Best time to visit
The ideal time to travel to Phu Quoc, Vietnam's biggest island, is from November to April.
This is the dry season in southern Vietnam, and the sea will be calm and the weather perfect for outdoor activities. It is the best time to unwind and relax on the beach or take a dip in the cool water.
Backpackers and those who want to go on an adventure should be mindful and bring enough water and sun-protection gear since things can get really hot.
From April to October is the rainy season. But it is also the peak season on Phu Quoc since it is the summer vacation. The island gets extremely crowded and all prices go up.
How to get there
The best way to travel to Phu Quoc, from both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, is by plane. Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet Air have daily direct flights.
Phu Quoc International Airport is around five kilometers from the downtown. You can take a shuttle bus from the airport or call a cab.
Visitors from HCMC have other options like getting here by motorbike, car or bus and then a ferry or speedboat.
From HCMC, drive or take a bus to either Rach Gia (6-hour drive) or Ha Tien (7.5-hour drive). The bus fare is VND150,000–230,000 ($6.43 – $9.86) depending on the operator.
At Rach Gia, take a speedboat to get to the island. The boats usually depart at 8:00 a.m, 8:45 a.m, or 1:00 p.m and tickets cost VND230,000-250,000 ($9.86–$10.72). The trip takes around an hour. The speedboats allow motorbikes on board though prior reservation is needed.
If you are the kind who gets seasick in a speedboat, you can take a ferry from Ha Tien at the Thanh Thoi Wharf to Da Chong Port (Bai Thom, Phu Quoc). The ferry takes nearly three hours and the ticket costs VND185,000 ($7.9). However, Da Chong Port is not too close to the town centre, and it could take up to 40 minutes to reach the resort area.
Where to stay
Since the island has become popular among both Vietnamese and international tourists, there are many choices of accomodation available.
Those who want to stay in the comfort of professional lodging can choose from a number of places scattered around the island, ranging from luxurious resorts to cheap hotels.
Homestay services are also worth consideration to get more in touch with the local lifestyles, and saving money at the same time.
8 must-try experiences
Phu Quoc is divided into four main tourism areas: the centre (Duong Dong town) and the southern, northern and eastern areas. Depending on the intinery, it will take at least 2 days to get the most out of your trip.
Take a dip in the ocean.
It might seems obvious but one of the things, if not the first, visitors should do is jump in and take a dip in the ocean. In Phu Quoc, there are many beautiful beaches with clear blue water, gentle waves and water that is shallow and safe to swim in such as Truong, Sao, Dai, Khem, and Ong Lam. Each has its own character, so try them and pick your favourite.
Snorkeling in the coral reefs
It would be a shame not to go snorkeling to see the dazzling colours of the coral reefs and their diverse marine life, especially since coral reefs are not very common in Vietnam. Scuba diving services are available.
Hon Thom Island is the ideal place to explore the coral reef since the water is relatively clear and the reef remains somewhat wild. This is also one of the largest aquaculture and pearl farming areas in Phu Quoc.
Watching the sunset
Phu Quoc was named by the National Geographic as one of the best places in the world to watch the sun set. One of the best places on the island to behold this glorious moment is Mui Dinh Cau (Cape Dinh Cau). Here, visitors can get an unobstructed view of a sky painted with splashes of red, orange, purple, and blue as the sun slowly sets in the distant horizon.
Squid fishing at night
A squid fishing tour usually starts in the afternoon and ends at around 10:00 p.m. Visitors can either hire their own boat if in a large group, or join other small groups. The ticket is around VND330,000 ($14.20) per person. The price might vary, depending on the company and season. Freshly caught seafood will be cooked and served right on the boat.
Catch the sunrise
Waking up early and catching the first rays of the sun on the ocean is definitely a worthwhile experience. Not only will visitors get to see another beautiful display of colours and light, it is also an opportunity to see the fishing villages transform from peaceful little places into bustling markets.
Explore untouched islands
There are still many small, pristine islands around Phu Quoc. Visitors can hire boats to travel to some of these islands such as Hon Dam and Cape Ong Doi and explore their wilderness. However, visitors should only visit the smaller islands when the weather is good and the sea is calm and with a local guide on board. Do not go by yourself.
Take a walk in a national park
