Phu Quoc is Vietnam’s largest island, located in the Gulf of Thailand, just off the coast of Cambodia. The island comprises a pristine natural landscape with mountains, forests, scenic beaches and a rich underwater world.
Phu Quoc can be visited visa-free by foreign nationals for 30 days if they fly directly to the Phu Quoc International Airport and don’t plan on visiting any other part of the country. There are also frequent ferries from mainland towns like Rach Gia, Hon Chong and Ha Tien.
The island is a leading producer of Vietnam’s signature fish sauce and black pepper. Majority of the local population are involved in fishing and you will have a chance to observe their traditional fishing techniques and lifestyle. The island also serves some of the best and freshest seafood in all of Vietnam.
Duong Dong is the main town on the island and is popular for its huge outdoor market, located right in the middle of the town. Another popular shopping spot is the Duong Dong night market, located near the lighthouse. Duong Dong is the island’s main fishing port and you will find the coast always lined by a fishing fleet. The town also offers good dining options and stays.
Near the fishing harbour, you will find the Cua Temple, dedicated to the goddess of the sea, Thien Hau. The temple almost seems like an outgrowth from the Dinh Cau rock on which it is located. It is also a great place to watch the sunset and nearby islets. Around 4 km away from the town is the hilltop Su Muon Pagoda. It has a peaceful atmosphere and houses colourful Buddhist deities and relics.
An Thoi is the second largest town on the island and is located on its southern coast. It is the most popular site on the island for water activities like fishing, snorkelling and boating as it boasts of rich corals and beautiful species of fishes. Just outside the town, there is a cable car station from where you can reach the An Thoi islands by an 8 km long stunning aerial journey on the Hon Thom cable car.
An Thoi islands are a group of 15 small islets that come under the Phu Quoc Marine Park. They contain the most scenic beaches in the region and are covered by pristine wilderness. You can reach this archipelago by a 30-minute ferry ride from An Thoi town on Phu Quoc island. The clear emerald waters are perfect for exploring its rich coral systems and exotic marine species. Here, you can go snorkelling, fishing, kayaking and diving.
Hom Thom which means Pineapple island, is the largest in the archipelago and houses a small population of traditional fishing families. Hon Dua (Coconut island), which is the closest to An Thoi town has a new coral being planted to revive the area’s reef system. Hon May Rut (Cold Cloud island) is popular for pearl farming and Hon Vong (Echo island) has an idyllic white sand beach.
More than half of the island and its surrounding waters come under the Phu Quoc National Park which is a delight for adventurous souls. The park is dominated by mountainous terrain with almost 100 peaks surrounded by dense forests and streams. It houses rich flora and fauna including almost 1000 species of plants, 43 species of mammals and over 300 species of marine life. The park offers river rafting, camping, hiking, trekking, bird-watching and kayaking activities. Mount Heaven is popular for trekking and currently, trails are also being developed for its highest peak – Mount Chua.
The pristine beaches with super soft sands are the biggest selling points of the Phu Quoc island. Add to that, its secluded and off-beat vibe and you have your perfect beach vacation waiting for you! Its 150 km long stunning coastline has around 20 beaches of which Khem, Sao, Thom, Ong Lang and Long Beaches are the best ones. The past few years have seen a rise of high-end stays lining the beach and many more are underway.
Long beach is the biggest on the island stretching between Duong Dong to An Thoi and is lined with beachfront resorts, bars and eateries. It is the most commercial beach and you can expect to find a good crowd here.
Sao beach, near An Thoi, with its perfect white sand shore is often considered the most beautiful beach on the island. Near the beach, you will find the Phu Quoc Prison which saw over 40,000 Vietnamese soldiers being imprisoned during the Vietnam War. It was constructed by the French and the prisoners were subjected to inhumane acts of torture, cruelty and starvation. Today, you can see the barbed wire fences, bunkers, kitchens and original equipment which were used to torture the inmates. There are numerous life-sized wax statues that represent how the guards treated the inmates.
Phu Quoc is Vietnam’s best island experience with plenty of idyllic beaches and excellent cuisine. Though there are upscale resorts and villas, some of the islets are untouched and still maintain a virgin climate. Thus, a trip here will give you the best of both! Luxury and pure nature.
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