Phu Quoc

Phu Quoc sits in the warm waters of the Gulf of Thailand, off the southwestern tip of Vietnam, and it earns its nickname as the Emerald Island easily. Lush national park covers the northern half of the island. Pristine beaches fringe its coastline on every side. Fishing villages dot the shoreline with the kind of unhurried charm that larger resort islands lost long ago. Phu Quoc has grown quickly as a destination in recent years, but it remains one of the most naturally beautiful islands in Southeast Asia. Come for the beaches, stay for the sunsets, and leave with a bottle of the island’s legendary fish sauce.

Top things to do in Phu Quoc

Relax on Long Beach and Sao Beach

Phu Quoc has no shortage of beautiful beaches, but two stand out above the rest. Long Beach stretches for 20 kilometres along the western coast and is famous for its extraordinary sunsets. The water is calm and warm, and the beach is lined with a good mix of casual restaurants and resort bars. Sao Beach, on the southeastern coast, is quieter and more pristine. Its powder-white sand and turquoise water rival anything in the region. Go in the morning for the clearest water and the fewest crowds.

Ride the Hon Thom Cable Car

The cable car connecting An Thoi port to Hon Thom Island is one of the longest over-water cable car rides in the world, stretching nearly 8 kilometres above the sea. The views from the cabins over the island archipelago and the Gulf of Thailand are spectacular. At the other end, Hon Thom Island has beaches, water sports, and walking trails to explore. It is a worthwhile half-day trip in its own right, quite apart from the ride itself.

Snorkel and Dive Around the Southern Islands

The waters around Phu Quoc’s southern archipelago are among the clearest in Vietnam. Coral reefs teem with marine life, and visibility on calm days can reach 15 metres or more. Most dive operators are based in Duong Dong town and offer day trips to the best sites around the An Thoi Islands. Snorkelling is equally rewarding and accessible to all. The dry season, particularly December to March, offers the best underwater conditions.

Visit a Fish Sauce Factory

Phu Quoc fish sauce is among the most prized in all of Vietnam. Produced using a traditional fermentation method with anchovies and sea salt in large wooden barrels, it has earned a geographical indication status that sets it apart from imitations. Several factories in Duong Dong town open their doors to visitors for free guided tours. The smell is powerful but the experience is fascinating, and picking up a bottle to take home makes for an exceptional souvenir.

Explore Phu Quoc National Park

More than half of the island is protected as national park, and the interior rewards those who venture beyond the beaches. Trails wind through dense tropical forest to waterfalls, rock pools, and hillside viewpoints. Suoi Tranh Waterfall is the most accessible entry point, with a short forest walk leading to a series of natural cascades. The park is also one of the few remaining habitats of the Phu Quoc Ridgeback, a dog breed unique to the island and recognised internationally for its distinctive spine of forward-growing hair.

Wander the Duong Dong Night Market

Every evening, the night market in Duong Dong town comes alive with stalls selling fresh seafood, local snacks, grilled meats, and island specialities. It is one of the best places to try Phu Quoc’s distinctive food culture, including sea urchin, grilled scallops with spring onion oil, and sim wine, a sweet rose-coloured wine made from wild myrtle berries that grows only on the island. The atmosphere is lively and informal, and the prices are very reasonable.

Phu Quoc Weather

Phu Quoc has two distinct seasons. The dry season runs from November to April, bringing sunny skies, calm seas, and ideal conditions for beaches and water sports. December to March is the most popular period and the best time for snorkelling and diving. The rainy season runs from May to October, with the heaviest rain falling between July and September. Even so, downpours tend to be short and sharp rather than all-day affairs. The island remains warm and green year-round, with average temperatures around 27 degrees Celsius.

Phu Quoc Transport

Phu Quoc International Airport receives direct flights from Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, and several international destinations. From Ho Chi Minh City, the flight takes around 45 minutes. Alternatively, ferries connect the island to Ha Tien and Rach Gia on the mainland. Once on the island, motorbike rental is the most practical and popular way to explore. Taxis and the Grab app are also available, though distances between beaches and attractions can be significant. Having your own wheels makes a real difference here.