Phu Quoc (pronounced “foo kwuck”) is a stunning Vietnamese island located in the south of Cambodia, and a favorite beach destination for both tourists and locals. With white-sand beaches, lush mountains and jungle vegetation, and a tropical climate, it’s the perfect escape for paradise-looking holiday.
The natural landscapes, paired with the great amenities offered by resorts and tourist attractions, will ensure that you don’t run out of things to do… whether you’re there for a day, or a week!
In this article, you’ll find a comprehensive list of all the best things to do in Phu Quoc Island, carefully selected to ensure they enhance your vacation time. Are you ready? Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Take the Cable Car to Pineapple Island (Hon Thom)
In February 2018, the beauty of the An Thoi archipelago became easily accessible with the opening of the Phu Quoc cable car that connects An Thoi town with Hon Thom Island and the Sun World Hon Thom Nature Park.
Recorded in the Guinness World Book of Records as the world’s longest non-stop three-rope cable car ride (5 miles / 8km), the long ride gives visitors an arresting and panoramic view of the An Thoi archipelago with its amazing green islands, its clear cerulean blue waters, and its turquoise coral reefs.
It’s truly breathtaking. We visited on a gloomy day and we were afraid we wouldn’t be able to see much, but the landscapes were still stunning. Those blue waters and coral reef! I can only imagine how beautiful it must be on a sunny day.
Visitors can enjoy the ride on the cable car, explore the beautiful Hon Thom Nature Park, and relax on the beautiful beach. Right by the beach there’s an all-you-can-eat buffet restaurant, and there are a few stands selling banh my and meat skewers at very reasonable prices.
▶️ You can purchase your Sun World Hon Thom Ticket in advance to skip the queue, and pay less than at the counter! ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ This Phu Quoc: Cable Car Ride and 3 Islands Boat Tour with Lunch offers the whole deal. You’ll start the day snorkeling on Xuong Island, followed by an onboard lunch. Get some beach time at May Rut Trong island, and then ride the cable car on Thom Island for astounding views. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Go Snorkeling at Fingernail Island, Dam Ngang Island, and May Rut Island
If you are the type of person that likes to swim with the fish, then you will definitely want to sign up for a day of snorkeling as you island hop by boat across Finger Island, Dam Ngang, and May Rut Island.
Start out your day at the southern point of Phu Quoc and then board a boat that will take you to Finger Island. Dive into the clear turquoise clear waters and go all the way to the very end. The water is so clear that you will be able to see your boat up top.
Then head on to Dam Ngang Island and explore the its vibrant aqua life and coral reefs. Here you’ll have lunch and fresh fruit. Finally, go on to May Rut Island for another beautiful swim before heading out to the harbor where a driver takes you back to your hotel.
▶️ This Phu Quoc Trip 3: 3 Islands Full-Day Snorkeling Tour is possibly the most popular on the island. In a single day, you’ll get to visit most of the iconic spots in the area. Snorkel in the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Thailand, and enjoy a tasty onboard lunch. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Take a Cooking Class in Phu Quoc
By now, you may have noticed that the food in Vietnam is pretty good. Whenever I visit a new country and fall in love with its food, there’s one thing I have to do, and I recommend you do too: attend a cooking class!
There’s nothing quite like learning to prepare authentic, traditional dishes from a local, who’ll be able to tell you about the culinary history of the region, and all the secret cooking techniques to make your meal.
The best part is that, after your trip ends, you can continue enjoying Vietnamese delicacies at home!
▶️ This Phu Quoc’s Specialties and Home Cooking Class starts with a visit to a fish sauce factory, a local market, and a pepper farm. You’ll then head to a local home to prepare 3 traditional dishes, and join the family for a scrumptious seafood lunch. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Explore the Beaches of Phu Quoc
With so many beautiful isles set in Phu Quoc, visitors would be unfulfilled if they don’t find time to visit one of the many beautiful beaches that adorn it. I mean, what did you come to Phu Quoc for if you didn’t go to the beach?
Visit Bai Sao Beach and find out why it is considered the belle of the beaches, with its white powdery sands and bars to provide cocktails as you watch the waves. If you prefer to combine the beach with an impactful visit to Coconut Tree Prison and the Tranh Waterfall, check out this tour.
In the evening, head on down to Rory’s Beach Bar at Long Beach and have fun late into the night with other explorers of Phu Quoc as you dance, drink, and watch the waves go back and forth.
I strongly advice you against visiting Starfish Beach, as it’s been reported by many previous travelers for animal cruelty. It would seem that most starfish you’ll find on the shores are dead, brought by the locals to attract tourists and encourage them to take photos and play with them. We don’t support this kind of behavior and treatment to the marine life (or any kind of life), so please consider this (and do your own research) if you’re thinking of visiting.
Browse the Markets of Phu Quoc
For those who enjoy exotic bouts of retail therapy, Phu Quoc’s markets are a good choice. During the day, you can explore the largest of Phu Quoc’s markets, Duong Dong Market, with its many sellers stocking fresh produce, seafood, and souvenirs.
If you enjoy shopping and browsing for your meals late into the evenings, the Dinh Cau Night Market offers an opportunity for that. It hosts more than 100 stalls filled with sellers of not just produce and souvenirs, but mini eateries that sell street snacks, freshly cooked meals, and affordable beverages as well.
Fish is usually fresh, but I recommend sticking to the eateries that are full with customers (and a higher turnover) to ensure the freshness of the fish. You really don’t want to get sick and spend your days inside the hotel room when you’re in such a beautiful place!
▶️ Joining the Phu Quoc City – Local Street Food Tour By Night is a wonderful way to explore the local nightlife. You’ll join a foodie guide to explore the lit-up streets of the city, visiting the market, the harbor as you learn about the culinary heritage of the island, and sample local delicacies paired with cold beer. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Visit the Dinh Cau Rock Temple, Cao Dai Temple, and Su Muon Pagoda
It’s hard to come this close to nature and not experience the divine.
Explore the Dinh Cau Temple and pay homage to Thien Hau – the sea goddess of Phu Quoc whom the fishermen pray to for bounty at sea. Climb the 29 steps necessary to reach her shrine, and then enjoy the beautiful sunset view after you are done in the temple.
Visit the Cao Dai Temple and marvel at the vibrancy and beauty of the architecture. Phu Quoc is considered the birthplace of Caoidaism, a religion that Buddhism, Christianity, Confucianism, and Taoism. Very interesting!
You can also learn about the history of Phu Quoc while soaking up the scenery and architecture of the oldest Buddhist temple in Phu Quoc, Su Muon Pagoda.
Enjoy a Boat Trip at Sunset
On any sunny day in the perfect paradise of Phu Quoc, the colors that come alive with the sunset are something to behold in awe.
Take a sunset boat trip with some of the local fishermen and enjoy the view of the sun setting into the far sea of Phu Quoc while the fishermen crack jokes and net the evening’s catch of fish.
The fishermen can also teach you to fish and catch slippery squid, then you can eat a delicious meal prepared with the fresh seafood. The squids aren’t guaranteed, but the fun is, and at $15, the tour is very affordable.
▶️ The Phu Quoc Sunset and Night Squid Fishing with Dinner tour offers this unique experience, in which you’ll set sail on a squid fishing boat, ready for the action. If you catch any squid, you get to have it with your dinner! ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Chase Waterfalls at Suoi Tranh Waterfall
Chasing waterfalls is always a great idea, and standing under the Suoi Tranh Waterfall and enjoying the clear, clean water as it rains down on you is definitely an experience to look forward to.
A four-meter tall waterfall that is set between Duong Dong Town and Long Beach, Suoi Tranh is the most popular of Phu Quoc’s waterfalls. It features luxuriant greenery and perfect pools, and is a great place to have a picnic while the water cascades down beside you.
You can reach the waterfall by motorbike or taxi, or join a tour to the South of the island which include this waterfall.
Take Time To Reflect at the Phu Quoc Prison
Wherever atrocities have been committed, it is necessary for those who inhabit the area (and the visitors as well) to never forget.
The Phu Quoc Prison, also called Coconut Tree Prison, was a site upon which thousands of people were unjustly imprisoned and killed, first by the French colonialists who sought to break the spirits of the Vietnamese, then by the Saigon government as a war prison.
Today, the prison is a museum. Set up with mannequins in positions that reflect the terrible conditions prisoners were forced to exist in, and of the guards who kept them there. Visitors to the prison can learn about this dark side of Phu Quoc’s past and share in the memory to make sure it does not repeat itself.
You can reach the prison independently, or check out this tour which includes a visit to the prison + some of the highlights in the South of Phu Quoc.
Visit the Ham Ninh Fishing Village
Fishermen and seafood already make up a major part of the Phu Quoc experience, but visiting the charming Ham Ninh Fishing Village takes it to a totally different level.
Visitors who want to see what a day in the life of an aqua-agricultural worker looks like can spend their time watching the fishermen work, and people looking for souvenirs and a unique experience at the same time can engage locals to go diving for pearls and other jewels of the water.
In the evenings, floating restaurants are open on the water, and dining in these spots is affordable and enjoyable.
▶️ The Phu Quoc South Tour with Bai Sao Beach Visit includes the Ham Ninh Fishing Village plus a few other highlights in the area, like Sao Beach and the Tranh Stream. ➥BOOK IT HERE
Get a Massage in Phu Quoc
If you would like your body to experience the same calm you can literally feel in the air of Phu Quoc, then settling down to a body melting massage in any of the many massage parlors is a great idea. Being a well-practiced Asian tradition, the options available are endless.
Visitors can try out parlors like Luna Thai Spa or Lotus Spa for a full body massage with meals on the side or settle down for a full and luxurious In Balance Signature Treatment from In Balance Spa by Novotel (read below for a review).
Take a Cruise from Phu Quoc to Ho Chi Minh through the Mekong Delta
Never short of opportunities to see the working lives of the local people while enjoying the breath-taking scenery, tourists can take a cruise from Phu Quoc to Saigon through the Mekong Delta and do just that.
Picked up concierge-style in the morning, cruisers board the Mekong Eyes – wooden cruise boats – and set sail after lunch. Between cruising and then exploring the villages by foot, tourists are able to meet the locals, take memorable pictures, and enjoy freshly prepared dinners out on the water for two whole days. I recommend the 2-days and a 3-days cruise.
The area of the Mekong Delta is mostly famous for its colorful floating markets (which you’ll obviously visit on this all-inclusive cruise), but in my opinion is mostly special because here you can see the real Vietnam. While floating on the river, you’ll see the daily life of the locals passing in front of you, with children who’ll shout “hello” from the banks.
I truly enjoyed this region, and this is a great way to continue your trip to Ho Chi Minh and see the Mekong Delta at the same time. It’s not for all budgets, but isn’t it better than flying to Saigon and then having to drive 2 to 4 hours south to reach the Mekong Delta?
▶️ The Mekong Delta 3 day tour from HCM city to Phu Quoc Island / Phnom Penh is a great option. Start the journey exploring Ben Tre city and its traditional crafts. On the second day, you’ll visit the Cai Rang and Phong Dien floating markets and a Bird Sanctuary. On the last day, hop on a boat to return either to Phu Quoc or Phnom Penh. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Swim at Da Ban Spring
Located east of Duong Dong, Da Ban Spring is another waterfall that is worth visiting, especially if you’re looking to visit the Phu Quoc off the beaten path.
Da Ban means “Stone Tables Spring”, and in fact the terrain is covered by large flat stones. The streams converge in a sort of pool, where people love to bathe.
Visitors can submerge themselves in the stream, or climb up the stone slabs of the spring to catch the beautiful songs of the birds mixed in melodiously with the gurgling of the stream.
Escape the Crowds at Ganh Dau Cape
If the rest of Phu Quoc seems crowded, visitors looking for more solitude can make their way to Ganh Dau Cape, with its isolated and quiet beaches, small villages surrounded with red soil, and beautiful quiet waters to swim in. From here, on a nice day you can even see the border with Cambodia.
Most tourists in Phu Quoc head to the Southern side of the island, but the Northern part, wilder and quieter, has nothing to envy to it, and Ganh Dau Cape is the perfect example. Ganh Dau Beach is lined by coconut trees, with wonderful views of the mountains in the background, and is stunning.
You can reach Ganh Dau Cape by motorbike, but be warned that it’s a long way (32km), other wise you can take a boat, or join a tour.
Where To Stay in Phu Quoc
Book your accommodation by using the map below ⬇
My Recommendation: Novotel Phu Quoc Resort
Phu Quoc is one of those places where it’s definitely worth it to splurge a little and stay at a nice beachfront resort. After all, if you’ve come to Phu Quoc is to enjoy the sun and the beach, and some affordable luxury can’t but improve the experience!
Novotel Phu Quoc Resort for us was the perfect choice. This 5-star resort south of Long Beach offers the relaxation we were looking for, plus it’s located in a very strategic position.
Located just a few miles from the airport, the resort is close to some beautiful beaches, unspoiled islands in the south, and the cable car with its incredible views. It’s also not far from Duong Dong town.
What’s even better, Novotel Phu Quoc Resort offers free shuttles to both the airport and Duong Dong a few times a day.
We were greeted at check-in with cold tea and refreshing towelettes, and then shown to our room… wow! We noticed that we were greeted with a personalized cake, cookies and a hand-written card and we fell in love right away.
See, luxury and design are obviously things we appreciate…but the personal touch is what really makes a difference for us. The devil is in the detail they say, and I agree!
It must be a thing of Accor Hotels, because also in Inle Lake in Myanmar they gave us the cutest gift at Sofitel!
We stayed in a Superior Room, which is spacious and includes everything you need, including facilities for making coffee, a luxurious shower, and a balcony that overlooks the pool. There are also colorful kimonos for the guests to use.
If you can splurge more, the resort features some beautiful beachfront bungalows and villas with private pools that look incredible!
The resort is a beachfront property on Truong Beach, a very nice beach with soft golden sand and palm trees… the stereotype of the perfect tropical beach.
The private beach includes beach umbrellas and beds, a beach volleyball court and some swings for the perfect Instagram picture.. plus incredible sunset views if you are lucky with the weather! Unfortunately it rained most of the time we were there, but this didn’t stop us from enjoying the resort and all the amenities.
Novotel Phu Quoc features two pools. One is an infinity pool that we could see from our balcony, which overlooks the whole property and the sea. It has hammocks that are perfect to relax or read a book.
The other one is right by the beach, next to the Ocean Bar, and is more animated and usually busier.
Every morning a huge buffet-style breakfast is served at the Food Exchange Restaurant. You’ll find anything from fresh fruit and bakery to Asian dishes, pancakes, and cooked-to-order eggs. We definitely never went hungry!
We also ate our meals multiple times at the Food Exchange Restaurant during our stay. The pizza and the sandwiches are really good!
One night during our stay, we had a very romantic dinner at Phu Quoc Seafood Restaurant, another one of the 3 restaurants inside Novotel’s premises. Here the menu is more sophisticated, and is mainly a seafood restaurant as you can imagine, but the menu also features meat choices.
We started our meal with a glass of wine and a California roll as starter, and then decided to go for the Signature dish, a plate with the most popular fish dishes.
Cheese oysters, two whole crabs, shrimps and more types of seafood were included in this seafood platter that we truly enjoyed (except the part of the crab opening, but fortunately a waitress came to our rescue and helped us out!). It was very romantic with a candle-lit setting, a great choice for couples.
One of the things I love to do on a beach holiday is getting pampered, so we headed to the In Balance Spa to try out their signature treatment, the 90-minute Bamboo Detox Full Body. It’s a very relaxing massage made with bamboo stalks, that improves the circulation, lymphatic drainage, and massages the deep tissue.
It was blissful! I loved how the masseuses alternated the warm bamboo stalks with their hands and an aromatic oil that we chose before starting the treatment. I entered a deep state of relaxation, also thanks to the fact that our masseuses were very professional and never chatted with each other, and the music in the background was relaxing.
We were extremely satisfied with the service at Novotel Phu Quoc Resort. Everything from the always helpful staff, to the good food and the beautiful design of the hotel was 5 star, and I definitely recommend this resort for a great holiday in couple or with the family.
Rates start at just under $100 per night for a Superior Room in low season, and $230 for a Deluxe Bungalow with private pool and garden view.
CHECK OUT RATES AND AVAILABILITY FOR NOVOTEL PHU QUOC RESORT
Visiting Phu Quoc is definitely an experience of a lifetime. Many tourists skip it when visiting Vietnam, and it’s such a shame! Here you can find some of the best beaches in Vietnam and more. I hope this guide will help you decide to come visiting Phu Quoc… enjoy!
Disclaimer: We were guests of Novotel Phu Quoc Resort, however all opinions are exclusively our own. I’m extremely opinionated, so I will tell you if something isn’t right!
