Phu Quoc is one of the most beautiful islands in Asia with its crystal clear turquoise waters, incredible sunsets and lush tropical scenery. Perfect sandy beaches, welcoming locals and great value for your money is what this heart-shaped island has to offer!
Are you going to visit Phu Quoc in the near future? Then this is the perfect guide for you!
Here’s your travel guide to Phu Quoc:
Table of Contents
Things to Do in Phu Quoc
Snorkel
Phu Quoc is a great destination for those who like to snorkel. Beautiful reefs surround the island, and they are also easy to reach by boat. Out at sea, you will be greeted by an abundant sea life that’s ready to be explored by you and your friends/family.
NOTE! When you’re out on snorkel activities, try to avoid swimming with sunscreen – since it damages and bleaches the ocean’s coral reefs. If you have to use sunscreen, then make sure to use an environmentally friendly sunscreen that can break down more naturally in the sea!
Phu Quoc National Park
The National Park in Phu Quoc covers a third of the island, and here nature lovers can check out plants and the wildlife of the island. In the Phu Quoc National Park, you can spot animals such as; Long-tailed macaque monkeys, otters, silver langurs, and hornbills.
Here you can do several activities that include; camping, hiking, bird watching and photography.
Suoi Tranh Waterfall
A 4-meter-high waterfall that’s located in the middle of the lush green countryside of Phu Quoc. Around the waterfall, you will find several excellent hiking trails, caves and natural pools for you to swim in. Suoi Tranh Waterfall lies about 7 kilometers west of Duong Dong Town.
This waterfall is a must to visit if you like adventure, hiking and bird watching.
Ham Ninh Fishing Village
If you want to see the daily life the island’s fishermen, then you have to visit Ham Ninh! A fishing village that’s located about 20 minutes from Phu Quoc’s airport. This community is known for its colorful boats, unique dishes such as sea cucumber soup and various medical drinks that are made of seaweed, ginseng, and rice wine.
Phu Quoc Prison
If you’re interested in the Vietnamese history, then you just have to visit Phu Quoc Prison. The old prison on Phu Quoc Island is a reminder of the country’s horrible history. Here they held more than 40,000 Vietnamese soldiers in captivity during the war in Vietnam.
The prison was built in 1949 by French colonizers and today it has been transformed into a museum where you can see the horrible torture tools, photographs and several exhibits showing various penalties such as; crucifixion, starvation, and torture with electricity. One of the most notable exhibits are the tiger cages, where prisoners were kept in total darkness and exposed to extreme heat or cold for an extended period.
It costs 3000 VND to visit the museum per person, and there are also guided tours in both English, French, and Vietnamese.
Water Puppet Show
In the center of Duong Dong, you can watch the traditional show with water puppets. An incredibly amazing and lovely show that shows the traditional art “mua roi nuoc ‘- a water puppet show that tells folk tales along with traditional Vietnamese folk music.
This traditional show stretches all the way back to the 1100s and is today one of the most popular performances in the country!
Explore the Island’s beaches
There are so many beautiful beaches for you to visit on Phu Quoc Island. Phu Quoc is located in the nice and warm waters of the Gulf of Thailand and is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Vietnam. From white sandy beaches to golden sand and lively to tranquil – Phu Quoc offers beaches that meet all requirements!
Nightlife
Phu Quoc may not have the best reputation for having the ultimate nightlife – but despite that, the island offers a great nightlife for those who like to be awake at night. Today, Phu Quoc is filled with lounge bars, outdoor cafes, bars, and nightclubs – where Duong Dong Town and North Long Beach is the center of the party zone.
Boba Club
This club lies on Tran Hung Dao Street in Duong Dong Town. A large nightclub with a lovely garden, a restaurant, DJ, and go-go dancers.
Happy Buddha Club
Happy Buddha Club is a pretty small club with a DJ playing every Saturday. This club is known for its fun full moon/half moon parties – which is pretty popular among tourists during high season!
Canary Hostel Bar
This bar is very popular among backpackers on the island. A lovely bar with foosball- and pool tables, and even a pool for you to swim in! Come and drink a cold beer, socialize with other travelers and relax in the pool!
Chez Carol Restaurant & Bar
This is a little more family-friendly bar/restaurant that serves good drinks and delicious food. Here you can enjoy a little quieter evening and listen to some live music!
Phu Quoc Shopping
Phu Quoc offers great shopping for those who like to shop. Here you’ll find everything from luxury pearl necklaces to simple colonial hats made of bamboo. Phu Quoc offers great shopping for those who are looking for lovely souvenirs!
Along with Long Beach Village and at the Bach Dang night market in Duong Dong Town you’ll find excellent souvenirs. Here you can buy hats, silk fabrics, Ao Dai dresses and Buddhist objects. Along with Nguyen Trung Truc Street by the river in Duong Dong Town, you find a great selection of clothes, kitchen gadgets, decor and much much more!
Do you want to know more about what to buy in Phu Quoc? Then you should check out my article about the best souvenirs in Vietnam!
Duong Dong Market
Duong Dong Market is located along Tran Phu street and is the island’s busiest market. Here you can see the locals bargain and buy their groceries, gadgets for their homes, sweets and much more! Are you craving for Vietnamese street food, then this is the place to visit! Here’s plenty of street stalls that serves fresh fish/seafood, delicious fruit drinks and other local specialties at low prices.
Phu Quoc is famous for its mushrooms, pepper, and cashew nuts – so make sure to bring home a bit of each as souvenirs for your loved ones!
Recommended Hotels
Chen Sea Resort & Spa
Looking for a luxurious hotel in Phu Quoc? Then this is the ultimate hotel for you. The hotel is perfect in every possible way and offers a service of the highest class. The resort has a private beach, large comfortable rooms and offers delicious food for both breakfast and dinner.
Chen Sea Resort also offers a lovely spa with various treatments!
Click here to see photos, reviews, and prices
Daisy Resort
Daisy Resort is a quiet, clean and cozy resort in Duong Dong that offers great value for your money. Large rooms, excellent outdoor showers and a beautiful pool area for you to hang out with your friends. A good hotel located in a quiet and beautiful area with only 15 minutes walking distance to bars and restaurants. The staff is excellent and will give you the best service for an unforgettable visit!
Click here to see photos, reviews, and prices
Gia Thanh Guest House
Traveling on a budget? Then this is the perfect accommodation for you in Phu Quoc! A spotlessly clean hotel run by a friendly local family. It’s walking distance to the beach and in the surrounding area lies the night market and also a lot of bars and restaurants. This is no doubt one of the best and most affordable hotels in Duong Dong Town in Phu Quoc!
Click here to see photos, reviews, and prices
Recommended Restaurants
Mango Bay Restaurant
Looking for a sea-view restaurant that serves delicious Vietnamese food? Then this is a place for you! Mango Bay Restaurant offers amazing dishes, a service of the highest class and an incredible view of the ocean. Prices are a bit more expensive here, but the view and the food are worth the money!
Address: Ong Lang
Nemo Restaurant
A more affordable restaurant is Nemo Restaurant – a nice restaurant that lies in Duong To. The food is delicious, and the staff is incredibly friendly and welcoming. For a cheap price, you get a big portion of food that will keep you full all day.
Nemo Restaurant is a restaurant that’s both simple, friendly and charming!
Address: No 1 Tran Hung Dao Street, Cua Lap Vil, Duong To
The Pepper Tree Restaurant
The Pepper Tree Restaurant is one of the most luxurious restaurants in Phu Quoc. White table cloths, top quality food and service of the highest class. This restaurant is more expensive than other restaurants – but if you’re looking for quality ingredients and a dinner in a beautiful environment – then this is an ideal restaurant for you!
Address: Tran Hung Dao Street, La Veranda hotel, Duong Dong
Heaven Restaurant
Affordable and tasty food is what you will find at Heaven Restaurant in Duong Dong. This restaurant lies a little outside the city center but is still worth a visit. Excellent service, reasonable prices and incredibly good dishes. A restaurant that’s worth a visit during your stay on the island!
Address: 141 Tran Hung Dao, Duong Dong
Travel to Phu Quoc
Via Flight
There’s some flights to Phu Quoc Airport (PQC) from Ho Chi Minh City, Rach Gia, Siem Reap and Singapore. The most common airlines are Jetstar, Vietjet Air, and Vietnam Airlines (I have flown with both Jetstar and Vietjet, and I have nothing negative to say about those airlines.)
When you arrive on the island, there are several transportation options for you to choose from. Most of the fancier hotels in the island often offer a pick-up service when you land. There’s also buses and taxis that can take you to your hotel!
Here you will find the cheapest flights to Phu Quoc
Via Boat
Some boats will take you to Phu Quoc from Rach Gia, Ha Tien, and Hon Chong in Vietnam. Prices and departure times can be found on the boat company Super Dong’s website. The boat trip takes about 2h 30m, and the ticket costs 320,000 VND, equivalent to around $ 15. Near the port, there are several ticket office where you can buy your tickets.
Remember that it’s best to travel to Phu Quoc by boat during the dry period – when it’s sunny, beautiful weather, and a calm sea (October – May).
Weather and Climate
Phu Quoc has a tropical climate that varies throughout the year. The average temperature is around 27 degrees Celsius. The maximum temperature is around 32 degrees Celsius, and it never gets colder than 15 degrees!
The high season is between November and March. During this period you can expect sunny days, an average temperature of 27 degrees and lower humidity. This is no doubt the best time to visit the island if you want to travel when it’s the best weather! The only drawback is that the hotel rates and airfares may be more expensive.
Between the high season and low season (April to June and the end of October) Phu Quoc offers cheaper rates, fewer crowds and pretty good opportunities for good weather. These are the hottest and most humid months of the year – so if you’ve planned to visit the island during this time, make sure to book a hotel room with AC or stay near the beach.
The low season lasts from July to September, and this is the period that should be avoided. During this time of the year, monsoons often cross the island and cause a lot of rain and windy weather. Have you planned to visit Phu Quoc during this period, I recommend that you pack your rain jacket!
Phu Quoc Map
This is a map of the heart-shaped island Phu Quoc. I have marked the capital Duong Dong on this map – the town where it’s constantly hustle and bustle! Google Maps are very useful to find various attractions on the island and also to find to your hotel when you arrive! One of the best tools while traveling!
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