Is Phu Quoc Worth Visiting in 2024? Island life in Vietnam
Just because Vietnam has thousands of kilometres of coastline and several islands doesn’t necessarily make it a great place for a beach holiday. But there is a place that has nice beaches and so much more.
We like to end trips with a “flop and drop” experience if possible, and wanted our recent month in Vietnam to be no different. Once we found out about Phu Quoc we were hopeful it could provide just what we were looking for.
But did it live up to expectations? Is Phu Quoc worth visiting? Read on to find out how Phu Quoc became the perfect place to say goodbye to Vietnam.
Where is Phu Quoc?
You will find Phu Quoc in the Gulf of Thailand just off the coast at the southern border of Vietnam and Cambodia.
Is Phu Quoc worth visiting in 2024?
OK, so we did reveal our answer in the intro, but let us go into a bit more detail to show you why going beyond the usual Vietnam mainland trip should be more than just an afterthought. It should be essential!
We had 6 nights on Phu Quoc which we split between two different beachside resorts, and what was planned as last-minute R&R for Pauline before going back to work, ended up being a fun-filled week in an amazing place.
How many days do I need in Phu Quoc?
Phu Quoc is appealing to several groups of travellers, from families looking to experience the theme parks to those who are simply looking to spend some time lazing in the sunshine.
Phu Quoc can be many many things and it is a great location for a short break or weekend getaway if you are looking to escape the mayhem of nearby Ho Chi Minh City.
On the other hand, as we found out, there is much more to Phu Quoc than immediately meets the eye and even after a week you may not have had time to do and see everything on offer.
How do you get to Phu Quoc?
To get to Phu Quoc, you have several options:
By Air
- Direct Flights: Phu Quoc International Airport (PQC) has direct flights from major cities in Vietnam like Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Da Nang, as well as international flights from cities such as Bangkok, Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur.
- Connecting Flights: If there are no direct flights from your location, you can connect via Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi, which have frequent flights to Phu Quoc.
By Ferry
- From Ha Tien: You can take a ferry from Ha Tien, a town in the southwestern tip of Vietnam. The ferry ride takes about 1.5-2.5 hours.
- From Rach Gia: Another option is to take a ferry from Rach Gia, which takes approximately 2.5-3.5 hours.
By Bus and Ferry
- From Ho Chi Minh City: You can take a bus to either Ha Tien or Rach Gia, and then catch a ferry to Phu Quoc. The bus ride to Ha Tien takes about 7-8 hours, and to Rach Gia, it takes around 6-7 hours.
By Private Car and Ferry
From Ho Chi Minh City or Can Tho: Hiring a private car to Ha Tien or Rach Gia and then taking a ferry can be a more comfortable option, especially if you prefer a more flexible schedule.
Best things to do in Phu Quoc
Phu Quoc is probably larger than are thinking it would be, and it’s so much more than a few beaches, some hotels and seafood restaurants. You may be surprised by how much there is to do here.
1. Chill out on the beach
Phu Quoc is home to some of Vietnam’s most beautiful beaches so it would be a waste not to spend at least some of your time slowly wandering along the water’s edge or lazing on the sand with a beer or two.
A few of the top beaches are:
- Sao Beach: Known for its soft, powdery sand.
- Long Beach: Popular for its sunsets and vibrant atmosphere.
- Ong Lang Beach: A quieter spot perfect for relaxing.
There is no comparison between the quality of the Phu Quoc beaches and those we saw at Da Nang and Hoi An. Phu Quoc beaches so much better.
2. Hit the water for some snorkelling or diving
Arguably the most popular activity for tourists. The waters around Phu Quoc and nearby islands are home to some amazing coral reefs and top-class snorkelling and diving spots. Finding a tour is easy.
3. Get a good feed at the Night Market
When the sun goes down the activity level at the Cho Dem Night Market goes up, and it becomes the place to be for some great seafood and a few evening drinks.
4. See some animals at VinPearl Safari
We are not always fans of zoos and will rarely visit them but the VinPearl Safari is much more than just a zoo. The main attraction has to be the safari bus through large, open areas that a home to several breeds of wild animals.
They are a recognised conservation park with programs in place encourage breeding of endangered animals. The vast majority of the animals here have plenty of space, a natural looking environment, and seem to roam quite happily.
5. Have an adventure day at VinWonders
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to have a retro-Disneyland Park almost all to yourself? Well, go to VinWonders at the right time of year and you can find out.
VinWonders would be a similar size to Anaheim’s Disneyland and is also split into several themed areas. It is a great way to spend a day but it may not be worth the effort in peak season when, I suspect, it draws the crowds.
We visited in late March and I am not exaggerating when I say there was probably more staff than visitors. We were able to walk straight onto every ride but one, and ride as many times as we wanted.
VinWonders also has a great water park included in the entry fee and also the best aquarium we have ever seen. Set inside a giant turtle-shaped building this place is enormous and full of fantastic exhibits.
6. Get a bird’s eye view from the Phu Quoc Cable Car
The world’s longest sea-crossing cable car. This ridiculously high cable car (I’m a bit nervous with heights) takes you on a 15-minute journey high above the beautiful waters below, to Pineapple Island.
The views from the cable car are definitely the highlight but the island also features some beautiful beaches, a nature reserve, and the Sun World Hon Thom Nature Park, another theme park you may have almost to yourself.
7. Go star-gazing at Starfish Beach
There’s something about a starfish that gets a lot of people excited. Maybe it’s because they are not something you see very often, or because they are so unusual. If they interest you then this is the place to go.
Starfish Beach is on the north coast of the island and is a beautiful place to go for the idyllic combination of palm trees, crystal clear water, and white sand, but the hundreds of starfish make it truly special.
8. Go Island hopping
Phu Quoc has some very nice beaches but the surrounding islands are even better. Day trips to explore some of these stunning places often include snorkelling, lunches, kayaking and more.
9. Hike to the waterfall
It may not be a massive torrent falling from the top of a mountain but Suoi Tranh waterfall is a lovely spot to soak in some pools surrounded by pristine nature.
You can also head to Duong Dong Lake, the largest on the island. The lake has many streams branching out from it and several more waterfalls can be found along those streams.
10. Take in the sunset at a Beach Club
When you think of islands you usually think of the beach, and when you think of the beach in Asia, you probably think of Beach Clubs. And Phu Quoc is no different with a wide range of Beach Club offerings.
What better way to wrap up another glorious sunny day than with a quiet drink or two, watching the sun set across the beach, at a comfortable Beach Club?
What can you eat in Phu Quoc?
We just finished talking about the main foodie attraction of Phu Quoc but don’t think that seafood is your only option. You can expect to find the full selection of Vietnamese staples and a couple of surprise items.
And when it comes to seafood that you probably don’t get to try very often, it doesn’t get more unusual than Nhum Biển (Sea Urchin). It is commonly served in the shell, either grilled or raw, with lime juice.
One traditional dish unique to Phu Quoc is Bún Quậy (Stirred Noodle Soup), a combination of fresh seafood, noodles, and seasonings in a rich broth. It’s a must-try dish for seafood lovers.
Our final recommendation is not unique to Phu Quoc but we found it in a lovely kiosk one block from the entrance to the Phu Quoc Night Market, CocoDeli sells the silkiest coconut gelato you will ever taste. And they serve it in a coconut shell with a little umbrella… how nice is that?
Where to stay on Phu Quoc Island
You will find a wide variety of accommodations on Phu Quoc, from small hotels to luxury 5-star beach Resorts where you can spoil yourself, or be spoilt. Here are our recommendations for your trip:
✅ Hostel Option: 9Station Hostel & Bar Phu Quoc is the top-rated hostel in a handy location. It features budget-friendly prices and is within walking distance of the beach, many restaurants, and the Night Market.
✅ Budget Option: Ngoc Qui Bungalow is well located and, for just a few dollars more than a hostel, gives you a large bungalow. Why would you choose a dorm when you could have this?
✅ Mid-Range Option: Saigon Phu Quoc Resort & Spa is a 4-star hotel beachfront Resort, and the place we spent our first 3 nights in Phu Quoc. Excellent place with an impressive breakfast and a nice beach.
✅ Luxury Option: Vinpearl Resort & Spa Phu Quoc is a 5-star beachfront Resort with the largest pool we have ever seen and a lovely private beach area. Our 3 nights here were amazing and the breakfast buffet is outstanding.
Common questions about Phu Quoc Island
What is the best time to visit Phu Quoc?
The best time to visit is during the dry season, from November to April, but there is plenty of sunshine to be had almost year round.
Is Phu Quoc safe for tourists?
As with most of Vietnam, Phu Quoc is regarded as a safe place for tourists. You should still be alert and take care to secure your valuables as pickpocketing can occur in crowded places.
How can I get around Phu Quoc?
Taxis are cheap and readily available but hiring motorcycles or bicycles is also very popular.
Can I visit Phu Quoc on a budget?
Phu Quoc is an incredibly affordable option for anyone looking for an amazing beach getaway. Accommodation, food and activities are all well priced.
Is English widely spoken in Phu Quoc?
English is commonly spoken in tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants.
What currency is used in Phu Quoc?
The Vietnamese Dong (VND) is the local currency. There are plenty of ATMs and Money Changers across the island.
How is the walkability in Phu Quoc?
Other than the fact that the weather can get very hot during the day and you would be better off at the beach or in a pool, there is plenty of opportunity to explore on foot.
The beaches in particular are very long and make an ideal spot for those who like a good walk. With the bonus that you can splash around in the ocean if things get too warm.
Is Phu Quoc Worth Visiting? Our opinion.
We ended our month in Vietnam with 6 nights in Phu Quoc to give Pauline some relaxation time before she headed back to work. We knew little about it except that it had beaches that looked OK and it was easy to get to from Ho Chi Minh.
What we found was a place with good food, incredibly good value accommodation, and more than enough activities and interesting places to ensure we were never bored. (Which is important to me)
If you can imagine what Phuket was like 30 years ago, before it was massively over-touristed, then you would have Phu Quoc. We just hope they don’t fall down the Phuket rabbit hole.
We make a point of saying that we are not out-and-out luxury travellers but will jump at a chance to spoil ourselves if it is good value for money. And to stay at an amazing 5-star beachfront resort for around US$100 per night fits those criteria.
So is Phu Quoc worth visiting? Absolutely! If you are looking for a place that will replace Bali or Phuket in your beach escape plans then this might be exactly what you have been searching for.
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