Detailed Travel Guide to Phú Quốc from A to Z

Phú Quốc is aptly named the "pearl island" of Vietnam. It boasts some of the world's most enchanting beaches, a diverse natural landscape, and culturally rich local attractions. If you’re planning a trip to Phú Quốc in 2024, check out the detailed travel tips below to ensure a fantastic vacation!

Overview of Phú Quốc Island

Phú Quốc is an island located at the southernmost tip of Vietnam, administratively part of Kiên Giang province, situated in the Gulf of Thailand. Phú Quốc has long been known as one of the premier tourist destinations in southern Vietnam, a must-visit for any traveler.

The island's coastline stretches over 150km from the north to the south. Throughout your Phú Quốc trip, you’ll witness nearly 100 pristine mountains and hills with a rich and diverse ecosystem.

Besides its varied ecosystems, Phú Quốc offers a plethora of exciting activities and unique experiences, particularly at VinWonders Phú Quốc. If time allows, consider taking a cable car to Sun World Hòn Thơm for more adventures.

For those interested in local culture and stories about Phú Quốc, don't miss the local attractions like Dinh Cậu Night Market, Phú Quốc Pepper Garden, and traditional fish sauce factories.

Best Time to Visit Phú Quốc

According to experienced travelers, to choose the most convenient travel time, you need to understand the weather characteristics of Phú Quốc. Located in southern Vietnam, Phú Quốc has a distinct tropical monsoon climate, divided into two seasons: dry and rainy.

Dry Season: From November to April. During this time, the weather in Phú Quốc is sunny, with little rain, and a pleasant climate. Therefore, the dry season is the best time to visit Phú Quốc. Rainy Season: From May to October. During this period, Phú Quốc often experiences moderate to heavy rain. Traveling by boat during this time may encounter large waves, significantly impacting your trip. Thus, if you choose to visit Phú Quốc in the rainy season, consider destinations in the North such as Bãi Dài or Bãi Đất Đỏ in the South.

Another consideration for convenient travel is the transition period in November when weather can be unpredictable. Check the weather forecast and pack accordingly before your trip.

What to Prepare for a Trip to Phú Quốc

To ensure a smooth trip to Phú Quốc, here are some essential items to pack:

Identification Documents: Essential for checking in at airports, hotels, or other transport modes. It also serves as a precaution for any unexpected situations during your trip. Clothing: Given the nature of a long, leisure trip to Phú Quốc, bring comfortable and easy-to-move clothing. If you plan to visit religious sites, pack long pants or a shoulder-covering jacket. Personal Items: Necessary personal items include masks, hand sanitizer, sunglasses, a camera, sunscreen, and cash.

How to Travel to Phú Quốc

By Air: Phú Quốc has its own airport, making air travel the most convenient and time-saving option. Most domestic airlines offer flights to Phú Quốc from major cities.

By Bus and Ferry: For those traveling from southern provinces, you can experience a high-speed boat trip. First, take a bus from Ho Chi Minh City to Rạch Giá or Hà Tiên. The journey takes about 9 hours, with ticket prices ranging from 160,000 to 190,000 VND per trip. Popular bus companies include Hoàng Minh, Liên Hưng, and Kumho Samco.

From Hà Tiên to Phú Quốc: Superdong 6, 7, 8, 9 or Ngọc Thành high-speed boats: 215,000 – 230,000 VND per ticket. Thạnh Thới or Superdong P1 high-speed ferries: 185,000 VND per ticket. From Rạch Giá to Phú Quốc: Superdong boats 3, 5, 10, 12: 330,000 VND per ticket. Ngọc Thành boat: 280,000 VND per ticket.

Transport on Phú Quốc Island

Once you reach Phú Quốc, you'll need transportation around the island.

Motorbike: Rent a motorbike for 120,000 – 150,000 VND per day to travel between attractions. You can rent one at hotels or from rental services. Interestingly, there are no guarded parking lots, and locals often leave their keys in the bike without worry, indicating a low theft rate. Taxi: Given the island's size, taxis are convenient for groups. Popular taxi companies include Vinasun (Tel: 0297.3.8.27.27.27), Taxi Phú Quốc (Tel: 0297.3.75.75.75), Sasco (Tel: 0297.3.97.97.97), and Mai Linh (Tel: 0297.3.97.97.97). Car Rental: A more economical option than taxis is renting a self-drive car for 600,000 – 800,000 VND per day.

Top Attractions in Phú Quốc

• Dương Đông Town: The bustling center of Phú Quốc with vibrant activities and attractions.

• Bãi Trường (Long Beach): Located along Trần Hưng Đạo Street, Bãi Trường stretches over 20 km, offering a wide sandy beach and various water activities. It’s also an ideal spot for sunset viewing.

• Dương Đông Market: The largest market in Phú Quốc, famous for fresh seafood and local delicacies. It's a great place to buy Phú Quốc specialties like fish sauce and dried fish.

• Dinh Cậu Shrine: Located on Bạch Đằng Street, this sacred shrine is perched on an independent rocky outcrop, offering panoramic sea views. Visitors must climb 29 steps to reach the shrine. 

• Fish Sauce Factories: A traditional craft of Phú Quốc, fish sauce production is a must-see. Visit large factories like Hưng Thịnh and Khải Hoàn to learn about the fish sauce making process.

• Phú Quốc Pepper Garden: Famous for its aromatic and spicy pepper, visit the Khu Tượng garden to learn about pepper processing and purchase fresh pepper directly from the garden.

Eastern Phú Quốc

• Hàm Ninh Fishing Village: A picturesque old fishing village located 16 km southeast of Dương Đông town, famous for its rustic beauty and fresh seafood, especially the Hàm Ninh crab.

• Tranh Stream: A scenic stream originating from the Hàm Ninh mountain range, ideal for camping and picnics. Located 10 km from Dương Đông town, the entrance fee is 10,000 VND per person.

Northern Phú Quốc

• Phú Quốc National Park: Covering over 30,000 ha of primary forest with diverse flora and fauna. Explore the park by motorbike or trekking, though road conditions can be challenging.

• Đá Ngọn Stream: Located in the northeast, accessible by boat, featuring seven waterfalls and challenging trekking routes.

• Gành Dầu Cape: A peaceful and pristine beach, perfect for enjoying fresh seafood caught by local fishermen.

• Bãi Dài (Long Beach): A 15 km long beach known for its tranquility and beauty, located near Gành Dầu Cape.

• Vinpearl Land: A luxury entertainment and resort complex with a safari park, water park, indoor and outdoor games, aquarium, and shopping street.
   

Southern Phú Quốc

• Phú Quốc Prison: A historical site where over 40,000 Vietnamese soldiers were imprisoned and tortured. Now a museum, it’s a poignant reminder of the island's history.
   

• Khem Beach: Just 2 km from Phú Quốc Prison, this beach features emerald green waters and is lined with seafood stalls.

• Sao Beach: Known for its clear water and gentle waves, located 25 km south of Dương Đông town.

• Móng Tay Island: An uninhabited island known for its pristine beauty, colorful coral reefs, and a popular spot for day trips.

Where to Stay in Phú Quốc

Phú Quốc offers a wide range of accommodations, from luxurious resorts to budget-friendly hotels.

Resorts: Top choices include JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay, Vinpearl Phu Quoc Resort, Eden Resort Phu Quoc, and Salinda Resort Phu Quoc Island for a lavish experience.

Camia Resort & Spa: A 4-star resort with a large green campus, outdoor playground for children, infinity pool, and beautiful sea views. The resort uses mainly wooden furniture and has plenty of greenery, providing a close-to-nature experience.

Green Bay Phu Quoc Resort & Spa: Located in the northern part of the island, this 5-star resort offers tranquility, lush gardens, a beach a few steps away, a pool area, restaurants, and a spa.

Exploring Phú Quốc

If you're looking for an exciting place to explore outside of your hotel, you can visit Grand World Phú Quốc, known as the entertainment-shopping-festival paradise. It's one of the most unique and diverse places in Southeast Asia and is also known as the city that never sleeps!

Homestays in Phú Quốc

For young travelers looking to save on accommodation costs, budget hotels or homestays and hostels in Phú Quốc are great options. Consider 9 Station Hostel & Bar, Langchia Village, Tropical Garden Homestay, and Mia Homestay for a restful yet culturally immersive trip. Recently, many noteworthy homestays have been emerging in Phú Quốc.

Activities in Phú Quốc

• Vinpearl Safari Phú Quốc is the largest semi-wild animal care and conservation park in Vietnam. Visitors can observe natural wildlife, making it a popular choice for those traveling with children. It’s the first zoo in Vietnam to receive certification from the SEAZA for animal conservation. 

• Grand World Phú Quốc - Part of the Phú Quốc United Center, Grand World Phú Quốc is an indispensable piece of Vietnam's leading entertainment complex. Known as the "city that never sleeps," it offers 24/7 shopping, entertainment, and activities, providing a unique "all-night" experience. Located on Gành Dầu cape with over 85 hectares, Grand World Phú Quốc allows you to live your dream of visiting Italy by riding a boat on the ancient Venetian canal. Enjoy authentic Chinese cuisine on the mini Shanghai street and be captivated by unique artistic performances.

• Sun World Phú Quốc located on Hòn Thơm island, is an entertainment venue under the Sun Group. It attracts thousands of visitors annually with its large-scale activities and unique experiences like an 8000-meter cable car ride and checking in at the Roman Colosseum-like An Thới Station. Visitors can also explore the ocean’s depths. Address: Sun World Phú Quốc, Bãi đất đỏ, An Thới Ward, Phú Quốc City, Kiên Giang Province

Enjoying Phú Quốc’s Delicacies

Seafood A must-try when visiting an island is seafood. In addition to familiar seafood like snails, shrimp, and squid, Phú Quốc offers specialties like sea urchins, Hàm Ninh crabs, and Biên Mai scallops. Whether steamed, grilled, or eaten raw, these dishes are delicious.

Recommended places:

• Quán Nghêu Sò Ốc Hến: 30/4 Street, Dương Đông Town
• Quán Ra Khơi: 131 Bis 30/4 Street, Dương Đông Town
• Quán ốc 343: 343 30/4 Street, Dương Đông Town
• Seafood stalls in Dinh Cậu night market

Herring Salad While various coastal regions in Vietnam have fish salads, Phú Quốc’s herring salad is a must-try. Freshly caught herring is deboned and mixed with ingredients like shredded coconut and peanuts. It’s served with rice paper, fresh herbs, and spicy fish sauce. 

Recommended places:

• Quán Việt: 54 Bạch Đằng, Dương Đông Town
• Nhà hàng Trùng Dương Marina: 30/4 Street, Dương Đông Town
• Nhà hàng Vườn Táo: Cửa Lấp, Dương Tơ Commune

Crab Noodle Soup - Fish Cake Noodle Soup Taking advantage of the fresh local crabs, Phú Quốc’s crab noodle soup is both affordable and delicious. The chewy sweet crab meat, combined with fish cake and rice noodles in a rich broth, makes for a hearty meal. There’s also fish cake noodle soup, a common dish in coastal regions, featuring a sweet fish bone broth and chewy, aromatic fried fish cake.

Recommended places:

• Quán Quốc Anh: Khu phố I, Dương Đông Town
• Quán Lê Giang: 289 Trần Hưng Đạo, Dương Đông Town

Crab Blood Soup Though it might sound unusual, crab blood soup can be made using large, roe-rich sea crabs. This dish, with a jelly-like texture, is rich, salty, and full of sea flavors, making it a popular choice at seafood restaurants.
 

Suggested: Inquire about crab blood soup at local seafood restaurants in Phú Quốc.

Shopping for Souvenirs in Phú Quốc

Beyond its natural beauty and abundant seafood, Phú Quốc is also known for its specialties like fish sauce, Sim wine, pepper, and pearls. For dried seafood, visit Dinh Cậu night market, the island's largest seafood market, known for its fresh and affordable products.

For fish sauce, visit famous production facilities such as Khải Hoàn, Hưng Thành, and Bảo Ninh. For Sim wine, try SimSon or Mr. Bảy Giáo's Sim wine, priced at 150,000 VND per bottle.

Pearl farming is another highlight. Visit renowned pearl farms like Quốc An, Ngọc Hiền, or those managed by Japanese and Australian producers to learn more about this valuable jewelry and pharmaceutical ingredient.

Phú Quốc Travel Tips

• Phú Quốc is a top tourist destination, often crowded during peak seasons. Book your accommodation in advance.
• Prepare for sea travel, as island tours often require boat trips. Bring seasickness medication if necessary.
• The island, with its national park and many unspoiled areas, has insects and mosquitoes. Carry insect repellent.
• Always inquire about prices and bargain when needed to avoid being overcharged for goods and services.