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Powdery white sands and turquoise water at Bai Sao Beach, Phu Quoc
Phu Quoc · Guide

Phu Quoc Travel Guide: Best Beaches, Resorts, Island Tours

Everything you need to pick beaches, resorts, and epic island tours in Phu Quoc.

Powdery white sands and turquoise water at Bai Sao Beach, Phu Quoc
Phu Quoc · Guide📅 Updated 2026-06-19 · last reviewed by Phuong Le📖 2 min readPLPhuong Le15-yr Hanoi history guide
Last reviewed by Phuong Le: 2026-06-19 · Quarterly review

Quick answer

Beaches: Long (west), Sao/Khem (south, fine sand). South islets: May Rut–Gam Ghi–Mong Tay; Hon Thom cable car from An Thoi. Seasons: dry Nov–Apr; rain May–Oct; diving mainly in dry months. Access: SGN–PQC 1h; Ha Tien ferry 1.5–2h; Rach Gia 2.5–3h. Taxi/Grab or motorbike; e‑visa

Dry season Nov–AprSGN–PQC ~1h; Ha Tien ferry 1.5–2hHon Thom cable car + An Thoi islets

Why this guide

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About this guide

Phu Quoc is Vietnam's largest island, sitting in the Gulf of Thailand within Kien Giang Province. Its 150-kilometer coastline wraps around a mountainous interior of 99 peaks, roughly 70 percent of which falls inside Phu Quoc National Park — a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve established in 2001 and covering 31,422 hectares. More than 100,000 permanent residents live alongside a rapidly growing tourism sector, with luxury brands including JW Marriott, InterContinental, Melia, and Vinpearl anchoring the south and west coasts while the north and east remain largely undeveloped.

The island's beaches divide naturally by geography and season. Long Beach on the west coast runs 20 kilometers and catches clear sunset views; Bai Sao and Khem Beach on the south coast offer white sand and turquoise water, with Khem Beach hosting the architecturally distinctive JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort. Between May and October — the rainy season — the south and east coasts, including Sao Beach, Khem Beach, and Bai Bon, provide more sheltered conditions. The dry season runs November through April, with average year-round temperatures of 27–28°C (80.6–82.4°F).

Beyond the sand, Phu Quoc carries a specific cultural identity. The island produces high-quality fish sauce and aromatic black pepper, both available to visitors through factory and farm tours in Duong Dong. Traditional fishing villages such as Ham Ninh and the floating village of Rach Vem give access to fresh seafood at floating restaurants, while the Dinh Cau Night Market serves street food and island-made souvenirs. Conical hats, banh mi stalls, pho shops, and traditional temples appear throughout the island, reflecting a distinctly Vietnamese character despite the island's proximity to Cambodia.

Key facts & good to know

Best time to go
November–April (dry season); south & east coasts (Sao, Khem, Bai Bon) are more sheltered May–October.
Climate
Average year-round temperature 27–28°C (80.6–82.4°F); rainy season runs May–October.
Currency
Vietnamese Dong (VND). USD widely accepted at resorts; carry small VND denominations for markets and street food.
Language
Vietnamese is the official language. English spoken at most resorts and tourist businesses; limited elsewhere on the island.
Time zone
Indochina Time (ICT), UTC+7. No daylight saving time observed.
Power plugs
Type A, B, and C sockets; 220V/50Hz. Bring a universal adapter — socket types vary across older and newer properties.
Getting around
Motorbike and scooter hire are common for exploring. Taxis and ride-hail apps cover Duong Dong and resort corridors; north/east roads are rougher.
Park access
Phu Quoc National Park (31,422 ha, ~70% of the island) charges no entrance fee; activities include hiking, kayaking, and river rafting.

The honest pacing

We suggest planning at least five days on Phu Quoc — enough time to move between the developed south and west coasts and the quieter north and east without feeling rushed. Arriving during the dry season (November through April) keeps conditions reliable across the 150-kilometer coastline, though travelers willing to work around afternoon showers in the rainy season will find the south and east beaches, including Sao and Khem, largely calm. Book accommodation early if you're targeting the JW Marriott, InterContinental, or Vinpearl properties, as RevPAR on the island rose 17 percent year-on-year as of early 2025.

We recommend building the itinerary around two or three anchor activities rather than attempting everything at once. The South Island boat tour to the An Thoi Archipelago — 21 smaller islets south of the main island — covers snorkeling over coral reefs, island hopping, and a fresh seafood lunch in a single day and works well early in the trip. Day two or three can shift to land: a morning inside Phu Quoc National Park for hiking to waterfalls or rock pools (no entrance fee), followed by an afternoon at a fish sauce factory or pepper farm in Duong Dong. Evenings at the Dinh Cau Night Market round out the schedule without adding cost or complexity.

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What to skip on 0 days

These are the 4 mistakes 80% of first-time Vietnam travellers make when researching online.Phuong Le has personally seen each one destroy trips that could have been excellent.

✗
Booking a beach-front room on the west coast (Long Beach) during May–OctoberWhen to consider · Only if you prioritize sunset views over swimming conditions
The rainy season brings rougher seas and reduced visibility on the west coast; the south and east coasts — Sao Beach, Khem Beach, Bai Bon — offer more sheltered water during this period.
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Skipping the north and east coasts entirely in favor of the developed south and west resort corridorsWhen to consider · Skip only if you specifically need full resort amenities and infrastructure
Beaches such as Ganh Dau, Bai Thom, and Dragon Beach (Ham Rong) remain largely undeveloped and uncrowded — travelers who stick to Long Beach or Khem Beach miss a notably different, quieter side of the island's 150-kilometer coastline.
✗
Attempting to cover both the South Island boat tour (An Thoi Archipelago) and a full northern day tour in the same dayWhen to consider · Not recommended unless you have very limited time and low energy expenditure in mind
The An Thoi tour alone — covering 21 islets, snorkeling, and a seafood lunch — is a full-day commitment. Combining it with northern stops at Rach Vem floating village and Starfish Beach in one day leaves insufficient time at each location.
✗
Overlooking Phu Quoc National Park because resort activities dominate most tour packagesWhen to consider · Consider skipping only if mobility or heat tolerance is a concern
The park covers 31,422 hectares — roughly 70% of the island's land area — and charges no entrance fee. Hiking to waterfalls, rock pools, and caves, or spotting species from its 61 mammal and 134 bird species list, are low-cost activities that most packaged itineraries leave out entirely.

0-day Vietnam itinerary FAQ

When should I visit for calm seas and good weather?
Dry season runs roughly November to April, with the calmest seas from December to March on the west coast. May to October is the rainy season; the east and south coasts are usually more sheltered then, but seas can be choppy and some beaches collect seaweed. For clearer snorkeling, aim for January–April mornings.
Which beach area should I stay in, and how far is it from the airport and town?
Long Beach (Bai Truong) is central, 8 km from PQC airport (15–20 minutes) and close to Duong Dong town and the night market. Ong Lang is quieter, about 7–10 km north of town; Bai Dai is farther north near VinWonders and the safari. The south (An Thoi) is handy for island-hopping; Bai Sao is public and busiest midday, while Bai Khem has limited public access via resort areas.
How do I book island tours, and can I customize the itinerary?
You can book through hotel desks, local operators via WhatsApp, or reputable online platforms. Group snorkeling trips (An Thoi islets) run most days 08:30–16:30 and include pickup in central areas, lunch, and gear; surcharges may apply for remote pickups. Private speedboats let you choose islands, timing, and lunch stops, and you can request dietary needs or kid-sized gear; operators often take a 10–30% deposit.
What do island tours, hotels, and daily costs typically cost?
Group snorkeling tours are about 600,000–1,100,000 VND ($25–45) per adult; private speedboats for 4–8 people are roughly 4.2–8 million VND ($180–350) depending on size and season. Two-fun-dive boat trips run 2.0–2.7 million VND ($80–110); Open Water courses are about $350–450. Guesthouses cost 350,000–850,000 VND ($15–35), mid-range resorts $1.2–2.8 million VND ($50–120), and high-end $3.5 million VND+ ($150+); meals from 50,000–100,000 VND at local spots, seafood dinners 200,000–400,000 VND, motorbike rental 150,000–200,000 VND/day, and taxis about 12,000–20,000 VND/km.
Do I need a visa, and how do I enter Phu Quoc?
Many travelers can enter visa-free for up to 30 days if they arrive directly to Phu Quoc by international flight or cruise and do not visit mainland Vietnam; you need a passport with 6 months’ validity and an onward/return ticket. If you transit another Vietnamese airport or arrive by ferry from Ha Tien/Rach Gia, you enter Vietnam proper and need a visa or a national visa waiver. Vietnam’s e-visa (valid up to 90 days, often multi-entry) is available to many nationalities—check official requirements before you travel.
How do I get around the island and reach the small islands?
Taxis, ride-hailing (Grab) and electric taxis (Xanh SM) are common; airport to Duong Dong is 15–20 minutes, and to An Thoi 35–45 minutes. Motorbike rental is 150,000–200,000 VND/day; always wear a helmet and carry your license. Boats for the An Thoi archipelago depart mainly from An Thoi pier; the Hon Thom cable car takes about 15 minutes across 7.9 km, with adult tickets around 450,000–650,000 VND depending on season (check daily operating hours).
What are typical cancellation and weather policies for tours and hotels?
Group tours often allow free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure; private charters may require 48–72 hours. If boats are canceled due to weather, operators usually offer a free date change or a refund. Hotels commonly allow free cancellation 3–7 days before check-in, but peak dates (Dec–Feb and Tet) can have stricter or non-refundable terms—read the rate conditions before booking.
Is it safe to swim, and what seasonal hazards should I know about?
From June to October, the west coast can have strong waves and rip currents; follow red flags and local advice. Jellyfish can appear seasonally (often late summer to autumn), and sea urchins are present near rocky reefs—wear reef-safe footwear if wading. Do not handle starfish at Rach Vem, use reef-safe sunscreen, and drink plenty of water in the midday heat.

People also ask

How many days do you need on the island to see beaches and do an island tour?
Plan 3–4 full days. Use one day for a south-island boat trip, one for beaches and the Hon Thom cable car, and one for the north (National Park area, Rach Vem). Add a day if you want diving or a slower pace.
Can you see starfish at Rach Vem (Starfish Beach) all year?
Starfish are most visible from roughly December to April when the water is clearer and calmer. From May to October the water is often murky with waves, so sightings drop. Do not lift starfish from the water; handling harms them.
Can I rent a scooter without a local license, and what does it cost?
Shops will rent to foreigners (about 120,000–200,000 VND per day), but Vietnam requires a valid motorcycle license plus a 1968 IDP for you to be legal and insured. Helmets are mandatory; police do occasional checks and fines can apply. Fuel is about 25,000–30,000 VND per liter.
What are the Hon Thom cable car hours, duration, and price?
The ride is about 15 minutes one way over 7.9 km between An Thoi Station and Hon Thom. Typical operating hours are roughly 08:00–17:30, with seasonal changes; check the official site before you go. Round-trip tickets usually run 400,000–600,000 VND per adult, with child discounts.
Are ATMs and card payments easy to find?
ATMs are in Duong Dong, the Long Beach area, An Thoi, and at the airport; per-withdrawal limits are commonly 2–5 million VND plus a 20,000–50,000 VND local fee. Larger hotels and restaurants take cards, sometimes with a 2–3% surcharge; small shops, markets, taxis, and some tours prefer cash.
Which beaches are calmer during the summer monsoon?
From May to October, the east and southeast (Bai Sao, Bai Khem) are usually calmer and clearer than the west coast, which gets more swell and wind. In the dry season (roughly November–April), west-side beaches like Long Beach and Ong Lang are typically the gentler choice.

Verified sources

  1. ATL DMC booking log · 12,000+ trips since 2011
  2. Vietnam Tourism – Official Phu Quoc Destination Page · https://vietnam.travel/places-to-go/southern-vietnam/phu-quoc
  3. Vietnam Tourism – Beachy, Beautiful Phu Quoc · https://vietnam.travel/things-to-do/beachy-beautiful-phu-quoc
  4. Phu Quoc Island Guide – Official Tourist Guide · https://www.phuquocislandguide.com/
  5. Phu Quoc Island Guide – National Park · https://www.phuquocislandguide.com/phu-quoc-national-park/
  6. Vietnam Coracle – Phu Quoc Beach Guide (Updated Jan 2025) · https://www.vietnamcoracle.com/phu-quoc-beaches-a-guide/
  7. Nomado Travel – Phu Quoc National Park: Trails, Wildlife and Forest · https://www.nomadotravel.app/en/attractions/phu-quoc-national-park
  8. VietnamPlus – Phu Quoc Among Top Beach Destinations in Asia · https://en.vietnamplus.vn/phu-quoc-among-top-beach-destinations-in-asia-post283121.vnp

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About the authors

PL

Phuong Le · primary author

15-yr Hanoi history guide

Specialty: Hanoi · Halong Bay · Vietnam itineraries.

Editorial process: Pacing and picks tested across thousands of ATL trips · reviewed quarterly.

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