1. How to get to Phu Quoc
To get to Phu Quoc, visitors can choose from various means of transport depending on their departure point and desired travel time. Among these, by plane is the quickest and most convenient method, with direct flights from Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang operated daily by airlines such as Vietjet Air, Vietnam Airlines, Bamboo Airways, and many others. The average flight time is only about 1-2 hours, allowing visitors to easily reach the 'Pearl Island' to begin their journey of exploration and relaxation.
Notably, on November 1, 2025, Sun PhuQuoc Airways (SPA) officially launched its first commercial flight, marking a significant milestone in enhancing accessibility to the Pearl Island of Phu Quoc. Sun Phu Quoc Airways currently focuses on domestic routes connecting Phu Quoc with Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, and many other localities, while also expanding its international network to Japan, South Korea, China, and potential destinations in the Asia-Pacific region. Additionally, international visitors flying to Phu Quoc will be granted a 30-day visa exemption, facilitating their exploration of the Pearl Island and contributing to making Khem Beach Phu Quoc an attractive destination on the tourism map.
If you are departing from the mainland, another interesting option is the high-speed ferry departing from Rach Gia or Ha Tien (An Giang). This journey offers a unique experience as you can admire the clear blue sea and feel the cool breeze on your way to the island. The travel time ranges from approximately 1.5 to 2.5 hours, with many flexible departure times throughout the day. After arriving at Bai Vong Port or An Thoi Port, visitors can hire a taxi or motorbike to continue their journey to their desired resort or attractions.
Traveling by high-speed train is an option chosen by many tourists. (Source: Collected)
Once you arrive on Phu Quoc Island, moving between tourist attractions is also very convenient. Tourists can rent motorbikes to freely explore the poetic coastal roads, or use taxis, electric cars for short distances.
2. Where to stay when traveling to Phu Quoc independently?
2.1. Duong Dong Area
When choosing accommodation for your independent Phu Quoc trip , Duong Dong area is always an ideal stop for tourists who want convenient travel and easy access to fully experience the vibrant life of the Jade Island. This is the tourist and administrative center of Phu Quoc, where many famous restaurants, cafes, shopping areas, and night markets are concentrated. From Duong Dong, tourists can quickly move to attractions such as Dinh Cau, Truong Beach, Coi Nguon Museum, or stroll along the beach to watch the brilliant sunset.
This area has all types of accommodation, suitable for all budgets, from cheap homestays for backpackers, mid-range hotels for groups of friends, to high-end resorts for families or couples on vacation. Some highly rated suggestions include The Hill Resort, Sunset Beach Hotel, Seashells Phu Quoc Hotel & Spa, An Phu Phu Quoc, or Dao Ngoc Hotel. These hotels are all located near the beach, have modern, comfortable spaces, and convenient locations for you to easily explore, dine, and have fun on your independent Phu Quoc trip.
2.2. North Island Area
If you love a green, wild natural space and want to experience a high-class resort vacation amidst the tropical forest, the North Island area is an unmissable choice for an independent Phu Quoc trip . This area is famous for its vast primeval forests, long stretches of white sandy beaches, and is an area with comprehensive investment in many international-class resorts and entertainment complexes. The peaceful atmosphere, fresh scenery, and diverse ecosystem make the North Island an ideal destination for those who want to find tranquility and immerse themselves in nature.
Some prominent accommodation locations in this area include Vinpearl Discovery Phu Quoc, Green Bay Resort, Mövenpick Waverly Resort Phu Quoc, The Shells Resort & Spa Phu Quoc, and Cottage Village. Resorts here all have sea views or are nestled amidst green forests, offering private and luxurious resort experiences. Especially, from the North Island, tourists can easily visit attractive destinations such as VinWonders Phu Quoc, Grand World, Vinpearl Safari, or Ganh Dau Cape, making your independent Phu Quoc trip more complete and memorable.
2.3. South Island Area
For those who love a peaceful, nature-friendly space and want to enjoy a luxurious vacation, the South Island area is the perfect choice for an independent Phu Quoc trip. This area is famous for its beautiful beaches like Khem Beach, Sao Beach, and a series of high-class resorts meeting international standards. The fresh air, wild scenery, and turquoise waters make the South Island an ideal resort paradise for couples, families, and tourists who want to escape the noisy pace of life.
Some prominent resorts here include Premier Village Phu Quoc Resort, JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay, New World Phu Quoc Resort, Label Hotel Phu Quoc, and Pullman Phu Quoc Beach Resort. Each place has its own style, from classic Mediterranean design to modern and youthful, with sea views, top-notch service, and luxurious resort spaces. From the South Island, tourists can also easily connect to famous attractions such as Sunset Town, Kiss Bridge, Sun World Hon Thom, or the Kiss of The Sea show, creating a complete relaxation journey for your independent Phu Quoc trip.
Premier Village Phu Quoc Resort is luxurious and classy. (Source: Collected)
3. What to eat when traveling to Phu Quoc independently?
Cuisine is an indispensable part of an independent Phu Quoc travel journey, especially for those who love local culinary experiences. The first dish you must try is herring salad (goi ca trich). Fresh and sweet fish meat, mixed with onions, shredded coconut, herbs, and roasted peanuts, dipped in rich Phu Quoc fish sauce creates an unforgettable flavor.
Next is grilled razor clam with chili salt (coi bien mai nuong muoi ot), a rustic dish but with the characteristic flavor of the sea. The razor clams are crispy and chewy, grilled over charcoal, releasing a fragrant aroma, dipped with spicy green chili salt. Besides, you can try specialty noodle dishes of Phu Quoc such as bun quay, bun ken, or bun rieu ghe, each dish has its own flavor, perfectly combining fresh seafood and rich broth.
Enjoy Bun Quay with its sweet, clear broth and fresh seafood. (Source: Collected)
In the evening, visit the Dinh Cau area or Ham Ninh fishing village, where many fresh seafood restaurants are located with reasonable prices. Sit by the sea, enjoy the aromatic grilled dishes, sip a cold beer, and listen to the sound of the waves. This is the most complete culinary experience when traveling to Phu Quoc independently.
If you are staying in the South Phu Quoc island area, don't forget to visit Vui Phet night market. This vibrant market is a shopping and culinary paradise, with hundreds of stalls selling local specialties, souvenirs, and attractive dishes such as grilled seafood, banh trang, rolled ice cream, or fresh fruit juices. Amidst the shimmering lights and lively music, visitors can immerse themselves in the youthful, energetic rhythm of Phu Quoc Pearl Island, where every evening is a feast of sound, color, and flavor.
4. 3-day 2-night self-guided Phu Quoc travel itinerary
4.1. Itinerary in the South Island
- Day 1: Arrive in Phu Quoc and check-in to the South Island
In the morning, visitors fly to Phu Quoc and rent a car or take a taxi to the hotel for rest. After settling in, begin the tour of Bai Sao and Bai Khem, famous for their fine white sand and clear blue waters. Stop at seaside seafood restaurants to enjoy a delicious lunch with typical dishes such as herring salad, grilled sea urchin with scallion oil.
In the afternoon, visit Sunset Town to stroll, take photos, and watch the beautiful sunset at the Kiss Bridge, the famous symbol of love on Pearl Island. When night falls, you can have dinner and enjoy beer at Sun Bavaria Gastro Pub, then watch the Kiss of The Sea show. If you visit in November, don't miss the second season of the Symphony of the Sea show with spectacular, world-class artistic fireworks displays.
Admire the romantic sunset scene at Cau Hon. (Source: Collected)
- Day 2: Playing at Hon Thom
Morning, travel by the world's longest three-wire sea-crossing cable car to Hon Thom island. Here, you can play at Aquatopia water park, explore Exotica village. After experiencing exciting activities, don't forget to visit Mango restaurant to enjoy an attractive 40-dish Asian-European buffet, delicately prepared from the island's fresh ingredients, bringing a full-flavored lunch amidst the vast sea and sky.
In the afternoon, enjoy water activities such as SUP paddling, jet skiing, banana boat rides, underwater walking to see coral, or swimming at Bai Trao beach.
In the evening, return to Sunset Town and stroll through Vui Phet night market for shopping, enjoying local cuisine, and experiencing the vibrant nightlife.
- Day 3: Sightseeing, relaxation, and souvenir shopping
In the morning, you can stroll along the beach to watch the sunrise or relax by the hotel pool. At noon, take time to enjoy fresh seafood at a beachfront restaurant. Before ending your journey, visit specialty stores in the south of the island to buy Phu Quoc fish sauce or pepper as souvenirs.
4.2. Itinerary in the North Island
- Day 1: Exploring wild nature and local culture
In the morning, visitors depart for Phu Quoc pepper garden to learn about the cultivation and processing of the Pearl Island's famous specialty, then visit Ho Quoc Pagoda – a pagoda with a beautiful location overlooking the sea, offering a serene and peaceful atmosphere.
At noon, enjoy a meal at a local seafood restaurant before moving to Rach Vem fishing village, famous for its red starfish and wooden piers extending into the sea. In the afternoon, visitors can swim, take photos, and watch the sunset before returning to the resort.
- Day 2: Experiencing ecology and entertainment
In the morning, visit Phu Quoc National Park, explore the primeval forest ecosystem with many rare plants and birds. Continue the journey to Grand World Phu Quoc for entertainment, shopping, lunch, and rest. In the afternoon, visitors can stroll around the "sleepless city", watch the "Tinh Hoa Viet Nam" show, take a boat trip on the Lake of Love, or take photos at the miniature Venice area. In the evening, have dinner at the Grand World Night Market with a variety of attractive dishes.
- Day 3: Relaxation and specialty shopping
In the morning, relax at Bai Dai beach with activities such as swimming, kayaking, or resting at a beachfront resort. Before ending your journey, don't forget to visit fish sauce factories, sim wine facilities, or Duong Dong market to buy Phu Quoc specialties as gifts.
This self-guided Phu Quoc travel guide will be a companion to help visitors easily plan a complete journey on the Pearl Island. Whether visitors love luxurious resort experiences in the South Island, adventurous explorations in the North Island, or simply enjoy the blue sea and golden sunshine, Phu Quoc always has something wonderful waiting for them. Prepare well for your trip, and don't forget to capture memorable moments on your journey to discover this island paradise!
