First Time to Phu Quoc Island? Your Must-Know Travel Guide!

The largest island in Vietnam, Phu Quoc, is renowned for its vibrant local culture, verdant woods, and immaculate beaches. Its marine life, opulent resorts, and activities like seeing pepper farms and fish sauce factories have earned it the title of Lonely Planet's Best Beach Destination of the Decade.

To help you get the most out of your trip, this guide covers the best beaches and things to do on the island. Let's get started!

Written by Nhu PHAM (local expert)Updated on 29-05-2025

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Overview of Phu Quoc, Vietnam's largest island

Only an hour's flight from Ho Chi Minh City, Phu Quoc is located in the Gulf of Thailand, roughly 400 kilometers southwest of Vietnam.

The largest island in Vietnam is well-known for its UNESCO-listed national park, pristine beaches, breathtaking sunsets, and outdoor pursuits including hiking, kayaking, diving, and snorkeling. 

Best Times to Visit Phu Quoc

Phu Quoc has two main seasons:

• Dry season (late November to early April) delivers vivid tropical colors, white sand beaches, and tranquil, pristine oceans. It's also the busiest time of year for tourists.
• Rainy season (May to October) offers lush waterfalls and lower prices, but heavy rain can disrupt some activities.

This makes the dry season the best time to visit Phu Quoc.

How To Get There?

• By air

The easiest way to get to Phu Quoc is by plane. Phu Quoc International Airport (PQC) has direct flights from many Vietnamese cities including Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Da Nang, and others, as well as from Singapore, Cambodia, Hong Kong, Korea, China, and Thailand. The airport is 10 km from Duong Dong Town, and taxis are available to take you to your hotel.

>>>>>Explore Detailed Information on Vietnam's Airports Before You Travel!

• Ferry and Speedboat Routes

You can find more information in our article about currency exchange in Vietnam

>>> Read More: How To Get To Phu Quoc?

Things to Do in Phu Quoc, Vietnam

• Best beaches in Northern Phu Quoc

Thom Beach, located 35 kilometers northeast of the heart of Phu Quoc, is a peaceful, little-visited location that smells of cashew nuts and fresh fruit. It's ideal if you're looking for isolation and tranquility.

The northwest tip's Ganh Dau Beach features white sand, palm trees, and crystal-clear shallow water. It is well-liked for scuba diving because of the vibrant coral reefs. It's worth visiting the surrounding fishing village to see native life.

Vung Bau Beach, a calm haven with white sand and crystal-clear water, is only ten to fifteen minutes from Cua Can. Strong currents during the off-season might make swimming dangerous.

For those seeking tranquility, Thom Beach, located 35 kilometers northeast of Phu Quoc's city, is a peaceful, little-visited location that smells of fresh fruit and cashew nuts.

Ganh Dau Beach, located at the northwest tip of the island, has white sand, palm trees, and crystal-clear shallow water. Scuba diving among colorful coral reefs is a popular activity there. A visit to the surrounding fishing village is worthwhile and provides an insight into local life.

• Phu Quoc’s southern beaches

Truong Beach, also called Long Beach, is nearly 20 km long along the southwest coast. It’s the busiest beach on the island with many hotels, restaurants, bars, and nightclubs.

Dai Beach, or Bai Dai, is great for families because of its shallow waters. It has grown quickly with a big resort, theme parks, water parks, a casino, golf course, safaris, big hotels, and luxury villas with Roman-style design.

Sao Beach on the southeast coast has white sand, clear turquoise water, gentle waves, and palm trees. It’s a peaceful place to relax.

Near An Thoi village is Khem Beach. This quiet beach is surrounded by jungle and white sand. You can see a small fishing village and enjoy kayaking, fishing, and night squid fishing.

Nearby, towards An Thoi village, lies Khem Beach. This stunning beach, surrounded by lush jungle and bright white sand, offers a glimpse of a small, quiet fishing village.

• Snorkeling in the An Thoi archipelago

The clean waters and colorful coral reefs of Phu Quoc's southern shore make it the perfect place for snorkeling. Excellent places to witness vibrant marine life are Hon May Rut, Hon Gam Ghi, and Hon Thom in the adjacent An Thoi Archipelago, which is composed of more than 18 islands.

The boats that depart from An Thoi Pier make it easy to explore these underwater treasures. It's the ideal method to create a memorable trip to Phu Quoc.

• Soar Above Phu Quoc's Scenic Beauty by Cable Car

In 15 minutes, the Phu Quoc cable car—the world's longest continuous three-rope cable car-crosses almost 7,900 meters across the East Sea. Admire breathtaking views of the surrounding islands, the An Thoi Archipelago, and the turquoise waters from An Thoi Station.

A popular Phu Quoc attraction, Sun World Nature Park near Hon Thom provides water parks, surfing, parasailing, and coral diving.

• Uncover the Secrets of Local Specialty Making

Phu Quoc is home to one of Vietnam's finest fish sauce producers, known as "nước mắm." With a history spanning 200 years, Phu Quoc's fish sauce is made using traditional methods, ensuring exceptional quality and a rich, distinctive flavor. This renowned sauce is famous both in Vietnam and around the world. 

Beyond its celebrated seafood, Phu Quoc offers a culinary variety thanks to its diverse environment. The island's unique dishes include fresh and dried seafood, the famous fish sauce, and sim liquor, all of which are popular with tourists. The local sim forests produce fruits in January, which are used to make a fragrant and delicious liquor.

Pepper is also famous for its high quality in Phu Quoc, where it has been grown for centuries. Hand-harvested and sun-dried, this pepper is available in black, white, and red varieties and is highly prized by chefs. Visitors can purchase this exceptional pepper directly from the plantations during tours.

• Historic Phu Quoc Prison

Phu Quoc Prison, situated on the southern side of Phu Quoc, was initially constructed by French colonists to imprison Vietnamese patriots. This site is a must-see for those interested in history and culture. Once the largest prison in Indochina, it stands as a somber reminder of colonial oppression.

In 1967, amid the escalating Vietnam War, the Saigon government reconstructed the prison and renamed it "Coconut Prison," also known as the Communist Prison Camp of Phu Quoc. Conditions were brutal, with Vietnamese political prisoners enduring severe mistreatment.

Today, Phu Quoc Prison operates as a museum open to visitors. It offers a stark look at the atrocities of war and the harsh realities faced by the prisoners. The exhibits provide a profound insight into the lives of Vietnamese political detainees, offering an experience that is both educational and moving.

>>>>>If you would like to bask in the sun of Phu Quoc, don't hesitate to contact us to organize your trip and experience unforgettable moments in the heart of nature.

• Explore the Fishing Village of Ham Ninh

Nestled on Phu Quoc Island in Vietnam. Ham Ninh is a charming fishing village that sits along the island's northeast coast, embraced by lush mountains and stunning turquoise waters.

To experience authentic Vietnamese culture, Ham Ninh is a destination not to be missed. Indulge in fresh, delicious seafood, renowned throughout the city for its quality. Beyond its culinary delights, Ham Ninh provides a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, offering a serene environment for relaxation.

• Vinpearl Phú Quốc: Paradise for your children

Safari 🦜 : Vietnam's largest animal conservation park, home to more than 3,000 animals of 150 species.

• Opening hours: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

• Divided into two zones: “Open Zoo” and “Safari Area”

• Tip: Visit in the morning to avoid the sun, enjoy the shows, and check the return bus schedule.

VinWonders 🏄🏻‍♀️  : The largest theme park in Vietnam, divided into 6 subdivisions with 12 themes. Must-sees: VinWonders Aquarium (SeaShell Aquarium), Exciting Games.

• Opening hours: 9:00 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.

• Bring hats, swimsuits, sunglasses, sunscreen.

• Rent a bike or stroller for convenient transportation.

Grand World Phú Quốc 🎪: Known as the “city that never sleeps”, with activities 24/7. Essential:

• Show "The Quintenssence of Vietnam"
• Enjoy a romantic sunset at the Dating Tower, perfect for honeymooning couples.

Where to stay in Phu Quoc?

On Phu Quoc Island, all types of accommodations suit every taste, especially on the west coast, which is taken up by beautiful beaches. From Mango Bay Resort down to Cassia Cottage, resorts line up near Ong Lang Beach; at the quieter Cua Can Beach, there's Green Bay Resort, while farther north, Vung Bau Beach hosts charming options such as Bamboo Cottage. For more dynamic atmosphere, the high-class hotels like JW Marriott, InterContinental are situated in the southwest coast.

>>> Learn more about: Best Hotels & Resorts in Phu Quoc: A Paradise Awaits You

Further north, Vung Bau Beach stretches for about 2 km with its white sands and tropical greenery. Here, you can find charming hotels such as Bamboo Cottage, Nam Nghi Coral Peninsula Phu Quoc, and Fusion Resort.

If you prefer a livelier atmosphere, the southern part of the west coast has accommodations to match, including renowned international brands like JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa, InterContinental Phu Quoc Long Beach Resort, and Novotel Phu Quoc Resort.

>>> For more information, please read: Best Hotels in Phu Quoc

What to Eat in Phu Quoc?

Besides enjoying the beaches and diving to explore stunning coral reefs, Phu Quoc Island offers a rich culinary experience with its abundant marine resources. Seafood lovers shouldn't miss trying Ham Ninh clams, sardinella salad, and sea urchins for a unique taste sensation.

A must-try dish on the island is "bún quậy", featuring fresh rice noodles topped with a variety of seafood such as squid, fish balls, shrimp balls, and sometimes beef, all served in a flavorful and sweet sauce. The blend of textures and flavors in this dish is exceptional.

For something unique, indulge in Tràm mushrooms, a specialty of Phu Quoc Island. These purple mushrooms have a short lifespan of about a month, making them rare. Locals expertly combine Tràm mushrooms with fresh seafood like squid, shrimp, and clams to create a delicious and nutritious Tràm mushroom soup.

Lastly, dried seafood is another specialty of Phu Quoc, showcasing the island's culinary diversity and flavors derived from its rich marine environment.

>>> Read more: Vietnam's culinary regional diversity.

Our last words

Here are 7 useful Phu Quoc Island travel tips for first-time visitors to ensure an amazing seaside getaway. Use our guide to choose the perfect beach for your taste and enjoy a fantastic vacation on this stunning emerald island.

With this travel guide, you’ll be ready to pack your suitcase and hit the road! To make every moment perfect on your journey to the best beaches in Vietnam, be sure to book vouchers, combos, and tours for a 2-week coastal tour in advance to secure the best prices.

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