Phu Quoc is Vietnam’s largest island, sitting in the Gulf of Thailand off the country’s southern coast. With 150 km of coastline, a national park covering more than half the island, and a food scene built around fresh seafood, fish sauce, and pepper, it has more than enough to fill a week.
This guide covers the best things to see and do, with practical details so you can plan quickly and spend more time on the beach.
Why Phu Quoc Belongs on Your List
Phu Quoc is not just a beach destination. The north has theme parks and safari. The south has island-hopping and coral reefs. The west coast has sunsets and beach bars. The east is quieter, wilder, and less developed. All nationalities can visit visa-free for up to 30 days when flying directly in and out of the island. It is one of the easiest tropical getaways in Southeast Asia.
Top 10 Things to See and Do
1. Sao Beach (Bai Sao)
The most photographed beach on the island. White sand, shallow turquoise water, palm trees. Go early in the morning for the best conditions. By midday it gets busy and some sections have jet ski touts.
| Address | Google Maps |
| Opening Hours | Open all day |
| Entrance Fee | Free (beach chairs 50,000 – 100,000 VND around $2 – $4) |
| Local Tips | Visit before 9 AM. The northern end is quieter. Bring your own water. |
2. Hon Thom Cable Car and Sun World
One of the longest sea-crossing cable cars in the world, stretching nearly 8 km from An Thoi to Hon Thom (Pineapple Island). The 15-minute ride has incredible views. On the other side: a water park, a beach, and an amusement zone.
| Address | Google Maps |
| Opening Hours | 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM |
| Entrance Fee | ~750,000 VND ($30) adults |
| Local Tips | Go on a clear day for the best views. The water park is included in the ticket. |
3. Phu Quoc Night Market
The heart of the island’s food scene. Dozens of stalls sell grilled seafood, fresh juices, coconut ice cream, and local snacks. Grilled scallops with peanuts and spring onion are a signature.
| Address | Google Maps |
| Opening Hours | 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM daily |
| Entrance Fee | Free |
| Local Tips | Get there by 6 PM for the best selection. A full seafood spread for two costs about 300,000–500,000 VND ($12- $20). |
4. Snorkeling and Island Hopping (An Thoi Islands)
The An Thoi Islands off the southern tip are Phu Quoc’s main snorkeling destination. Speedboat tours visit Gam Ghi, May Rut, and Fingernail Island. Expect colourful coral, clear water, and a seafood BBQ lunch on the beach.
| Tour Length | Half day (4-5 hrs) or full day (7-8 hrs) |
| Cost | 400,000-900,000 VND ($16-$36) per person |
| Best Season | November to April (calm seas, best visibility) |
| Local Tips | Book through your hotel or a tour desk in Duong Dong. Bring reef-safe sunscreen. |
5. Phu Quoc National Park and Suoi Tranh Waterfall
Phu Quoc National Park is a UNESCO-recognised biosphere reserve covering more than half the island. The most accessible trail leads to Suoi Tranh Waterfall, a 4-metre cascade with rock pools and picnic areas.
| Address | Google Maps |
| Opening Hours | 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Entrance Fee | 20,000 VND |
| Local Tips | Go early before the heat. Wear sturdy sandals. Allow two hours for the hike and pools. |
6. Ham Ninh Fishing Village
One of the oldest villages on the island and a working fishing port. The reason to come: fresh crab dipped in salt, pepper, and lime at waterfront stalls.
| Address | Google Maps |
| Opening Hours | Best visited morning to early afternoon |
| Entrance Fee | Free |
| Local Tips | A plate of crab costs 100,000-200,000 VND ($4-$8). The jetty has good views across to the mainland. |
7. VinWonders Phu Quoc
A large theme park on the northwest coast at Bai Dai. Roller coasters, water slides, aquarium, wave pool, and live shows. Families can easily spend a full day here.
| Address | Google Maps |
| Opening Hours | 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Entrance Fee | ~750,000 VND ($30) adults |
| Local Tips | Free shuttle buses from Duong Dong if you buy through a local agent. Combine with Vinpearl Safari next door. |
Taste the Island: Street Food and Local Flavours
Phu Quoc has its own regional dishes that are hard to find elsewhere in Vietnam.
- Bun quay: Hand-pulled rice noodle soup with fresh fish cake and a light broth. Best at breakfast in Duong Dong market.
- Raw herring salad (goi ca trich): Thinly sliced herring wrapped in rice paper with herbs, green banana, and coconut. A true local specialty.
- Grilled sea urchin: Topped with spring onion oil and peanuts. Available at the night market.
- Pepper-crusted crab: Made with Phu Quoc’s own black pepper. Order at Ham Ninh or any seafood restaurant.
- Fish sauce factory visits: Khai Hoan and Phung Hung offer free tours. See anchovies fermenting in massive wooden barrels for 12-15 months. It takes about 20 minutes.
Suggested Itineraries
If You Only Have One Day
| Time | Key Activities | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Morning (7:00-11:00 AM) | Sao Beach, then Suoi Tranh Waterfall | Go to the beach first, before it gets busy |
| Afternoon (12:00-5:00 PM) | Ham Ninh for crab lunch, then Dinh Cau Shrine at sunset | Combine the east coast and Duong Dong |
| Evening (6:00-10:00 PM) | Night market for seafood dinner | Arrive by 6 PM for the best selection |
If You Have Three Days
| Day | Morning | Afternoon | Evening |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Sao Beach | Hon Thom Cable Car + Sun World | Night market |
| Day 2 | Snorkeling at An Thoi Islands (full day tour) | Return to Duong Dong | Sunset drinks at Long Beach |
| Day 3 | Starfish Beach + north coast motorbike ride | VinWonders or Grand World | Squid fishing boat trip |
Best Time to Visit
Phu Quoc’s dry season runs from November to April, with clear skies, calm seas, and the best conditions for beaches, diving, and island hopping. The rainy season (May to October) brings lower prices and fewer crowds, but expect afternoon downpours and rougher seas. Some eastern beaches collect washed-up rubbish around October-November due to monsoon winds.
Getting Around and Travel Tips
- Motorbike rental: Around 150,000 VND/day ($6). Phu Quoc has wide, smooth roads and is a good place to ride, even for beginners.
- Grab: Available in busy areas around Duong Dong and the south.
- Private driver: Around 600,000 VND ($23) for a half day. Ask your hotel to arrange.
- Phu Quoc International Airport (PQC) is 10 km from Duong Dong. Grab or taxi: 80,000-150,000 VND ($3-$6), 15-20 minutes.
- PQC handles direct international flights from Singapore, Seoul, and Bangkok. Immigration queues can stretch well past an hour when multiple flights land at once.
- For a smoother airport experience at Phu Quoc or any of Vietnam’s major airports, use Fast Track Vietnam to skip long immigration queues and start your island holiday stress-free.
- Visa-free entry: All nationalities can visit Phu Quoc for up to 30 days when flying directly in and out of the island.
Final Thoughts
Phu Quoc rewards travelers who mix beach days with local exploration. Rent a motorbike, eat at the night market, take a boat to the southern islands, and save at least one evening for sunset on the west coast. Three to five days covers the highlights without rushing.
The island is easy to enjoy once you are past the airport. And that part is easy too. With Fast Track Vietnam, we help to clear immigration in minutes, so your holiday starts the moment you land.