Phu Quoc is the largest Island in Vietnam which comprises an island proper and 21 smaller islets. Over the past few years, Phu Quoc has experienced a boom in the tourism industry, and it became one of its primary sources of income.
That is why a lot of five-star hotels and resorts in Phu Quoc have been created in the area. Aside from that, the Vietnam government also allowed tourists to visit the site visa-free for up to 30 days. We have a list of accommodations in Phu Quoc from affordable to luxurious.
We recently visited Phu Quoc, and I can tell why many local and foreign people loved visiting this Island. So, we decided to compile a list of Phu Quoc attractions to help you plan your trip.
In this article, you would see a compilation of things to do, such as enjoying a boat tour, snorkelling and fishing, among others. We also added our recommendations for places to eat and some of the best bars in Phu Quoc. Read this guide on how to get to Phu Quoc.
PHU QUOC TRAVEL TIPS
These travel websites and tools will help you plan your trip to Phu Quoc. If your travel plan is not yet final, some of these services offer free cancellation for up to 48 hours.
Another tip for visiting Phu Quoc is one regarding dress code. Because Phu Quoc is a tropical island, the dress code is surely more lax than in other parts of Vietnam. However, this is still Vietnam. Going nude (or topless for women) on the beach is not acceptable in Vietnam.
What’s more, wearing beach attire away from the beach is not considered appropriate (except, for example, inside a beach-side resort).
Learn more about this in our guide to how to dress in Vietnam and what to pack for traveling in Vietnam.
PHU QUOC PINNED MAP
To help plan and visualise your trip to Phu Quoc, this pinned map might be helpful. Blue pins for places to visit, orange for food and drinks, and purple for hotels.
Click the enlarge button on the top right corner. Credit: map data: Google
PHU QUOC ATTRACTIONS: WHAT TO DO IN PHU QUOC
There are so many things to do in Phu Quoc that you wouldn’t even notice that the days are passing by and before you know it, your vacation is almost over. Whether you are coming here by yourself, with family, friends, or with your kids – there’s something to do for everyone.
The fastest way to explore the main island of Phu Quoc is to join a full-day tour which highlights the must-sees of the island. The tour includes a pick-up from your hotel, a knowledgeable tour guide, lunch, and a drop-off back to your accommodation.
Boat Tour – Snorkelling, island hopping, fishing
First on our list of Phu Quoc activities is the boat tour, where you will have an island-hopping activity. You can also snorkel and fish if you like to do so. All of these activities can be done in a day. A sample day trip goes like this: You will visit a total of four islands namely Mong Tay, Gam Ghi, May Rut and last but definitely not least Thom island where you can ride the cable car and visit the Aquatopia water park.
- Cost: $15-$45
- Tour length: 1 day
- Read tour reviews
Go Fishing and Snorkelling
Top Phu Quoc attractions revolves around water. Phu Quoc is well-known for fishing and snorkelling activities. This Phu Quoc attraction is definitely a must-not-miss. Some tours are solely dedicated to fishing and snorkelling trips, which is why this is perfect for people who love these two activities. Some of them offer sunrise and afternoon fishing trips.
These fishing activities aren’t only limited to catching fish. Tour agents offer unique sunset and night squid fishing activities, which sounds like a blast because squid fishing isn’t usually provided in fishing trips other than the common fishing activities. On the other hand, for snorkelling, there is an island (Gam Ghi) where you can snorkel and see a wide diversity of coral reefs.
- Cost: between $15-$25
- Tour length: 1 day
- Read tour reviews
Visit Phu Quoc Prison
To fully experience everything a place has to offer, you need to know some of its history to a certain extent, and the same goes with Phu Quoc. A little background about Phu Quoc Prison: the place was built by French colonialists.
It was previously known as Coconut Tree Prison until 1967 when the Saigon government renamed it Phu Quoc war prisoner prison or simply Phu Quoc Prison. It can hold 32,000 to 40,000 prisoners. It has 12 areas, each area can contain up to 3,000 prisoners and is divided into several subdivisions.
Phu Quoc Prison became more significant due to its brutal purpose during the Vietnam war.
- Cost: free entrance
- How to get there: take the DT46 road or book a day tour which covers other places to see
- Read tour reviews
Starfish Beach
Another must-see for everyone who visits Phu Quoc is Starfish Beach. From its name alone, you will know that this beach is filled with these beautiful creatures. The waters are crystal clear so you can see the starfishes. You cannot touch the starfishes unless you need them to move out of the sun and sand and place them underwater to avoid dehydrating and killing them.
Aside from that, there is a floating restaurant that serves seafood that is freshly caught. There is also a floating village nearby to explore.
They offer fishing and snorkelling activities here, as well as kayaking. To avoid hurting the marine life there, please avoid taking out the starfishes outside of the water. They may be pretty to look at up close, but they are marine species, after all, it’s not good for them to be out of the water for a long time.
- Cost: free entrance, sunbed rent 50K VND
- How to get there: take the DT973 road and turn on Suio Cai – Ganh Dau
- Read tour reviews
Have fun at the Water Park
There are two waterparks in Phu Quoc. One in the north and one in the south. The one in the north is owned by VinGroup, the waterpark is called VinWorld/VinOasis. While the one in the south is called Aquatopia Waterpark/Hon Thom Nature Park which is much newer and has the Cable Car.
The prices are pretty much the same. The prices are also cheaper if you are a local of Kien Giang (Phu Quoc) and the same for other Vietnamese citizens and foreigners. If you want to ride the Cable Car only at Aquatopia, you can without paying the entire waterpark ticket.
Here’s the pricing table for Aquatopia with cable car:
| Foreigners and Locals | Kien Giang People | With buffet included | |
| Children under 1.4 | 350.000 VND | 250.00 VND | 460.000 VND |
| Adult and children below 1.4m | 450.00 VND | 350.000 VND | 660.000 VND |
| Children below 1 m | free | free | |
| Cable car only | 100.00K (please double-check this) |
The cable car starts at 8.00 am but the waterpark opens at 10.00 am. You can buy food and drinks inside which are at decent prices. But it seems like you can bring your own food, they didn’t check our bags when we entered. Also, remember to bring your own towel. You can rent a towel for 50K with a 100K deposit and a locker for 30K.
Take the Largest Cable Car
Soar through the sky and enjoy an aerial view of the turquoise water and tiny islands of An Thoi Archipelago. According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the Phu Quoc cable car is 8 km long, making it the longest non-stop three-way cable car in the world.
The ride from Phu Quoc to Pineapple Island takes around 15 minutes which gives you plenty of time to take in the breathtaking sights. So, if you’re not afraid of heights, then this ride is for you. This is something you can’t miss while exploring amazing Phu Quoc attractions.
- Address: Bãi Đất Đỏ, Phú Quốc, Kien Giang, Vietnam
- Opening times: Monday to Sunday, 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Entrance fee: VND 150,000 or $6.47 for adults and VND 100,000 or $4.31 for children
Visit the Ho Quoc Pagoda
Feast your eyes on the panoramic view of the sea and mountains! Ho Quoc Pagoda, which includes a monastery and a Buddhist Temple was constructed in 2012 and is continuously being expanded. It is also known to be the largest temple in Phu Quoc.
This is definitely the perfect place for visitors to meditate and relax. When visiting this place, don’t forget to wear sunscreen and bring an umbrella with you to protect you from sunlight since there’s is limited shade in the area.
- Address: Suoi Lon hamlet, Duong To Commune, Phu Quoc, Kien Giang
- Opening times: Monday to Sunday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
For another off-the-beaten-track temple in Phu Quoc, see the last entry in our guide to Vietnamese temples!
Explore the Suoi Tranh Waterfall
If you’ve had enough of the famous beaches in Phu Quoc, you can soak in the Suoi Tranh Waterfall. It has a height of 4 meters and is surrounded by lush jungle, rock pools, and caverns. From the main entrance, it only takes 10 to 15 minutes to walk to the waterfalls.
If you enjoy hiking, you can continue for another 200 m. You will reach the peak of Suoi Tranh and find Hang Doi (Phu Quoc Bat Cave). The cave is about 50 deep.
- Address: 52M8+C4C, TL47, Dương Tơ, Phú Quốc, Kiên Giang, Vietnam
- Opening times: Monday to Sunday, 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Entrance fee: VND 10,000 or $0.43
BEST BEACHES IN PHU QUOC
There are plenty of beaches to go to for a swim in Phu Quoc. Whether you are looking for a place to simply lie down and read a book, a spot where you can go swimming, a beach to do some snorkelling, or a beach for partying – Phu Quoc has it.
- Sao Beach – pure white sand, the best beach in Phu Quoc
- Ong Lang Beach (Bai Ong Lang) – rocky shores, great for a barbeque
- Pineapple Beach (Hon Thom) – busy beach near the port
- Fingernail Island (Mong Tay Island) – a spot for diving and snorkelling
- Starfish Beach – best for kayaking and taking cool pictures of starfishes
- May Rut Island – is great for a relaxing swim since it’s always low-tide, perfect for reading
- Long Beach (Bai Truong) – is the busiest beach with lots of restaurants along the shore
WHERE TO EAT IN PHU QUOC
Besides sceneries and activities, travellers also often look for good places to eat while staying in Phu Quoc. We compiled places to eat in Phu Quoc that offers both local and international dishes.
You might also want to check our list of best Vietnamese snacks and see if you can find them in Phu Quoc. There is also a local street food tour you can join.
Dr Sweetsmokes – American-style Barbeque
Dr Sweetsmokes’ specialities include steak, burgers, wings, and ribs – a classic Southern US dish. Many people are actually raving about their foods being grilled to perfection, as well as the customer service. This is a family-friendly place, so you can bring kids as well should you decide to try this restaurant out.
- Address: 129 Tran Hung Dao Zone 7, Duong Dong
- Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, 8 AM to 11:30 PM
Chuon Chuon Bistro and Bar
If you want a scenic view while chilling and eating to your heart’s content, Chuon Chuon Bistro and Bar is the place for you. The bistro is located on the roof deck. Here you can enjoy the clear sky as well as the beautiful sunset. They offer a wide range of dishes, including salads, pasta, pizzas, burgers, desserts and even vegan dishes. They also serve cocktails.
- Address: Tran Hung Dao Street, Duong Dong
- Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, 7:30 AM to 10:30 PM
il Muro Italiano Restaurant
Last but definitely not least is a restaurant that specializes in serving Italian foods. il Muro Italiano Restaurant has so many positive reviews both from locals and tourists alike. The place has a very classy ambience and the foods are all authentic Italian dishes. Once you get to try it, you will surely crave to come back.
- Address: Cua Lap Hamlet, Duong To Commune, Vietnam, Phu Quoc Island, tỉnh Kiên Giang, Vietnam
- Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, 6:00 pm to 10 pm
Duong Dong Night Market
Your trip to Phu Quoc would be incomplete without visiting its local markets. Head over to Duon Dong Night Market to choose from a variety of fresh seafood. The market also sells prepackaged cashew nuts, fish sauce, and mushrooms, all of which make wonderful gifts for loved ones back home.
Don’t forget to treat yourself to a chop-chop ice cream, check out different stalls while taking in the lively ambience. This place is certainly a paradise for seafood lovers!
- Address: 21 Tran Phu, Duong Dong Town, Phu Quoc District
- Opening times: 5:00 AM – 7:00 PM
BEST BARS IN PHU QUOC
Phu Quoc isn’t just busy and lively during the day; they have a pretty fantastic night scene as well. This list is a compilation of our recommended bars in Phu Quoc and is made for those who want to experience the nightlife in Phu Quoc.
Ocsen Beach Bar & Club
Olsen is a beach bar & club that is one of the best places to go for a party in Phu Quoc. They have the perfect view of the sunset while listening to the waves touch the shore. They serve cocktails, draft beers, wines, appetizers, burgers, and other small snacks.
They have comfortable bean bags and a scenic view to enjoy while waiting for their program to start. They have live DJ shows that begin at 9:30 pm. They also have fire performances and bonfires. A night spent in Ocsen will definitely be an unforgettable night.
- Address: 118/10 Tran Hung Dao Previously Rory’s Bar, Duong Dong
- Opening hours: Tuesday to Monday, from 4 AM to 2 AM
Istanbul Beach Club
This beachfront club is also a great place to party. It has its own private beach where its customers can swim in peace, especially during the morning and afternoons, while the live shows aren’t starting yet. A great thing about Istanbul Beach Club is that it opens early, you can enjoy lunch and dinner while enjoying the front beach view. They have a massive menu both for food and drinks. From kebab, burgers, fish and chips, falafel, and more.
- Address: Hẻm 118, Trần Hưng Đạo, ( tổ 8, khu phố 7) Kế bên Phuong Binh House Phu Quoc
- Opening hours: Tuesday to Monday, 7 AM to 1 AM
Sunset Beach Bar and Restaurant
This beach bar is pirate-themed and serves draft beers, cocktails, local foods and Asian fusion. Many people are raving about the taste of their food and the friendliness and dependability of their staff. Just like the two other beach bars, you can have a perfect view of the sunset here. They have live acoustic band performances, DJs, white sand, a sky full of stars, and an ethereal vibe.
- Address: ALLEY 100C/2, Tran Hung Dao Street Duong Dong
- Opening hours: Sunday to Saturday, 10 AM to 11:45 PM
Rory’s Beach Club
After a long day of exploring the island, find a bean bag, drink a beverage, and enjoy the breathtaking sunset at one of Phu Quoc’s most popular beach clubs. Rory’s Beach Club is ideal for families vacationing together since the kids can play in the sand and perhaps go swimming while the adults relax with a few drinks.
Its menu consists primarily of western fare and seafood, and its beverage selections include tropical cocktails, beers, and imported wines. If you want a busier experience, you can check them out during peak season (November to March) since they usually host foosball matches, bonfires, live music, DJs, and live bands.
- Address: Group 3, Cay Sao, Ham Ninh, Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam
- Opening times: Monday to Sunday, 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Winston’s Burgers & Beer
Winston’s offers one of the best burgers in Phu Quoc. They have a lot of burger variety and also serve beer on tap. Winton’s also has the tastiest key lime pie, which gets sold out very quickly. This is the place you want to go for a nice western meal with plenty of sitting area.
- Address: 121 Đường Trần Hưng Đạo, TT. Dương Đông
- Opening times: Tuesday to Sunday, 11:00 AM – 9 PM, closed on Mondays
ACCOMMODATIONS IN PHU QUOC
Below is a quick list of the best places to stay in Phu Quoc. We also have an article with plenty of recommendations if you don’t know where to stay on Phu Quoc Island.
For those on the budget, FINE9 Hostel is an incredible choice. The bunk beds have a curtain, own reading light, locker, and even a power socket.
If you want a nice room in a resort without spending too much, Camia Resort & Spa have an amazing outdoor pool and fantastic room. It also has an on-site restaurant and bar.
For people looking for luxury and a perfect resort in Phu Quoc, check out Seashells Hotel & Spa. It has an outdoor pool, a beachfront location, and the most romantic spot for sunset.
FINAL THOUGHTS ON PHU QUOC ATTRACTIONS
Phu Quoc has so many beautiful sceneries and is a significant part of Vietnamese history. In fact, it is even considered one of Southeast Asia’s best-kept secret places. It has tons of remote islands that are waiting to be explored.
With all of that being said, we hope that you enjoyed our list of Phu Quoc attractions. We also hope that you are considering visiting this Island sometime soon, whether you’re a couple or with your group of friends or family with kids, you will always find something to do or someplace specific to go to in Phu Quoc, Vietnam.