Your ultimate guide to Phu Quoc

Nestled in the Gulf of Thailand, Phu Quoc (pronounced foo kwok) encompasses an archipelago of 22 islands and is also Vietnam’s largest island. Shaped like a teardrop and roughly the size of Singapore, Phu Quoc is actually closer to Cambodia’s coast (15km/9mi) than to Vietnam’s (45km/28mi). With 150km (93mi) of stunning coastline, a lush interior—more than half of which is a national park—and an abundance of seafood, it stands out as the only location in Vietnam where visitors of any nationality can stay visa-free for up to 30 days.

Consequently, the Vietnamese government aims to transform the island into a premier beach destination, boasting excellent infrastructure, diverse accommodation and dining options, along with numerous tourist attractions. Phu Quoc is home to around 146,000 residents and welcomes between 3 to 5 million visitors each year. If you’re planning your first trip to Phu Quoc, here’s what you need to know.

When is the best time to visit Phu Quoc?

Phu Quoc experiences essentially two seasons: a six-month dry spell from November to April, marked by sunny weather, and a six-month rainy period from May to October. The wet season features southwestern monsoons that bring frequent, sometimes heavy, rain, but also sunny intervals. If you decide to visit during the rainy months, look for accommodations with a pool for quick dips between downpours.

The island faces a significant waste management issue, generating around 190 tons of waste daily, exceeding its processing capabilities, typically via landfill or incineration. In October and November, northeast winds can wash trash from fishing vessels and other areas around the Gulf of Thailand onto Phu Quoc’s eastern shores. Most mid-to-high-end hotels and resorts do a commendable job of maintaining clean beaches, but it’s a concern worth noting.

How long should I stay in Phu Quoc?

For a brief beach getaway at the end of your Vietnam journey, three days is sufficient to explore the island's highlights while indulging in relaxation. If you plan to stay longer, consider splitting your time: spend a few nights in Duong Dong (the main town) and then transition to the Vinpearl complex to the north, which features an amusement park, safari, and a Venice-themed area, or head south to enjoy beautiful beaches.

Is it convenient to travel in and around Phu Quoc?

There are direct domestic flights to and from Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Hai Phong, as well as connections from larger regional cities like Seoul, Taipei, and Bangkok. Flights from Ho Chi Minh City are just about an hour long. Additionally, ferries are available from Ha Tien or Rach Gia in the Mekong Delta.

The journey from the airport to the main town of Duong Dong takes a quick 15-20 minutes (14km/9mi). Most hotels offer at least one complimentary transfer; otherwise, taxis are affordable and readily available. If you're staying centrally in Duong Dong, restaurants, spas, and shops will likely be within walking distance. For short trips (like to the Phu Quoc night market), taxi or ride-hailing services (Grab and XanhSM) typically cost only a few dollars, though longer trips can add up. If you have a motorcycle license, scooters are also available for rent.

Must-see attractions in Phu Quoc

Embark on an island-hopping snorkeling adventure

Incredibly affordable, full-day snorkeling tours usually cover two to three islands, offering ample time for snorkeling, swimming, and beach relaxation. You can often try your hand at fishing along the way, using just a spool of line and a baited hook instead of a traditional rod. Lunch is a lively, family-style meal shared with fellow travelers. At this price point, expect a full boat. Other options include visiting additional islands, joining smaller groups, or finishing your day on Pineapple Island and returning via cable car. John’s Tours is a well-known operator for these experiences.

Ride the cable car to the amusement park on Pineapple Island

The journey to Pineapple Island (Hon Thom in Vietnamese) takes around 15 minutes, covering nearly 8km (5mi) on the world’s longest uninterrupted three-rope cable car. The stunning views of fishing boats and lush islands make the ticket price worthwhile. Once on the island, enjoy a fun-filled day with water slides, a wooden roller coaster, an observation deck, and more. Activities like sea walking, paragliding, and kayaking are available for an additional fee.

Experience the Amalfi Coast vibe at Sunset Town

Launched at the end of 2023, Sunset Town brings a taste of the Italian coast to tropical Phu Quoc. Though it may seem a bit over-the-top (the cable car station resembles Rome’s Coliseum), the town is surprisingly well-crafted, featuring pastel-colored buildings, terracotta roofs, charming cobblestone streets, and delightful boutiques and cafes. Beyond its picturesque setting, it boasts a variety of attractions, including the Kiss Bridge, a nightly fireworks display, complimentary water puppet performances, a vibrant beachfront night market, and the immersive Kiss of the Sea show, complete with acrobatics, pyrotechnics, and projections on cascading water.

Explore some of the finest beaches in the region

Phu Quoc boasts nearly twenty beaches—some of the finest in Vietnam—ranging from wild and secluded to idyllic stretches of soft sand embraced by clear, turquoise waters. Two of the top beaches are found in the island's southeast. Sao Beach features restaurants and beach clubs, attracting tour groups that typically flood the area just before noon. To escape the crowds, arrive early or head north towards the clubs, where you can either rent a (rather pricey) chair or simply lay down a towel. The adjacent Kem Beach (also known as Khem) offers a more tranquil atmosphere. While there is public access next to Premier Residences Phu Quoc Emerald Bay, serious beach enthusiasts might want to splurge on a stay at one of the upscale hotels lining this beautiful beach.

Discover Phu Quoc's unique flavors on an island tour

Despite its small size, Phu Quoc is home to a surprising array of local specialties. Tours of the island’s southern region often include stops at a sim wine factory (where sweet liquor is crafted from rose myrtle fruit), a pepper farm (where you can see fresh peppercorns ready for stir-frying), a pearl farm that explains the pearl cultivation process, and a fish sauce factory (Phu Quoc fish sauce is highly regarded throughout Vietnam). Journey through the northern national forest to sample local honey and enjoy a seafood lunch.

Experience breathtaking sunrises and sunsets

Known as the Emerald Island, Phu Quoc offers stunning sunrises and sunsets, often awash in fiery oranges, pinks, and purples. To catch the sunrise, wake early on the east coast, or for a spectacular sunset, head to the west coast. Any beach spot will provide a lovely view, but the vistas from INK 360 on the 19th floor of the InterContinental Phu Quoc Long Beach Resort are unparalleled. Arrive early for a cocktail at the whimsical Ashley Sutton-designed bar, which features giant octopus tentacles, before heading out to the terrace to enjoy the sunset.

My top activity in Phu Quoc

After a day of swimming in the ocean, nothing beats enjoying a meal of freshly cooked seafood. While there are several seafood stalls at the night market, locals often prefer the seafood restaurants in the fishing village of Ham Ninh or the conveniently located Nhà hàng hải sản Làng Cá Phú Quốc in town. Choose your seafood from tanks filled with live catches and have it cooked to your liking. I love having my shrimp stir-fried with Phu Quoc pepper or steamed in beer, while crabs are delicious when wok-fried in a tangy tamarind sauce.

What’s the budget for a trip to Phu Quoc?

Being an island, prices are generally 10-20% higher than those on the mainland. You can find ATMs in the main town, at upscale hotels, and at tourist sites, but smaller restaurants and convenience stores usually accept cash only.

• Taxi for four from the airport to Duong Dong: 200,000d (US$8)

• Taxi from Duong Dong to VinWonders Phu Quoc (one way): 350,000d (US$14)

• Taxi from Duong Dong to Sunset Town (one way): 280,000d (US$11)

• Full-day island-hopping and snorkeling tour including lunch: 635,000d (US$25)

• Cable car ride to Pineapple Island with buffet lunch: 1,000,000d (US$39) for adults and 650,000d (US$25) for children under 1.4m

• Seafood dinner: 250,000d (US$10)

• Beach chair rental at Sao Beach: 500,000d (US$20)

• Basic room for two (not beachfront): 500,000d (US$20)

• Motorbike rental per day: 150,000d (US$6)

• Cocktail at a beach club: 180,000d (US$7)

• Seafood fried rice: 80,000d (US$3)

• Local beer at a beach bar: 40,000d (US$1.50)