8 Perfect spots for first-timers in Phu Quoc

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.

What makes it special? It's not just the largest island in Vietnam, but also home to a UNESCO-listed national park, pristine beaches, and plenty of spots for 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 reach Phu Quoc is by plane. Phu Quoc International Airport (PQC) has direct flights from major cities in Vietnam like Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Da Nang, plus international flights from places like Singapore, Cambodia, Hong Kong, Korea, China, and Thailand.

The airport is about 10 km from Duong Dong Town, and taxis are ready 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.

Khem Beach is close by, heading towards An Thoi settlement. A tiny, peaceful fishing village can be seen from this gorgeous beach, which is encircled by lush jungle and has white sand.

>>> Learn more: Where to Find the Best Beaches in Phu Quoc

• Snorkeling in the An Thoi archipelago

During my two weeks in Phú Quốc, I went snorkeling all over, but the best spots were Hon May Rut, Hon Gam Ghi, and Hon Thom in the An Thoi Archipelago. With over 18 islands to explore, you can actually snorkel and grab a meal right there.

The locals serve up some of the best grilled abalone, steamed squid, and grilled sea urchin with onion oil!

• Explore Phu Quoc's beauty by cable car

If you're not bothered by heights, try the cable car: it’s the world’s longest continuous three-rope cable car. In just 15 minutes, you'll get stunning views of the surrounding islands, the An Thoi Archipelago, and the turquoise waters. 

If you’re in the area, you can also check out Sun World Nature Park near Hon Thom!

• Loyal specialty of Phu Quoc - nước mắm

Phu Quoc is known for its amazing nước mắm (fish sauce) made the traditional way for over 200 years. It has a rich flavor that’s famous in Vietnam and beyond.

Besides that, the island offers tasty local food like fresh seafood, sim liquor from January-harvested fruits, and top-quality pepper grown for centuries.

• Historic Phu Quoc prison

French colonizers constructed this prison in southern Phu Quoc to house Vietnamese patriots. It was once the harshest representation of colonial rule and the biggest prison in Indochina.

It now functions as a museum that highlights the challenging past and hardships faced by prisoners. A visit provides a compelling and instructive look into Vietnam's history.

• Explore the fishing village of Ham Ninh

It’s a quiet spot on Phu Quoc’s northeast coast, with cool mountains and clear blue water all around.

The seafood here is super fresh and well-known on the island. If you want a break from the busy tourist areas, Ham Ninh is a great place to just relax and enjoy the local vibe.

• Vinpearl Phú Quốc

Safari 🦜

Vietnam’s largest animal conservation park, home to over 3,000 animals across 150 species. The park is divided into two zones: the “Open Zoo” and the “Safari Area.”

• Opening hours: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• Tip: Visit in the morning to avoid the heat, catch the animal shows, and be sure to check the return bus schedule.

VinWonders 🏄🏻‍♀️

The biggest theme park in Vietnam, featuring 6 zones with 12 different themes. Highlights include the VinWonders Aquarium (SeaShell Aquarium) and exciting rides and games.

• Opening hours: 9:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
• Remember to bring hats, swimsuits, sunglasses, and sunscreen. You can rent bikes or strollers for easier getting around. 

The VinWonders Aquarium (SeaShell Aquarium) is uniquely designed in the shape of a turtle.

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.

• Trekking in Phu Quoc

Phu Quoc National Park covers an area of over 31,000 hectares, spanning six communes and is home to approximately 1,400 plant species and nearly 500 animal species. This place proudly features three distinct ecosystems, which is ideal for forest travel enthusiasts.

Currently, there are four trekking routes with varying lengths and difficulty levels for visitors to choose from.

>>> For more information, please read: Top 4 Trekking Routes in Phu Quoc Forest

Where to stay in Phu Quoc?

Phu Quoc is divided into three main areas: the center, the south, and the north

• The center, or Duong Dong area, is the heart of the island with its night market and many convenient services.
• The southern area (An Thoi) includes Sao Beach, Phu Quoc Prison, Hon Thom with the world's longest sea cable car, pepper gardens and fish sauce production facilities.
• The northern area includes the safari, VinWonders, and Rach Vem Beach, famous for its starfish.

>>> Choose a hotel based on your preferences: near the center for amenities or in the north/south to be closer to nature.

Near Ong Lang Beach, you’ll find cozy resorts like Mango Bay and Cassia Cottage, perfect for a relaxing stay.

A bit quieter, Cua Can Beach offers peaceful options such as Green Bay Resort.

Further north, Vung Bau Beach stretches about 2 km with white sand and lush greenery. Charming hotels here include Bamboo Cottage, Nam Nghi Coral Peninsula, and Fusion Resort.

If you prefer a livelier and more upscale atmosphere, the southwest coast is home to big-name resorts like JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa, InterContinental Phu Quoc Long Beach Resort, and Novotel Phu Quoc Resort.

>>> Learn more about: Best Hotels & Resorts in Phu Quoc

What to eat in Phu Quoc?

Phu Quoc is a foodie's paradise in addition to its stunning beaches and coral reefs. For something different, try the local seafood, such as sea urchins, sardinella salad, and Ham Ninh clams.

A must-try is bún quậy, fresh rice noodles with squid, fish balls, shrimp balls, sometimes beef, all in a flavorful, slightly sweet sauce. The mix of textures and tastes is amazing.

If you want something different, try Phu Quoc’s rare Tràm mushrooms. They’re purple and only available about a month each year. Locals cook them in a tasty soup with fresh seafood like squid, shrimp, and clams.

Phu Quoc’s dried seafood is also popular and a great way to enjoy the island’s rich flavors.

>>> 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.

🚗 For more information, please explore: 

• Best Beaches in Vietnam by Regions
• Diving in Vietnam
• 12 Best Restaurants and Places to Enjoy Cuisine in Hanoi
• Best Hotels & Resorts in Phu Quoc
• Con Dao or Phu Quoc?
• How To Get To Phu Quoc?