What makes Phu Quoc unique?
Perfect motorbiking roads
Phu Quoc boasts the most extensive network of wide, open roads in Vietnam. You may find the traffic in Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi intimidating, but this island offers a much calmer experience. The gently rolling roads make biking a safe and enjoyable highlight for every traveler.
Visa-Free Entry
You can enter Phu Quoc without a Vietnamese visa under specific conditions. This policy is perfect if you are traveling from nearby hubs like Bangkok, Singapore, or Seoul for a short getaway. You must fly directly to the island to enjoy this benefit, as transiting through other Vietnamese cities will void the visa exemption.
A Top Choice for Families
Phu Quoc stands out as the most family-friendly destination in Vietnam. You will find a wide array of activities suitable for all ages. The local hospitality and colorful aesthetic create an inviting atmosphere that children and parents alike will truly enjoy.
Getting around on Phu Quoc
The best ways to get around Phu Quoc are:
By motorbike
Motorbike rentals offer a flexible and cost-effective way to navigate the island's diverse landscapes. Local insights from Vinpearl suggest that this transport method allows readers to discover hidden gems at a personal pace. Choosing a motorbike may provide a greater sense of freedom when exploring the extensive network of wide, open roads in the north. This option remains a popular highlight for travelers seeking an adventurous and budget-friendly journey.
By bus
The extensive VinGroup network provides a convenient bus to Vinpearl Phu Quoc and other key locations across the island. Although a traditional public system is unavailable, routes 17, 19, and 20 offer frequent stops at major resorts, popular beaches, and local markets. These private vehicles are exceptionally clean, spacious, and fully air-conditioned to ensure maximum comfort. Readers can enjoy many of these routes for free, while others charge a maximum fee of 50,000 VND. This professional service serves as a reliable transportation method for exploring both the northern and southern regions.
By taxi
Traditional taxis serve as a secondary option due to their generally higher fare rates. Travelers can avoid service concerns by selecting only well-established and trusted transport brands on the island. For a secure experience, readers should contact reputable providers such as the companies listed below:
- Green SM Taxi (1900 2088).
- Phu Quoc Taxi (02973.757575)
- Sasco Taxi (02973.767676)
- Vinasun (02973.789.789)
These companies maintain professional standards and provide clear pricing for your peace of mind.
How to get to Phu Quoc
The most popular ways to get to Phu Quoc are the following:
By plane
You can reach the island via Phu Quoc International Airport, which serves numerous domestic and regional routes. This gateway offers a fast and convenient arrival for both local and international travelers. Readers can refer to the table below for specific flight durations and distances from major Southeast Asian cities.
By bus & boat
If you’re already in Ho Chi Minh City or elsewhere in southern Vietnam, you can take a bus to Ha Tien, the town at the western tip of the country, and then take a ferry to Phu Quoc. The bus ride from Ho Chi Minh City to Ha Tien takes 6.5 hours. Try 12go.com for booking bus tickets in Vietnam.
Ferries leave from Ha Tien three times per day, starting in the early morning and with the latest ferry at 12:30 pm. These times are subject to weather, so it’s worth double-checking the schedule at the station before your trip. A one-way ticket costs 250k.
When to go to Phu Quoc
Observations from Vinpearl highlight that the dry season from November to April offers the most pleasant conditions for island exploration. This period provides stable weather and calm seas for a seamless travel experience. Travelers may experience rising temperatures and higher humidity if visiting during May or June. Feedback from the region also suggests that the heaviest rainfall typically occurs between July and September, which might impact outdoor itineraries.
Must-visit destinations in the north of Phu Quoc island
The romantic coast of Bai Dai
Bai Dai - Enjoy the most beautiful sea views in the north of Phu Quoc island in the bay between Thailand and Vietnam, Bai Dai has an amazing coastline with white sand, crystal clear water and pine trees planted on the seashores. The air here is very fresh and will mesmerize visitors by the smell of the sea mixed with fragrances from the forest.
A wild beauty that has not been influenced much by pollution, Bai Dai beach always brings visitors a sense of peace. That is why Bai Dai has earned its name as one of the most beautiful beaches in Vietnam.
The wild, unexplored features of Ganh Dau Cap
When talking about Phu Quoc, many people will think of Sao Beach and Thom Island, but very few people know about Ganh Dau. This charming strip of land is jutting out into the sea in the northwestern part of Ganh Dau commune. In particular, visitors will see Hon Nam or Kaoh Ses and Ta Lon mountains of Cambodia or Ban Hon in the West, which rise in the middle of the sea.
The first impression of visitors when coming to Ganh Dau is an extremely green space with a crescent-shaped beach, which embraces the surrounding trees. The sparkling sunlight shines on the water and makes the colorful coral reefs radiant. Fresh air, white sand, and peaceful nature will quickly replace the worn-out feelings of visitors from the city.
Fresh air, fine white sand, and peaceful nature will quickly replace the tired feeling in the heart of visitors when standing in the middle of the wild nature in Ganh Dau.
Rach Vem fishing village - the idyllic beauty of Pearl Island
Located in the north of Phu Quoc and about 25 km from Duong Dong town, the fishing village of Rach Vem is home to fishermen and those working in the fishing industry. Here, visitors can enjoy the wilderness and explore the tranquil life of the fishing village. When the sunset turns golden and the sunlight gently falls onto the sea surface, the sounds of children playing, the dogs going around, and the noises of people talking after boats returning back to the village will bring moments of calm, peace, and happiness in the hearts of travellers.
Immerse yourself in the peaceful pace of life of people in Rach Vem fishing village. Along the beach, visitors can easily find poetic sea bridges, a few swings on the coconut trees, and simple raft houses on the water for beautiful virtual live check-in photos. Enjoying fresh seafood in huts by the seashores is also an experience that you should not miss when coming.
Doi Moi Island - the sunset on the sea is the most mesmerizing in Phu Quoc
Doi Moi Island is famous for being an ideal space to watch the sunset. The moments when the sun sets between the sky and the sea is the time when all of nature's most precious and quintesential beauty converges and crystallizes into poetic colors - which leaves a mark on the mind of everyone.
The locals here often tell people that if lovers hold each other's hands under the sunset of Doi Moi Island, they will be happy forever after.
Pepper Garden - a unique experience available only in Phu Quoc
The tourist attraction of pepper gardens in the north of Phu Quoc is an open space with hundreds and thousands of green pepper trees as well as plump red-and-green fruits. Moreover, visitors can witness and even participate in the pepper production process with the people here.
The best time to visit is during the season when pepper ripens (around November to February). Each cluster of red and ripe pepper pops up on the green leaves, and the view of pepper sprouts spreading over branches creates a beautiful scene for memorable photos.
VinWonders Phu Quoc - the "national" entertainment paradise
With a scale of 170,000 m2, VinWonders Phu Quoc is set to become the largest modern amusement park complex in the southwestern region of Vietnam, thus turning the Pearl Island of Phu Quoc into a destination for relaxation and entertainment - Vietnam's hotspot for domestic and international visitors.
The attractions and entertainment offerings at Vinpearl Phu Quoc are very diverse and suitable for all ages. Visitors can choose from thrilling games or fun games for children, or immerse themselves in jubilant shows and parades. Visitors should not miss out on the special experiences at the Aquarium.
Vinpearl Safari Phu Quoc - the happy sanctuary for animals
Voted as the Top 1 most attractive destination by the world's largest tourist website, Vinpearl Safari Phu Quoc - a center for rare animal conservation, has become a destination not to be missed.
Vinpearl Safari is the first and largest semi-wild animal care and conservation park in Vietnam that meets international Safari standards. Here visitors can immerse in the wild living space with a series of attractive activities, such as visiting, performing and interacting with animals.
Tips before visiting Phu Quoc
1. Plan your trip around the dry season
Based on local expertise from Vinpearl, visiting the island during the dry season allows travelers to enjoy calm waters and clear skies. This timing often provides the best conditions for a seamless and safe exploration of the coastline. Readers may want to check the weather forecast before booking island-hopping tours, as rainy season storms can lead to unexpected schedule changes. Taking this simple precaution helps ensure that outdoor excursions and boat trips remain enjoyable and uninterrupted.
2. Dress for warm weather
Experience shared by Vinpearl suggests that lightweight and breathable clothing remains the best choice for the island's tropical climate. Selecting comfortable attire allows readers to stay cool while exploring outdoor attractions and scenic coastal spots. Travelers may also want to carry a light jacket or raincoat if visiting during the transitional months to prepare for occasional showers. This simple preparation helps maintain a pleasant experience while navigating the diverse northern landmarks.
3. Save money by eating local
Duong Dong's local eateries and markets offer fresh seafood at highly competitive prices. These vibrant spots allow readers to savor authentic flavors seasoned with the island’s signature fish sauce and premium pepper. Street stalls provide delicious and affordable snacks as an excellent alternative to high-end resort dining. Exploring these local delicacies remains an essential highlight of any culinary journey on the island.
4. Use reliable transportation
Selecting reliable transportation ensures a smooth and enjoyable journey across the island. Motorbike rentals offer great flexibility for independent exploration, though readers need a valid license and solid driving skills. Travelers should also remain cautious of uneven road conditions, especially when visiting remote local fishing villages.
5. Bring cash for small places
Many local markets, small shops, and beach cafés on the island operate on a cash-only basis. While you can find ATMs throughout major tourist hubs, keeping some physical currency is practical for minor purchases. Most venues display clear pricing, which allows for a smooth and transparent payment experience.
Above are the 7 must-visit places when coming to the north of Phu Quoc island. Upon the opening of Phu Quoc United Center, Vinpearl will launch many attractive promotions programs. Visit the official Vinpearl booking page to get the hottest deals right now!
