Located in southern Vietnam, Phu Quoc is the country’s largest island and one of Southeast Asia’s most exciting beach destinations.
Known for its crystal-clear waters, white sand beaches, tropical sunsets, and fresh seafood, Phu Quoc is the perfect destination for travelers seeking both relaxation and adventure. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a family holiday, or an island-hopping adventure, Phu Quoc has something for everyone.
Best Things to Do in Phu Quoc
Relax on Beautiful Beaches
Phu Quoc is home to some of Vietnam’s most beautiful beaches.
Popular choices include:
- Bai Sao – famous for its white sand and turquoise water
- Long Beach – ideal for sunset views
- Bai Khem – a peaceful beach surrounded by nature
These beaches offer the perfect setting for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing by the sea.
Explore the Southern Islands
One of the most popular activities in Phu Quoc is an island-hopping tour.
Visitors can:
- Cruise between small tropical islands
- Snorkel in clear waters
- Discover colorful coral reefs
- Enjoy beautiful ocean views
The southern archipelago is considered one of the highlights of any Phu Quoc trip.
Watch the Sunset
Phu Quoc is famous for its spectacular sunsets.
As the sun slowly disappears over the Gulf of Thailand, the sky transforms into shades of orange, pink, and gold.
Long Beach is one of the best places to enjoy this unforgettable experience.
Experience the Night Market
The local night market is one of the best places to discover the island’s food culture.
Visitors can enjoy:
- Fresh seafood
- Local snacks
- Tropical fruits
- Handmade souvenirs
The lively atmosphere makes it a great evening activity.
Suggested Itinerary (3 Days)
Day 1
- Arrive in Phu Quoc
- Relax at the beach
- Enjoy sunset views
Day 2
- Island-hopping tour
- Snorkeling experience
- Seafood dinner
Day 3
- Visit local markets
- Explore hidden beaches
- Departure
Travel Tips
- Bring sunscreen and light clothing
- Book island tours in advance during peak season
- Don’t miss sunset views along the west coast
- The best time to visit Phu Quoc is:
- November to April ☀️: Dry weather and calm sea conditions which is ideal for beach activities and island tours
Plan Your Trip
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How to get there
Most visitors fly. Phu Quoc International Airport has frequent flights from Ho Chi Minh City, which take about one hour, and from Hanoi, about two hours, as well as some international routes. If you are already travelling through the Mekong Delta, fast ferries run from Rach Gia and Ha Tien on the mainland. Ha Tien is the shorter crossing, and both routes can be cancelled when the sea is rough.
Getting around the island
Phu Quoc stretches around 50 kilometres from north to south, so distances add up. Taxis and ride-hailing apps work well around Duong Dong and the main beach areas. Renting a scooter is popular, but only sensible if you are an experienced rider with a licence valid in Vietnam and travel insurance that covers it, since some roads are busy and side tracks can be sandy. For a full day of sightseeing, a car with a driver is the most comfortable option, especially with children.
Choosing where to stay
- Duong Dong and Long Beach on the west coast are the most convenient base, with the night market, restaurants and sunset views close by.
- Ong Lang, a little north of Duong Dong, is quieter, with smaller resorts and bungalows set back among the trees.
- The south around An Thoi puts you close to the boat piers for the southern islands and the cable car to Hon Thom, and within easy reach of Bai Sao and Bai Khem.
- The north has large resort complexes, forest and long, quiet beaches. It is further from town, so you will rely more on taxis or hotel shuttles.
Many travellers split their stay between the lively west coast and somewhere quieter.
More things to do beyond the beach
- Ride the cable car to Hon Thom. The long cable car from An Thoi crosses open water and gives a wide view over the fishing boats and the southern islands.
- See how fish sauce is made. Phu Quoc fish sauce is known across Vietnam, and some of the traditional fish sauce houses around Duong Dong let visitors see the large wooden barrels where the fish ferments.
- Visit a pepper farm. Black pepper grows well in the island’s climate, and small farms let you walk among the vines and buy a bag to take home.
- Head to the east coast. Ham Ninh is a fishing village on the east side of the island, with a long pier and simple seafood restaurants. It feels very different from the busier west coast.
- Walk in the forest. Much of the north of the island is protected as a national park. Streams such as Suoi Tranh are most worthwhile during or just after the rainy season, when there is water flowing.
- Learn some history. The Phu Quoc Prison historic site near An Thoi tells the story of prisoners held on the island during the 20th-century wars. It is a sobering visit.
Phu Quoc in the wet season
From roughly May to November, the island gets more rain and stronger winds from the southwest. Showers are often short, and the island is noticeably quieter. The west coast, including Long Beach, can have rougher seas in these months, while beaches on the east side tend to be more sheltered. Island-hopping and snorkelling trips may be rescheduled when the sea is choppy, so leave a spare day in your plan.
Local food to try
Beyond grilled seafood at the night market, look for goi ca trich, a herring salad with fresh coconut, herbs and peanuts that you wrap in rice paper, and bun ken, a noodle dish with a fish and coconut milk broth. Sim wine, made from the fruit of the rose myrtle that grows wild on the island, is a common souvenir.
FAQ
How many days do I need in Phu Quoc?
Three days covers the main beaches, an island trip and the night market. Four or five days lets you explore the north and the east coast at an easy pace, or simply rest at the end of a busy trip around Vietnam.
Do I need a visa just for Phu Quoc?
Phu Quoc has had a visa exemption scheme for foreign visitors who fly straight to the island from abroad and stay on the island. If you travel on to other parts of Vietnam, the usual national visa rules apply. Rules can change, so check the current requirements before you book.
Is Phu Quoc good for families?
Yes. Many beaches have gentle water in the dry season, and there are larger resorts with pools and children’s facilities in both the north and the south. Choose a base close to the activities you want, so the children spend less time in the car.
Can I take Phu Quoc fish sauce home?
Many shops pack it for travel, but airlines set their own rules on fish sauce in luggage and some restrict it. Check with your airline before you buy.
Plan your trip with Divi Travel
See our Phu Quoc tours for beach stays and island trips, or plan a tailor-made trip that adds a few days on the island to the end of a journey through Hanoi, Hoi An or the Mekong Delta.
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