Introduction

Phu Quoc is Vietnam’s largest island, and fast becoming the country’s premier beach destination. There are dozens of excellent beaches on Phu Quoc Island, and this guide covers them all, including my tips for accommodation on each one. In recent years, upgraded infrastructure – including a road network across the entire island – has opened access to more and more of Phu Quoc’s beaches.

The island is currently in a state of transformation: there are only a handful of beaches left on the island where there isn’t large-scale resort construction or the presence of litter. As a general rule, the south and western coast is increasingly developed and in the midst of major constructionUse this maxim as a guide to which part of the island may suit you best. Here are everything about Phu Quoc travel guide for you in the first time coming here.

Transportations to Phu Quoc

By plane

Phu Quoc International Airport (PQC) is located at the southern end of Long Beach, approximately nine kilometres from Duong Dong town. Opened in 2012, the new airport was built to accommodate larger aircraft and international flights. Furthermore, there are several flights a day from Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, and though Vietnam Airlines has had direct flights from Singapore and Siem Reap in the past, as of January 2016 there were no regularly scheduled international flights. Domestic flights are increased during high season. Below are some travelling tips in Phu Quoc for you to book flight to Phu Quoc Island.

Domestic
Ho Chi Minh City (Jetstar, Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air)
Hanoi (Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air)
Rach Gia (Vietnam Airlines)
Can Tho (Vietnam Airlines)

Jetstar offers an airport shuttle to/from Duong Dong. Cost is 50,000 dong per person. From transport from town to the airport, you or your hotel can call their hotline T: (077) 660 8686.

Meter taxis are lined up out from. A 20,000 dong surcharge applies for taxis leaving the airport.

There are three ATMs under the outside stairwell that connects to the second floor departures level.

By Boat

In term of boat, weather permitting, ferries make the trip at least once a day from both Ha Tien and Rach Gia to Phu Quoc and in the reverse. The vast majority of travellers take the catchily-named Superdong fast ferry, which is efficient, orderly, air-con and comfortable. Seating is assigned and you even get a bottle of water, a moist towelette and entertainment on flatscreen TVs.

The Superdong office in town has English speaking staff and is open daily from 06:00 to 20:30. Superdong ferries arrive/depart from Bai Vong Pier on the east coast of Phu Quoc. When you buy your ferry ticket, you can also purchase a bus transfer to/from the pier for only 30,000 dong per person. The bus leaves the office one hour before boat departure.

10 Duong 30/4, Ward 2, Duong Dong town, Phu Quoc
T: (077) 3980 111 F: (077) 3846 180
superdong_2008@yahoo.com.vn
superdong.com.vn

More departures can be added during peak holiday seasons (Saturday, Sunday, Tet and during summer months of May to July). In times of rough weather, when winds exceed safe levels, boats can be cancelled for days on end – in which every scrambles to get a flight. Weather is more unpredictable in rainy season and flying may save you from the headache. We will share you some tips to take bus:  

Phu Quoc to Ha Tien: Departs at 08:00, 13:00. Takes 1 hour 15 minutes and costs adults 230,000 dong, children 160,000 dong, elderly 195,000 dong, disabled 170,000 dong. On Saturday, Sunday, public and summer holidays, extra departures may be added at 09:45 or 10:00 and 14:30. 

Ha Tien to Phu Quoc: Departs at 08:00, 13:50. On Saturday, Sunday, public and summer holidays, extra departures may be added at 07:30, 10:00, 12:00, 12:15 or 14:00.

Phu Quoc to Rach Gia: Departs at 08:00, 13:00. Takes 2 hours 30 minutes and costs adults 340,000 dong, children 250,000 dong, elderly 290,000 dong, disabled 255,000 dong. On Saturday, Sunday, public and summer holidays, extra departures may be added at 08:45 and 12:40. 

Rach Gia to Phu Quoc: Departs at 08:00, 08:45, 13:00. On Saturday, Sunday, public and summer holidays, an extra departure may be added at 12:40.

Vehicles to get around Phu Quoc

By bicycle: Commonly, your hotel, hostel or resort have bicycles for borrowing to get around.

By jeep: You can contact with your travel agent to book jeep

By motorbike : You can hire from locals or directly from your hotel. You need to leave your passport or deposit.

By taxi : Some of recommended brand names of taxi : Mai Linh, Hoang Long Phu Quoc, Sasco Phu Quoc

By boat : Contact with travel agent or your hotel, they will help you to hire scuba diving, snorkeling, go deep-sea fishing.

On foot: If you want to take your time to enjoy environment with lowest cost transportation, walking is a good choice ! We recommend you to choose hotels which are located in middle of island or center to get around easier.

Accommodations in Phu Quoc Island

There are some hotels, resorts, guesthouse, homestay we recommend for you in Phu Quoc travel guide:

• Famiana Resort: Cua Ap, Duong To, Bai Dai, Phu Quoc Price: 1,890,000 VND ($84) Service: Squid fishing tour
• Orange resort: 85/5 Tran Hung Dao, Bai Dai, Phu Quoc Price: 1,252,000 VND ($56) Service : Tour
• Thien Phu Nghia Guesthouse : 30/04 Stress, Duong Dong, Duong To, Phu Quoc Price: 260, 000 VND – 460,000 VND ($13-23$) Service: Tour
• Lang Cau Homestay : Tran Hung Dao, Bai Dai, Phu Quoc Price : 200,000 VND – 400,000 VND ($10-$20) Service: Fishing tour
• Davi Phu Quoc : Tran Hung Dao, Bai Dai, Phu Quoc Price: 401,000 VND ($20) Service : Fishing Tour

Places to visit at Phu Quoc Island

1. The North of Island

Pepper Garden at Suoi Da hamlet, Duong To Commune, Phu Quoc

Phu Quoc Island is home to the largest pepper gardens in Mekong Delta. This island is dubbed the “kingdom of pepper”.

Nguyen Trung Truc Temple

Location : 8 Nguyen Cong Tru, Vinh Thanh ward, Rach Gia city, Kien Giang, Vietnam

The temples worshiping Nguyen Trung Truc have been built in many places in the South Vietnam such as Long An, Rach Gia, Phu Quoc…, yet the temple in Rach Gia is considered the largest one. The temple was built in 1964 and inaugurated in 1970. The temple retains its appearance of Tam (Three) shape (letter in Kanji) with the three-gate entrance and a stone incense burner in front of the sanctum. 

Ganh Dau Cape

Ganh Dau cape is located in the northern section of Phu Quoc Island, which pristine forests, mountains, seas remain intact. Compared to southern North Island is sparsely populated and much poorer. However, natural beauty, are not inferior, Ganh Dau is an example. Here is a bow beach running over 500 meters long, shielded by two mountains.

Hon Thom (Pineapple Island)

Hon Thom Island (Pineapple Island) is the largest island in the An Thoi archipelago, south of An Thoi Town. This island is under the administration of Hon Thom Commune which consists of 18 islands in the area. Currently the main economic activity on Hon Thom Island is fishing, however due to its size, rich water, and its proximity to the Phu Quoc Mainland, there are plans to develop the island into the next tourist destination complete with resorts, vacation homes, and even a golf course.

Suoi Tranh Waterfall

Suoi Tranh Waterfall is a four-metre-tall waterfall within the Ham Ninh Mountains that’s surrounded by lush greenery, natural caves, and rock pools. A 10-minute drive from Duong Dong, this natural attraction is ideal for those looking to escape the bustling town centre. 

Da Ban Stream

Da Ban Stream is an eco-tourist destination for those who love to explore the natural beauty, this is a completely tourist attraction difference in Phu Quoc island. The stream originates from Ham Ninh, the highest and longest mountain among the 99 peaks on Phu Quoc. From a distance, tourists can hear the water cascading but the closer they come, the stronger they hear the sounds

Bai Dai (Long ) Beach

Long Beach is a 20-km-long coastal area on Phu Quoc Island, where you can find swanky beachfront resorts, beachfront restaurants, cafés and bars with breathtaking sunset views. Also known as Bai Truong, the beach is still relatively pristine with plenty of palm trees and soft sands. 

Coi Nguon Museum

There are 2,645 antiques made from stone, pottery, bronze and fossil wood dated from the 15th century to the early 20th century and 540 artifacts consisting of furniture, artworks and fishing tool and household appliances. There are also around 100 traditional paintings.

Vinpearl Safari

Vinpearl Safari Park – Vietnam’s largest wildlife conservation park . Nestled in Bai Dai, the Northwest coast of Phu Quoc Island, Vinpearl Safari Park, boasting to be Vietnam’s largest zoological park, conserve abundant indigenous and exotic flora and fauna. The sanctuary is home to 400 species of plants, and 2000 wild animals representing 130 different species, many of which are considered rare.

Ham Ninh Fishing Village

Ham Ninh Fishing Village is an ideal locale for foreign visitors looking to experience the daily life of local fishermen as well as authentic regional dishes at affordable prices. Widely known as one of the oldest villages on Phu Quoc Island, its residents’ main sources of income include diving for pearls and sea cucumbers, fishing and, in recent years, selling handmade souvenirs and seafood delicacies to tourists. 

2. The East and Douth of the Island

Bai Sao Star Beach

Is Bai Sao beach (Star Beach) really a heaven in Phu Quoc Island? According to many tourists, under the realistic experience of them in Phu Quoc, it is said that Bai Sao is considered one of the best beach in Vietnam, when it comes to landscape, the quality of sea water and sand, tourist density, etc. If you are wondering which beaches to choose to visit in Vietnam, then Bai Sao beach may be the most suitable choice for your family’s trip to Phu Quoc.

Pearl Shop

Not really a “farm” or a touristic attraction to go to. Only go if you plan to buy pearls and want to have a large variety to choose from. At the start you see some dead fish, a short movie and next is a big hall full of sales lady EAGER to sell to you or make you buy.

Fish Sauce Factory

Phu Quoc is famous for its production of very high quality fish sauce which is exported worldwide and is a major contributor to the islands economy. Fish sauce or nuoc mâm is a dipping sauce which complements most Vietnamese meals to add a saltiness flavour. It is made from combining anchovies, salt, and water and sometimes the pepper grown on the island and fermented through various stages for six months up to a year before being drained from the large barrels into different grades from the top quality lighter coloured sauce to the basic cooking sauce, both of which are high in protein. Phu Quoc produces over an incredible 12 million litres of fish sauce each year and has around 85 factories on the island, so it’s well worth visiting one of the many factories on the island.

Foods to try at Phu Quoc

1. Sea urchin (Cau gai bien)

Regardless of the danger sea urchin may cause when diving, people still love dishes made from them. To be honest, the sea urchins contribute to the value and uniqueness of the Phu Quoc cuisine cause of its too mouth-watering and full of nutrition. First, cut a sea urchin into two halves, and then wash all blood vessels from its body. Many locals suppose that grilling is the common way the majority of travelers prefer. Just lightly grill, top them up with onion and peanuts and all you need to do is to take a spoon of the flesh and eggs inside then enjoy with the mixture of salt, lime juice and pepper

The taste of sea urchins including the fat mixed with sweetness of the ingredients to create an unforgettable taste. Inspite of quick-process to be readily served, this dish will gives you an appetite with a different feel to the spicy dish served with mustard or porridge. 

Place to eat Sea urchin (Cau gai bien)

• Song Xanh Restaurant on 30/4 street.
• Trung Duong Marina Restaurant at 136 30/4 street.
• Dinh Cau Night Market

Price: from 20,000-50,0000

2. Fried Squids with Fish Sauce

The squid season is from February to May of the Lunar year so many fisherman will catch and only impeccably fresh squids are selected to process. There are many ways to cook them such as making porridge, steam, boil, grilled, fry each of cooking way has it own task, especially fried squid will make you feel the distict smell of Phu Quoc island.

Squid is a little bigger than a human thumb and contains a lot of nutritious egg squid in their belly. Squid which is fried with fish sauce, sugar and seasoning powder making alsolutely incredible chewy, toothsome dishes. This fancy scent would captivate anyone passing by, make them have to stop and show their curious about this fried eggy squid street-shops on the roadside.

Place to eat Fried Squids with Fish Sauce

• Dinh Cau Market
• Hai San Lang Be (Lang Be Seafood) at Ham Ninh fishing village
• Song Xanh Restaurant on 30/4 street

Price: VND 30,000 – 50,000 /plate

3. Spidercrab Fried Rice ( Com chien ghe)

Best local food in Phu Quoc island – Do not be surprise if you come to any restaurants on the island and find out that spider crab fried rice is always on the menu. Crab Fried Rice is a combination beautiful yellow rice fried with egg and is served with sliced cucumber, vegetables, sliced tomato green peas, corns and prepared fish sauce … all blended to create a unique flavor that visitors will be captivated when traveling to Phu Quoc Island. It is a delicious and nutritious dish which hosts a mouth watering flavor. 

Place to eat Spidercrab Fried Rice

• Song Xanh Restaurant on 30/4 street.
• Trung Duong Marina Restaurant at 136 30/4 street.
• (Apple Garden restaurant) at Cua Lap Hamlet, Duong To commune.

4. Raw herring salad ( Goi Ca Trich) 

This is the local dish of people on the island which is very popular and well known dish in every meal that people often enjoy. Herring caught fresh then cleaned and sliced, then drop into the fresh lemon juice to remain the flesh flavor.
Eating the herring fillet pieces with rice paper, onion, , grated coconut, sliced red onion, basil, chilies, some peanuts and also enjoy with Phu Quoc spicy fish sauce spicy and sim wine to feel all the flavors of this delicious local cuisine. Also, sim wine is a specialty of Phu Quoc made from ripe red sim fruit and pretty similar to cocktails. Eating raw herring salad with sim wine will fulfill your wonderful experience when travelling to Phu Quoc

Place to eat Raw herring salad

• Song Xanh Restaurant on 30/4 street.
• Trung Duong Marina Restaurant at 136 30/4 street.
• (Apple Garden restaurant) at Cua Lap Hamlet, Duong To commune.

5. Ham Ninh Flower Crab

For anyone who come to Phu Quoc island – the province off the shore, sea food is always on the top of wanted try list food to fulfill the beach memory. The fresh red flower crabs get an amazing taste and rich nutrition when they get caught from the sea and immediately put into tank. You are allowed to pick up the freshest crab in tank and ask the waiter to cook what you chose.

Place to eat Ham Ninh Flower Crab

• Song Xanh restaurant on 30/4 street.
• Trung Duong Marina restaurant at 136 30/4 street.
• Vuon Tao restaurant (Apple Garden restaurant) at Cua Lap Hamlet, Duong To commune.

Focus Asia Travel : Phu Quoc Tours

Option 1: Mekong Delta 2-Day Cruise from Saigon or Phu Quoc

Highlights

• Experience the simple way of life of the Mekong Delta
• Spend the night aboard a wooden cruise boat
• Visit the floating market of Cai Rang

Option 2: North & South Phu Quoc Tour

Each destination you will have 20 to 30 minutes to visit.

9:00am: Our guide and car will pick you up at your hotel in Duong Dong Town then we will visit:

– Sim wine factory visit the brewer where Sim wine is produce from a gentle Rose Myrtle flower
– Pearl Farm where you can find out procedures of pearl production
– Coconut Prison
– Fish Sauce Factory: a sauce type famous on the island with name “Nước Mắm” produced from fresh fish.

12.00pm: Sao Beach where you can relax, go swimming or sunbath then have lunch in restaurant nearby (1.5 hours).

– Fishing Village (Hàm Ninh)
– Pepper Farm – Visit local pepper garden and meet the family who introduce about the harvesting of pepper – that is use around the world in everyone
– Cape Ganh Dau (Cambodia view)
– Nguyen Trung Truc Temple
– Vung Bau Beach pass for take the beautiful view picture.
– Phu Quoc Bee Farm

5:00pm: Get back to your hotel in Duong Dong Town

Option 3: Phu Quoc Sunset Cruise w/ Squid BBQ

6:00pm: Our driver will pick you up for transfer to the pier and cruise slowly into the sunset along with other fishermen boats for an exciting night! As the sun disappears, the boat will anchor at the best spot.

You can most likely catch squid and our crew will show you a secret technique, and method to catch of squid, exactly the local fishermen work to earn their living. 

Fishing gears & Baits will be ready for an interesting experience! On-spot-BBQ local fisherman style is just for you. This is absolutely a local experience “not to be missed with us”.

Option 4: Full Day Phu Quoc National Park Trekking Tour

Phu Quoc Trekking

Beautiful Phu Quoc Island welcomes you to discover with many attracting places. National Park and Cua Can River is main highlights for this tour. You will see how natural Phu Quoc is. Ecosystem here may makes you surprised and exciting. Our tour will not disappointed you any at all. 

Pepper Farm: “Visit local pepper garden & meet the family who introduce about the harvesting of pepper – that is use around the world in everyone kitchen”

National Park “Forest Walking”: walking inside for fresh air and take the pictur of the tree more than 100year.

Ganh Dau Cape: after we take a short break at local coffee house to View the Cambodian Border.

Vung Bau Beach: Enjoy 1.5 hours here to relax and suntan.

Cua Can River: Discover this lovely river by motorboat or kayak.

Fish Sauce Factory: Discover the island’s famous “Nước Mắm,” a sauce produced from fresh fish.

Sim Wine: Visit the brewery where Sim wine is produced from a gentle Rose Myrtle flower.

Option 5: 10-Day Relaxing Vietnam Tour From Ho Chi Minh City to Phu Quoc Beach, Halong Bay, Mekong Delta and Hanoi 

Day01:Ho Chi Minh City Arrival

 Hotel: ELIOS (3*) / BLUEDIAMOND (3*) / SUNRISE (3*) / CENTRAL PALACE (4*) or similar

Day02:Ho Chi Minh City Tour – Cu Chi Tunnels Tour

 Hotel: ELIOS (3*) / BLUEDIAMOND (3*) / SUNRISE (3*) / CENTRAL PALACE (4*) or similar

Day03:Mekong Delta – Can Tho

 Hotel: HAU GIANG (3*) / ANH DAO MEKONG (3*) / WEST (4*) or similar

Day04:Can Tho – Cai Rang Floating Market – Rach Gia

 Hotel: DAI LUONG (3*) or similar

Day05:Rachi Gia – Phu Quoc Island

 Hotel: HUONG BIEN (3*) / BOULEVARD (3*) / SANDY (3*) or similar

Day06:Phu Quoc Excursions

 Hotel: HUONG BIEN (3*) / BOULEVARD (3*) / SANDY (3*) or similar

Day07:Phu Quoc – Hanoi Flight

 Hotel: SKYLARK (3*) / ANGEL PALACE (3*) / HM BOUTIQUE (3*) or similar

Day08:Hanoi – Halong Bay Cruise

 Hotel: Cruise or similar

Day09:Halong Bay – Hanoi

 Hotel: SKYLARK (3*) / ANGEL PALACE (3*) / HM BOUTIQUE (3*) or similar

Day10:Hanoi Departure

Conclusion on Phu Quoc Travel Guide

This comprehensive Phu Quoc Travel Guide has been put together by our local guides. We hope that pieces of information above are helpful for you to discover the island of pearl. Furthermore, contact with us Focus Asia Travel will help you have unforgettable memories in Phu Quoc Island.