Best Things to Do in Phu Quoc
Phu Quoc offers much more than beaches. From snorkeling and island-hopping to watching the sunset, exploring local markets, visiting national parks, and relaxing at a spa, there are plenty of things to do on the island.
Table of Contents
Best Things to Do in Phu Quoc
- Relax on Phu Quoc’s beaches
- Go snorkeling and island hopping
- Watch the sunset in Sunset Town
- Visit VinWonders Phu Quoc
- Explore Vinpearl Safari
- Visit Starfish Beach Explore
- Phu Quoc National Park
- Explore local markets
- Try Vietnamese seafood
- Enjoy a spa or mud bath
- Rent a motorbike and explore the island
- Take a boat or catamaran tour
Relax on the Beaches of Phu Quoc
One of the best things to do in Phu Quoc is simply slow down and enjoy the island’s beaches. From lively Long Beach to the quieter shores of Ong Lang and Ganh Dau, each area offers a different atmosphere.
If you want a convenient beach close to restaurants, hotels, and nightlife, Long Beach is an easy choice. For a more peaceful day by the sea, Ong Lang Beach offers a relaxed setting away from the busier areas. In the north, Ganh Dau Beach is a good option for travelers looking for a quieter coastal experience and views toward the nearby Cambodian coastline.
For a more adventurous beach day, head to Starfish Beach, where you can combine swimming and sightseeing with a visit to northern Phu Quoc. Bai Dai Beach, meanwhile, is known for its long sandy coastline and proximity to major attractions such as VinWonders and Vinpearl Safari.
Whether you want to swim, relax under the sun, watch the sunset, or simply enjoy the tropical scenery, adding a beach day to your Phu Quoc itinerary is easy.
Long Beach
Located along the west coast, Long Beach is one of the most convenient beaches for travelers staying around Duong Dong. It is particularly enjoyable in the late afternoon when you can combine a beach visit with Phu Quoc’s famous sunset.
Ong Lang Beach
Ong Lang offers a quieter atmosphere and is a good choice if you want to spend a relaxing afternoon by the sea without being in the center of the island’s busiest tourist areas.
Ganh Dau Beach
Ganh Dau Beach is located in northern Phu Quoc and offers a more peaceful coastal experience. It is also a convenient stop if you are exploring the north of the island.
Bai Dai Beach
Bai Dai stretches along the northwest coast and is close to several major attractions. It can be combined with a visit to VinWonders or Vinpearl Safari for a full day of activities.
Starfish Beach
Starfish Beach is one of the more distinctive places to visit in northern Phu Quoc. Its shallow water and characteristic starfish make it a popular stop for travelers exploring the area’s beaches and fishing villages.
Go Snorkeling and Island Hopping
Snorkeling and island hopping are among the best things to do in Phu Quoc, especially if you want to experience the island beyond its beaches. The waters around the southern islands are known for clear water, colorful coral reefs, and tropical marine life, making them popular for swimming and snorkeling.
Most island-hopping trips depart from the An Thoi area and visit several small islands in the south. Depending on the tour, you can spend the day snorkeling, swimming, relaxing on the beach, and enjoying lunch on the boat or at an island stop.
Join a 3-Island Snorkeling Tour
A 3-island tour is a simple way to experience Phu Quoc’s southern waters in one day. These trips typically combine several snorkeling stops with time to swim and relax, making them suitable for travelers who want a classic island-hopping experience.
Try a 4-Island Tour with the Hon Thom Cable Car
For a longer day out, a 4-island tour can combine snorkeling with a ride on the Hon Thom Cable Car. This gives you the opportunity to see several islands from the water before enjoying panoramic views from the cable car.
Experience Phu Quoc by Catamaran
For a more relaxed experience, consider a catamaran trip. Instead of focusing only on snorkeling, these cruises can combine swimming, sightseeing, music, food, and time on the water. They are particularly popular for travelers looking for a more comfortable day at sea.
Tip: Sea conditions can change depending on the season and weather, so snorkeling locations and the number of islands visited may vary between tours.
Watch the Sunset in Sunset Town
Watching the sunset in Sunset Town is one of the most memorable things to do in Phu Quoc. Located in the south of the island, this colorful seaside destination combines Mediterranean-inspired architecture, ocean views, restaurants, entertainment, and several popular sunset attractions.
Arrive in the late afternoon so you have time to explore before sunset. Walk along the waterfront, take photos around the town, and find a comfortable spot to watch the sun go down over the sea.
Walk Across Kiss Bridge
Kiss Bridge is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Sunset Town. Its two sections extend toward each other over the sea, creating a unique viewpoint for photos, especially around sunset.
Watch the Kiss of the Sea Show
After sunset, you can watch the Kiss of the Sea multimedia show, which combines water, lights, music, fire, and large-scale visual effects. Check the current show schedule when planning your visit, as performance times can change.
Enjoy the Sunset by the Waterfront
You don’t need a ticket to enjoy the atmosphere around Sunset Town. The waterfront, colorful buildings, and views across the sea make the area a pleasant place to walk and take photos before or after sunset.
Stay for the Evening
Sunset Town becomes more lively after dark, with restaurants, cafés, entertainment, and evening shows. You can combine your sunset experience with dinner and other activities to make it a full evening in southern Phu Quoc.
Tip: Arrive at least 1–2 hours before sunset if you want enough time to explore Sunset Town, take photos, and find a good viewpoint before the sky changes color.
Visit VinWonders Phu Quoc
Visiting VinWonders Phu Quoc is one of the best things to do in Phu Quoc if you are traveling with children, family, or friends and want a full day of entertainment. Located in the northwestern part of the island, the large theme park features rides, water attractions, shows, and themed areas.
You can easily spend most of a day exploring the park, so it is worth planning your visit around the attractions you are most interested in.
Enjoy the Theme Park Rides
VinWonders offers a variety of rides and attractions for different ages. Families can enjoy gentler attractions, while visitors looking for excitement can try some of the park’s larger rides and roller coasters.
Cool Off at the Water Park
The water park is a popular choice on hot days. It features water slides, pools, and other aquatic attractions, giving you a chance to take a break from exploring the outdoor areas.
Explore the Aquarium
The aquarium is another highlight, especially for families with children. You can see a variety of marine animals and learn more about underwater life without having to leave the park.
Watch Shows and Entertainment
Throughout the day, VinWonders offers various performances and entertainment activities. Check the current schedule when planning your visit so you can fit the shows you want to see into your itinerary.
Plan a Full Day
Because VinWonders is large, visiting for a few hours may not be enough to experience everything. If you want to enjoy the rides, water park, aquarium, and shows without rushing, consider setting aside most of a day.
Tip: Check the park’s current opening hours, ticket options, and attraction schedules before visiting, as these can change.
Explore Vinpearl Safari
Exploring Vinpearl Safari is one of the best things to do in Phu Quoc for families, children, and anyone who enjoys wildlife. Located in the northern part of the island, the safari park is home to a wide variety of animals and offers visitors a chance to learn about wildlife in a more natural setting.
You can spend several hours exploring the park, seeing animals, visiting different areas, and taking part in educational experiences.
See Animals from Around the World
Vinpearl Safari is home to many different species, including mammals, birds, and other wildlife. The park is divided into different areas, allowing visitors to see animals from different parts of the world during their visit.
Take the Safari Bus
One of the distinctive experiences is the safari area, where visitors can travel by bus through larger animal habitats. This gives you an opportunity to observe animals from a closer distance while remaining safely inside the vehicle.
Visit the Open Zoo
The open-zoo area allows visitors to walk between different animal exhibits and observe wildlife at their own pace. It is a particularly enjoyable part of the park for families with children.
Plan Your Visit
Vinpearl Safari is located in northern Phu Quoc, so you can combine it with other attractions in the area, such as VinWonders or Bai Dai Beach. Allow several hours for the safari so you don’t have to rush between the different areas.
Tip: Check the current opening hours, animal presentation schedules, and ticket information before your visit, as schedules can change.
Visit Starfish Beach
Visiting Starfish Beach is one of the most distinctive things to do in northern Phu Quoc. Located near Rach Vem fishing village, the beach is known for its shallow, clear water and the red-orange starfish that can sometimes be seen in the shallow areas.
The beach is a relaxing place to spend a few hours, especially when combined with a trip to northern Phu Quoc.
See the Starfish in the Shallow Water
The starfish are the main attraction at Rach Vem. When conditions are suitable, you may see them resting in the shallow water near the shore. The number of starfish can vary depending on the season, tide, weather, and water conditions.
Walk Along the Beach
Beyond the starfish, Rach Vem offers a peaceful coastal setting with clear water, sandy areas, and views of small islands offshore. It is a nice place to slow down, take photos, and enjoy a quieter side of Phu Quoc.
Explore Rach Vem Fishing Village
You can combine your beach visit with a stop at Rach Vem fishing village. The area has a more local atmosphere than many of the island’s major tourist destinations and is also known for floating seafood restaurants.
Visit Responsibly
If you see starfish in the water, avoid picking them up or taking them out of the sea for photographs. Starfish are marine animals and can be harmed when removed from their natural environment. Instead, observe them gently in the water and leave them undisturbed.
Tip: Check the weather and tide conditions before visiting. The appearance of the beach and the visibility of starfish can change throughout the day.
Explore Phu Quoc National Park
Exploring Phu Quoc National Park is a great way to experience a quieter and more natural side of the island. Covering a large area in northern Phu Quoc, the park includes tropical forest, hills, streams, and diverse wildlife.
Instead of spending your entire trip around the beaches and resorts, set aside some time to explore the island’s forests and countryside.
Walk Through the Tropical Forest
The national park offers a chance to see Phu Quoc’s tropical landscape away from the developed coastal areas. Walking through the forest can be a relaxing experience for travelers who enjoy nature, photography, and outdoor activities.
Discover Phu Quoc’s Wildlife
The park provides an important natural habitat for a variety of plants and animals. Keep your eyes and ears open while exploring, but remember that wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.
Visit the Northern Part of the Island
Phu Quoc National Park is close to several other attractions in northern Phu Quoc. You can combine a nature-focused visit with places such as Ganh Dau, Rach Vem, and other northern beaches.
Enjoy a Different Side of Phu Quoc
For many visitors, Phu Quoc means beaches, resorts, and island tours. The national park offers something different: forests, fresh air, and a slower outdoor experience. It is especially appealing if you want to spend some time away from the busier tourist areas.
Tip: Weather conditions can affect access to some outdoor areas. Wear comfortable shoes, bring water, and check local conditions before setting out.
Explore Local Markets in Phu Quoc
Exploring local markets is a simple way to experience a different side of Phu Quoc beyond its beaches and resorts. Markets are where you can see local life, discover fresh seafood, try Vietnamese snacks, and shop for some of the island’s popular specialties.
Visit Duong Dong Market
Duong Dong Market is one of the most well-known local markets on the island. It is a good place to see fresh seafood, fruit, vegetables, dried foods, and everyday products used by local residents.
Visit in the morning if you want to see the market when fresh seafood and other ingredients are arriving and being prepared for the day.
Explore Phu Quoc’s Night Markets
For a more relaxed evening experience, visit a night market where you can browse food stalls, seafood restaurants, snacks, souvenirs, and local products. It is a convenient way to combine dinner with an evening walk.
Try Local Food and Seafood
Markets are a good place to discover some of Phu Quoc’s local flavors. Look for fresh seafood, grilled dishes, tropical fruit, Vietnamese snacks, and other island specialties.
Shop for Local Specialties
If you want to take something home, look for products associated with Phu Quoc such as fish sauce, pepper, dried seafood, and other local specialties. When buying packaged food, check the packaging and storage information so it is suitable for carrying home.
Tip: Bring some Vietnamese cash when visiting local markets, as smaller vendors may not accept international cards.