Phu Quoc is a stunning island in the Gulf of Thailand, about 45 kilometres west of Ha Tien on the Vietnamese mainland and about 15 kilometres south of the Cambodian coast. It’s the largest island in Vietnam, covering an area of around 574 square kilometres. The island is part of Kien Giang Province and is relatively close to the Cambodian border. Its untouched nature and pristine coastline make it a premier vacation destination for wanderlusts to discover.

Whether you have heard about Vietnam’s ‘Pearl Island,’ let’s follow the guides to explore this magnificent island. From the top things to do in Phu Quoc, where to stay in Phu Quoc Island, and all the recommended beaches and cuisine, this in-depth Phu Quoc travel guide will get you covered.

An overview information about Phu Quoc Island

Where is Phu Quoc?

Phu Quoc is known for its diverse geography. It features beautiful white-sand beaches, dense tropical forests, and hilly terrain. The island’s interior is predominantly covered by a national park that covers a rich and biodiverse ecosystem, including mountains, streams, and various flora and fauna. There are various smaller islands surrounding Phu Quoc, contributing to the overall charm of the region.

Which time is best to travel to Phu Quoc?

According to many experienced travelers to Phu Quoc, choosing the most convenient time for your trip requires understanding the island’s climate. Located in the Southern region of Vietnam, Phu Quoc features a distinct tropical monsoon climate, dividing its weather into two seasons: dry and rainy.

– Dry season in Phu Quoc: Spanning from November to around April, this period boasts beautiful sunny weather with minimal rain, offering a pleasant climate. Therefore, the dry season is considered the ideal time to visit Phu Quoc.

– Rainy season in Phu Quoc: From May to October, Phu Quoc experiences frequent rain, varying from light showers to heavy downpours. Traveling by boat during this time may encounter large waves, affecting the journey. If opting to visit Phu Quoc during the rainy season, consider destinations in the northern part of the island, such as Bai Dai or Bai Dat Do.

It’s essential to note that during the transitional period (November), Phu Quoc may experience unpredictable weather changes. Therefore, check the weather forecast before traveling and pack accordingly to ensure a convenient and enjoyable trip.

Preparing for Your Trip to Phu Quoc

To ensure a smooth journey to Phu Quoc, here are essential items and preparations you should consider:

1. Personal Documents: Whether traveling to Phu Quoc or any destination, it’s crucial to carry personal documents for airport check-ins, hotel stays, or other modes of transportation. Carrying these documents also serves as a precaution for unexpected incidents during your trip.
2. Clothing: As Phu Quoc is known for its long, resort-style vacations, prioritizes comfortable and convenient clothing for extended travel. If planning to visit religious sites with a dress code, pack long pants or a shoulder-covering jacket.
3. Personal Items: Some indispensable personal items for a trip to Phu Quoc include face masks, hand sanitizer, sunglasses, a camera, sunscreen, and cash. Be sure to have these essentials for a hassle-free and enjoyable experience.”

How to get to Phu Quoc island

By flight

In the realm of rare islands with their private airports, traveling to Phu Quoc by plane is the most convenient and time-saving. Most domestic airlines offer flights to Phu Quoc from major cities.

– The Hanoi – Phu Quoc flight takes over 2 hours, with ticket prices ranging from $53.50 to $82.30 per way.

– The Ho Chi Minh City – Phu Quoc flight is just 1 hour, priced between $19.55 and $37.04 per way.

>>> View more about transportation information in Phu Quoc

Here are some tips for purchasing flight tickets when traveling to Phu Quoc:

1. Choose strategic times to hunt for deals from airlines. If lucky, you might snag a Phu Quoc flight ticket for as low as $0 or $4.07.
2. Buying tickets during the low tourist season is a great way to find affordable Phu Quoc flight tickets.
3. It’s advisable to book Phu Quoc flight tickets as early as possible, ideally 3 to 6 months in advance.
4. Opt for off-peak hours to secure better prices for your Phu Quoc flight.

Upon landing at Phu Quoc Airport, a journey of around 10 km will take you to Duong Dong town. The most common transportation method is a taxi, priced between $7.41 and $9.05 per trip. If you have light luggage and seek cost savings, numerous motorcycle taxis wait near the airport area, charging approximately $2.47.

Other forms of transportation

Those traveling to Phu Quoc from the southern provinces can experience the thrill of a high-speed boat journey. First, take a bus from Ho Chi Minh City to Rach Gia or Ha Tien. The journey takes approximately 9 hours, with ticket prices ranging from $6.58 to $7.82 per way. Popular bus companies include Hoang Minh, Lien Hung, and Kumho Samco.

From Ha Tien to Phu Quoc, you have two options:

1. Superdong 6, 7, 8, 9 high-speed ferries or Ngoc Thanh ferry: Priced at $8.85 to $9.47 per ticket.
2. Thanh Thoi high-speed ferry or Superdong P1 ferry: Priced at $7.61 per ticket.

From Rach Gia to Phu Quoc:

1. Superdong ferries, with codes 3, 5, 10, 12: Priced at $13.58 per ticket.
2. Ngoc Thanh ferry: Priced at $11.52 per ticket.

From Thailand, you can opt for a direct flight from Bangkok to Phu Quoc in under 2 hours, with prices starting from 120US$. Furthermore, although Phu Quoc is located incredibly close to Cambodia, there is neither direct flights nor a ferry to the island! Instead, following the instructions above, you must travel to Vietnam with whichever transportation you prefer and then journey to Phu Quoc from wherever you are.

Visa information

Citizens from many countries can enter Vietnam without applying for a visa beforehand and can stay up to 15-30 days, depending on their passports. We have good news for you! Phu Quoc, in fact, has more relaxed visa rules than Vietnam. You might be able to stay up to 30 days in Phu Quoc without a visa!

>>> View more about Vietnam Visa Policy.

How to travel around Phu Quoc island

After successfully reaching Phu Quoc, the next step is to find transportation to explore the island.

1. Motorbike Rental: Upon arriving in Phu Quoc, you can rent a motorbike to navigate between attractions, with prices ranging from $4.94 to $6.17 per day per bike. This is a popular choice for experienced Phu Quoc travelers. You can inquire about rentals at hotels on the island or directly from rental services. Notably, there are no designated parking lots, and locals often leave their keys in their vehicles without any concerns about theft. Locals assure visitors that theft is uncommon due to the island’s small size, encouraging travelers to follow the same practice if they wish.

2. Taxi: Due to the considerable distance between tourist spots on the large island, taxis are a convenient option, especially for larger groups. Some well-known taxi companies in Phu Quoc include Vinasun (Phone: 0297.3.8.27.27.27), Taxi Phu Quoc (Phone: 0297.3.75.75.75), Sasco (Phone: 0297.3.97.97.97), and Mai Linh (Phone: 0297.3.97.97.97).

3. Car Rental: For a more cost-effective option than taxis, consider renting a self-driving car at prices ranging from $24.69 to $32.92 per day per car.

Duc Hung Phu Quoc car rental

• Address: Suoi May, Duong To Commune, Phu Quoc
• Phone number: 0969 265 111 
• Cost: 700,000 – 1,300,000 VND/day
• Website: https://dulichduchung.vn/

Anh Phat car rental in Phu Quoc

• Address: No. 92, Tran Hung Dao Street, Phu Quoc
• Phone number: 0896 861 666 or 0849 678 888
• Cost: 800,000 – 1,100,000 VND/day

Cuong Phu Thinh car rental 

• Address: Nguyen Hue Street, Duong Dong town, Phu Quoc
• Phone number: 0896 861 666 or 0849 678 888
• Cost: 700,000 – 2,000,000 VND/day
• Website: https://daongoctour.com/

Where to go

North of Phu Quoc

The Northern part of Phu Quoc Island boasts a rich beauty with its pristine forests. There are also beaches and unspoiled fishing villages, relatively untouched by commercialism. Below are some points of interest: 

Vinpearl Safari is one of the most famous attractions in the island’s northern part, home to over 3,000 individual animals, including birds, mammals, and reptiles from 175 different species. The Safari is divided into two areas: an open zoo for visitors to explore the captive breeding area and a section for wild animals. Visitors are taken on specialized vehicles for the tour.

– Address: Located in Bai Dai area, Ganh Dau commune.

– Opening hours: 9:00 – 16:00.

Ganh Dau Cape is a peninsula that protrudes into the sea, situated northwest of the island. Due to its remote location and fewer visitors, Ganh Dau Cape retains its pristine beauty with rocky cliffs of various shapes and a serene, azure beach.

Phu Quoc National Park spans over 31,400 hectares and is home to hundreds of animal and plant species. This destination has diverse ecosystems, including mountains, forests, seas, waterfalls, and streams. Here, you’ll explore lush vegetation and admire pure streams such as Tranh Stream, Da Ban Stream, and Da Ngan Stream. Joining the 4-hour tour, visitors can conquer the peak of Mount Chua, standing at 565 meters high, to behold the vast and vibrant landscapes of the park.

Rach Vem fishing village, located approximately 15 kilometres from Duong Dong town, also known as the “starfish kingdom,” is a beloved spot for tourists to take photos. Besides its clear blue waters, the abundant presence of starfish is also a special feature of this place. The period from December to April marks the calm sea, making it the best time for excellent visibility of the starfish in the clear waters.

South of Phu Quoc

Sao Beach is one of the prettiest beaches in Phu Quoc, located in An Thoi town, about 28 kilometres from Duong Dong town. In here, the water here is very clear, and the long stretch of smooth white sand spans over 7 kilometres. Therefore, visitors can walk on the sandy beach, listen to the peaceful waves in the morning, go for a swim, and take beautiful pictures.

Also, the calm water and gentle waves make it great for water activities like kayaking. You can rent a kayak for around $4.12 to $6.17.

Long Beach spans approximately 20 kilometres and is one of the best spots to enjoy stunning sunsets on Pearl Island. Visitors can head to the Sunset Sanato Beach Club. Various scenes are made from bamboo, such as bridges leading to the sea, water buffalo statues, a seashell house and swings. These adorn this place and allow tourists to capture beautiful images in the golden-orange evening light.

Dinh Bà and Dinh Cậu are two of the most sacred destinations in Phu Quoc, located in Duong Dong town. Associated with numerous legends about the Lord Quy, Lord Tai, the Jade Emperor, Thuy Long, Holy Mother, this is a place where fishermen come to pray for peace, favourable weather, and a bountiful fishing season. Every year on the 15th of January, there are many significant festivals here.

Phu Quoc Prison, situated in the Coconut Tree Hamlet, An Thoi Commune, is a historical site that attracts tourists. It has reconstructed some scenes to depict its history and offers free admission daily from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

– Address: 350 Nguyen Van Cu, Hamlet 4, Cay Dua Hamlet, An Thoi commune (30 km from Duong Dong town).

– Opening hours: 08:00 – 11:30 and from 13:30 – 17:00.

– Ticket price: Free.

The Phu Quoc Night Market is located on Bach Dang Street, approximately 1 km from Dinh Cau. It features numerous stalls selling fresh seafood and local specialties such as fish sauce, sim fruit candy, pepper, and handmade crafts from 5 pm to 11 pm. Besides exploring and shopping, visitors should not miss the chance to savor the delicious fresh seafood on display and prepared at the market.

– Address: Vo Thi Sau – Tran Hung Dao intersection near Dinh Cau.

– Operating hours: 19:00 – 23:00.

>>> You might be interested: Top things to do in Phu Quoc

Where to stay in Phu Quoc Island

As Vietnam’s largest island and a paradise for resort tourism, There is a diverse range of hotels and resorts in Phu Quoc to cater to the convenience of many visitors flocking to this gem.

Resort in Phu Quoc

The top choice undoubtedly lies in the upscale resorts, offering the most tranquil moments of relaxation. Unquestionably, names that come up frequently include JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay, Vinpearl Phu Quoc Resort, Eden Resort Phu Quoc, Salinda Resort Phu Quoc Island… These are like small rewards amidst the azure sea, where guests can indulge in the most attentive and caring services.

Hotel in Phu Quoc

If you’re looking for more budget-friendly accommodation, you can opt for the 2-3-star hotel segment in Phu Quoc. With modern designs and convenient central locations, many travelers also choose these options. Some top favorites in this category include Brenta Hotel Phu Quoc, Tom Hill Resort & Spa Phu Quoc, Phu Van Resort Phu Quoc,…

>>> You might be interested: Top 6 Most Luxurious Restaurants in Phu Quoc 

More recommendations for your travel to Phu Quoc

For more tips to enjoy a perfect trip to Phu Quoc Island, the information below will be helpful:

What should you prepare before and during the trip?

Here are what you should prepare for your excursion in Phu Quoc:

– Essential documents: You should bring your identity card to check at the airport or hotel or buy tickets. Otherwise, you could get into some unexpected troubles.

– Cash: For convenience, in addition to ATM cards, you should also prepare some cash in your wallet in case of an emergency.

– Clothing: You should prepare suitable kinds of clothes for the corresponding activities, such as swimsuits, lovely dresses, shorts…  They will be helpful if you want to take more photos.

– Other personal belongings: Depending on your needs, you should bring some other belongings like face masks, cameras, sunglasses, sunscreen, cosmetics,…

How much is the total travel expense for your reference?

According to Phu Quoc Island review by many tourists, all expenses for the trip to Phu Quoc include plane tickets, hotel fees, food costs, transportation and ticket prices, and sightseeing fees,…

On average, the travel expense of a Phu Quoc tour for 3 days and 2 nights can range from 5,000,000 to 7,000,000 VND/person. Specifically, the plane ticket is about 1,000,000 – 3,000,000 VND/round trip, the hotel fee is about 1,700,000 – 4,000,000 VND/person, and the budget for eating is around 1,500,000 VND/person.

However, the cost of a Phu Quoc tour may vary depending on your specific schedule and the activities you participate in. Therefore, you can refer to the above-estimated travel expenses to make the best preparation for your trip.

>>> You might be interested: 12 Days Vietnam Relaxing Tour With Phu Quoc Island

What should you buy as gifts?

If you intend to buy gifts after completing your trip, here are some suggestions for you:

– Pearls: The top quality semi-artificial pearls in Phu Quoc Island are luxurious gifts that you should buy to give to the one you love.

– Kheo cake: It is a rustic cake made from flour mixed with different fillings such as taro, green beans, coconut, and more. It has a sweet taste that you cannot forget.

– Dried seafood:  Dried shrimp, dried squid, dried lychee, dried flea fish, dried mackerel, dried barracuda, etc., are Phu Quoc sea gifts recommended for you.

– Rose myrtle wine: It is famous for its medicinal effect on health, such as treating aches and pains or assisting digestion.

– Phu Quoc fish sauce: Phu Quoc fish sauce has a characteristic flavor, becoming one of the best gifts to bring home.

– Phu Quoc pepper: Thanks to the incomparable pungent and aromatic taste, Phu Quoc pepper is listed among the top choices for gifts that you should consider.

>>> PRO TIPS: 10 Vietnam Travel Tips

Sinking your toes into the sand, trekking through hidden rainforests, and learning to cook local delicacies with new friends. This is your Phu Quoc story waiting to be written. Embrace the island’s magic and create memories that will warm your heart forever.

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