Phu Quoc Island: An Honest & Complete Travel Guide [2025]

Phu Quoc is a peaceful destination, to  spend some quality romantic time with your partner. The island feels welcoming and easy, unlike the chaotic streets of Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. Walk barefoot on the beach, try fresh seafood, and ride a scooter through small villages.

This tropical paradise, located off the coast of Cambodia in the Gulf of Thailand, is famous for white-sand beaches, calm waters, and a slow-paced island lifestyle. You will find a blend of nature, culture, and comfort.

If you want quiet sunsets, clean beaches, and a break from the crowd, then this island is perfect for you. Here is everything you need to know before you visit Phu Quoc Island.

30 Sundays Honest Review Process 

At 30 Sundays, we keep it real. Our travel guides aren't sponsored or filtered. What you read here comes from real experiences, human perspectives, and practical tips. We blend honest opinions with cultural context so you know exactly what to expect and what not to.

Table of Contents

• TripAdvisor Ratings & Reviews
• What Do Visitors Like?
• What Visitors Don’t Like?
• Things To Do
• The Basic Things To Know
• Deep Dive Into Finer Aspect
• Other Places To Visit
• Hotels Near Phu Quoc Island 
• Restaurants Near Phu Quoc Island
• Final Verdict
• FAQs

TripAdvisor Ratings & Reviews 

The island itself doesn't have any rating on TripAdvisor, but a lot of visitors have rated and provided detailed reviews for the activities Phu Quoc has to offer. 

• Snorkeling: 4.9 (151 reviews)
• Hon Thom Cable Car: 4.4 (861 reviews)
• Sao Beach: 3.4 (4,211 reviews)
• Dinh Cau Rock: 4.1 (187 reviews)
• Phu Quoc Prison Museum: 3.9 (1,701 reviews)

Most visitors love Phu Quoc for its quiet beaches, clear water, and relaxed vibe. The seafood is fresh and affordable, with grilled squid and herring salad being favorites. Many people also say the locals are warm, welcoming, and helpful. The night markets and sunset spots add to the charm.

But some travelers point out ongoing construction in certain areas, which can spoil the view or cause noise. A few beaches may have trash, especially after storms. Prices on the island are also higher than on the mainland of Vietnam.

What Visitors Like About Phu Quoc Island?

Phu Quoc Island is famous for its clean and beautiful beaches with delicious local cuisine. There are many activities, such as snorkeling and cable cars. Here is what visitors like about this island:

• Peaceful Beaches: Phu Quoc is home to some of Vietnam’s cleanest beaches, like Long Beach, Sao Beach, and Ong Lang Beach. Travellers appreciated that they could swim in calm, clean waters, relax under the shade of palm trees, or watch the sunset in peace. Even during peak season, these beaches are uncrowded.
• Local Seafood & Night Market: The night market in Duong Dong is a must-visit for seafood lovers. Most visitors liked grilled crab, shrimp, squid, and Phu Quoc’s famous herring salad. It is a fun, tasty way to experience local flavors on an evening walk.
• Island Hopping & Snorkeling: Islands like Hon Thom and Hon Xuong offer calming beaches and colorful coral for snorkeling. Most tours include lunch and a few hours to swim and relax. Visitors found the water to be warm and clear, making it ideal for first-time snorkelers. It’s a refreshing way to explore beyond the main island.
• Cable Car to Hon Thom: This sea-crossing cable car is one of the longest in the world, offering breathtaking views of Phu Quoc from above. Travellers found the ride smooth and peaceful. They suggested that the sunset is the best time to go if you want great photos.
• Explore by Scooter: Phu Quoc is one of the easiest islands to explore on a scooter. The roads are mostly smooth, and traffic is light. Travellers said that renting a scooter helped them to find hidden beaches, small villages, and local cafes at their own pace. It is one of the best ways to see the real side of the island.

What Visitors Don’t Like About Phu Quoc Island?

While Phu Quoc is loved for its beauty and calm, it's not perfect. A few common issues can affect your trip if you're not prepared. Here is what visitors don’t like about this island:

• Construction in Some Areas: Some parts of Phu Quoc, especially near large resorts or in the south, are still under construction. Visitors have mentioned noise and blocked views in certain spots. It doesn’t affect the whole island, but it's something to check before booking your stay.
• Trash on Some Beaches: While many beaches are clean, a few lesser-known ones can be littered, especially after storms. Visitors suggest checking recent reviews or asking your hotel for the best-maintained beaches.
• Expensive Compared to Mainland Vietnam: Phu Quoc can be pricier than other parts of Vietnam. Food, transportation, and hotels in touristy areas are more expensive than in cities like Hanoi or Hue. If you are on a tight budget, plan and compare prices before booking.
• Weather Can Be Unpredictable: Phu Quoc is mostly sunny, but quick rain showers can happen from July to October. Some boat tours or outdoor plans may be cancelled at the last minute. Visitors recommend checking the forecast and having a flexible schedule.

Things To Do in Phu Quoc Island

Here are things you can do to explore Phu Quoc Island:

Sao Beach

Sao Beach is known for its soft white sand and clean blue water, making it the most peaceful spot. It is perfect for a swim, a quiet read, or just lying under a tree to relax. Since it's a bit away from the main town, it feels more untouched and calm. Couples and solo travelers come here to escape the crowd.

Visit Phu Quoc Night Market

The night market in Duong Dong is a fun place to explore local life after sunset. You will find a variety of street food, souvenirs, handmade crafts, and even pearl jewelry. Try local snacks like grilled seafood, sticky rice desserts, or tropical fruits at a low price.

Snorkeling and Island Tour

A full-day island-hopping tour is a great way to explore Phu Quoc’s marine life. These tours usually include snorkeling gear, a local lunch, and stops at smaller islands with coral reefs. You can see clownfish, sea urchins, or colorful coral. It is a relaxing trip with fresh air and sea views all around.

Cruising

One of the best ways to explore Phu Quoc is by hopping on a boat cruise. You will glide past clear waters, small islets, and coral reefs. Most day cruises include snorkeling stops, lunch on board, and visits to islands like Fingernail Island or Gam Ghi. Some cruises even offer fishing experiences and sunset views with cocktails.

Phu Quoc Prison Museum

It is also known as Coconut Tree Prison and offers a powerful glimpse into Vietnam’s history. Built during wartime, the Prison Museum shows how prisoners were kept and treated. The visit gives a deep cultural context to the island. This place can leave a lasting impact on you with its history.

Watch the Sunset at Dinh Cau Rock

Dinh Cau Rock is a small temple sitting on a rocky area near the sea, just outside Duong Dong town. It is a peaceful place where locals come to pray and tourists come to watch the sunset. At sunset, you will see fishing boats returning, and the sky turns orange. It is a simple, quiet, and relaxing place.

The Basic Things To Know About Phu Quoc Island

Here are a few key details before visiting Phu Quoc Island, as this will help you prepare in advance so that your trip is smooth:

What to Eat?

Seafood is famous in Phu Quoc, and it’s fresh and tasty. Grilled squid, fish hotpot, and king prawns are must-tries. If you are feeling adventurous, go for the local herring salad or sea urchin with salt and lime. Many restaurants cook in front of you. You will find tropical fruits like papaya, coconut, and soursop, sold on street corners and at local markets.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit is from November to March, when there is sunny weather and clear skies. Low humidity and calm seas make it a perfect time for swimming, snorkeling, and boat trips.

Avoid visiting between July and October because of heavy rains; many boat tours get cancelled due to rising sea level.

How to Reach?

Getting to Phu Quoc is easy, with direct flights available from Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. The island's airport is close to most beach areas, just a 15-minute ride.

If you are already in southern Vietnam, ferries from Ha Tien or Rach Gia are another option. Boat travel takes longer but offers a different kind of experience with beautiful views.

Entry Fees

You don’t need to pay any entry fee to get onto the island. But some attractions and tours have separate charges. The famous Hon Thom cable car costs around ₹550 (1,67,000 VND), snorkeling tours start at ₹1,500 (4,55,000 VND), and full-day island tours are about ₹1,200 (364,000 VND). Most hotels can help you book these easily, with transport included.

Deep Dive Into Finer Aspects of Phu Quoc Island

Now that we have covered everything any visitor should know about Phu Quoc Island, here is some information in depth:

Island’s Vibe

Phu Quoc has a calm and peaceful energy that makes you slow down and relax. You can sip iced coffee by the sea and walk barefoot on a quiet beach. Many travelers say it is the perfect place to unwind, disconnect, and relax.

Friendly Locals

The people in Phu Quoc are kind and warm, even if they don’t speak much English. They will smile, help you with directions, or offer fresh fruit from their stalls. Many visitors mentioned how welcoming they felt on the island, and this is the place where small gestures feel warm and special.

Eco-conscious Stays

Some homestays and resorts in Phu Quoc are starting to adopt friendly practices in small and meaningful ways. You will find bamboo bungalows, solar-powered lights, and many beach clean-up events led by locals.

Other Places to Visit Near Phu Quoc Island

If you have more time, explore the places located near Phu Quoc Island:

Starfish Beach

It is known for clear waters filled with red starfish, located in northern Phu Quoc. Starfish Beach is peaceful in the early morning, where you can relax before the crowds arrive. Walk slowly in the water to avoid stepping on starfish. The beach is quiet, scenic, and perfect for photos. It is a simple and different experience from other beaches.

VinWonders Phu Quoc

If you want a break from the sea, VinWonders is a fun theme park with roller coasters, water slides, and live shows. It is one of the largest parks in Vietnam. It is a great place for families with kids or anyone looking for a day of playful energy. The park is maintained and offers a thrilling experience.

Suoi Tranh Waterfall

It is a small waterfall tucked inside a quiet forest area. The walk to reach it is beautiful, with butterflies and greenery all around. You can hike, sit by the water, or bring a small picnic. Locals often visit here on weekends. Suoi Tranh Waterfall is a great place if you want a short break from the beach and enjoy some shade.

Dinh Cau Night Market

In the heart of Duong Dong town, Dinh Cau Night Market is the best place to try fresh seafood and local snacks. The market comes alive after sunset with colorful stalls, lanterns, and friendly vendors. You can shop for souvenirs, eat grilled squid, or take a slow walk.

Hotel Near Phu Quoc Island

If you are looking for an overnight accommodation near Phu Quoc Island, then here are a few options for you:

Restaurants Near Phu Quoc Island

Here are a few restaurants you can eat at near Phu Quoc Island:

Final Verdict: Is Phu Quoc Island Worth Visiting?

Yes, Phu Quoc Island is worth visiting if you want to relax. It is a peaceful place where you can connect with nature. Calm beaches, quiet evenings, and simple pleasures give you a perfect experience.

The friendly locals, the best markets to try seafood, and the island roads make it feel like you have stepped into a different pace of life. You can do adventurous activities like snorkeling and the Hon Thom cable car ride. You can watch a beautiful sunset from Dinh Cau Rock or visit the Prison Museum.

If you enjoy slow travel, fresh seafood, and nature, Phu Quoc is the best place for a vacation. It is beautiful and adventurous, which is sometimes what you need to forget your daily stress.

Frequently Asked Questions

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When should you avoid visiting Phu Quoc Island?

Avoid going to Phu Quoc Island during the rainy season from July to October. Some boat tours or outdoor plans may be cancelled at the last minute. If you are going, then plan your activities before checking the weather forecast.

How many days does it take to explore Phu Quoc Island?

You can explore Phu Quoc in 3-4 days by doing activities like snorkeling and the Hon Thom cable car. You can watch a beautiful sunset from Dinh Cau Rock or visit the Prison Museum. You can lie down on quiet beaches or swim in the clean water.

Which city is the closest to Phu Quoc Island?

Ha Tien is the closest mainland port to Phu Quoc. It is perfect for travelers coming from Chau Doc or Cambodia.

Which is the coldest and warmest month in Phu Quoc Island?

In Phu Quoc Island, the average temperature of the coldest month is January, which is 27°C, and the warmest months are April and May are 29°C.