1. Overview of Ganh Dau Market (Phu Quoc)
Located in Suoi Cai village, near the Ganh Dau cape area, Ganh Dau Market (Phu Quoc) is a local market with a simple and rustic charm, reflecting the authentic daily life of the coastal people. The market is open daily from 6:30 AM to 9:30 PM, serving as a familiar spot for locals and an interesting stop for tourists exploring Ganh Dau cape.
The market space is spacious, with stalls arranged closely together in a simple and friendly layout. Although not overly crowded, the market maintains its own rhythm, bustling enough yet still gentle and pleasant. Here, visitors can find all sorts of goods, from freshly caught seafood, local vegetables and fruits to characteristic dried specialties of Phu Quoc. For tourists, Ganh Dau Market (Phu Quoc) is not just a place for shopping, but also a space to fully experience the everyday life of the coastal people, simple yet warm and sincere.
At Ganh Dau market, visitors can choose to buy fresh and delicious seafood at affordable prices. (Source: Collected)
2. Outstanding experiences at Ganh Dau market (Phu Quoc)
2.1. Buying fresh seafood directly from fishermen
Visiting Ganh Dau market (Phu Quoc), visitors will encounter the familiar sight of baskets of fresh seafood just brought from boats to the pier. From shrimp, crab, mackerel, squid to scallops, sea urchins, all retain their freshness and the salty aroma of the sea. The special point is that the seafood here is caught by local fishermen themselves and brought to the market for sale on the same day, so the prices are usually cheaper than in the central areas.
It is not just a place for buying and selling, the market is also a space that connects locals and tourists. Visitors can choose seafood while chatting with fishermen, listening to them talk about their fishing trips or how to choose good seafood. Some vendors are also willing to prepare dishes on the spot, from charcoal grilled dishes, steamed with lemongrass and ginger to lightly spicy fresh seafood salad, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the taste of the sea right in the rustic and friendly market atmosphere.
2.2. Enjoying local dishes
The cuisine at Ganh Dau market (Phu Quoc) is an unmissable part of exploring this place. Just take a stroll around the market, and you'll find numerous small eateries with simple yet attractive dishes. From a bowl of spicy bun quay with a strong sea flavor, sweet and clear ca nhong fish porridge to hot seafood rice with shrimp, squid, and fish caught the same day, all carry a fresh, rustic flavor but are imbued with the characteristic taste of the sea.
Enjoy a bowl of authentic Phu Quoc bun quay. (Source: Collected)
Sitting and enjoying a meal amidst the bustling scene, listening to the murmur of the sea, and feeling the salty breeze weaving through the market stalls, visitors will find the cuisine here not only delicious but also imbued with human warmth and the unique culture of the island region. It is this rustic soul that makes the dining experience at Ganh Dau Market (Phu Quoc) special, making everyone who has visited want to return again.
2.3. Discover the life of Ganh Dau fishing village
After strolling around Ganh Dau Market (Phu Quoc) , visitors can spend time visiting the nearby Ganh Dau fishing village to fully experience the rustic rhythm of life of the northern island's fishermen. Early morning is the ideal time to visit, when fishing boats dock one after another, carrying abundant fresh catches of fish and shrimp, and cheerful chatter.
Walking along the pier, visitors can see people mending nets, drying fish, or repairing boats. These are all familiar tasks, yet they contain the lives of generations tied to the sea. Visitors can also chat with fishermen to hear about their journeys out at sea and better feel the resilient and hospitable spirit of the 'Pearl Island's' people. Amidst the salty sea air and the rhythmic sound of waves, Ganh Dau fishing village appears simple yet full of life.
3. Tips for shopping at Ganh Dau Market (Phu Quoc)
Before starting your shopping trip at Ganh Dau Market (Phu Quoc) , visitors should remember a few tips below for a more complete experience. Whether choosing fresh seafood, looking for souvenirs, or simply strolling through the market to observe local life, knowing these tips will make it easier for visitors to shop and fully appreciate the rustic, endearing charm of this seaside market.
- Tips for choosing fresh seafood:
To buy the freshest seafood at Ganh Dau Market (Phu Quoc) , visitors should visit the market early in the morning, when the boats have just docked and the seafood is still very fresh. This is the ideal time to choose fish, shrimp, squid, and scallops that have just been pulled from the nets. When buying, pay attention to the shininess of the fish's body, bright red gills, and clear eyes, as these are signs of fresh seafood. Additionally, visitors can ask fishermen directly about how to prepare each type of seafood to preserve its best flavor.
Visitors should come to the market early to buy the freshest seafood. (Source: Collected)
- Preserving specialties to take home:
If you want to buy seafood or Phu Quoc specialties as gifts, you can ask vendors to pack them carefully right at the market. Most stalls offer styrofoam boxes with ice or vacuum sealing to help seafood retain its freshness during transit, especially suitable for those flying back to the mainland. Some shops even offer delivery to the airport, which is very convenient for visitors.
- Small notes for your visit:
The market is not very large, with narrow aisles, so visitors should wear low-heeled shoes or sandals for easy movement and to avoid slipping. Be prepared with cash as weak signals can sometimes make electronic payments difficult. Additionally, remember to maintain general hygiene, do not litter, and always be friendly to the local people.
4. Suggested itinerary for exploring Ganh Dau Market and famous tourist destinations in Phu Quoc
4.1. Day 1: Exploring the North Island
Morning: Start your journey with a trip to Ganh Dau Market (Phu Quoc). Here, visitors can wander through the stalls, observing the early morning life of the coastal residents. After visiting, you can stop by a small eatery in the market to enjoy a hot bowl of bun quay or ca nhong porridge, then buy some fresh seafood or dried specialties as gifts. Don't forget to spend some time chatting with the fishermen, watching the fishing boats dock, and listening to stories of their livelihoods at sea to better feel the simple, authentic life of this northern fishing village.
Noon: Stop at a beachfront restaurant in Ganh Dau and enjoy fresh seafood such as steamed crab, grilled mackerel, grilled squid, or grilled scallops with green onion oil. After lunch, head to Ganh Dau Cape, the northernmost point of the Jade Island, to admire the clear blue sea, take photos, and feel the wild, peaceful nature of this place.
Stroll, take photos, and feel the wild, peaceful beauty at Mui Ganh Dau. (Source: Collected)
Afternoon: Continue the exploration journey at VinWonders Phu Quoc or Grand World, two famous entertainment complexes on the North Island. Visitors can enjoy dozens of entertainment games, take check-in photos amidst miniature European scenery, or enjoy spectacular art shows.
Evening: Conclude a day of exploration with a seafood dinner in the Grand World area or at a seaside restaurant in Ganh Dau. Afterwards, stay overnight at a hotel or resort in the North Island area to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and prepare for the next journey on Pearl Island.
4.2. Day 2: South Island Journey
Morning:
After leaving the North Island, visitors travel to the An Thoi area – the center of southern Phu Quoc's sea tourism activities. From here, visitors can experience the Hon Thom Cable Car, the world's longest 3-wire cable car route over the sea, to admire the majestic panoramic view of the South Island's sea and sky. Upon arrival, spend time playing at Sun World Hon Thom, challenge yourself with adventurous games in Exotica village, explore Aquatopia water park, or participate in exciting activities such as snorkeling, SUP paddling, or banana boat rides on the emerald waters.
Scuba diving to admire vibrant coral reefs and schools of fish swimming around. (Source: Collected)
Lunch:
Stop to rest and enjoy lunch at the Mango buffet restaurant. The restaurant serves a rich variety of Asian-European dishes and fresh seafood, imbued with the characteristic flavors of Pearl Island.
Afternoon:
After enjoying activities at Hon Thom, visitors continue their journey to explore Sunset Town, a district known as the "soul" of the South Island. Here, visitors can freely take photos, buy souvenirs, and enjoy the moment the sun gradually disappears below the horizon from Kiss Bridge.
Evening:
As night falls, enjoy the spectacular Kiss of The Sea show with stunning water, fire, light, and fireworks effects. Finally, conclude a day of exploration by strolling around the Vui Phet night market, where visitors can immerse themselves in the bustling atmosphere, enjoy delicious street food, and shop for charming souvenirs bearing the imprint of Pearl Island. This is the perfect stop to conclude a colorful and experiential journey to the South Island.
The journey to explore Ganh Dau Market (Phu Quoc) not only offers visitors exciting shopping experiences but also an opportunity to fully appreciate the simple way of life of the people on Pearl Island. From baskets of fresh seafood, rustic dishes to the gentle smiles of fishermen, all create a simple yet authentic picture of the northern sea region. If you have the chance to visit Phu Quoc, don't forget to stop by Ganh Dau Market (Phu Quoc) to enjoy the taste of the sea and preserve peaceful moments in this salty, windy land.
