Phu Quoc

Phu Quoc (Phú Quốc) is a large tropical island off the coast of Cambodia in the Gulf of Thailand, 45 km west of Ha Tien and 15 km south of the Cambodian coast. It belongs to Kiến Giang province, Vietnam. Ringed with some of Vietnam's most beautiful beaches and renowned for the best seafood in the country, the island is undergoing rapid development with high-rise resorts and tourist amenities springing up across the island.

The island covers 574 km², stretches 48 km from south to north, and has a population of approximately 103,000 (2012). Historically, Phu Quoc served as a base for French missionary Pigneau de Behaine in the 1760s–80s and later sheltered Prince Nguyen Anh (Emperor Gia Long). During the Vietnam War, the South Vietnamese Army used the island as a prison for captured Viet Cong. The island is famous for its fish sauce (nuoc mam), considered the best in the world, as well as high-quality pepper and exceptional seafood.

Phu Quoc has a tropical climate with three seasons: high season (Nov–Mar, sunny, ~31°C/23°C day/night), shoulder season (Apr–May, hotter, fewer crowds), and low season (Jul–Sep, monsoon rains).

By Plane

Phu Quoc International Airport (PQC IATA) serves flights from Ho Chi Minh City with Vietnam Airlines, VietJet, Pacific Airlines, and Bamboo Airways (about 1 hr). Vietnam Airlines also flies domestically to Rach Gia, Hanoi, and Can Tho, and internationally to Siem Reap. Taxis cost about 120,000 dong to Duong Dong (Feb 2020). Grab and Xanh SM apps work at the airport. Free electric bus #17 runs every 15–30 minutes to Duong Dong and north to GrandWorld. Bus #19 goes south to the InterContinental Hotel and then to GrandWorld.

By Train

By Car / Road

Road access is not possible — Phu Quoc is an island. Arrival is by air or sea only.

By Boat

Ferries and hydrofoils connect Phu Quoc to Rach Gia (Superdong, 2½ hr, 320,000 dong), Ha Tien (1½ hr, 230,000 dong), and Hon Chong (160,000 dong). Free electric buses connect Bai Vong port to Duong Dong town centre and GrandWorld. Book tickets online at Baolau.com or at the dock. A large car ferry also operates from Ha Tien (2½ hr, 165,000 dong, 100,000 dong for motorbikes).

Free VinBus electric buses operate six routes across the island, including routes 17 (GrandWorld–Airport), 19 (GrandWorld–InterContinental), and 20 (GrandWorld–Bai Vong Harbor). Track them via the VinBus app. Motorbike rental is popular, from US$5–12 per day. Automatic scooters cost about 150,000 dong/24 hr, manual bikes 120,000 dong. Bicycle rental is available from Mr Nhat Store (US$2 for 3 hr, US$4 for 24 hr) and Hornbill Adventures (mountain bikes US$8 for 6 hr). Motorbike taxis cost 200,000–400,000 dong for a day trip. Grab and Xanh SM ride-hailing apps work on the island.

• Long Beach — The island's most famous stretch of sand, lined with resorts, restaurants, and bars.

• Sao Beach — Powdery white sand and turquoise water on the east coast.

• Duong Dong Night Market — Bustling evening market with seafood grills, souvenirs, and street food.

• Suoi Tranh Waterfall — A scenic waterfall and picnic spot in the island's interior.

• Phu Quoc National Park — A UNESCO-recognized biosphere reserve covering much of the island's mountainous north.

• VinWonders Phu Quoc — A large theme park and water park in the north of the island.

• Safari Phu Quoc — A wildlife conservation park and zoo.

• Fish Sauce Factories — Visit local producers to see how Phu Quoc's famed nuoc mam is made.

• Phu Quoc Prison Museum — Former prisoner-of-war camp with exhibits on the Vietnam War era.

• Dinh Cau Temple — A iconic temple and lighthouse at the mouth of the Duong Dong River.

• Snorkelling and Diving — The waters around the southern An Thoi archipelago offer excellent coral reefs.

• Beach Hopping — Rent a motorbike to explore the island's many beaches, from bustling Long Beach to secluded Bai Thom.

• Kayaking and Paddleboarding — Available at most major beaches and resorts.

• Cooking Classes — Learn to prepare Vietnamese dishes including Phu Quoc's seafood specialties.

• Nightlife — Duong Dong has a lively bar scene; major resorts have their own bars and entertainment.

• Golf — A golf course operates in the northern part of the island.

Phu Quoc is renowned for its seafood — try grilled fish, squid, prawns, and the local specialty of herring salad (goi ca trich). The night market offers a vast array of fresh seafood cooked to order. Signature dishes include bun quay (Phu Quoc's take on noodle soup), hamsters (a type of small crab), and sea urchin prepared various ways. Vietnamese staples like pho, banh mi, and com tam are widely available. Vegetarian options are limited in street food but available at resort restaurants.

Fresh coconut water is sold everywhere on the beaches. Vietnamese coffee (ca phe) is excellent. Local beers include Bia Saigon and Bia 333. Bars in Duong Dong and at resorts serve cocktails and imported spirits. Bottled water is recommended — avoid tap water.

• Budget: Mr Nhat Store Homestay offers basic accommodation near Long Beach. Dorm beds from US$5–8. Motorbike and bicycle rental on site.
• Mid-range: Tropicana Resort on Long Beach — bungalows in a garden setting from US$30–50. Clean, comfortable, and well-located.
• Upscale: La Veranda Resort — a French-colonial style resort on the quieter end of Long Beach. Rooms from US$80–150.
• Upscale: InterContinental Phu Quoc Long Beach Resort — a five-star resort with multiple restaurants, pools, and a spa. From US$120–250.

Duong Dong Night Market is the best place for souvenirs, seafood, and local products. Phu Quoc's famous fish sauce makes an excellent gift, as does Phu Quoc pepper. Pearl farms around the island sell cultured pearls. The night market is also ideal for affordable clothing and handicrafts. Bargaining is expected at markets.

• Rach Gia — Mainland capital of Kiến Giang, 2½ hr by hydrofoil, a gateway to the Mekong Delta.
• Ha Tien — Seaside border town, 1½ hr by ferry, with access to Cambodia.
• Can Tho — Mekong Delta hub, reachable via Rach Gia, famous for Cai Rang floating market.
• Kampot, Cambodia — Reachable via Ha Tien, known for its pepper plantations and river cruises.
• Siem Reap, Cambodia — Direct flights from Phu Quoc's international airport to the gateway of Angkor Wat.