Phu Quoc travel guide: Discovering the beauty of a dreamy island city

In recent years, Phu Quoc has seen significant investment in its tourism sector, from infrastructure and accommodations to landscaping. It is gradually becoming one of the most attractive tourist destinations for both domestic and international visitors.

General Introduction to Phu Quoc - The first island city of Vietnam

• Location: Kien Giang Province, formerly in the Mekong Delta region, now under An Giang's administration.
• Established as a city: 2021
• Recognized as a city: 2014
• Urban classification: Class II City
• Area: 590.27 km²
• Population: 177,560 (as of 2022)

As a beautiful archipelago in the Gulf of Thailand, formerly part of Kien Giang province (now under An Giang), the Pearl Island of Phu Quoc is known as the largest island in Vietnam. It is also the largest among the 22 islands in this area. Phu Quoc possesses excellent advantages in natural landscapes and rich cuisine, attracting many tourists to explore.

Phu Quoc has a tropical monsoon climate, divided into two distinct seasons: the dry season (from November to April of the following year) and the rainy season (from May to October).

Historically, Vietnam's pearl island has a long and rich history, having gone through many ups and downs with diverse cultural imprints. Before the 17th century, Phu Quoc showed traces of human presence from prehistoric times, with archaeological relics from the Sa Huynh and Oc Eo cultures.

In the 20th century, the French separated Phu Quoc from Ha Tien and established it as a district under Chau Doc province, later returning it to Vietnam. The history of Phu Quoc is a long journey with many changes. The island preserves precious cultural values, historical relics, and natural heritage, contributing to its unique charm.

The ideal time to travel to Phu Quoc

You should understand the weather and climate characteristics of the destination to choose the most convenient and smooth time to travel to Phu Quoc. The island has a distinct tropical monsoon climate, divided into two seasons.

Dry season: From November to April 

The weather during the dry season is quite mild and pleasant, with little rain and plenty of sunshine. The average daytime temperature ranges from 27°C to 30°C, and at night from 23°C to 25°C. This is the ideal time to visit Phu Quoc as the sea is calm, making it favorable for activities like swimming, diving, and island hopping.

Rainy season: From May to October 

The weather in Phu Quoc during this season is characterized by heavy rain, especially in September and October. The average daytime temperature ranges from 28°C to 31°C, and at night from 25°C to 27°C. 

However, traveling to Phu Quoc during the rainy season has its own advantages, such as cheaper service prices and fewer tourists. This allows you to admire the pristine, majestic landscapes of the island and take photos freely without worrying about crowds.

Transportation

Phu Quoc is a large island. Before your trip, you should be well-informed about transportation options to be best prepared for your exploration.

Getting to Phu Quoc

As an island off the coast of Vietnam, Phu Quoc cannot be reached by road.

• By air - airplane: This is the fastest and most convenient option. You can easily book flights from major cities with airports to Phu Quoc Island.
• By sea - high-speed ferry: Tourists can travel to Phu Quoc by high-speed ferry from Rach Gia (Kien Giang) or Ha Tien (Kien Giang). The travel time from Rach Gia is about 2 hours and 30 minutes, and from Ha Tien, it's about 1 hour and 30 minutes. Ferry tickets range from 250,000 to 350,000 VND per trip, depending on the ferry type.

Getting around Phu Quoc

While in Phu Quoc, visitors can choose from various means of transportation to explore the pearl island. Here are some popular options:

• Motorbike rental: This is the most popular mode of transport in Phu Quoc due to its affordability, flexibility, and ease of travel. Tourists can rent motorbikes at hotels, guesthouses, or rental shops on the island for 150,000 - 250,000 VND per bike per day.
• Taxi: Taxis are a convenient choice for those who want to move quickly and safely. Many taxi companies operate on the island, and you can easily hail one on the street or call for a pickup.
• Bus: This is the most budget-friendly option. However, the bus system on the island is still limited, with only a few main routes.
• Electric car: Electric cars are an environmentally friendly option chosen by many tourists.
• Car rental: Renting a car is a suitable choice for groups or families. You can rent a car from tourist car rental companies on the island. Prices range from 700,000 to 1,500,000 VND per day, depending on the car model.

Additionally, tourists can take boats to visit the surrounding islands or ride the Hon Thom cable car to get a panoramic view of the pearl island.

A compilation of attractive destinations in Phu Quoc

Phu Quoc is renowned for its wild beauty, long coastline, and numerous exciting entertainment activities. Below are some must-visit destinations for tourists traveling to Phu Quoc.

Islands and beaches

Phu Quoc Island is blessed with countless beautiful landscapes from its surrounding beaches and islands. Choose the places you want to visit the most to add to your discovery itinerary.

An Thoi Archipelago

• Address: An Thoi Ward, Phu Quoc City The An Thoi 

The archipelago consists of 18 large and small islands located to the south of Phu Quoc Island. It is dubbed the "precious gem in the ocean" for its pristine beauty, long beaches, and many attractive recreational activities. When exploring this archipelago, you can stop to admire the beautiful scenery of the various small islands and witness the stunning nature.

Hon Mong Tay (Fingernail Island) 

Address: An Thoi Archipelago 

Hon Mong Tay is an island in the An Thoi Archipelago. It is known as a "Miniature Maldives Paradise" in the heart of Vietnam with its untouched beauty, emerald-green sea, and long, smooth white sand beaches.

Hon Dam 

Address: An Thoi Archipelago 

Hon Dam, also known as Robinson Island, is one of the most pristine and peaceful islands of Phu Quoc. Located in the An Thoi Archipelago, it is about 15km northwest of Bai Sao and 20km south of Bai Dai. 

It is called the "hidden gem," captivating anyone who sets foot on it with its raw beauty. Although small, this island has a beautiful beach and many tourist services. Visitors can swim, sunbathe, participate in water sports, and enjoy fresh seafood.

Hon Gam Ghi 

Address: An Thoi Archipelago 

Also known as Hon Dam Ngang, Hon Gam Ghi is part of the An Thoi Archipelago, located nearly 10km south of An Thoi town. It boasts pristine beauty with fine white sand, emerald waters, and colorful coral reefs. Hon Gam Ghi is hailed as a "pristine paradise" in the heart of Phu Quoc.

Hon Thom (Pineapple Island) 

Address: An Thoi Archipelago 

Also called Pineapple Island, Hon Thom is the largest island in the An Thoi Archipelago. It is known as an "entertainment paradise amidst the blue sea," featuring the world's longest sea-crossing cable car, the modern Sun World Hon Thom amusement park, and many beautiful, untouched beaches.

Hon May Rut

Address: South of An Thoi Island 

Hon May Rut, comprising two small islands, May Rut Trong and May Rut Ngoai, is a small island in the An Thoi Archipelago. With the emerald green beauty of the sea, this place is likened to a "hidden gem in the middle of the ocean."

Mui Ganh Dau (Ganh Dau Cape) 

Address: Ganh Dau Commune, about 15-20km north of Duong Dong Ward 

Mui Ganh Dau is a headland jutting into the sea on the northwest side of Phu Quoc Island, in Ganh Dau commune. It is considered a precious "rough diamond" of Phu Quoc tourism due to its pristine, unique beauty and great development potential.

Bai Khem (Khem Beach) 

Address: Southeast of An Thoi Ward, Phu Quoc 

Also known as Bai Kem, Khem Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Vietnam with its long stretch of fine white sand, emerald water, and cool green coconut groves. Bai Khem possesses a pristine, romantic, and attractive beauty, offering tourists wonderful experiences.

Bai Dai (Long Beach) 

Address: Northwest of Phu Quoc Island, 24km from Phu Quoc Airport 

Bai Dai is likened to a "resort paradise" in the heart of the pearl island with over 15km of fine white sand and clear emerald-green water. This is also a destination that tourists should not miss on their trip to Phu Quoc.

Bai Truong (Long Beach) 

Address: Tran Hung Dao Street, Duong To, Phu Quoc 

Not only famous for its peaceful and tranquil beauty, Bai Truong is known to tourists as the best place to watch the sunset on Phu Quoc Island. The scene here is very romantic as the sunlight reflects sparklingly on the sea surface. 

In addition, Bai Truong also has the Sunset Sanato Beach Club complex, famous for the artworks of the renowned architect Nikita Marshunok, such as large-scale elephants, schools of fish, conical hats, fishing traps, and human heads placed on the sandy beach near the sea.

Bai Sao (Star Beach) 

Address: Bai Sao Hamlet, An Thoi Ward, Phu Quoc 

One of the most beautiful beaches in Phu Quoc is Bai Sao. As a beautiful beach, it attracts many tourists early in the tourist season to watch the sunrise and enjoy the beautiful moments of the scenery here.

Ong Lang Beach 

Address: West coast of the pearl island, about 7km from Duong Dong town 

Ong Lang Beach not only has a pristine natural landscape with majestic limestone mountains but also a diverse marine ecosystem with many species of fish, coral, and marine life. Visitors can participate in diving or snorkeling activities to explore the colorful underwater world.

Historical and cultural sites

Beyond its beautiful islands and beaches, Phu Quoc also attracts visitors with its historical and cultural sites, each with fascinating stories.

Dinh Cau 

Address: Quarter 2, Duong Dong Ward, Phu Quoc City

Dinh Cau, also known as Mieu Cau, is an ancient shrine located on a rocky promontory facing the sea. It is considered one of the most famous spiritual tourist spots on Phu Quoc Island, attracting a large number of visitors for sightseeing and worship every year.

Truc Lam Zen Monastery - Ho Quoc Pagoda 

Address: Duong To, Phu Quoc 

This is another noteworthy spiritual destination on Phu Quoc Island. The pagoda was built in 2011 and inaugurated in 2012, making it one of the largest pagodas in the Southwestern region.

Nguyen Trung Truc Temple 

Address: Cua Can, Phu Quoc 

The Nguyen Trung Truc Temple is located in Ganh Dau Hamlet, Cua Can Commune. It was built to commemorate and honor the great contributions of the national hero Nguyen Trung Truc in the anti-French resistance in Southern Vietnam in the 19th century.

Coi Nguon Museum 

Address: 149 Tran Hung Dao Street, Quarter 7, Phu Quoc 

The Coi Nguon Museum is a place that preserves the cultural and historical values of the pearl island. Established in 2009, its purpose is to preserve and introduce the cultural and historical values of Phu Quoc Island from prehistoric times to the present. 

The museum displays over 3,000 precious artifacts related to the history, culture, and archaeology of Phu Quoc Island. The artifacts are arranged by historical periods, helping visitors to easily visualize the development process of the pearl island.

Phu Quoc Prison 

Address: 350 Nguyen Van Cu Street 

Phu Quoc Prison, also known as Cay Dua Prison, is a historical site on Phu Quoc Island, Kien Giang Province. It was the largest prisoner-of-war camp in Vietnam during the Vietnam War, holding over 32,000 prisoners. Today, Phu Quoc Prison is a special national historical relic, attracting tourists who come to learn about the heroic history of the nation.

Rach Vem Fishing Village 

Address: Ganh Dau Commune, Phu Quoc 

This place is known for its pristine scenery of floating wooden bridges, stilt houses on the sea, and is also the "kingdom" of thousands of red starfish. Rach Vem Fishing Village has a floating wooden bridge over 1km long, connecting the shore with the floating houses. Visitors can stroll on the wooden bridge, enjoy the sea view, and breathe in the fresh air.

Ham Ninh Fishing Village 

Address: Ham Ninh, Phu Quoc 

Ham Ninh Fishing Village is an ancient village on the east side of Phu Quoc Island. It is known as a famous cultural exploration destination with its pristine, peaceful beauty and delicious fresh seafood.

Fish Sauce Barrel Houses 

Address: 11 Cau Hung Vuong, Phu Quoc 

The traditional craft of making fish sauce in Phu Quoc has existed for hundreds of years. The fish sauce barrel houses here are built from natural materials such as wood, bamboo, and thatched roofs, creating a rustic, simple space rich in local cultural identity. This location will help you learn more about the traditional fish fermentation method that creates the rich flavor of the famous Phu Quoc fish sauce.

Phu Quoc Pepper Gardens 

Address: Duong Dong, Phu Quoc

Pepper gardens are one of the famous attractions in Phu Quoc, attracting tourists with their lush green beauty and the pungent aroma of pepper. Phu Quoc's pepper gardens are scattered across the island, with the highest concentration in areas such as Suoi Da (over 1km from the center of Duong Dong ward), Khu Tuong (on the way to Bai Thom commune), and Suoi Lon (on the road from Duong Dong ward to An Thoi ward).

Phu Quoc Night Market 

Address: Bach Dang Street, 1km from Dinh Cau 

The Phu Quoc Night Market (also known as Dinh Cau Night Market) is one of the most famous tourist spots on the pearl island. It is considered a "food paradise" with hundreds of stalls selling a variety of delicious dishes, from street food to fresh seafood. In addition, tourists can also shop for souvenirs, handicrafts, and pearls here.

Famous ecotourism sites and amusement parks

Besides its beautiful historical sites, islands, and beaches, Phu Quoc also has many famous ecotourism areas and amusement parks that attract visitors for sightseeing and experiences.

VinWonders Phu Quoc

Address: North of the Pearl Island, about 30 km from Duong Dong town 

The entertainment paradise VinWonders Phu Quoc features over 200 thrill rides, a water park, a children's play area, art performance shows, and many other attractive entertainment activities. Visitors here can freely explore and enjoy the most exciting experiences.

Vinpearl Safari Phu Quoc 

Address: Bai Dai, Ganh Dau, Phu Quoc 

Vinpearl Safari Phu Quoc is the first semi-wild zoo in Vietnam, located on Bai Dai. It is likened to a "zoo without borders" with over 2,500 animals from 150 rare species from all over the world. Visitors can tour the zoo by electric car or walk on the trails, explore the wild animal world, and learn about animal conservation programs.

Grand World Phu Quoc 

Address: Bai Dai, Ganh Dau 

Grand World Phu Quoc is a bustling entertainment, shopping, and dining complex located at Bai Dai. It is like a "city that never sleeps" with many entertainment, shopping, and dining activities happening 24/7. This complex has many attractions such as:

• The Legend of Bamboo
• Teddy Bear Museum
• "The Quintessence of Vietnam" reality show
• Venice Canal
• Clock Tower
• Tropical Dance Square
• Food street, shopping street

Suoi Tranh (Tranh Stream) 

Address: Duong To Commune, Phu Quoc 

Suoi Tranh is about 15km long, originating from the Ham Ninh mountain range and flowing over many rocky rapids, creating white waterfalls. The stream's water is clear and cool all year round, winding through large rocks, creating an incredibly romantic scene.

Suoi Da Ban (Da Ban Stream) 

Address: Cua Duong Commune, Phu Quoc 

Suoi Da Ban is a famous ecotourism site on Phu Quoc Island. It is located about 10km north of the center of Duong Dong town. Suoi Da Ban has a pristine beauty in the heart of the pearl island with a wild, majestic natural landscape and a fresh, cool atmosphere.

Suoi Lon (Big Stream) 

Address: Suoi Lon Hamlet, Duong To Commune, Phu Quoc 

Suoi Lon is a beautiful stream located on Phu Quoc Island, about 15km south of the center of Duong Dong town. Suoi Lon is called the "green paradise" of the pearl island with its wild and majestic natural scenery. If you love ecotourism, you should not miss the opportunity to explore this beautiful stream.

The culinary paradise of Phu Quoc 

The culinary paradise of Phu Quoc offers countless delicious dishes that are hard for tourists to resist. You shouldn't miss the following dishes when you have the chance to visit.

• Ham Ninh Flower Crab: Ham Ninh Flower Crab is hailed as the "king of crabs" in Vietnam, with firm, sweet, and fragrant meat. Visitors can enjoy it steamed, boiled, grilled, or roasted with salt.

• Seafood: Thanks to its favorable geographical location, Phu Quoc has an abundant and diverse source of seafood. Tourists can enjoy fresh seafood dishes like shrimp, squid, fish, crab, snails, and clams at seaside restaurants or seafood markets on the island.

• Bun Quay (Stirring Noodle Soup): This is a specialty of Phu Quoc with a unique flavor and elaborate preparation. Bun Quay is made from fresh rice noodles, fish cakes, shrimp, squid, roasted pork, fresh herbs, and a rich broth.

• Bun Ken: Bun Ken is a famous specialty of Phu Quoc with a delicious and unique flavor. This dish is made from fresh noodles, a rich curry-like broth made with fish (mackerel or tuna) cooked with coconut milk, lemongrass, chili, turmeric, and other spices. It is often served with fresh vegetables like bean sprouts, shredded banana blossom, herbs, and shredded papaya.

• Goi Ca Trich (Herring Salad): Goi Ca Trich is a simple but extremely attractive dish of the Phu Quoc people. It is made from fresh raw herring, mixed with various herbs, onions, roasted peanuts, and a sweet and sour fish sauce.

• Sea Urchin: Sea urchin, also known as cầu gai, is an invertebrate of the sea urchin family. It has a round, black shell with sharp spines and usually lives on coastal rock formations. Sea urchin is a delicacy in Phu Quoc you should try. It can be enjoyed in many ways, such as grilled, in porridge, or as a salad.

• Abalone: Abalone is a rare seafood caught in the sea area of Phu Quoc island district, former Kien Giang province. Phu Quoc abalone is highly valued for its high nutritional value and particularly delicious flavor.
• Steamed Chicken with Green Peppercorns: This is a famous specialty of Phu Quoc, attracting tourists with its delicious, rich, and characteristically spicy flavor of green pepper. The dish is prepared from fresh, locally available ingredients, offering an unforgettable culinary experience.

• Coi Bien Mai: Coi Bien Mai is a specialty seafood of Phu Quoc, loved by tourists for its delicious, crispy, and rich flavor. It is often prepared in many delicious ways, with grilled Coi Bien Mai being highly rated for its simplicity and preservation of the ingredient's original taste.
• Sea Cucumber: Phu Quoc sea cucumber is highly regarded for its quality and nutritional value. The sea cucumbers here are large, with thick and chewy flesh, and have a dark brown or black color. This is a specialty dish that should not be missed when traveling to Phu Quoc.

A few travel tips for Phu Quoc

To have a perfect trip to Phu Quoc, you should pay attention to some travel tips:

• Book your hotel in advance to ensure you have a room, as Phu Quoc is always a busy destination, especially during peak tourist season.
• Prepare seasickness medication if you are prone to it, as travel in Phu Quoc often involves boat trips.
• Always ask for the price before buying and be prepared to bargain, as services in Phu Quoc can be quite expensive.

Phu Quoc is not only an ideal destination for relaxation but also an attractive place for those who want to explore and experience. Come to Phu Quoc to fully feel the beauty of this pearl island!

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