10 Best Things to do in Phu Quoc, Vietnam 

Planning a trip to Phu Quoc? We’re here to help!

Now, Phu Quoc has some gorgeous beaches, and we’re certainly not going to tell you to skip them, but this Vietnamese island also has plenty going on beyond the sand. You can snorkel around offshore reefs, kayak through peaceful waterways, and eat your way through the local street food. There’s even a Mediterranean-style town, complete with a cable car over the sea. Not exactly what you’d expect in Vietnam, is it?

We’ve picked out 10 of the best things to do in Phu Quoc, including a few good reasons to leave your sun lounger behind! Let’s get into it.

Phu Quoc At A Glance

Before you start planning your island adventures, here are a few things worth knowing about Phu Quoc. Here are our top tips!

You might not need a visa: Phu Quoc has a special visa exemption that allows international visitors to stay up to 30 days without a visa, provided they meet the entry requirements and stay on the island. This applies if you arrive directly from overseas or transit through Vietnam on your way to Phu Quoc. This is great news because the visa process in Vietnam sometimes takes a while, and it can be more expensive than in other Southeast Asian countries.

Getting around is easy with Grab: We recommend downloading Grab, which is Southeast Asia’s answer to Uber. It’s a convenient way to get around Phu Quoc without worrying about driving yourself, and you can see the fare before booking. Just bear in mind that drivers can be harder to find in more remote parts of the island, so plan ahead for those trips!

Visit during the dry season: The best time to visit Phu Quoc is generally between November and April, when you can expect plenty of sunshine and great beach weather. The rainy season runs from May through October, and while you can absolutely still visit, be prepared for some serious tropical downpours! On the bright side, the island tends to be quieter during these months, and the waterfalls are at their most impressive.

How We Would Spend Three Days in Phu Quoc

🤿Day 1: Snorkeling, Beach Time & Sunset Town
Go snorkeling around beautiful coral reefs, grab a bánh mì for lunch, and spend the afternoon at Khem Beach or Sao Beach. Then head to Sunset Town for sunset views, dinner, and a bit of exploring.

🐚Day 2: Northern Phu Quoc & Relaxing Evening
Explore northern Phu Quoc on a guided kayaking adventure, then enjoy sunset drinks and a delicious dinner back in town.

🚡Day 3: Cable Car Or Safari, Beach & Street Food Tour
Ride the Hon Thom Cable Car and visit Sun World, or spend the morning at Vinpearl Safari. Relax on the beach in the afternoon before finishing your trip with a local street food tour!

Things to do in Phu Quoc

1. Explore Northern Phu Quoc on a kayak and Starfish Beach adventure

Phu Quoc’s northern coast is a lot less developed than the south, and that’s precisely why it’s so worth exploring. This full-day guided tour takes you to some of the island’s most beautiful natural spots, with a bit of kayaking thrown in for good measure.

One of the highlights is paddling along the Cua Can River, where you’ll be surrounded by lush tropical greenery and mangroves. It’s a very peaceful setting, and you don’t need to be an experienced kayaker to enjoy it.

You’ll also explore Phu Quoc National Park, where you can walk among towering trees, and visit Ganh Dau Cape for views across the water towards Cambodia. Yep, Cambodia is that close!

But we think the real highlight is Starfish Beach, which is famous for the bright red starfish that can sometimes be seen in its shallow, clear waters. It’s a pretty incredible sight, although you should never touch the starfish or lift them out of the water for photos. They’re living creatures, after all.

You’ll also visit the Rach Vem fishing village and may stop at a local bee farm to learn about honey production, which adds a nice touch of local culture to the day. 

The tour lasts around seven hours, with hotel pickup available, so you don’t need to worry about organizing transport between all these different places. With hundreds of positive reviews, it’s a popular way to explore a side of Phu Quoc many visitors miss.

2. Snorkel through hidden coral reefs

Phu Quoc’s beaches are beautiful, but some of the best scenery is actually underwater! And we think this small-group snorkeling tour is one of the best ways to see it.

You’ll head out by speedboat to explore two gorgeous coral reefs around the An Thoi archipelago, where you’ll find colorful tropical fish, beautiful coral formations, and hopefully a few other interesting marine creatures.

But our favorite thing about this tour is that the guides actively avoid the busiest snorkeling spots. They choose where to go based on the sea conditions and visibility, so you’ve got a better chance of seeing some incredible underwater scenery without a hundred other snorkelers getting in your way. Let’s face it, nobody wants to spend their holiday getting kicked in the face by someone else’s flippers!

And don’t worry if you’re fairly new to snorkeling. The guides will introduce you to the equipment and let you practice in shallow water before heading out to the reefs. They’ll also join you in the water to point out interesting fish and corals, which is something we really appreciate. We also love that the guides are passionate about protecting the reefs and teach guests how to snorkel without damaging the coral.

With hundreds of fantastic reviews, this is a very popular experience, and we can certainly see why! We’d recommend booking in advance, especially since groups are so small.

3. Check out the Vinpearl Safari Phú Quốc 

Now, a safari park probably isn’t the first thing that springs to mind when you think of a Vietnamese island, but Vinpearl Safari Phú Quốc is actually one of the island’s biggest attractions! It’s located in northern Phu Quoc, and it’s a particularly fun option if you’re traveling with kids.

The park is home to thousands of animals, including giraffes, zebras, rhinos, lions, tigers, and all sorts of exotic birds. But what makes it different from a regular zoo is the safari experience!

You’ll board a bus that takes you through large, open habitats where the animals can roam around. So instead of the animals being behind bars, you’re the one inside the vehicle! It’s a pretty cool concept, and you’ll hopefully get to see some incredible wildlife up close.

There’s also a walk-through zoo where you can see monkeys, colorful birds, reptiles, and plenty of other animals. You can even visit the giraffe feeding area, which sounds like a pretty memorable experience if you ask us!

The park is HUGE, so we’d recommend allowing at least half a day to explore. There’s a tram service if you don’t fancy walking the whole thing, which is understandable given how hot Phu Quoc can get.

We’d suggest arriving in the morning to beat some of the heat, and bringing sunscreen, water, and comfortable shoes. The park generally closes around 4 pm, so you don’t want to leave it too late. You can check ticket prices and book through the official website here!

4. Get off-road and explore by jeep

There’s sightseeing, and then there’s bouncing along jungle tracks in a vintage US Army Jeep. We know which one sounds more fun to us! This six-hour private Jeep tour takes you around northern Phu Quoc, including some beautiful spots that are difficult to reach in a normal car. It’s a fantastic way to escape the busier tourist areas and see a completely different side of the island.

One of the highlights is driving through Phu Quoc National Park, where you’ll spend around 90 minutes navigating bumpy tracks through the rainforest. You’ll also visit a local pepper farm and Ganh Dau Cape, where you can actually see Cambodia across the water. Pretty cool, right?

Then it’s time for lunch at Rach Vem fishing village, where you’ll enjoy a delicious local meal at a floating restaurant. Afterward, you’ll visit Starfish Beach, where you can go swimming and hopefully spot some of the famous red starfish in the shallows. Just remember to leave them where they are!

But what really sets this tour apart is that it’s completely private, so you can enjoy the experience at your own pace. The guides are also incredibly friendly and knowledgeable, and if you’re lucky, they might even let you have a go at driving the Jeep yourself. If you fancy seeing the wilder side of Phu Quoc with a bit of adventure thrown in, we think this is the perfect tour! 

5. See the best of South Phu Quoc: cable car, beaches, water park & pagodas 

If you want to see as much of southern Phu Quoc as possible without organizing everything yourself, this full-day sightseeing tour is a fantastic option! With everything from beautiful beaches to an enormous water park on the itinerary, you won’t be bored.

The tour starts with a visit to a local pearl farm, where you’ll learn how pearls are cultivated. You’ll then head to the beautiful Ho Quoc Pagoda, a Buddhist temple perched on a hillside overlooking the ocean. There’s also a stop at the Phu Quoc Prison History Museum, where you’ll learn about a much darker chapter of the island’s history. It’s quite a contrast to the rest of the day, but an important stop nonetheless.

After that, things get a bit more relaxing with a visit to Sao Beach, which is famous for its white sand and turquoise water. Then, you’ll finish on a high note with a ride on the Hon Thom Cable Car, which takes you soaring over the sea to Hon Thom Island. The views of the little islands scattered across the water look absolutely incredible, so even if you’re not normally excited about cable cars, we think that this one might change your mind!

Once you reach Hon Thom, you’ll also get to visit Aquatopia Water Park, with over 20 slides and attractions to enjoy. You won’t have time to try absolutely everything, but it’s a pretty fun way to finish a sightseeing tour.

6. Hit the beach! 

You can’t visit a tropical island and not spend some time on the beach. Well, you could, but we certainly wouldn’t recommend it! Phu Quoc has some gorgeous stretches of coastline, so as far as we’re concerned, setting aside some time to enjoy them is a must. These beaches are one of the main reasons people come here in the first place.

Here are three of our favorite options:

Khem Beach is known for its soft white sand and turquoise water, and there are some pretty swanky resorts along this stretch, so it has more of an upscale feel.  It’s a great choice if you fancy spending the afternoon swimming and relaxing with a cold drink – and who doesn’t? 

Starfish Beach is a bit different. Located near Rach Vem fishing village in the north, it’s famous for the bright red starfish that you can sometimes spot in the shallow water. Just remember not to touch or pick up the starfish, even for a photo. If you’re taking the northern Phu Quoc tour we mentioned earlier, you’ll already have this one covered.

Sao Beach is probably the most famous beach on Phu Quoc, and with good reason. The sand is beautifully white, and the water is generally calm and clear during good weather. It’s a great spot for swimming, and you’ll also find restaurants and water sports here. However, it can get pretty busy, so we’d recommend arriving earlier in the day if you want to beat the crowds.

7. Go trekking at Tien Son Dinh

We absolutely love Phu Quoc’s gorgeous beaches, but its tropical forests are also well worth exploring. So if you’re looking for an adventure, we think this guided trek up Tien Son Dinh is a fantastic way to explore more of the island. 

The hike is just over 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) long, taking you through thick jungle to the top of Tien Son Dinh, which sits around 280 meters (919 feet) above sea level. It’s quite a climb in places, but you’ll be rewarded with gorgeous views across the island and out towards the ocean.

And one of the best things about going with a guide is that you get to learn about the forest you’re walking through. The guides are incredibly knowledgeable about the local plants and wildlife, and they’ll point out things that you’d probably walk straight past otherwise.

Once you reach the top, you’ll get to relax in a hammock and enjoy the views. It’s a pretty good incentive to keep climbing!

But the adventure doesn’t end there. Depending on the day’s route, you’ll also get to cool off at Suoi Tranh waterfall or explore one of the island’s caves. To finish things off, you’ll enjoy a traditional Vietnamese bánh xèo, a delicious crispy pancake filled with savory ingredients. You will certainly have earned it!

8. Try local street food 

Is there anything better than eating your way around a new destination? We don’t think so! And since Vietnam is famous for its street food, we definitely recommend making time to try some of the local specialties while you’re in Phu Quoc, especially if you love seafood.

Now, you can absolutely explore the food scene independently, but we think this guided evening food tour is a great option if you want to discover places you might otherwise miss. You’ll explore Duong Dong with a local guide, visiting everything from markets to family-run eateries. It’s such a great way to avoid the tourist traps and make sure you get the good stuff! 

Along the way, you’ll try dishes like nem nướng (grilled pork), bò cuốn lá lốt (beef wrapped in betel leaves), and bánh xèo, a crispy Vietnamese pancake. There’s also fresh seafood and phở on the menu, so we suggest arriving hungry.

As well as eating a lot, you’ll also visit Dinh Cau Temple and stop by the beach to enjoy the sunset with a Vietnamese coffee or a local beer – how perfect does that sound? Then you’ll finish the evening exploring Phu Quoc Night Market, where there’s always plenty going on.

We think that this tour is such a fun way to spend an evening in Phu Quoc. Food, local hotspots, and sunset on the beach sound pretty good to us, and we’re big fans of any tour that gives you an insight into local life.

9. Spend some time in Sunset Town

Next up on our list is one of Phu Quoc’s quirkiest attractions. Sunset Town, on the southern tip of Phu Quoc, is a Mediterranean-style development full of pastel-colored buildings and pretty little streets, against the backdrop of some gorgeous sea views. It’s definitely not what we expected to find on a Vietnamese island! 

Now, we won’t pretend that this is an authentic Italian village. It’s a purpose-built tourist destination, and it’s definitely a little over the top. But we still think it’s a really fun place to spend some time snapping photos. 

One of the main attractions is Kiss Bridge, which has two curved walkways stretching out over the sea. The unusual thing is that they don’t quite meet in the middle, leaving a tiny gap where couples can lean towards each other for a kiss. It’s a bit cheesy, sure, but it’s also pretty cute.

Sunset Town is also where the famous Hon Thom Cable Car departs, so you can combine a visit here with a trip to Sun World. And if you stick around after dark, there’s the spectacular Kiss of the Sea show, which features music, water effects, lights, and fireworks.

We recommend arriving in the late afternoon to explore before finding a nice waterfront spot to watch the sunset. Preferably with a cocktail in hand, because you’re on vacation, after all!

Just bear in mind that the bridge and evening show require separate tickets.

10. Explore Phu Quoc on a motorbike 

Vietnam is famous for its motorbikes, but we can understand why you might feel a little nervous about navigating the traffic yourself! That’s why we love the idea of this guided motorbike tour, where you get to explore the island on two wheels with a local who knows the roads.

After a quick introduction and some practice, you’ll head north, leaving the busier streets behind and eventually making your way onto the jungle trails of Phu Quoc National Park. And yes, you get to ride through the rainforest! Expect bumpy dirt tracks and probably some mud, but that’s part of the fun. 

There are some great stops along the way, too. You’ll visit a local pepper farm, enjoy views towards Cambodia from Ganh Dau Cape, and head to Starfish Beach for a swim. Our favorite part, though, is stopping for lunch at a floating restaurant in Rach Vem fishing village. It’s the perfect reward after all that off-roading!

You don’t need to be an expert rider, as the guides provide instruction and assess your ability before setting off. But if you’re not comfortable driving, you can arrange to ride as a passenger instead. 

We think this is such a fun way to see Phu Quoc, especially if you enjoy a bit of adventure. And judging by the fantastic reviews, we’re certainly not the only ones!

Related Read: Check out our 3-day Phu Quoc itinerary for many of these top activities and our personal favorite spots, all planned out for you!

Where to Stay in Phu Quoc

Now that we’ve covered the best things to do in Phu Quoc, let’s talk about the best places to stay! We recommend basing yourself in or around Duong Dong Town because it’s one of the most convenient bases for exploring the island. Plenty of bars and restaurants are nearby, and staying here gives you easy access to Long Beach. 

Duong Dong Town also has gorgeous resorts, even if you’re not working with a luxury budget! We’ve picked three great options below.

Luxury – $$$

If you’re looking for somewhere special, La Veranda Resort Phu Quoc – MGallery is a beautiful choice! This five-star beachfront resort is designed to look like a French colonial mansion from the 1920s. It really encapsulates old-world glamour, and we’re here for it!

The resort sits right on Long Beach, so you can spend your days relaxing on the sand or swimming in the gorgeous saltwater pool. There’s also a fantastic spa offering massages and wellness treatments, which sounds like a pretty good way to spend an afternoon. Rooms start around $350 USD per night. Book your stay here on Booking.com!

Mid-range – $$

We love Bauhinia Resort & Spa Phu Quoc because you get that lovely tropical resort atmosphere without having to pay five-star prices. It’s a charming property, tucked away on a quieter street in Duong Dong, so you can enjoy a peaceful stay without being miles away from everything.

We absolutely love the outdoor pool, which is very inviting and surrounded by lush tropical greenery. There’s also an on-site restaurant serving breakfast and a spa where you can treat yourself to a massage. Prices range from $200 to $300 USD per night and can be booked in advance here.

Budget – $

One of the best things about Phu Quoc is that you don’t need to spend a fortune to stay right on the beach. Phu Quoc Kim – Bungalow On The Beach is a fantastic little option if you’re looking to save some money without sacrificing a great location.

This laid-back property has a collection of simple, cozy bungalows nestled among tropical gardens, just a few steps from Long Beach. In fact, you can walk straight from your bungalow to the beach! Not bad for a budget-friendly stay, right? Rooms average around $100 USD per night and can be reserved on Booking.com.

Related Read: Need help deciding on a hotel? See our Where to Stay in Phu Quoc blog for a complete breakdown of the best areas to stay in and top hotels!

Thanks for reading!

Phu Quoc feels like a hidden gem in Southeast Asia! With stunning beaches, amazing food, and unique adventures, it was such a fun getaway. Stick to our recommendations and I know you’ll love it as much as we did!

Before you go, see the rest of our Vietnam blogs. We have tons of resources to help you plan your trip, and if you’re traveling further, I’ll leave a few related blogs below to inspire your next destination. Cheers!

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