Quoc Province, 15 to 20 kilometers to the North of Duong Dong town. Leaving the hustle and bustle of the city behind, visiting Ganh Dau Cape, you will see a tranquil scenery of the airy atmosphere, the crescent-shaped turquoise beach surrounded by protruding mountains, and a smooth sandy bank.

Looking at the bank from the sea, you can feel the magnificent and majestic beauty of the cape connecting the sea and the forest. The green color of the wood and the ancient trees surrounding the various-shaped rocks create strange scenery.

Besides, you will have a chance to watch the sea crowded with fishing boats of fishers preparing to set sail or resting after the journey on the sea.

Dinh Cau Cape

Dinh Cau Cape is one of the attractions that should be on your list when traveling to Phu Quoc. This attraction is regarded as the symbol of Phu Quoc, attracting tourists not only by its incredible natural beauty but also by the legend associated as well. The natural rock with an ancient temple on its top looks like a turtle from far away. The trees in Dinh Cau Cape grow from the cliffs or rocks and stack on each other.

The road to Dinh Cau has 29 steps. Standing in Dinh Cau, you can see a panoramic view of the sea, of the Duong Dong Market, and listen to the sound of waves touching the stones. The sea in Dinh Cau is famous for its smooth sandy bank, turquoise water, and blue sky. Your trip will be more enjoyable if you stay here and watch the sunset. Dinh Cau is one of the best places to see the sunset in Phu Quoc. At the end of the afternoon, the sea of Dinh Cau turns to a beautiful dark yellow color. The sun gradually sets off to the ocean, making the surface of the sea bright.

After watching the sunset, you can take your time to visit the Dinh Cau night market. It is the crowded night market in the center of Dong Duong town, 100 meters from Dinh Cau. The market opens from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. There are 100 stores along the road selling souvenirs, handicrafts, jewelry, pearls, and seafood. You can freely walk in the market and choose your favorite goods to try and buy.

Tranh Stream

From the center of Duong Dong Town, going 10 kilometers towards Ham Ninh, you will find the Tranh Stream. It is one of the most attractive natural sites you should visit when traveling to Phu Quoc. It is created from small falls flowing through the mountain rocks. The waterfall is famous for its lush green scenery combined with flowers, mountains, beaches, and falls. It is an ideal attraction to go camping and picnics.

To explore the Tranh Stream, you will have to go through the dark mountain and forest roads with tangled vines and the way full of golden rays shining down the ground full of dry leaves and weeds. Coming to the Tranh stream, you can bathe in the stream, basking in the clear, cool water, or lean on the flat rocks to hear the sound of the murmuring stream, the birds singing under the forest scent in the stream.

Da Ban Stream

Da Ban Stream, 10 kilometers to the Northeast of Duong Dong Center, is also a must-visit spot when traveling to Phu Quoc. It has become one of the ecotourism sites in Phu Quoc, suitable for those who fall in love with the natural beauty on this island.

Coming to the stream, you will be amazed by the large flat stones looking like tables scattering across the stream, which creates a unique scenery hardly found in other streams. Like the Tranh Stream, you can immerse yourself in the cool water of the stream and hold parties, camping in the stream.

Long Beach (Dai Beach)

Long Beach is in the Northwest of Phu Quoc, near the primary forest areas. Thanks to this location, the climate here always remains cool and mild.

Long Beach, as its name, has a long beach stretching over the white sand with crystal-clear seawater and poplar trees surrounding it. Thanks to the open space and view, you can also stand from the beach to observe the nearby small islands such as Mong Tay Island, Doi Moi Island, etc. You can come to these islands for kayaking, fishing, snorkeling, and watching corals and other aquatic animals.

The East and South Islands

East and South of Phu Quoc Island, a lowland intertwined with secondary forests, is where the population is densely concentrated. There are many beautiful beaches in this area, including Truong, Sao, Khem, and Gieng beaches. Let us start the journey to explore the East and South Island of Phu Quoc.

Sao Beach

Sao Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches you should visit when traveling to Phu Quoc. It is located on the South Island, 30 kilometers from Duong Dong Town. This beach has a creamy white sandbank stretching 7 kilometers. Sao Beach is in the heart of two mountain ranges running close to the sea. For this reason, it has a suitable climate for a great summer holiday in Phu Quoc. The sea breeze blows gently, and the sun is not too harsh; therefore, you can enjoy your holiday by lying back on a hammock swaying along with the coconut trees.

You can also join high-experienced activities such as water motor, kayaking, surfing, fishing, and snorkeling to watch the coral reefs.

Truong Beach

Truong Beach is also an attraction you should not miss when traveling to Phu Quoc. The beach is located right in the center of Duong Dong town, Phu Quoc, Kien Giang. It is the largest tourist complex in Phu Quoc, stretching about 20 kilometers.

It is one of the most beautiful and attractive beaches in Phu Quoc island district with smooth golden sand. The seawater here is clear and blue, and you can see the colors of each species of seaweed under the sea. You will catch up with the poplar and coconut trees along the small beaches connecting each other by the rock rapids. Coming to Long Beach, you will have chances to immerse yourself in the cool water of the sea, experience snorkeling and watching colorful coral reefs, fishing, kayaking, parachute surfing, and seeing the sunset on the beach.

Ham Ninh Fishing Village

Ham Ninh Fishing Village is located under the foot of Ham Ninh Mountain in Ham Ninh commune, Phu Quoc, Kien Giang. The fishing village is an ancient, kept untouched village with makeshift bamboo-covered cottages. The main occupation of people in the village is pearl diving, catching sea cucumbers, and netting. Visiting Ham Ninh Fishing Village, you can join and immerse yourself in the simple and idyllic daily life of the fishermen, from catching pearls to dropping fishing nets.

An Thoi Archipelago

An Thoi Archipelago is also among the attractive spots you should visit when traveling to Phu Quoc. This archipelago has in total 15 big and small islands along the Southwest area. The sea here is crystal and deep, reaching up to 30 meters depth. An Thoi Archipelago provides various activities such as discovering nature, sightseeing, fishing, squid fishing, swimming, diving, etc. Mong Tay Island, Gam Ghi Island, and May Rut Island are three highlight islands in the archipelago.

Mong Tay Island is an uninhabited island with few people living and no intervention of services from the mainland. It is an ideal attraction for you to do outdoor activities such as camping, swimming, or exploring the wild nature.

Located at the farthest South of the An Thoi archipelago, Gam Ghi Island attracts tourists with pristine beaches, stones, and rocks with strange shapes, and white sand. The coral reefs the thick and full stretching from the shore. The density of corals here is quite dense; therefore, you can catch up with them when you face down in the water.

The beach in May Rut Island is still quite pristine with white sandy beaches stretching, the clear blue water reflecting the coconut trees bending. Visiting May Rut Island, you can see a diverse ecosystem with more than 100 species of hard and soft corals, 125 species of fish, 150 species of mollusks along with many other valuable marine species.

For more experiences in the archipelago, please refer to our blog post here: Best things to do in An Thoi Archipelago of Phu Quoc Island.

Amazing things to do in Phu Quoc

Besides visiting the above attractions, there are many other exciting things to do when traveling to Phu Quoc. They include joining exciting entertainment games in Vinpearl Land Phu Quoc, visiting Vinpearl Safari, discovering the primary forests in the national park, and learning about the heroic fighting history of Vietnam during two wars in Phu Quoc Prison.

Joining entertainment games in Vinpearl Land Phu Quoc

Vinpearl Land Amusement Park Phu Quoc is in the North island of Phu Quoc, 35 kilometers from Vinpearl Land Amusement Park Phu Quoc is on the North island of Phu Quoc, 35 kilometers from the Duong Dong town center. It is a top-class entertainment hub in Vietnam with hundreds of outdoor and indoor games suitable for all ages. Besides, it will be fun for you to immerse yourself in the water games at Vinpearl Phu Quoc Water Park, seawater music performance, and discover Vinpearl Aquarium.

The indoor play area of the amusement park has many diversified and abundant high-tech application games suitable for different ages, such as racing, horse riding, shooting, etc. Besides those games, there is a large 5D cinema system in this area. If you want to challenge your courage, you should join the outdoor area with adventurous games.

Vinpearl Phu Quoc Water Park is a complex, including pools and a series of exciting and fun underwater games that create a strong feeling. The seawater performance is the combination of water, light, and music. This work of art will surprise you. Visiting Vinpearl Aquarium, you will feel like you are walking in the ocean and have a chance to see different types of marine creatures.

Visiting Vinpearl Safari

Vinpearl Safari Phu Quoc is the first semi-wild zoo in Vietnam, giving animals a safe home that is still close to their natural habitat and ensuring their survival skills. It is the largest open zoo model in Vietnam with ​​about 500 hectares, gathering about 130 species with more than 2,200 individuals of rare animals.

Vinpearl Safari is divided into two main parts: an open zoo for visitors to see free and harmonious animal-raising areas and a semi-wild area carrying tourists by bus. In this area, you will stay on the bus and watch the animals running.

Visiting Vinpearl Safari, you will experience many exciting activities such as sightseeing the panoramic view of the park with a modern electric car system, enjoying fascinating animal performances, experiencing feeding animals, taking photos with rare animals, etc.

Discovering the primary forests in Phu Quoc National Park

Traveling to Phu Quoc, you may not want to miss exploring Phu Quoc National Park. This park is one of the national parks in the South of Vietnam that the ancient primeval forests and the pristine beauties of forests, seas, streams, and mountains. Therefore, it has become an attractive place, especially for those who love adventuring nature.

The national park is in the Northeast of the island. Visiting the park, you will have a chance to admire the diverse flora and fauna system. The vegetation here is mainly evergreen forest growing on low mountainous terrain with a total number of up to a hundred species, including species of rustic trees, precious orchid species, precious medicinal herbs, and some other parasitic species.

The fauna system is diverse, including 30 species of mammals, of which five species are recorded in the Vietnam Red Book, such as wolves, white monkeys, and apes. There are 200 species of birds with four species recorded in the IUCN Red List and three species recorded in the Vietnam Red Book; 50 reptiles, of which nine are listed in the IUCN list and 18 species are in the Red Book in Vietnam.

Let’s travel and discover Phu Quoc National Park yourself!

Phu Quoc Prison

Phu Quoc Prison, also referred to as the "Coconut Prison", is one of Vietnam's historical relics. It is witnessed by the tenacious and indomitable will of the revolutionary prisoners and soldiers during the French colonial and American Empire.

Coming to Phu Quoc prison, you will witness the remnants of the Vietnam War and learn about the cruel tortures of the colonial and empire regimes.

Accommodations in Phu Quoc

Phu Quoc has many hotels and resorts near the beach or in the center of Duong Dong town, from standard to luxury. Before traveling to Phu Quoc, you may want to refer to the hotels and resorts lists below.

Phu Quoc Eco Beach Resort

Phu Quoc Eco Beach Resort is one of the favorite resorts in Phu Quoc island. The resort offers an excellent base for your beach holiday while letting you go bike riding, kayaking, and more services. The Eco Beach resort is one of Phu Quoc Island's luxury resorts with its private beach right at Ong Lang Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in Phu Quoc Island. Phu Quoc Eco Beach resort is nestled in a gorgeous eco forest that allows you to stay in close contact with the island's pristine nature. 

All Phu Quoc Eco Resort bungalows feature tiled flooring and Balinese decoration, each with a terrace with garden or sea views. Guest's Lodge provides a private outdoor bathroom with a shower.

Phu Quoc Eco Beach Resort features an outdoor swimming pool with magnificent views of the sea. The Eco Beach restaurant offers delicious local and international with a variety of dish selections. There is also a Beach Bar, an excellent spot for a sunset drink, which provides a wide range of drinks for its in-house guests.

Sea Sense Resort Phu Quoc

Sea Sense Resort Phu Quoc is located on a beautiful hill of Ong Lang Beach, 7,5 kilometers from Duong Dong nestled in a private area with primary forest and a secluded beach. The resort is suitable for a family holiday in Phu Quoc. Sea Sense Resort offers a large swimming pool with a sea view for adults and a swimming pool for children. Besides, it also has a children's playground, which will create a wonderful space for parents and their children.

Phu Quoc Green Bay Resort

Located on Cua Cua beach in a vast land surrounded by lush tropical forest facing a pristine private beach, Phu Quoc Green Bay Resort is one of our first choices for our guests for an excellent beach holiday on Phu Quoc island. All the bungalows and villas are built with local and eco-friendly materials, either with verdant green garden views or sea views. This four-star boutique beach resort offers a wonderful stay close to nature in a luxury and eco-friendly setting suitable for families and couples. 

Phu Quoc Green Bay resort features an open-air pavilion-style "Green Bay restaurant offering delicious local and international dishes. There's a beautiful infinity swimming pool with impressive sea views, a spa with signature service, and complimentary morning yoga classes. Snorkeling equipment and kayaks are available for in-house guests to examine the beautiful coral reefs and marine life along the Green Bay Resort beachfront. Bicycles are available free of charge for anyone who wishes to pedal around the locale or head into town.

Mango Bay Resort Phu Quoc

Mango Bay Guesthouse is a unique off-the-beaten-track eco-resort with an attractive bungalow overlooking the sea. The resort's design is inspired by a coastal fishing village's image, harmonizing the fisher's culture and natural elements. The resort is suitable for a family trip with a large garden and playground for kids.

The Shells Resort & Spa Phu Quoc

The Shell Resort & Spa Phu Quoc is located in Ganh Gio, Duong Dong, Phu Quoc. It is 5 kilometers from the town center and 18 kilometers from Phu Quoc International Airport. The resort's architectural style is designed in an impressive spiral shape like the shells reaching out to the sea.

Besides relaxing and staying in the resort, you can join exciting games on the beach such as surfing, sea parachuting, water motor, golf screen, etc. You will have a good vacation in The Shells Resort & Spa Phu Quoc.

Grand Mercure La Veranda Phu Quoc

It's a boutique-style resort designed to reflect the ambiance of a colonial seaside mansion set in tropical gardens on a beautiful white sandy beach. This charming boutique resort is located in Long Beach with a very convenient location near Duong Dong town.

Nam Nghi Resort

On the northwestern coast of Phu Quoc lies Nam Nghi Private Peninsular, a modern luxury sanctuary surrounded by untouched nature. From emerald sparkling, turquoise waters to pristine golden-sand beaches, and lush green forests, Nam Nghi resort offers its guests brilliant views of the spectacular landscapes this tropical island offers.

The resort’s stunning terrains boast a combination of natural elements and elegant, environmentally sustainable architecture, featuring both natural materials and contemporary Vietnamese designs.

If you are looking for a beach holiday on Phu Quoc island, please contact our travel experts at info@handspan.com. We invite you to have a look at our tour packages below:

Phu Quoc island beach holiday

Mekong Waterway to Phu Quoc Island

Immerse yourself in the daily life of the Mekong Delta and end in style in the aquatic paradise of Phu Quoc. On the first day, we propose a deep immersion into different facets of the region. We journey through the less traveled paths of Cai Be, bring you a high diversity of activities, and keep you totally off the regular tourist attraction. The trip also includes a visit to the most amazing market of the Mekong Delta, the Cai Rang floating market where hundreds of boats of all sizes fill the river trading in agricultural goods of all kinds.