Phu Quoc: 3-4 days, 15 great destinations and experiences

Phu Quoc is best visited from November to April, when the sea is calm and the sun is beautiful. In 3-4 days, you can explore 15 highlights from the north to the south of the island, along with experiences like night squid fishing, watching the sunset, snorkeling, and enjoying local cuisine. Estimated cost: 5,000,000 – 8,000,000 VND per person for 3 days and 2 nights.

When to go, and how to get to Phu Quoc?

Dry season (November-April): sunny, little rain, 27–28°C, sometimes 35°C in April-May. Ideal for swimming and snorkeling. Rainy season (May-October): heavy rain in September-October, rough seas in the west, murky seas in the east. The end of October marks the transition between seasons, so monitor the weather.

Travel to the island

• By plane: Phu Quoc airport is about a 20-minute drive from the city center. Reference round-trip airfare: Hanoi – Phu Quoc (2 hours 05 minutes), 2,500,000 – 4,500,000 VND; Ho Chi Minh City – Phu Quoc (1 hour), 1,300,000 – 2,500,000 VND; Hai Phong – Phu Quoc (2 hours 05 minutes), 1,500,000 – 2,500,000 VND. Prices vary depending on the airline and time of year; book early for cheaper fares.
• Ferry & speedboat: Rach Gia – Phu Quoc is approximately 120km, taking about 2 hours and 30 minutes; Ha Tien – Phu Quoc is approximately 50km, taking about 1 hour and 30 minutes. Reference prices: Standard 340,000 VND (Rach Gia) and 250,000 VND (Ha Tien); senior citizens and children aged 6-11 270,000 VND/200,000 VND; VIP 540,000 VND; children under 6 years old travel free when accompanied by an adult.

Traveling on the island

• Motorbike rental: ~120,000 VND/day (manual transmission), ~150,000 VND/day (automatic transmission). Some addresses: Thien Phu Motorbike Rental – 79 Tran Hung Dao, Phu Quoc – 0949486979; PQ Mai Huong Motorbike Rental – near Phu Quoc Airport – 0939371122.
• Self-drive car rental: ~700,000 – 1,300,000 VND/day depending on the car model and rental duration.
• Bringing personal vehicles: Ha Tien – Phu Quoc: 150,000 VND/motorcycle (manual); 180,000 VND/scooter (automatic); from Rach Gia: 10,000 VND higher. High-speed ferry Ha Tien – Phu Quoc: approximately 80,000 VND/vehicle.
• Taxi: Green SM (electric cars) are available. How to book: via the Green SM app, hotline 1900 2088, or by hailing a taxi on the street.

Suggested accommodation

The Vinpearl Phu Quoc complex in Bai Dai area offers a variety of options from hotel rooms to beachfront villas, adjacent to VinWonders, Safari, and Grand World. Depending on your needs, you can consider: Vinpearl Resort & Spa Phu Quoc; Vinpearl Wonderworld Phu Quoc; VinHolidays Fiesta Phu Quoc.

15 must-visit places by region

North Island

• VinWonders Phu Quoc (Bai Dai area): a large theme park with many thrilling rides and a water park. It's worth dedicating a whole day to it.
• Vinpearl Safari Phu Quoc (Bai Dai area): a semi-wild model, offering a bus experience where "people are confined while animals are released".
• Grand World Phu Quoc (Bai Dai Beach Area): "The city that never sleeps," experience gondola rides, shows, and check in at the architectural landmarks.
• Ganh Dau Cape: calm sea, fine sand beach, perfect for relaxing and swimming.
• Rach Vem fishing village: take a boat trip, eat seafood at a floating restaurant; it's most beautiful in the early afternoon and best to return at sunset.
• Ong Lang Beach: pristine, tranquil, and ideal for a peaceful getaway.

Center

• Dinh Cau: situated on a rocky outcrop overlooking the sea, a spiritual site associated with the story of fishermen being rescued.
• Tranh Stream: a stream originating from Ham Ninh mountain, with opportunities for swimming at the waterfall, visiting Bat Cave, and camping.
• Phu Quoc Night Market and Grand World Night Market: local food, souvenirs, and affordable prices.

Southern Island

• Bai Sao Beach: approximately 7km of white sand, calm sea even during the rainy season, safe for families.
• Phu Quoc Prison (Nguyen Van Cu Street): historical site, open 8:00-11:30 and 13:30-17:30.
• Truc Lam Zen Monastery (Ho Quoc Pagoda) – Suoi Lon Hamlet: nestled against the mountains, facing the sea, a tranquil space.
• Fish sauce factory: observe the fermentation process in wooden barrels.
• Khem Beach: fine sand in an arc shape, opportunities for snorkeling to see coral reefs, and fresh seafood along the coast.
• 3-4 Island Tour: Hon Mong Tay, Hon Gam Ghi, Hon May Rut; add Hon Thom if visiting 4 islands; travel by speedboat, snorkeling to see coral reefs.

An experience worth trying.

• Night squid fishing: departs in the afternoon or evening, fresh squid is prepared right on the boat.
• Watching the sunset at Bai Truong Beach: vibrant red hues against the blue sea, with many cafes offering sunset views.
• Snorkeling and coral viewing at Doi Moi Island: snorkeling or scuba diving, rich ecosystem.
• Trekking in Phu Quoc National Park: many routes ranging from easy to difficult, through pristine forests.
• Visit the fruit orchards in old Ganh Dau: rambutan, mangosteen, and durian depending on the season.

What to eat, where to eat

• Herring salad: herring wrapped in rice paper with vegetables, dipped in Phu Quoc fish sauce. Addresses: Xin Chào Restaurant (66 Tran Hung Dao); Vuon Tao Restaurant (1 Tran Hung Dao).
• Bun ken: a dish made with barracuda/mackerel and coconut milk. Addresses: Bun ken Di Hong (4 Nguyen Trai); Bun ken 87 (87 30/4 Street).
• Grilled sea urchin: drizzled with scallion oil, served with salt, pepper, and lime. Addresses: Oc 343 (343 30/4 Street); Nho Seafood Restaurant (Dinh Cau Night Market); Bien Xanh Restaurant (Group 9, Rach Ham Hamlet).
• Ham Ninh crab: 200,000 – 500,000 VND/kg. Address: Be Ghe Ham Ninh floating restaurant; Kim Cuong 1 restaurant (Rach Ham hamlet).
• Bun Quay: broth with shrimp, squid, and fish; "quay" dipping sauce. Addresses: Bun Quay Kien Xay (28 Bach Dang); Bun Quay Thanh Hung (77 30/4 Street).
• Tram mushroom soup; Grilled razor clam with salt and chili: seasonal local dishes.

What to buy as a gift?

• Pearls; dried seafood; Phu Quoc fish sauce; sim wine; banh kheo (a type of Vietnamese cake). Note: ask for prices beforehand, buy from reputable sources, pearls require a warranty; pack carefully and check in according to airline regulations.

Estimated costs and entrance fees.

• Total cost for 3 days and 2 nights: 5,000,000 – 8,000,000 VND/person (depending on the season and itinerary).
• VinWonders Phu Quoc: 950,000 VND for adults; 710,000 VND for children and seniors.
• Vinpearl Safari Phu Quoc: 650,000 VND for adults; 490,000 VND for children and seniors.

Suggested itinerary

• 3 days 2 nights: Day 1: City center (Dinh Cau Temple – Ham Ninh fishing village – sunset); Day 2: South of the island (Phu Quoc Prison – Barrel House – Bai Sao/Bai Khem Beach); Day 3: Safari and VinWonders (Vinpearl shuttle bus available if tickets have been purchased).
• 4 days 3 nights: Add snorkeling/underwater walking in the afternoon, night squid fishing; the remaining day is dedicated to exploring the North of the island (VinWonders – Safari – Grand World).

Important tips

• Book your flights, high-speed trains, and accommodations 1–2 months in advance during peak season.
• Check the weather forecast and prepare a raincoat/umbrella, motion sickness medication, and mosquito repellent.
• Ask for prices before eating/shopping; carry cash when entering markets/small shops.
• Respect protected/military areas; carry identification when traveling.