I had been in Vietnam for a couple of weeks already before someone asked me if I was planning to visit Phu Quoc. To which I replied, “where?”
Until I arrived in Vietnam, I had never heard of Phu Quoc and it seems like locals and those who have been visiting the island for years are very keen to keep this slice of paradise under wraps.
Because Phu Quoc was undoubtedly one of the biggest surprises of my time in Vietnam.
With stunning sandy beaches, small local towns, plenty of things to do and many luxury hotels but without the luxury price tag, it’s easy to see why many people think that Phu Quoc is a hidden gem in Vietnam.
So if you’re wondering “Is Phu Quoc worth visiting?” I’m hear to tell you why you should be adding Phu Quoc to your Vietnam itinerary.
Ong Lang Beach, Phu Quoc
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Where is Phu Quoc?
Phu Quoc is the largest Vietnamese island located off the coast of Cambodia and around 40km from the southwest coast of Vietnam in the Gulf of Thailand.
Although closer to Cambodia, Phu Quoc is a Vietnamese island and has a population of 179,000.
How to get to Phu Quoc?
The easiest and most common way to get to to Phu Quoc is by air.
One of my top tips for Vietnam is that air travel in Vietnam is super affordable - so make the most of it!
There are direct flights to Phu Quoc from all major airports in Vietnam including Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang. As well as international flights arriving from places including Korea and Mongolia.
A domestic flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Phu Quoc takes less than one hour, while a flight from Hanoi takes less than two hours.
There are also regular ferries from Ha Tien on the Vietnam coast. These ferries take 1.5 hours and cost around 300,000-400,000 VND (£10-15)
Phu Quoc from the air
Is Phu Quoc worth visiting on a trip to Vietnam?
In my opinion, the short answer is yes.
While most people travel to Vietnam to experience the history of Hanoi, the famous Ha Long Bay or the colourful ancient town of Hoi An, if you want to experience a beautiful Vietnamese destination that’s more of a hidden gem and off the beaten path then this is it.
Phu Quoc is just a short flight from any major city in Vietnam and is an enjoyable contrast to the hustle and bustle of the main cities.
By contrast, Phu Quoc is the epitome of island life, with beautiful nature, quiet roads, a seasonal destination and a small population.
I think it’s a great opportunity for some R&R at the end of what can often be a hectic trip in other cities in the country.
Not to mention the value for money in Phu Quoc.
If you’ve always dreamt of staying in a beachfront villa, an overwater bungalow or an infinity pool overlooking the azure blue sea, you can do all of that in Phu Quoc for a FRACTION of the price that you can in popular destinations like the Maldives, Greece or the Caribbean.
We stayed in a jungle bungalow just steps from the beach for £56 per night with breakfast and airport transfers included. Where else can you get value like that?!
I think Phu Quoc is worth visiting for the value for money alone. But if you also want to know what else Phu Quoc has to offer, read on.
Ocean Bay Resort
Lahana Resort
How long to spend in Phu Quoc
This depends on whether you’re planning a trip solely as a beach vacation or whether it’s a short stop as part of a longer trip in Vietnam or Southeast Asia.
We went to Phu Quoc for a long weekend (Thursday night to Monday) and found that to be plenty of time to enjoy the beach, the resort and see a few sights.
However if Phu Quoc is your only destination then a week is a good amount of time.
How to get around Phu Quoc
If you’re looking for ideas of things to do in Phu Quoc, the island is quite long and depending on where you’re staying, it can be a fairly long drive to reach certain places.
So if you’re planning a trip to Phu Quoc I would recommend staying in an area close to most of the things you would like to do.
We stayed in the central west coast area, just north of Phu Quoc town and found it to be a good location for beaches but also taking a Grab for a day trip or two.
Most people choose to hire a scooter to get around the island which is definitely the easiest and cheapest option. The hotel we stayed in had rental scooters available.
Phu Quoc street market
Things to do in Phu Quoc
You might be more inclined to stay on your resort and enjoy the beach, the pool or facilities. But if you are looking for things to do in Phu Quoc, here are some of my suggestions:
Take the longest overseas cable car to Sun World Hon Thom Nature Park
If you’re looking for unique ideas for what to do on Phu Quoc, on the very southernmost tip of Phu Quoc island is the Sun World Cable car, connecting the series of islands below Phu Quoc.
The cable car itself is part of the experience with epic views of the islands and coastline below as you cruise over the stunning blue sea.
Sunset Town, Thom Island the the nature park are an easy way to spend the day there.
The cable car ticket includes access to the Nature Park and costs 585,000 VND (around £20).
The cable car towers can be seen between the 3 lower islands
Take a boat trip to Thom Island
If you’d rather stay at ground level, taking a boat trip to Thom Island is another great opportunity to see the Nature Park area and to also go snorkelling in the clear blue water and see the marine life that exists around Phu Quoc.
Sunset in Phu Quoc
Visit the Phu Quoc Night Market
Like any night market in Vietnam, Phu Quoc night market is the place to be in the evenings for fresh street food, local dishes and finding souvenirs, as well as getting a massage if you fancy!
I especially loved all the fresh seafood stands at the night market in Phu Quoc - don’t miss trying the seafood while you’re on the island!
Phu Quoc night market and street food stalls
See Dinh Cao Temple
If you’re already in Phu Quoc town, take a stroll along the local beach and pier where you’ll see local fishermen and families enjoying the coastline.
There’s a small rocky mount that juts out from the northern end of the beach and there you’ll find a temple perched on the rocks overlooking the beach and the sea.
This really is an idyllic and very photogenic spot to see a Vietnamese temple perched by the beach like that!
Go at sunset for extra photo ops!
Ding Cau Temple
Visit Grand World Phu Quoc
I’m still on the fence about this recommendation because it is simultaneously one of the most unique but also bizarre experiences I’ve had while travelling in Vietnam.
Grand World is a huge recreation of a European town that sort of looks like a bit of Venice, London and Las Vegas all rolled into one.
It is decorated in vibrant colours and you can take a boat ride in electric gondolas down the artificial canal or watch the huge water and lights show each evening.
We visited in the low season and it was like a ghost town which made it even more of a bizarre experience.
Although a local told us that the crowds usually come here in the evening for the light show after a day at VinWonders Theme Park.
Overall, I wouldn’t recommend visiting unless you’re spending the day at VinWonders Theme Park or staying at VinWorld Resort. Then go and see the light show in the evening.
Otherwise it’s quite a long drive to go to the north of the island just for that!
Grand World, Phu Quoc
Spend the day at VinWonders Theme Park
Vietnam’s answer to DisneyWorld!
If theme parks are your thing then you’ll love VinWonders, you can even stay at VinWorld Resort if you want to maximise your time at the attractions.
See the starfish at Starfish Beach
On the north coast of Phu Quoc is this famous beach, covered in Starfish in the clear water of the shallows.
The vibrant red colour of the Starfish against the white sand and blue water makes it even more unique.
Just remember, don’t pick up or touch the starfish in their natural habitat.
This isn’t the easiest beach to reach, it’s easiest by scooter.
Spend a relaxing day on one of the island's many beautiful beaches
Phu Quoc is home to some of the best beaches in Vietnam and you’ll find no shortage of white sandy stretches and blue bays to relax in.
Ong Lang beach was closest to our hotel and I loved how peaceful it was and well protected from some of the bigger waves further down the coast.
Other beaches to check out include:
Sao Beach
Khem Beach
Phu Quoc Public Beach
Starfish Beach
Vung Bau Beach
Beach day on Phu Quoc
Summary: is it worth visiting Phu Quoc in Vietnam?
Whether you’re looking for a beach vacation of complete relaxation, or just a short few days at the end of a whirlwind trip around Vietnam, I think Phu Quoc is absolutely worth visiting.
If not for the natural beauty, but also for the amazing value for money at the many beautiful hotels and resorts on Phu Quoc island.
There’s no shortage of things to do in Phu Quoc, whether you’re a relaxed island vacationer or ready for an adventure exploring the island’s beaches and attractions.
