Phu Quoc Travel Guide: Discover Vietnam’s Tropical Island Paradise

Phu Quoc, Vietnam’s largest island, is a tropical haven located in the Gulf of Thailand. Known for its pristine white-sand beaches, lush jungles, and a laid-back island vibe, Phu Quoc is an ideal destination for both relaxation and adventure. Once a hidden gem, the island has grown into a world-class tourist destination while still retaining its charm and natural beauty.
 

As your virtual tour guide, let me take you through everything you need to know to plan your unforgettable trip to Phu Quoc Island.

📍 Where is Phu Quoc?

Province: Kien Giang

Region: Southern Vietnam

Located: In the Gulf of Thailand, near Cambodia’s border

Travel Access: Accessible by air and sea

🌴 Why Visit Phu Quoc?

✅ White sandy beaches and turquoise water
✅ Sunsets over the ocean every evening
✅ A mix of luxury resorts, backpacker hostels, and local homestays
✅ Snorkeling, diving, and island hopping opportunities
✅ Fresh seafood and local specialties
✅ A blend of natural landscapes, cultural sites, and nightlife

✈️ How to Get to Phu Quoc

By Air

Direct flights to Phu Quoc International Airport (PQC) from major cities like Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Da Nang, and international hubs like Bangkok and Seoul.

By Ferry

From Rach Gia or Ha Tien (mainland Mekong Delta cities), ferries operate daily to Phu Quoc.

🏖️ Top Attractions in Phu Quoc

1. Long Beach (Bai Truong)

The island’s most popular beach, stretching over 20 km

Lined with resorts, restaurants, beach bars, and sunset spots

Ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and nightlife

2. Sao Beach (Bai Sao)

One of the most picturesque beaches with powdery white sand and calm turquoise waters

Great for families, couples, and drone photography

Located on the eastern coast of the island

3. Phu Quoc National Park

Covers over 50% of the island

Home to dense rainforests, waterfalls, and rare wildlife

Ideal for trekking, birdwatching, and connecting with nature

Ganh Dau Trail and Mount Chua are popular trekking spots

4. Hon Thom (Pineapple Island) & Cable Car Ride

World’s longest over-sea cable car connects Phu Quoc with Hon Thom

Offers incredible aerial views of the ocean and nearby islets

Hon Thom itself is great for snorkeling, water parks, and beach activities

5. Dinh Cau Night Market

Located in Duong Dong town

Perfect for trying street food, seafood BBQ, souvenirs, and local crafts

Lively atmosphere every evening

6. VinWonders & Vinpearl Safari

VinWonders: Vietnam’s largest theme park with water slides, rides, and shows

Vinpearl Safari: Open zoo featuring animals from around the world

Great for families and visitors of all ages

7. Phu Quoc Prison Museum (Coconut Tree Prison)

A sobering look at Vietnam’s history

Former wartime prison turned museum

Exhibits on prisoner life during the Vietnam War

8. Pepper Farms & Fish Sauce Factories

Phu Quoc is famous for high-quality pepper and traditional fish sauce

Visit local farms and factories to learn about production and sample products

9. Ho Quoc Pagoda

A majestic Buddhist temple overlooking the sea

Peaceful and scenic, ideal for a quiet cultural experience

Especially beautiful at sunrise

🏝️ Best Island-Hopping Destinations Near Phu Quoc

Hon Xuong (Robinson Island) – A remote paradise for snorkeling

An Thoi Archipelago – Group of 15 small islands with clear waters and coral reefs

Hon May Rut & Hon Mong Tay – Stunning beaches, snorkeling, and boat tours

🪂 Activities & Experiences

🌊 Water Sports

Snorkeling & Scuba Diving – Coral reefs in the south and northwest

Kayaking & Paddleboarding – Calm waters around Long Beach and Ong Lang

Fishing Tours – Day or night squid fishing trips available

🌅 Sunset Watching

Top sunset bars: Rory’s Beach Bar, Sunset Sanato Beach Club, Rock Sunset Island Bar

🧘 Wellness & Spa

Many resorts offer yoga, meditation, and spa packages with ocean views

Popular spots: Salinda Resort, Fusion Resort, Mango Bay

🍽️ What to Eat in Phu Quoc

Must-Try Dishes

Seafood BBQ – Grilled lobster, scallops, and squid with local sauces

Bún quậy – A unique noodle dish where diners mix raw shrimp and fish with hot broth

Gỏi cá trích – Herring salad with herbs and coconut

Crab with tamarind sauce – Rich and flavorful local favorite

Recommended Restaurants

Crab House – Western-style seafood dining

Xin Chao Restaurant – Vietnamese cuisine with sea views

Night Market Stalls – Affordable and delicious street food

The Pepper Tree (La Veranda Resort) – Upscale fine dining

🏨 Where to Stay in Phu Quoc

Luxury Resorts

JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay – 5-star fantasy-style resort designed by Bill Bensley

InterContinental Phu Quoc Long Beach – Modern elegance and world-class amenities

Fusion Resort Phu Quoc – Wellness resort with spa-inclusive services

Mid-Range

Cassia Cottage – Charming boutique resort

Seashells Phu Quoc – Centrally located with ocean views

La Veranda Resort – Colonial-style luxury with great dining

Budget-Friendly

Langchia Hostel – Backpacker favorite with a pool

88 Hilltop Hostel – Stunning panoramic views

Phu Quoc Valley Resort – Budget bungalows in a lush garden setting

🛍️ Where to Shop

Duong Dong Market – Traditional market for fresh produce, seafood, and spices

Night Market – Souvenirs, t-shirts, beachwear, and local snacks

Farm Shops – Buy pepper, honey, and fish sauce directly from producers

📅 Best Time to Visit Phu Quoc

December to March is considered the peak tourist season with the best weather.

📸 Best Photo Spots

Sao Beach (white sand, turquoise water)

Sunset at Rory’s Beach Bar

Ho Quoc Pagoda at sunrise

Overwater shots from the cable car to Hon Thom

Long Beach palm tree swing

💡 Travel Tips

Use insect repellent when visiting forests or jungles

Bring cash – Some areas and shops do not accept cards

Rent a motorbike or scooter to explore the island

Check weather forecasts during the rainy season before island hopping

Negotiate prices in markets and with private boat tours

🏁 Final Thoughts

Phu Quoc is truly Vietnam’s tropical paradise, offering a little bit of everything: beautiful beaches, vibrant culture, eco-adventures, luxury resorts, and unforgettable sunsets. Whether you're traveling solo, with a partner, or as a family, Phu Quoc delivers an island experience unlike anywhere else in Vietnam.

With its rapidly growing tourism infrastructure yet untouched natural charm, now is the perfect time to visit Phu Quoc Island before it becomes the next Phuket or Bali.