Things to do in Phu Quoc
If eating, swimming, and island-hopping between some of the whitest stretches of sand are your things, then Phu Quoc should be right at the top of your bucket list.
Located near the Southern tip of Vietnam, the island has a lot to offer. There’s a theme park, fishing village, night market, cheap seafood joints, and several swoon-worthy sights to see. We’ve narrowed it down to 14 things to do in Phu Quoc, and included hotel and restaurant recommendations so you can use this guide to live your best island life.
– Attractions –
1. Shop for fresh seafood at Ham Ninh Fishing Village
To get fish and shellfish that’s literally fresh off a boat, head to Ham Ninh Fishing Village.
Image credit: @flyasiana via Instagram
Nestled between mountains, the rustic town is a 30-minute drive from Phu Quoc centre. One of its main lures is fresh seafood which can be purchased straight from the fishermen’s boats and grilled by the chefs in the surrounding restaurants.
The whole thing oozes a lowkey surf-shack experience that you won’t be able to get in Singapore. Don’t forget to take a dip in the pristine water of Ham Ninh Beach while you’re there.
Address: Ham Ninh, Phu Quoc, Kien Giang, Vietnam
2. Swim with starfish at Starfish Beach
One of Vietnam’s most photographed beaches, Starfish Beach sits in between 2 capes in the south of the island.
Image credit: @fromsealps via Instagram
The beach is famous for its soft white sand and Maldives-esque blue water that’s great for swimming and snorkelling. However, the real draw of this destination is most likely the galaxy of starfish that can sometimes be found on the sandbank. Just promise us you’ll only look but won’t touch or pick them up in order to keep them alive.
Address: Rach Vem, Phu Quoc, Kien Giang, Vietnam
3. Ride the rollercoasters at Vietnam’s largest theme park
VinWonders Phu Quoc is billed as the largest theme park in Vietnam. This makes sense as soon as you see the sprawling 50-hectare land that it occupies, along with countless rides, attractions, restaurants, and shops.
Image credit: @hisfitmj via Instagram
The park consists of 6 different zones, ranging from a Viking-themed ancient village to a fantasy sci-fi world. But that’s not all. There’s also a waterpark for you to cool off and an aquarium where you can pay a visit to 18,000 marine species.
4. Try street food at Phu Quoc Night Market
Strung up in lanterns and string lights, Phu Quoc Night Market is known for its buzzing vibes and tasty street food.
Image credit: @phuquoctrip via Instagram
Make your way around the spiderweb of canopied tents of vendors folding and frying snacks. Stop and sample the myriad of grilled seafood, meat skewers, ice cream rolls, and fruit iced tea. The market is also known for its rows of bars selling cheap booze so you can let loose on a budget.
Address: 54 Nguyen Trai Street, District 1, Phu Quoc, Kien Giang, Vietnam
Opening hours: 5pm-12am, Daily
5. Grab a drink at Sunset Sanato Beach Club
Sunset Sanato Beach Club is probably the most well-known drinking hole on the island.
Image credit: @crazycat_22 via Instagram
The place is often swarmed with bikini and board shorts-clad revellers competing in beer pong tournaments and posing with dozens of artsy sculptures along the shore. But what makes it truly remarkable is the majestic sunset that can be seen from the deck. Come for the views and photo ops, and stay for the live music and good food.
Entry is VND100,000/person (~S$5) and gives you all-day access to the venue.
6. Feed the giraffes at Vinpearl Safari Phu Quoc
You won’t need to go all the way to India to see the beautiful Bengal tigers. Just head to Vinpearl Safari Phu Quoc to witness these mighty creatures, along with over 200 other species of animals.
Image credit: @ivivupham via Instagram
Known as Vietnam’s first open-air safari, the 380-hectare compound allows you to walk or ride a van among wild animals without worrying if they’d like to snack on you. Expect to find white lions and rhinos roaming freely at the safari park while rare chimpanzees and sphinx draw a crowd inside the primate area.
There’s also a bird park with over 2,000 types of birds, a reptile area where giant tortoises and pythons live, and a deck where you can feed the giraffes.
7. Tour the historic Phu Quoc Prison
Between the 1940s and 1960s, Phu Quoc Prison was used as a torture camp for communist soldiers and political prisoners captured by the French colonists. These days, the historical site is a hotspot attracting busloads of tourists daily.
Image credit: @andrewsparrow via Instagram
You’ll be able to take a peek inside the sinister cells, learn about some most the most famed prisoners, and witness scenes of past torture. The figurines peppered around the prison resemble actual inmates and add a spooky touch to this notorious haunt. Entry to the prison is free for all.
Address: 350 Nguyen Van Cu Street, An Thoi, Phu Quoc, Kien Giang, Vietnam
Opening hours: 7am-5pm, Daily
Contact: +84 28 2260 0009
8. Go island hopping to snorkel among coral reefs
For a UV-filled day trip, hop on a long boat and explore the surrounding islands.
Image credit: @aga_draga via Instagram
There’s a handful of islands around Phu Quoc, but one of the most popular routes is around the cluster of 3 islets: Turtle Island, Fingernail Island, and May Rut Island. If your idea of a good time is diving with turtles, swimming with schools of fish, and floating atop turquoise water, then island hopping should be on your itinerary.
– Hotels –
9. Mövenpick Villa & Residences – Inclusive of breakfast
You might not want to leave after checking yourself into this luxe resort.
Image credit: @movenpickphuquocofficial via Instagram
The beachfront Mövenpick Villa & Residences features bright and beachy guest rooms, villas, and family residences outfitted with modern amenities. All rooms have 24-hour room service and a fully stocked bar, but you’d be remiss to skip out on a meal at The Islander or a drink at Aura Beach Club and Lang Chai Bar.
If you’re travelling with kids, make sure to check out the kids’ club that’s filled with games, books, and toys.
10. Vinholidays Fiesta Phu Quoc – Free airport shuttle service
If you’re looking for a 5-star stay on the cheap where you can be at the doorstep of multiple attractions, book a couple of nights at the Vinholidays Fiesta Phu Quoc.
Image credit: @quynhnguyen435 via Instagram
Besides the usual pool and gym, the hotel is equipped with a casino. Pair that with Caesar’s Palace-inspired architecture and you’ll feel like you’re in a scene of The Hangover. Vinholidays Fiesta Phu Quoc is home to 3 restaurants including Ola Costa and Scorpio, but feel free to walk across to VinWonders theme park for more dining options.
11. Cay Sao Beach Resort – Beachfront bungalows
For a change of scenery, ditch the towering properties in Phu Quoc and go for a rustic stay at Cay Sao Beach Resort.
Image credit: @a_travelingscot via Instagram
The beachside bungalows feel just as luxurious as some of its neighbours, with endless sea views, a dip pool, and a restaurant. Rent a bike to ride along the beach, sip on fresh coconuts under palm trees, and order up a feast to end the day. Apparently, the sauteed squids and prawns are good.
– Restaurants –
12. Saigonese Eatery
Saigonese Eatery has been a Phu Quoc favourite for as long as it’s been in District 7.
Image credit: @saigonese.eatery via Instagram
The restaurant offers Asian dishes with inventive spins like prawn ceviche and purple rice with scallops that can send a vegetarian tumbling off the wagon. Their cold-pressed juices and Vietnamese coffee also reign supreme and will help you beat the heat.
As for the decor and ambience, expect rustic wood carpentry, natural light stream through floor-to-ceiling glass windows, and a dreamy patio that’s perfect to people-watch.
Address: 129 Tran Hung Dao Street, District 7, Phu Quoc, Kien Giang, Vietnam
Opening hours: 8am-10pm, Daily
Contact: +84 93 805 96 50
13. Crab House
There’s perhaps no better way to take advantage of Phu Quoc’s fresh seafood scene than a meal at Crab House.
Image credit: @joannachenlove via Instagram
As you may assume from the name, the restaurant has mastered the art of crab-based cuisine, serving up crab cakes, cajun crab boil, and crab rice. That said, you probably can’t go wrong with shrimps, clams, and mussels. Don’t forget to order a side of garlic bread so you can dip into the juicy sauce that comes with your seafood boil.
Address: 26 Nguyen Trai Street, Duong Dong, Phu Quoc, Kien Giang, Vietnam
Opening hours: 11am-10pm, Daily
Contact: +84 297 3845 067
14. Xin Chao Seafood Restaurant
Located a 2-minute walk from Phu Quoc Night Market, Xin Chao Seafood Restaurant has outstanding ocean views and seafood dishes to match.
Image credit: @xinchao.phuquoc.restaurant via Instagram
Make a reservation on the second floor so you can witness a lovely sunset as you tuck into plates of grilled crustaceans. The menu includes a wealth of options such as abalone in salted egg sauce and spicy seafood hotpot, but it’d be a crime to leave without trying its signature mud crab with green pepper sauce.
Also, the fact that locals come here to eat says a lot about the quality of the food.
Address: 66 Tran Hung Dao Street, Duong Dong, Phu Quoc, Kien Giang, Vietnam
Opening hours: 11am-2pm & 5pm-10pm, Daily
Contact: +84 90 128 37 66
How to get to Phu Quoc
Phu Quoc is quite remote and getting there requires a few modes of transportation. But it’ll be worth it.
First, you’ll need to fly to Ho Chi Minh City. While a lot of airlines offer direct flights from Singapore, Bamboo Airways might have the cheapest deal that can take you there and back for less than $100. After that, hop on another hour-long flight from Tan Son Nhat Airport to Phu Quoc.
If you’d rather not go through airport security twice, another option is to take a bus from Ho Chi Minh City to Rach Gia Pier. From there, board a ferry to Phu Quoc Island. However, this route takes roughly 9 hours in total.
Bookmark these things to do in Phu Quoc
If you feel like you’ve been at the peak burnout levels these past few months, use your annual leave days to go on a vacation in Phu Quoc asap.
Just make sure you’re travelling between May and October so you can get sunny rays all day. That said, time to yank a suitcase out from the depths of your closet, save our trusty guide on your phone, and get going.
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Cover image adapted from: @movenpickphuquocofficial, @hisfitmj, @ivivupham, @aga_draga
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