Phu Quoc Travel Guide 2025: The Ultimate Guide to Vietnam’s Pearl Island
Why you need a Phu Quoc travel guide
Phu Quoc is Vietnam’s largest island, in the Gulf of Thailand, in Kien Giang province. Shaped like a teardrop, it covers nearly 589 km² with over 150 km of coastline. A big plus: international visitors can enter visa-free for 30 days. You can read more at Lonely Planet – Phu Quoc Island.
In this Phu Quoc travel guide, we share an experience-based approach: both an overview and personal tips. If you’re planning Mekong Delta travel, you can add the island to your route from Rach Gia or Ha Tien. See our Vietnam travel tips to pack and plan well.
When to visit – Phu Quoc travel guide
The island has two clear seasons: dry and rainy. We choose dates based on what we want from the trip.
Dry season (November – April)
Sunny skies, calm sea, temps around 25–30°C – ideal for swimming and snorkelling. This is peak season; book flights and rooms early. In October–November, northeast winds sometimes push debris onto some eastern beaches; resorts usually keep their own stretch clean.
Rainy season (May – October)
Rain can come suddenly, but prices are lower, crowds thinner, and the island is lush. Good if you want peace and savings; pick a hotel with a pool. See also Lonely Planet – Best time to visit Vietnam.
Getting to the island – Phu Quoc travel guide
Every Phu Quoc travel guide mentions two options: by plane or by ferry/speedboat.
By plane
Phu Quoc Airport is about 14 km from Duong Dong (15–20 minutes by car). Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet and Bamboo Airways run frequent flights from Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi; from HCMC the flight is about one hour. Many hotels offer transfers; otherwise use taxi or Grab.
Ferry / speedboat
From Rach Gia or Ha Tien, take a ferry or speedboat to the island (about 1.5–3 hours). Ideal if you’re touring the Mekong and want to add Phu Quoc. Check schedules at Vietnam Airlines and local ferry operators.
Getting around the island
In Duong Dong, many restaurants and the market are within walking distance. For beaches, Vinpearl or Sunset Town you’ll need wheels: taxi, Grab or a rented motorbike (daily rate is low if you’re comfortable riding).
Must-do experiences in this Phu Quoc travel guide
Snorkelling and island tours
Tours usually take you to the An Thoi archipelago with 2–3 snorkel/swim stops, fishing and lunch on board. You can combine with the Hon Thom cable car at the end of the day.
Hon Thom cable car and Sun World
The cable car linking the mainland to Hon Thom is one of the world’s longest. On Hon Thom, Sun World has water parks and other activities. Great for families and groups.
Sunset Town and Kiss Bridge
Sunset Town mimics a Mediterranean coast with pastel houses and tiled roofs. You’ll find Kiss Bridge, the “Kiss of the Sea” show, night market and water puppetry. Worth a visit if you like photos and a change of scenery.
Beaches: Sao Beach, Khem Beach and the north
Sao Beach has white sand and clear water, with cafes and beach clubs; go early to avoid crowds. Khem Beach is quieter. In the north, Ganh Dau, Vung Bau and Long Beach are less busy and good if you want peace. Long Beach has been suggested by Forbes among pristine beaches.
Vinpearl and Grand World
The Vinpearl area includes VinWonders, Grand World and Vinpearl Safari. You can buy day tickets without staying at the resort; booking online is often cheaper.
Sunrise and sunset
Best sunrise on the east side, best sunset on the west. Any beach facing the right way gives a great view; you can book a bar or rooftop at a resort to drink and watch.
Food in this Phu Quoc travel guide
Fresh seafood is the star: shrimp, crab, mantis shrimp, shellfish and fish cooked to order. Phu Quoc fish sauce is famous; you can visit a barrel house to see how it’s made. Phu Quoc pepper, sim wine and wild honey are local specialties. Duong Dong night market has plenty of stalls; locals often head to Ham Ninh fishing village or seafood restaurants near Duong Dong for fresh, good-value meals.
How long to stay and sample costs
For a short beach break and main highlights, 3 days is enough. To mix town and resort: a few nights in Duong Dong plus a few at a beach resort. Prices on the island run about 10–20% higher than the mainland. Rough reference: airport–Duong Dong taxi ~200,000 VND; Duong Dong–VinWonders taxi ~350,000 VND one way; full-day snorkel/island tour from ~700,000 VND; Hon Thom cable car ~750,000 VND/adult; basic double room from ~500,000 VND/night; motorbike rental from ~150,000 VND/day; seafood meal at a local spot ~250,000 VND/person (varies by dish).
Conclusion
This Phu Quoc travel guide brings together practical info and real experience: the island has beautiful beaches, developed tourism infrastructure and 30-day visa-free entry. Pick the right season, mix a few nights in town with a few at the beach or resort, and you’ll get a trip that’s both photogenic and relaxing. We hope this helps you build your own plan and have a memorable visit.
