Things to do in Phu Quoc
If you are visiting Phu Quoc soon or are already on the island and are looking for things to do, allow a local to tell you about some of the best activities you can do in the place I live. Phu Quoc is a beautiful island and it is the place that I have my home. There are many special locations, cultural highlights and exciting activities to be experienced. In this blog, I will tell you about some of my favourite attractions, local insights and general information about what you can do during your stay on Phu Quoc.
Seasonal weather
Phu Quoc has 2 main seasons; dry season and rainy season. The dry season starts from November up until May. In the dry season, the weather is warm and sunny and it has hazy clouds in the afternoon. The weather in this period is around 28 degrees and drops to around 22 to 26 degrees at night.
The rainy season starts from May to October. It rains hardest from August until September. May and October are the months of the season changing. In May, it is hot (30-32 degrees) and it rains a little bit. Contrast to May, October seems cooler but when it rains, it rains quite hard. You will have fresh air afterwards though.
Water temperature in Phu Quoc is 25-26 degrees (dry season) and 27-28 (rainy season). The best time to visit Phu Quoc is in the dry season, but even in rainy season you will be able to get sunny days and enjoy the beaches and everything else the island has to offer!
Budget transport
If you are traveling on a tight budget, keep in mind that the Vinbus is free to use at the moment and can get you from the airport into town and back. Note that this will not get you to every location on the island. See more information here: https://maps.vinbus.vn/pq.
If you would rather explore the island by yourself, renting a bike is the most affordable option. If you are renting 5+ days, you can usually get an even better price. Not comfortable with driving a bike? Then getting a Grab is another option to get to your destination.
Snorkeling / diving / boat trips
Island and ocean lovers cannot skip this. Phu Quoc has a couple of beautiful snorkeling and diving locations well worth experiencing. And even if you aren’t comfortable in the water, you can take a boat trip around Phu Quoc’s waters to visit islands like the May Rut islands where you can relax and take pictures.
Make great memories with a snorkeling tour or a diving tour (or even get your diving certificate with an open water course), enjoy a sightseeing boat trip or just relax on one of the smaller islands. Phu Quoc has pretty much everything you need to scratch your aquatic itch.
Hiking
While the ocean might be the most popular part of Phu Quoc, for enjoyers of hiking there are many fun routes as well. I have listed several of my favourite hiking locations on the island below. None of the hikes are too difficult but for the routing of longer trails it is recommended not to go by yourself but to go with a guide instead.
You are also very welcome to join me on a hiking tour to experience a hiking trail in a group setting with a local guide. Feel free to contact me for more information!
The best hiking locations
Mt. Tien Son Dinh
How to get there? Go to Tien Son Dinh cafe, park your bike and order a drink there, people at the cafe will show you the trail to the peak.
Difficulty: 6/10 it won’t take long to reach the peak, about 45 mins (1,5km). However, the trail is quite steep.
Suoi Da Ngon
This water stream ends in Duong Dong lake. This lake contains fresh water for the whole Phu Quoc citizens. When you come here, make sure you don’t leave any trash or do anything to affect the water. More than that, picking up trash on your way is a plus. This trail is hard to find because of its length and there are many different paths in the jungle. You definitely need a local to guide you the way. Get a bike and hire a local guide to explore this wild waterfalls
A local guide costs about 800,000 VND ($40) – 1,250,000 VND ($50) a day. Otherwise, you can join hiking tours which cost from $55/ per person.
Contact local hiking tours operations or I can help you out.
Difficulty: 4/10
Describe: 6km, 1,5 – 2 hours walk to the waterfalls
Phu Quoc National Park
Some more good hikes can be found in Phu Quoc’s National Park. There is no entrance fee for the national park, so if you love nature, definitely give the National Park a visit.
There are not any official trails in the national park yet. So if you would like to explore random trails like a local, feel free to join my friend’s hike every Sunday @ Espresso cafe . It is free but you have to have the password “kimie’s friend”
Visit tourist attractions and local areas
Phu Quoc is home to a variety of beautiful locations, interesting local culture and many activities to have an amazing time when you visit the island. I have compiled a list of areas and attractions that I think are definitely worth visiting, depending on your own interests.
If you would like to experience these attractions with more background information from a local guide, feel free to contact me for custom tailored private tour options. I would be happy to show you Phu Quoc’s wonders and explain the history.
Dinh cậu - the shrine on the rock - A magical place of Phu Quoc
Why is it famous?
Not only does the scenery create attraction, but the history of Dinh Cậu also makes tourists feel interested. According to records, Dinh Cau was built in the 17th century when only a few people lived on the island. At this time, big storms occurred and many fishermen were in trouble at sea. Miraculously, they were saved and brought to shore right on this cliff. Later in 1937, the islanders rebuilt the shrine and renovated it in 1977 until now.
Another story
The Locals said that in the early 20th century, there was a man who came to stay and take care of the shrine. He never said a single word. One day, he went to a cave under the shrine, and closed it. People were concerned he might die from starvation, so they left food in front of the cave. After 2 years, he came out and this time he talked a little. Everyone came to the shrine, he would foresee people’s future and give them lucky charms on 15th and 16th Oct (moon calendar). By then, the islanders called the place “Dinh Cậu”.
The Southern culture
When you look inside the main temple, you will see 2-male statues, called “Cậu Tài và Cậu Quý”. In Southern Vietnamese culture, “Cậu Tài, Cậu Quý” are Patron Gods of men. The gods protect them (who come to worship) from bad luck, evil and give them luck and health.
Personal thinking
Since I came to Phu Quoc, people have told me a lot about Phu Quoc being a magical place. It keeps people who it wants to keep and kicks people who are harmed to the place. Some Vietnamese made good money here and wanted to leave the island forever but they kept coming back after a while as they ran out of money. I didn’t believe it at first. Now I’m more connected to nature and experienced. I think Phu Quoc is powerful and ritualistic. Most of the things I manifest came true. I suggest you give it a try.
Sư Muôn temple
The oldest temple on the island was built in the 20th century. In the temple, there’s an ancient tree called “Cây Kơ-nia”, which is over 800 years old. Probably because of its location, when you’re there somehow you will feel super peaceful. When you visit any temples, the best time to visit is during the day by 5pm.
Lovers of local culture and those in tune with their spiritual self should definitely visit the Su Muon temple if they have the time.
Hộ Quốc temple
Its full name is Thiền Viện Trúc Lâm – Chùa Hộ Quốc, translate Bamboo grove zen school – Ho Quoc pagoda. Bamboo Grove is a Vietnamese zen sect. This school of zen was founded by our emperor Tran Nhan Tong (see more information here).
In contrast to the Su Muon temple, this temple is more famous for tourists. It was built according to the architect of the Ly-Tran dynasties.
Pearl farm
History of Cultured pearls
Our founder, Kokichi Mikimoto spent his life devoted to pearls and was aptly nicknamed “The Pearl King”. In the 1890’s, he gained fame and was forever memorialised in history when he managed to create the first cultured pearls in the world. Lovers of pearl jewelry have Mikimoto to thank for the many beautiful and affordable pearls around the world today.
History of Phu Quoc cultured pearls
In 1994, Okawa Inc. (Japanese company) established and started cultivating pearls in Phu Quoc. In the late 1990s, because of the world’s economic crisis, Okawa Inc. declared bankruptcy. Then, Mr. Ho Phi Thuy bought the company and changed its name to “Ngọc Hiền pearl farm”.
Now, when you visit Ngoc Hien pearl farm, you will have a farm tour with a Ngoc Hien guide. She/he introduces its history, shares the information and even opens the oysters to show the process of cultivating and collecting the pearls.
When you visit the showroom, you might wonder why there are so many “reasonable options”. Let me explain to you: because the reasonable prices are freshwater pearls and sea pearls you will see the product with the tag of the type of the pearl.
Pepper farm
One of the 2 traditional jobs on the island for over a hundred years.
In Vietnam, wild pepper vines were found before the 16th century but were not brought to cultivation until the 17th century. By the end of the 19h century, pepper was grown in a relatively large area in Phu Quoc, Hon Chong and Ha Tien of Kien Giang province because Chinese people, who were from Hainan island, followed Mac Cuu and migrated to Ha Tien. Also during this time and in the early 20th century, pepper was brought by French plantation owners to Binh Long, Ba Ria – Vung Tau, Quang Tri and Quang Nam provinces (Biard et Roule, 1942).
After 1975 to the 2000s, the value of pepper gradually decreased over the years. Agricultural sector has been facing a lot of difficulties due to the continuously low prices of pepper in recent years, forcing the locals to sell their own lands to pay off the bank debt and ensure their life.
In Phu Quoc, pepper plantations are concentrated in the North communes: Cua Cua, and Cua Duong. In 2001, the pepper area was 775 ha. By 2004, the pepper area was ⅓ smaller, 530 ha according to Phu Quoc’s district statistics office. By that, the average yield decreased too. The farmers are desperate to invest and take care of it.
Some local pepper farms I usually take tourists to visit. Not only peppers, but you can also see other tropical fruits. If you are lucky, you might visit on fruit harvest time. The owner of the farm usually invites you to buy these yummy fruits from his/her farm with plenty of different homemade pepper sauces such as salt pepper, garlic chili pepper, sugar pepper paste, etc. as Southern Vietnamese are friendly and that is how they welcome others.
Hai Duong pepper farm
Phuong Vy pepper farm
Coconut prison
At first, It was Coconut village, actually a refugee camp of Chinese who followed Kuomintang party (KMT) led by Chiang Kai-Shek, defeated by the People’s liberation army led by Mao Zedong in 1949. After they left, the French rebuilt it as a place to detain political dissidents. During the American war (the Vietnam war), it was used for detention of Viet Cong (Vietnamese communists) and North Vietnamese soldiers. It was the place that the soldiers received over 40 brutal punishments.
More info: https://vietnamtourism.gov.vn/en/post/12002
If you are a historical lover, don’t skip this prison. When you visit, please be respectful and be mindful of the history of Coconut prison. Many people died here and many tragedies occurred. It’s not a place for selfies.
Opening hours: from 07:30 (7:30 AM) to 17:00 (5 PM)
Fish sauce factory
What made Phu Quoc fish sauce famous?
Unlike the other fish sauce areas, Phu Quoc locals choose only anchovy fish and ferment them in a closed process from catching to producing. To keep the fresh taste of the fish, the fishermen start the process right away after catching. They salted the fish with the ratio 3:1, which means 3 kg of fish : 1 kg of salt in these plastic blue barrels. Later, when they were back to Phu Quoc from fishing, the fish moved from the blue barrel to the big wooden barrels and incubated in 10 – 12 months. Last but not least, before the fish sauce is bottled, the owners have to send the sample to the Pasteur institute for testing in order to ensure the protein is 39 – 41 grams per liter as Phu Quoc fish sauce is a trademark, granted by European Union Protected Designation of Origin.
The fish sauce factories are open to the public, make sure to visit if you are interested in the process or the history!
Phung Hung fish sauce (opposite Phu Quoc coconut prison)
Khai Hoan fish sauce
Sunset town and the cable car
Background story: Maybe you will be shocked because you feel like you are back in Europe and think “who wants this?”. But you have to understand that this is the tourist attraction of Vietnamese and other Asians who can’t afford a trip to the real Europe.
The cable car station is located in Sunset town, also known as the longest 3-rope non-stop sea-crossing cable car in the world, connecting An Thoi and Pineapples island. In 23 minutes, you will see all of An Thoi ward, including Sunset town and the local fishing town, and the other small islands on the way. On Pineapples island, there’s a water park and a rollercoaster. So this is a fun place to spend time if you are on holiday with your family or friends.
At sunset time, around 17:30, the free Water sports show happens on the beach where the kissing bridge is located. This show will stop operating on 15 May, 2024 and will come back again in the Dry season (expectedly Nov). Then later you can hang around at the night market for dinner and maybe buy some souvenirs.
Starfish beach
One of the white sand beaches. It has a beautiful landscape. In the back is the national park, and in front of you is cambodian’s islands and the mainland. Best time to visit is the dry season, from November to April. To see starfish, you need to go to Ham Rong beach. You can get a local boat that costs about 150,000 / 2 ways/ per person to get there. Or you can go to starfish bay by hiking.
If you are interested, I also do private tours for starfish beach. If you want help to get to starfish beach and wish to experience it with a local, I will be happy to take you there!
Sao beach
Why is it famous? It seems to have inherited all the love from mother nature. It is considered as the whitest smooth sandy beach on Phu Quoc, stretching 7 km along the East coast. Plus, the beach is very shallow. You walk 100m from the shore to the sea and the water is still not over your head yet so It is very safe to swim and bathe here.
Where I usually hang out:
Just hang out on the beach, next to Chez Dugong/ Sao beach restaurant or Highland coffee. Good way to enter is My Lan restaurant or after Chez Dugong restaurant.
Khem beach
Khem beach is similar to Sao beach but more modernised and cleaner because now it is owned by a big company and they take care of it well.
Explain its weird name (“Khem” in Vietnamese doesn’t mean anything): locals misspelled “kem” (means ice cream) to “Khem”. Another source said locals misspelled “Camp” to “Khem” because there used to be a lot of foreigners there for camping. But I think the first scenario makes more sense to me because its name has already been there for a long time.
Places I usually hang out there:
1/ just on the beach, next to Draft beer restaurant. When you are hungry, there are a couple of restaurants around or go on Grab to order food.
2/ Istanbul beach club: I hang out there when we want to enjoy cocktails. Plus, the shisha there is the best one in Phu Quoc
3/ Ann restaurant: I hang out here for a meal. The staff is nice and friendly, as well as good food
Watching sunset
Sunsets on Phu Quoc can be breathtaking and are a definite must to experience. At 17:00 (5 PM) you must go to the West coast to watch the sunset.
I leave some my favourite sunset places:
- Ganh Dau cape
- Eco Lodge cafe
- The plane beach view point
- Rach Vem/ Ham Rong beach
- Ong Lang beach
Watching sunrise
Phu Quoc has a long West coast and East coast. Try a night at a bungalow on the East Coast to enjoy a quiet life and see the sunrise in the early morning. Check the accommodations reviews and availability on any apps, I’m sure there must be one suitable for you.
Sim wine factory
Sim – Myrtle flower is a local tree in Phu Quoc jungles. I’m not sure since when the locals made the wine from its fruits. To get to know a part of local culture, you must try it once. Besides, when you visit the factory, they offer you to try sim candies, sim jam, etc,… everything made of sim fruits.
Safari & Night Safari
Opening hours: 9:00 – 16:00 every day
Ticket: 650,000 VND / adult
490,000 VND / kid (under 140cm) or elder (> 60 y/o)
This is the first semi-wildlife park in Vietnam. It has 2 main areas: the open zoo and the safari. In the open zoo, you could walk around and feed some animals such as: l’amour, giraffe, and elephant. Or you can buy a bus ticket to go around. In the safari, there are free electric buses that take you in to see predators, such as lions, tigers, bears, etc,… This is a must destination if you are on holiday with your kids!
Night Safari:
Opening days: Only Mon, Fri, Sat, and Sun 6 buses / a day.
Opening hours: 19:00 – 21:50
Ticket: 600,000 VND / adult
400,000 VND / kid (under 140cm)
Vinwonders (themepark)
Opening hours: 10:00 – 19:00 every day
Ticket: 950,000 VND / adult
710,000 VND / kid (under 140cm) or elder (>60 y/o)
Combo ticket: theme park + safari 1,350,000 VND / adult
1,000,000 VND / kid (under 140cm) or elder (>60y/o)
It not only has varied adventurous games (roller coasters, rides, water park, etc,…), it also has one of the biggest aquariums in the world. At night, you are going to witness a marvelous fairytale story that is told by music, water and flashlights. Amazing for a day out with the kids as well as for lovers of amusement parks everywhere.
For more information, visit vinwonders.com.
Duong Dong market
You can not miss a visit to the Duong Dong market, it gives a great view into the cultural life of the local people. Enjoy some good food and a drink and explore the market, you definitely won’t regret it.
Get a massage
Vietnamese massage is a combination of gentle massage and acupressure. It’s a very reasonable price for an hour massage at a local small spa, about 250,000 ($10) – 300,000 ($12) vnd. Most of the massage ladies / men here work as freelancers though. To make sure you get a good massage, always look at the reviews (on Google Maps, for example) first.
However, if you have a chronic pain of muscles / tissues / bones that you already bear for a long time, personally I think you should try to visit an Eastern clinic* here, she / he knows what kind of massage treatments to give you in order to improve your physical problems and help you to feel better.
*Note that the Google Maps location points to Ốc Dư. The clinic is in the same building but does not have its own Google Maps location.
Name of the clinic: Đặng Y Đường. Working hours Mon – Fri: 7:00 – 11:30, 13:00 – 17:00, Sat: 7:00 – 11:30
Evening activities
Fire show
Address: Ocsen beach bar. Ticket costs 80,000 vnd/ person but it’s worth seeing the fireshows done by the talented people. Check thee fireshow’s schedules on gg maps or their Facebook / Instagram page.
Bars and clubs
Happy Buddha Club – ONLY OPEN ON THE WEEKEND (Friday and Saturday) or when it’s full moon. It has a good vibe and nice view, definitely worth it.
Other nice places include:
–Rabbit hole
-Cheeky traveler
-9station hostel
Up for a drink? Definitely check these places out!
Night market
Duong Dong night market is a great place to be when you are feeling hungry! There are other night markets on the island, but the one in Duong Dong is most accessible.
Final thoughts
With all the diversity on the island, I truly believe there is something to do for anyone. No matter if you are feeling like a lazy day on the beach, exploring the island with a bike, or if you want to go for an exciting multi-day scuba diving course.
I sincerely hope you fall in love with this island as much as I have, and that you will create memories that last you a lifetime. Feel free to get in touch if you want to know more about the island. I also do private tours and group tours in and out of the water, so if you want to experience it with a local’s perspective, send me a message!
