Introduction to Phu Quoc
Phu Quoc, often called Vietnam’s Pearl Island, is the country’s largest island and one of Southeast Asia’s rising stars. Just an hour’s flight from Ho Chi Minh City, you’ll land in a world of turquoise seas, tropical forests, and a laid-back island rhythm.
👉 Curious about the name Vietnam’s “Pearl Island” of Phu Quoc? Discover the story behind in our blog [Why Phu Quoc is Vietnam’s Pearl Island]
Beyond postcard-perfect beaches, Phu Quoc is a place where fishing traditions thrive, pepper farms flourish, and lively night markets buzz with local flavors. From family-friendly resorts to wild jungle trails, the island balances comfort with adventure.
Whether you’re planning a short beach escape or a week-long retreat, this Phu Quoc Travel Guide will help you discover the best of Phu Quoc.
Quick Facts About Phu Quoc
Before diving into details, here’s a quick snapshot to help you understand what makes Phu Quoc such a worth experiencing destination.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Southern Vietnam; island in the Gulf of Thailand, about 1 hour by flight from Ho Chi Minh City |
| Airport | Phu Quoc International Airport (PQC), ~10 km from Duong Dong town (15–20 minutes by car) |
| Best known | Tropical beaches, island-hopping, seafood, fish sauce, and laid-back resort life |
| Popular areas | Duong Dong Town, Long Beach (Bai Truong), Sao Beach, Khem Beach, An Thoi Archipelago |
| Travel style | Beach escape, island adventure, family holidays, relaxed luxury |
| Climate | Tropical; dry season: Nov–Apr. Rainy season: May–Oct (short, heavy showers) |
| Ideal stay | 3–5 days |
| Best time to visit | November to June for dry weather, calm seas, and island activities |
What makes Phu Quoc Special?
- Pristine Beaches: From lively Long Beach (Bai Truong) to quiet escapes like Sao Beach and Khem Beach, each stretch offers soft white sand and calm, shallow waters. Sunset lovers will find magic on the west coast, while the east and south hide more sheltered bays.
- Nature Escape: Phu Quoc National Park covers more than half the island, offering jungle treks, bird calls, and cool waterfalls like Tranh Waterfall. The northern forests are home to rare plants and wildlife—ideal for those who crave greenery.
- Local Culture: Visit fish sauce factories, pepper plantations, and fishing villages like Ham Ninh to see the island’s traditions. Coastal temples such as Dinh Cau Shrine and Ho Quoc Pagoda bring a spiritual touch to your journey.
- Family-Friendly Island: Many resorts have kids’ clubs, calm bays are perfect for swimming, and getting around is safe and easy—making Phu Quoc a great choice for families.
- Underwater Adventures: Hop on a boat to the An Thoi Archipelago to snorkel or dive among coral gardens, tropical fish, and sometimes sea turtles. For the best visibility, go between November and May.
- Easy Access: With its own international airport and good ferry links, Phu Quoc is easy to reach yet still feels like a world apart.
How to Plan a Trip to Phu Quoc
How long to stay
- 3–4 days: Perfect for highlights—beaches, the night market, and one island-hopping tour.
- 5–7 days: Enough to explore both the north and south, trek in the national park, and enjoy slow resort days.
Best time to visit Phu Quoc
💡 Seasonal tip:
South & east coasts (Sao, Khem) are calmer during the rainy season.
West coast beaches (Long Beach, Ong Lang) shine in the dry season.
| 🌦️ Season | ⛅️ Weather | ⛱️ Best for | 📌 Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| November – March (Dry Season) | Dry, blue sky | Beach Relax, Snorkeling | Peak season, book early |
| April – June | Hotter but quieter | Relax in resort | Bring Sunscreen |
| July – September (Rainy season) | Rainy | Food tour, visit relic site | Expect tropical showers, but the island is lush and green |
Money & Connectivity
Cards work well at resorts and mid-range restaurants, but cash is essential for local markets and tours. For mobile data, pick up a Viettel or Vinaphone SIM at the airport.
Local Etiquette
- Dress modestly at temples and shrines.
- Ask before taking photos in fishing villages.
- At Dinh Cau Shrine, join locals in quiet respect.
Getting to Phu Quoc
- By Air
- Phu Quoc International Airport connects with Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, and some international hubs.
Planning ahead? Many travelers require a visa to enter Vietnam. Check our Vietnam Visa Guide here to see if your country is on the visa-required list and how to apply quickly.
- By Sea
- From Ha Tien or Rach Gia: Ferries run daily, great if you’re exploring the Mekong Delta.
- Expect 2–3 hours travel time depending on the port.
- Getting Around
- Motorbike rental: Best flexibility for hidden beaches.
- Taxis & resort shuttles: Widely available in town.
- Bicycles: Many resorts offer them for short rides.
Local festivals & events
- Dinh Cau Festival (March): Fishermen pray for calm seas and good harvests.
- Pearl Harvest Season (Dec–Jan): Visit pearl farms and see how gems are cultivated.
- Tet (Lunar New Year): The island is festive, with colorful markets and seafood feasts.
Best Things to Do in Phu Quoc
From sun-kissed beaches to hidden fishing villages and vibrant night markets, Phu Quoc offers experiences that sparkle like its pearl waters.
1. Relax at Sao & Khem Beaches
Among Vietnam’s most beautiful, these beaches offer soft white sand and clear, shallow waters—perfect for swimming or kayaking.
2. Snorkel or dive at An Thoi Archipelago
Hop on a boat to smaller islands like Hon Thom or Fingernail Island for colorful coral reefs and schools of tropical fish.
3. Explore Phu Quoc National Park
Trek through dense jungle trails, listen to exotic bird calls, and cool off under Tranh Waterfall.
4. Visit a fish sauce factory
Phu Quoc’s fish sauce is legendary—learn how it’s made and pick up a bottle as a pungent souvenir.
5. Wander Phu Quoc Night Market
Evenings come alive with grilled seafood, souvenirs, and fresh tropical fruits—perfect for a stroll after dinner.
6. Tour a pepper farm
Phu Quoc pepper is prized for its aroma and heat. Many farms offer short tours and tastings.
7. Discover local temples
Stop by Dinh Cau Shrine by the sea and Ho Quoc Pagoda for island spirituality and scenic views.
8. Ride the world’s longest over-sea cable car
The world’s longest over-sea cable car connects An Thoi Town with Hon Thom Island, offering spectacular views.
9. Taste Phu Quoc’s famous seafood hotpot
Gather friends around a bubbling pot of fresh crab, squid, and fish with local herbs.
10. Relax at a beach resort
Sometimes the best plan is no plan—sip coconut water by the pool and watch the sunset.
What to Eat in Phu Quoc
Fresh seafood and bold island flavors make Phu Quoc a true paradise for food lovers. Here’s what to taste first
- Goi ca trich (herring salad): Fresh herring mixed with herbs, coconut, and peanuts, best enjoyed with rice paper and dipping sauce.
- Ghe Ham Ninh (Ham Ninh crab): Sweet, firm crab caught daily by local fishermen, often steamed to keep its natural flavor.
- Bun quay Kien Xay (self-mixed noodles): A Phu Quoc specialty where you mix your own noodles, broth, and toppings for a fun DIY meal.
- Nhum bien nuong (grilled sea urchin): Creamy sea urchin grilled with scallion oil and peanuts, a true seaside delicacy.
- Ca song nuong (grilled round scad): Simple yet flavorful, grilled whole fish served with rice paper, herbs, and dipping sauce.
- Tiet canh cua (crab blood pudding): A rare island specialty made from fresh crab blood mixed with herbs and peanuts.
- Hai san nuong (grilled seafood): From squid to scallops, seafood is grilled to perfection right at the night market stalls.
- Ho tieu Phu Quoc (Phu Quoc pepper): Famous for its strong aroma and heat, often bought as a flavorful souvenir.
- Ruou sim (rose myrtle wine): A sweet, fruity wine made from wild sim berries, unique to Phu Quoc.
Travel Tips for a Smooth Trip
To help you make the most of this Phu Quoc travel guide, here are a few insider tips for a smooth journey:
- Bring reef-safe sunscreen to protect marine life when snorkeling.
- Book island-hopping trips on clear days for the best visibility.
- Try renting a scooter to explore hidden beaches and quiet villages.
- Night markets are busiest around 7–9 PM—arrive early to grab the freshest bites.
- Respect marine life: don’t touch coral or feed fish during snorkeling trips.
Chase sunsets and embrace the pearl of Phu Quoc with us.
Hotels in Phu Quoc
Comfort Option
- M HOTEL
- JM BOUTIQUE
- STELLA MARINA
Deluxe Option
- LA VERANDA
- THE SHELL
- CASSIA COTTAGE
High – end Option
- JW MARRIOTT
- REGENT PHU QUOC
How to Get to Phu Quoc
- Flights: Phu Quoc International Airport receives daily flights from Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, and select international destinations.
- Ferries: From Ha Tien or Rach Gia, ferries connect the island to the mainland. Good if you’re traveling via the Mekong Delta.
- Getting around: Rent a motorbike for flexibility, or use taxis and resort shuttles. Roads are improving, but traffic can be busy near town.
Where to Go Next?
If you found this Phu Quoc travel guide helpful, consider exploring these other nearby destinations
- Ho Chi Minh City: This is often the first stop when exploring the south. Use our Ho Chi Minh City travel guide to shape a complete journey, from vibrant city life to nearby cultural and natural escapes.
- The Mekong Delta: Take a ferry to explore the floating markets and river life of Can Tho.
- Hanoi & The North: Swap the beach for heritage and mountains. A direct 2-hour flight connects Phu Quoc (PQC) to Hanoi (HAN). From there, you can easily reach
- Halong Bay: For overnight cruises among limestone karsts.
- Sapa: For trekking and terraced rice fields.
- Ninh Binh: Known as “Halong Bay on land” with dramatic river scenery.
Not sure where to go next? Let us help you customize your Vietnam Journey
Tours in Phu Quoc
South Vietnam Unfold
8-day journey through Saigon – Mekong – Phu Quoc reveals the vibrant soul of southern Vietnam
Essence of Vietnam
14-day journey from Hanoi to Phu Quoc. Through the country’s most iconic destinations, each stop reveals a new layer of culture, flavor, and scenery.
Southern Vietnam Highlight
An 7-day Southern Vietnam journey blending food, culture, and relaxation — from Saigon