Phu Quoc Island is a top travel destination for adventure seekers who love spending quality time by the beach, trying new foods, meeting new people, and immersing themselves in nature. Whether a local traveler or an international tourist trying to explore what Phu Quoc has to offer, we’ve listed some of the best things to do on the island. The places or activities we have listed are all family-friendly.
Enjoy Sao Beach (Star Beach) in Phu Quoc
Sao beach is considered one of the best beaches in Phu Quoc. It’s located on the island’s southern end and features an attractive white sand shoreline ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and other fun on-water activities. The most convenient way to get to Sao Beach is via motorbike or taxi. Most people visit the beach during the peak season between November and March. If you want to avoid huge crowds, always plan your trip earlier.
That said, there are three distinct locations on Sao Beach, each with its set of activities. The beach’s southern end is a more relaxed section where people chill out on the warm white sand. There are numerous fun activities in the central section, where you’ll find some decent eateries, jet skis, and sailing boats. The beach’s last and quietest section is the northern end, ideal for couples and love birds, thanks to its serene and romantic setting.
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Explore Phu Quoc by Motorbike
If you are outgoing and would love to explore the landmarks, attraction sites, markets, and towns in Phu Quoc, you would want to hire a motorbike. Depending on your budget and where you stay, you can visit various places, from fishing villages and local markets to national parks and high-end private resorts.
You can also visit some of the best restaurants in Phu Quoc to try out new culinary dishes and enjoy local drinks. Most 5-star resorts in Phu Quoc offer motorbike rental services, making your adventure more convenient. To make the most of your motorbike adventure, you should hire a local guide to help you navigate the various towns, villages, and landmarks.
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Dinh Cau Shrine
Dinh Cau Shrine is a monumental temple built on a unique rock at the beach. The shrine was built to honor the Goddess of the Sea, believed to protect the native fishermen. This temple is popular among locals and tourists visiting Phu Quoc. Besides being a functional religious structure where locals pray, it’s also a perfect sunset viewpoint. Each year, thousands of travelers visit the shrine, thanks to its strategic location, a few hundred meters from Duong Dong town.
Depending on the hotel you stay in, you may or may not need to rent a car or motorbike to get to this shrine. If you stay far from Duong Dong town, you may organize a ride to the shrine as a group to save on cost and time.
Ham Ninh Fishing Village
This is among the oldest and most-visited fishing villages on Phu Quoc Island. The village is situated on the island’s eastern edge and is known for its natural charm, pristine beauty, welcoming locals, and a wide range of local delicacies. To get to this fishing village, you can take a 30 minutes drive from Duong Dong town or take a high-speed train from Ha Tien town to Bai Vong Port, then a 15-minute drive to the village.
Some fun-to-do things in Ham Ninh fishing village include swimming, sunrise and sunset viewing, and relaxing on the quiet Ham Ninh beach. If you love diving, you can also join the locals in exploring the colorful, life-rich coral reefs. Afterward, you can enjoy local cuisine, such as the popular Ham Ninh spider crab.
You can also visit the iconic Ham Ninh Bridge, a special symbol that’s been used for years to anchor fishing boats. Before visiting Ham Ninh fishing village, you should check the weather forecast to ensure you are well-prepared.
Visit the Night Market
Phu Quoc night market is one of the must-visit places on the island. The market is home to more than 100 small eateries selling different types of food, such as shrimp/fish, cooked oysters, and boiled sea snails, among other seafood. Whether you intend to buy some local food or want to admire the busy and colorful market, this destination should be on your bucket list.
The market opens in the evening from around 6 pm to about 11 pm. And besides the freshly prepared seafood, you can also find some unique souvenirs, from handcrafted turtle bracelets and combs to pearl necklaces and rings. If it’s your first time visiting the Phu Quoc night market, ask for directions to avoid confusing it with other markets, such as the Dinh Cau night market, which is located in the same area.
Bai Truong Beach
The beach is located on the island’s southwest end and features a 20 km coastline where tourists and locals visit to admire the beautiful sandy beach while enjoying fun activities such as swimming and sunbathing. The Bai Truong beach has two distinct sections: South Long Beach and North Long Beach.
On the opposite side of the beach is Tran Hung Dao Street, which hosts some of the best restaurants, hotels, and beach resorts in Phu Quoc. If you stay in a nearby resort, such as the renowned Sailing Club Signature Resort Phu Quoc, you can trek to the beach or take a motorbike taxi. The beach also has unique photography spots and scenic areas ideal for beach weddings and honeymoon photo shots.
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Phu Quoc at Sunset
If you’re an avid nature lover and would like to catch the picturesque sunset views, Phu Quoc has several sunset viewpoints you can visit. The sun sets from around 5 pm to 5.30 pm in Phu Quoc, and you want to be in the right spot to enjoy this captivating experience. Some notable places to watch the sunset include Long Beach, Dinh Cau Temple, Ham Ninh fishing village, and the An Thoi Archipelago.
For those who cannot access these main areas, you can still watch the sunset at any point or landmark, provided the view is undistracted, and you are enjoying the moment. You can consult your local tour guide to have an idea of the various sunset viewpoints close to your hotel.
Visiting Phu Quoc
If you’re planning a trip to Phu Quoc, it’s advisable to familiarize yourself with various attraction sites so you can effectively plan your vacation or holiday. Knowing the key places you’ll be visiting, and their precise location will help you choose the right hotel or resort to spend your time in Phu Quoc.
Most resorts on the island offer flexible accommodation services and packages ideal for everyone’s travel needs. For instance, a centrally located resort such as the Sailing Club Signature Resort Phu Quoc has three different and spacious villas: Polaris, Sirius, and Castor. The resort also features several personalized services, where you can pick those that meet your needs.
Whether traveling with family, friends, or loved ones, Phu Quoc is a fantastic tourist destination, offering the best outdoor fun activities and peaceful relaxation. The above list of the best places to visit and things to do isn’t exhaustive but should get you started once you make up your mind to visit this wonderful Vietnamese island.
