Is Phu Quoc worth visiting? This is a question many people ask when planning a trip to Vietnam, and one we answer in this Phu Quoc travel guide.
Phu Quoc is an island graced with white sandy beaches and sparkling turquoise waters, a tropical haven for those wanting to escape to the sun and sea. Adventurers can go trekking to explore the waterfalls and natural forest scenery of the island’s interior.
Sample the delicious local seafood in the busy town of Duong Dong or visit sleepy fishing villages in a region renowned for its pearls, black pepper, and fish sauce. Phu Quoc is also a base for island hopping and the place to enjoy family fun at one of the island’s theme and waterparks.
You will soon realise that Phu Quoc has a lot to offer and you will find it all here in our Phu Quoc Island travel guide.
Are you planning your trip to Phu Quoc last minute?
Be sure to book your hotels and tours in Phu Quoc ahead of time to ensure availability!
Our top recommendations for Hotels in Phu Quoc:
- Phuong Binh House
- La Veranda Resort Phu Quoc – MGallery
- JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa
Here are our top picks for tours in Phu Quoc:
Where is Phu Quoc?
Phu Quoc is a Vietnamese island which is located off the coast of Cambodia. The island is the largest in Vietnam and because of this, you will find that the island’s tourist attractions and activities are divided between the north and south.
Getting to Phu Quoc
The quickest and easiest way to reach Phu Quoc is by air. There are direct domestic flights to Phu Quoc from both Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. You will also find direct International flights to Phu Quoc from South Korea, Thailand, and Malaysia.
You can also catch ferries to Phu Quoc from the cities of Ha Tien and Rach Gia on the Vietnamese mainland. Journey times will depend on the weather and which departure point you choose.
Phu Quoc Vietnam Map
When you look at a Phu Quoc map you will find a long triangular shaped island sitting a short 16km (10 miles) off the coast of Cambodia in the Gulf of Thailand.
Along with the main island there are twenty-one islets which are a fabulous location to enjoy a day of snorkelling and swimming. Some of the most visited are May Rut Island, Mong Tay Island and Gam Ghi Island.
Phu Quoc Sightseeing North & South
When planning a trip to Phu Quoc, things to do around the island will be split between north and south as the island has a 150-kilometre coastline and is quite large.
You will find that southern Phu Quoc is easier to access with many of the island’s attractions within closer proximity. Getting around northern Phu Quoc takes more effort as attractions are more spread out and harder to reach.
Although you can find tours that will cover the whole island in a day, to get the most out of Phu Quoc it is best to divide the island in two, spending at least two full days to cover it all.
If you wish to explore the island independently you will need transport to get around. There are a lot of tours that not only take you to destinations across Phu Quoc but also to the surrounding islands.
Click here for North & South Phu Quoc tours
How long should I stay in Phu Quoc?
How many days in Phu Quoc will depend on your time frame. If you are in a rush, I would suggest staying for at least two days. If you have longer, 5 days is enough to quickly see the sights and give you time to relax on one of Phu Quoc’s many beaches.
Best Phu Quoc Beaches
Is Phu Quoc worth visiting for beaches? Being an island Phu Quoc has many beaches, which you choose will depend on whether you want to be in the thick of the action near the main town of Duong Dong or craving the quiet seclusion of a more isolated beach.
We give a selection of beaches, some to be used as your base in Phu Quoc and others to be visited on a day trip around the island.
Long Beach
The golden sands of Long Beach stretch 20 km along the coastline on the western side of Phu Quoc Island. Long Beach is one of the most popular areas to stay with plenty of resorts and hotels in and around the beach.
The northern sector of Long Beach is close to the main town of Duong Dong. Within this area you will find a rabbit warren of small alleyways leading down to the beach. Here you will find an assortment of restaurants and bars, shops, spas, and small supermarkets.
Further down Long Beach you will find a large collection of 5-star resorts with private beach access, fine dining, and first-class service.
Sao Beach
Sao Beach is a little out of the way, 27 km or around a 45-minute drive south from the centre of Duong Dong depending on traffic. Leaving the highway, you drive through forest and small villages until you reach the beach.
The beach is on the eastern side of Phu Quoc and once there you will find a paradise of brilliant white sand and crystal-clear turquoise water. You can spend the day swimming, lazing on the beach or relax with a drink over lunch at the restaurant.
You can visit Sao Beach independently or you will find it included on the itinerary of many Phu Quoc day tours.
Click here for Sao Beach tours
Khem Beach
Khem Beach is 7 km south of Sao Beach on the eastern side of Phu Quoc. There are a collection of resorts gracing the white sandy foreshore of Khem Beach, including the extremely elegant 5-star JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa.
Khem Beach is often considered one of the best beaches in Phu Quoc. The palm tree lined beach is home to the Istanbul Beach Club restaurant and bar, the perfect place to relax between swimming and snorkelling.
Starfish Beach
Rach Vem Beach or Starfish Beach as it is commonly known can be found near Rach Vem fishing village in the north of Phu Quoc Island.
Starfish Beach is harder to get to as it is in a remote part of the island with a 6 km stretch of rugged dirt track to reach it.
Which time of year you visit will determine the quality of your experience. Phu Quoc’s rainy season lasts from May to October and during this time the rains often make the water murky with low visibility.
The dry season months from December to March are a better time to visit as the water is clearer, making it easier to see the starfish against the white sand.
The best way to see Starfish Beach is to join a tour which includes it in an itinerary of Phu Quoc attractions.
Click here for Starfish Beach tours
Note: Rubbish can get washed up on the beaches. Most ocean front resorts and beachside restaurants keep their part of the beach clean.
Phu Quoc Island Hopping & Cruising
Is Phu Quoc worth visiting for island hopping? Phu Quoc has twenty-one islets, with the most accessible being in the south of the island. There are a vast selection of Phu Quoc island hopping tours and cruise tours which feature a range of different activities. These include speedboat tours, deep sea fishing tours, and scuba diving tours.
We highlight three of the most popular islands to visit on a day trip from Phu Quoc, May Rut Trong Island, Mong Tay Island and Gam Ghi Island.
May Rut Trong Island
May Rut Trong Island has a picturesque white sand lagoon and is the place to relax in the beach bar or enjoy a range of water sports within these tranquil turquoise waters.
Click here for May Rut Trong Island tours
Mong Tay Island
Mong Tay Island has a small white sandy beach lined with palm trees and lush tropical jungle, making it a castaway’s delight.
Click here for Mong Tay Island tours
Gam Ghi Island
Get ready to dive into Gam Ghi Island’s captivating underwater world as you explore Phu Quoc Island’s largest coral reef.
Click here for Gam Ghi Island tours
Hon Thom Cable Car & Sun World Waterpark
Is Phu Quoc worth visiting for families? Of course, on the top of your list of places to visit in Phu Quoc should be the cable car ride to Hon Thom Island. Not only will you see spectacular scenery along the way but also have a fun day out at the Sun World waterpark and beaches.
If theme parks are not your thing, you can still experience the cable car ride independently or it can be combined on a tour of south Phu Quoc attractions or added to a Phu Quoc island hopping and waterpark tour.
Click here for south Phu Quoc attractions & cable car tours
Hon Thom Cable Car
The Hon Thom Cable Car is the longest three wire cable car in the world and connects Dua Island, Roi Island and Thom Island to the mainland of Phu Quoc.
The cable car departs from Sunshine Station at Sunset Town, an area designed to resemble the colourful Italian coastal towns of the Amalfi Coast and famous ancient Roman ruins.
Setting out on the cable car, nothing can prepare you for the beauty of the scenery as you gently drift over small fishing villages, jewel like coves and islands.
Sun World Aquatopia Waterpark
When you arrive at Hon Thom Station at Sun World Hon Thom you can spend the day having fun on the slides, lagoons, and wave pools at the gigantic Aquatopia Water Park. Continue the excitement on the rides in the Exotica Village theme park or head down to enjoy a variety of water sports on the beach.
Click here for Phu Quoc cable car & waterpark tours
Phu Quoc Trekking
Is Phu Quoc worth visiting for trekking? Phu Quoc has a diverse landscape which not only includes beaches and islands but also lush forests, waterfalls, and mountains.
On this 6 km hike to the top of the mountain you will see panoramic views of the island and learn about the flora and fauna of the region. On your way down the mountain, cool off in the natural spring water of Tranh Stream and enjoy local food at Ham Ninh fishing village.
Click here for Phu Quoc trekking tours
Phu Quoc Night Markets
Is Phu Quoc worth visiting for foodie experiences? Phu Quoc Night Markets is the perfect place to try local cuisine and shop for a wide variety of trinkets, shells, and souvenirs.
Unwind with a cold drink in one of the riverside restaurants and admire the colourful fishing boats moored nearby. Sample a rich selection of freshly caught seafood and watch the night market come alive as street stall owners sell their wares.
Click here for Phu Quoc Night Market tours
Pearl Farm, Fish Sauce Factory & Pepper Farm
Phu Quoc is famous for its pearl farming, high-quality black pepper, and their much-coveted fish sauce. In fact, Phu Quoc Island’s fish sauce is said to be the best in Vietnam.
At Ngoc Hien Pearl Farm you will discover the intricacies and history of pearl farming in Phu Quoc. You will also get the chance to see an exquisite display of carvings and choose your favourite pearl jewellery from the pearl showroom.
Click here for factory & farm tours
Vinpearl Safari & Grand World
Both Vinpearl Safari and Grand World are in the north of the island and popular places to visit on a trip to Phu Quoc. They can be visited by taking a tour or independently by catching the free VinBus shuttle bus.
Click here for the VinBus shuttle route
Vinpearl Safari
The Vinpearl Safari Park is Vietnam’s largest wildlife conservation park and the place to see a large variety of animals including lions and tigers, giraffes and zebras, rhinos, and flamingos.
The best time to visit the safari park is in the morning to beat the heat of the day and to be there for feeding times.
Click here for Vinpearl Safari entry tickets
Grand World
Grand World takes its inspiration from a variety of countries, most notably Venice. Here you can imagine that you are in Italy as you take a gondola ride along the canals and under the bridges of Phu Quoc Island’s very own Venice.
Click here for Grand World entry tickets
The best time to visit Grand World is in the afternoon and evening. This is the time to watch Grand World transform into a magical world of light and colour. Of an evening make sure to see the performances and shows that take place across the Grand World complex.
Click here for Grand World Show entry tickets
Best Phu Quoc Hotels & Resorts
There is a massive selection of accommodation on Phu Quoc, where to stay will depend on your desired location, travel style and budget. Options range from budget hotels to 5 star hotels and luxury resorts.
Long Beach Accommodation
Long Beach is one of the most popular places to stay in Phu Quoc. Long Beach is on the western side of Phu Quoc and boasts 20 km of golden sands that sweep down the island.
There are two different styles of hotel, those that are close to the restaurants and bars, shops, and spas near the town of Duong Dong and the more secluded luxury resorts that stretch further down the beach.
Though there are a lot to choose from, here are our top picks for Long Beach accommodation.
Phuong Binh House
Phuong Binh House is a 3-star family run homestay with direct access to the beach. There is a choice of double and family rooms with mountain or sea view. There are also balcony rooms that offer sea views which are the perfect place to watch the sun set.
These clean and comfortable airconditioned rooms feature a desk, flat screen TV, kettle, fridge, room safe and hair dryer. The hotel has a swimming pool and is surrounded by small alleyways which are home to family run restaurants, bars, and shops.
Click here for Phuong Binh House latest rates
La Veranda Resort Phu Quoc – MGallery
Walking into La Veranda Resort Phu Quoc – MGallery is like stepping back in time to the 1920’s French colonial era. This charming beachfront resort is set within lush private gardens and feature rooms that exude a quiet elegance.
There is a choice of twin or double rooms and suites that have a wide balcony or terrace with garden or ocean views. Villas are roomy and overlook gardens or have the most beautiful ocean views.
La Veranda Resort Phu Quoc – MGallery has the choice of beach front dining at Le Jardin, fine dining in Peppertree or stop off for a cocktail with a view at Le Bar.
The resort is a short drive to central Duong Dong and surrounded by alleyways with small family run restaurants and shops.
Click here for La Veranda Resort Phu Quoc – MGallery latest rates
Sunset Sanato Resort & Villas
Sunset Sanato Resort & Villas is a 4 Star ocean front resort which is graced by a collection of whimsical sculptures which have become an Instagram staple. The resort features an onsite restaurant and pool.
Sunset Sanato Resort has a selection of rooms suites and villas decorated in a fresh tropical style with garden views. There is a choice of 3, 4 and 5 bedroom Villas, each with private pool and well-equipped kitchen, perfect for families wanting to enjoy Phu Quoc.
Click here for Sunset Sanato Resort & Villas latest rates
Khem Beach Accommodation
Khem Beach is on the eastern side of Phu Quoc and considered to be one of the best beaches on the island. The beach is lined with a selection of luxury resorts and one of our favourites is the JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa.
JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa
Renowned architect Bill Bensley designed the extremely elegant 5-star JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa. The resort has an interesting history and was once the 19th-century French colonial building of Lamarck University.
Add sweeping views of Emerald Bay and the white sands of Khem Beach and you have the perfect formula for a memorable holiday.
Rooms reflect the charm and style of the French colonial era with a magical modern twist that can only come from the imagination of Bill Bensley. Throughout the resort’s rooms, suites, and villas you will find an exceptional touch of class and comfort.
There are a choice of restaurants including fine dining at the stunningly beautiful Pink Pearl restaurant or casual beachfront dining at Red Rum. Other JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa facilities include a pool, gym, and spa.
*Bill Bensley has designed many luxurious hotels across Asia, including the Hotel de la Coupole – MGallery in Sa Pa Vietnam.
Click here for JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa latest rates
Last Words on Is Phu Quoc Worth Visiting?
Is Phu Quoc worth visiting? Now that you know what to see and do on a holiday to Phu Quoc, we leave it up to you to decide if you want to put Phu Quoc on your list of Southern Vietnam destinations.
We thoroughly enjoyed our time in Phu Quoc and hope that you do too. Vietnam is one of our favourite places and Phu Quoc is just another reason to fall in love with it.
