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Phu Quoc
Explore Vietnam’s southern island paradise with white-sand beaches, lush jungles, and stunning sunsets. Sip coconuts by the sea, explore lively markets, and relax in luxury resorts.
“Pearl Island – glistening with serene sunsets and tranquil tropical waters!”
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Attractions
Discover the wonders of Phu Quoc National Park, its unspoiled beaches, night market, and a cable car ride to Hon Thom.
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Discover top-rated hotels with local insights, ranging from luxurious beachfront resorts to cozy inland retreats.
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From fresh seafood at the night market to local eateries and exclusive dining experiences. Our list includes the best community picks.
View AllPhu Quoc Handbook: Essential Travel Tips
When is the Best Time to Visit Phu Quoc?
Months between November and April have mostly clear, sunny skies, making them ideal for lounging on the beach or water sports. If you’re planning a trip to Phu Quoc, read up on the best time to visit Vietnam and pay special attention to the section about weather in the South.
Transportation Tips
A. Getting to Vietnam
Flying is the most convenient way to reach Vietnam. The two main international airports are Hanoi (Noi Bai Airport) for adventures starting in the North and Saigon Tan Son Nhat (Ho Chi Minh City) for trips starting in the South. For a budget adventure, you can also take an overland bus from Cambodia, Laos, or Thailand to Southeast Asia.
B. How to get to Phu Quoc
To reach Phu Quoc, you can take direct flights from major Vietnamese cities like Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Da Nang, as well as from some international locations. Alternatively, ferries are available from Rach Gia and Ha Tien in the Mekong Delta, offering a scenic route to the island. Whether you prefer a quicker flight or a leisurely ferry journey, this provides flexibility.
C. How to get around in Phu Quoc
In Phu Quoc, you have several convenient options. Taxis and ridesharing apps like Grab offer easy and affordable transportation across the island. For more freedom and adventure, consider renting a motorbike, allowing you to explore at your own pace. Local bus services are also available for commuting between major points. Some resorts and homestays offer golf carts for on-site mobility.
Before You Go
- Visa: Check visa requirements based on your nationality. Find out more about getting a Vietnam Visa before you visit Phu Quoc.
- Timezone: Vietnam is in the Indochina Time Zone (ICT), UTC+7.
- Voltage: The standard voltage is 220V, and the outlets usually accept three different plugs: A, C, and F. If you are from Europe, Japan, or the Americas, your plugs will work fine. Otherwise, you’ll need an adapter. Note that many Vietnamese outlets do not have a third hole for grounding, and so can only accept two-pronged plugs.
- Internet: Most hotels, cafes, and even restaurants in Phu Quoc offer free Wi-Fi; Wi-Fi plans are so cheap in Vietnam that almost all businesses have one. But it’s easy, inexpensive, and well worth buying a local SIM card with a data package at the airport upon arrival.
- SIM Cards: You can easily purchase SIM cards for data and calls at the airport or local stores. Note that you’ll need to provide your passport to get a SIM. Viettel, Mobifone, and VinaPhone are the best mobile networks for Phu Quoc and most parts of Vietnam.
- Currency: Vietnam uses the Vietnamese Dong (VND). VND only comes in bills (no coins), and 1 USD equals about 24,000 VND (commonly abbreviated as 24k). Some shops catering to tourists may accept USD, but most only take VND.
- Credit Cards: Visa and MasterCard are commonly accepted at large businesses like hotels, indoor restaurants, or upscale shopping venues, but smaller enterprises usually only take cash.
- ATMs: Phu Quoc’s center has many ATMs, most of which accept foreign cards. Make sure to notify your bank before you travel to Vietnam to avoid blocked ATM transactions.
- Tipping: Vietnam is not a tipping culture, so a tip is not expected. A tip is a good way to bring a smile to someone’s face, though. Note that cab drivers and tour guides often rely on some tipping, so it’s a good idea to tip them.
Understanding Culture & Customs in Phu Quoc
The people of Phu Quoc feel a strong connection to nature around them. Being kind to the environment to keep the forests green and the seas blue is paramount. So be conscientious when you’re out and about, making an effort to leave no trace whenever you pass through a natural area. Discover more about Vietnamese etiquette here.
Common questions about Phu Quoc
There are many unique areas to stay in Phu Quoc:
Dương Đông: This central area, located along Long Beach, is the island’s bustling hub with a range of accommodations, restaurants, and beach bars.
Duong To and Southern Tip: Heading south from Duong To to the southernmost point of An Thoi., this area is known for its pristine white sand beaches and luxury resorts, perfect for a more upscale stay.
Ong Lang: North of Long Beach, Ong Lang is a quieter, less touristy village. Here, eco-friendly hotels and resorts are set amidst natural surroundings, offering a tranquil retreat.
Phu Quoc’s remote Northern (Bai Dai) and Eastern (Ganh Dau) regions offer exceptional scenic beauty for those seeking seclusion and untouched beaches despite having fewer accommodations.
Famous beach resorts include Mango Bay, Salinda Resort, Mariott, and Premier Village. Cozier and more budget-friendly homestay options include Cocal Home, Canary Bungalow, and Tiny House. For more curated stays, visit our page on hotels in Phu Quoc or our article on the 10 best family-friendly Phu Quoc beach resorts.
Try Xin Chao Restaurant or Ozone Seafood Restaurant for the local fresh seafood specialty. Go to Saigonese Eatery, My Home Pizza, Lava, or The Pepper Tree for dining. For more options, check out our guide to restaurants in Phu Quoc.
Phu Quoc is known for its pristine beaches and the national park that takes up roughly a quarter of the island. It’s also famous for producing fish sauce and black pepper, both of which are said to be tastier in Phu Quoc than anywhere else in Vietnam.
Phu Quoc is home to a booming tourism industry with many world-class beach resorts, and in recent years, it has become a hub for festivals and events in Southeast Asia.
Relax on the beaches.
Sample fresh seafood.
Visit VinPearl Safari Park or VinWonders Amusement Park.
Explore Phu Quoc National Park.
Take boat trips and go snorkeling.
Ride the Phu Quoc cable car.
Shop at the night market.
And much more. For more details, please browse our list of 10 things to do in Phu Quoc or listen to our podcast on things to do in Phu Quoc with wellness expert Lily La.
The cheapest time to visit Phu Quoc is between April and June or between September and October since the rest of the months in the year are part of the island’s “high season” for tourists. May through September is generally rainy, so April and October are the best months for fair weather AND cheap travel.
Taxis are the most comfortable way to get around the island, and ridesharing apps like Grab are a cheap and convenient alternative once you download the apps. Rent a motorbike to experience the island with more flexibility and independence. Unfortunately, the island is too spread out for great transportation by bicycle or public bus.
The best months to visit are November through March since the weather is sunny but still temperate. For more detailed info, read this guide on the best time to visit Vietnam and pay special attention to the section about weather in the South.