Top 15 Things to Do in Phu Quoc Island

Phu Quoc is a mountainous and densely forested island off the coast of Cambodia and is the largest island in Vietnam. It is also one of Vietnam's top tourist destinations!

When visiting Phu Quoc Island, you can enjoy sun-kissed beaches, a beautiful natural environment, fresh seafood, a relaxed atmosphere, and fantastic scuba diving and snorkeling. This island epitomizes a peaceful, tropical paradise and Phu Quoc makes for a wonderful tropical holiday destination.

PS: Vietnam has eased its travel restrictions from March 16, 2022. All travelers are exempt from quarantine to visit Vietnam now as long as you're fully vaccinated.

1. Relax on a Wonderful Beach

Recommended length of visit: half a day

Enjoy some time at one of Phu Quoc's beautiful beaches! There are a few different main beach areas on the island, including Long Beach, Sao Beach, and the Cua Can area.

Kayak from Vung Bau Beach to Fingernail Island

You can borrow or rent a kayak from Vung Bau beach and paddle to nearby Fingernail Island. Bring snorkeling gear so that you can explore the reefs around the island! Currents can be strong in the area, so please make sure you only do this if you are a good swimmer.

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2. Enjoy the Magic of Nature at Phu Quoc National Park

Phu Quoc National Park

Recommended length of visit: half a day

The majority of Phu Quoc Island is part of the island's national park, a serene park with nice trails. If you are a nature-lover, this park should absolutely be on your list when visiting Phu Quoc Island!

You can take a bike or taxi to the central park area and do a trekking tour through the jungle which is extremely peaceful. Through breathing the fresh air, seeing the jungle, spotting some animals along the way, and enjoying the song of the cicadas around you, you are bound to discover the magic of nature.

3. Take the Largest Cable Car Over the Sea to Pineapple Island

Recommended length of visit: half a day to full day

One of the most amazing things to do in Phu Quoc is take the cable car from Phu Quoc Island to Hon Thom, also known as Pineapple Island. At an amazing 8 kilometers long, this cable car is the longest non-stop cable car in the world according to the Guinness Book of World Records! The ride costs about USD 6.50 for both ways, and around USD 4.50 for kids.

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4. Experience Phu Quoc's Open Road by Motorbike

Renting a scooter is one of the best ways to explore Phu Quoc Island, as you can enjoy the open road and go where you want at your leisure and take in the beautiful scenery.

Make sure you are careful though, as many of the stores renting motorbikes aren't licensed and have no insurance. If you do end up having an accident you will have to pay for the damage caused to the bike and person. Also ensure that you point out any damage to the bikes before you ride off, so you don't end up having to pay for them. If you are careful and alert, you'll have an amazing experience!

Another way to explore is by paying a local bike taxi for you; just hop on and ride around.

5. Discover Specialties on Phu Quoc Island

Recommended length of visit: a few hours per specialty, or a day to visit all

Phu Quoc Island has so many different types of specialties, including pearls that come from their amazing pearl farms and fish sauce produced on the island. Here you'll see the fish sauce factory, a place filled with giant wooden vats and barrel systems that stock fish sauce throughout much of the world!

We can arrange a tour to visit all of these facilities and explore the island, just let us know what you are interested in seeing and learning about during your visit to Phu Quoc Island!

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6. Swim with Phu Quoc's Fish

Recommended length of visit: half a day

Warm water, colorful fish, and bountiful marine resources, including sponges, corals, crustaceans, and reptiles under the water make Phu Quoc Island a great spot for snorkeling and diving.

With colorful shoals of fish swimming past and corals shimmering in the distance, you can enjoy the endless tranquility of the ocean and discover the whimsical beauty of an unknown underwater world while diving or snorkeling.

7. Experience Special Fishing

Recommended length of visit: half a day (during the evening)

Many people have tried fishing, but few have tried squid fishing at night. On Phu Quoc Island, by renting a boat or taking part in a group tour, you can experience this unique activity!

Head towards a private island to watch the stunning sunset and then enjoy a private BBQ beach party. In the evening, you can start night squid fishing. The boat will anchor at the best spot to catch squid and the crew will show you the secret technique.

There are several ways to catch squid, all of which can be pretty interesting. After that, the crew will help you cook the squid you have caught.

You should not miss this interesting experience.

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8. Watch a Phu Quoc Ridgeback Race

Recommended length of visit: a couple of hours

The Phu Quoc Ridgeback is the most popular dog you'll see on the island, and you can watch them as they speed around a purpose-built racecourse twice a day for the official dog races.

Entrance to this costs only USD 2.

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9. Get Close to Animals at Vinpearl Safari

Recommended length of visit: half a day to a day

Vinpearl Safari is a zoo with a large collection of animals, including birds, elephants, deer, tigers, and lions. These animals are from all around the world.

In the safari park, you can see almost every animal from a close distance and can take close-up photographs of them. You can even buy giraffe food from the café and hand feed them, which is definitely an adventure as well as a highlight.

If you want to get close to animals, Vinpearl Safari is a good option.

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10. Cool Off at Phu Quoc Waterfall

Recommended length of visit: half a day to a day

There is one place where you can cool off in this tropical location, Phu Quoc Waterfall!

The waterfall itself is not particularly amazing, but the route to the waterfall and the scenery along the way is wonderful. When it has been raining and there is lots of water running through, this is a major attraction.

You can trek from the entrance to the top, walk through the cool stream, go through the jungle, smell the flowers, and listen to the birds beautiful songs on this trek.

Don't forget to take your swimming suit and food, as when you arrive at the top you can have a swim. After that, enjoy a picnic with your friends.

11. See Starfish at Phu Quoc's Starfish Beach

Recommended length of visit: half a day to a day

Starfish Beach, in Phu Quoc Island's Rach Vem Village, is amazing as there are red starfish spread throughout the beach! It's an amazing sight, and definitely something to check off your bucket list.

Aside from starfish, you'll also find white sand and palm trees adding to the beauty.

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12. Live the Life of a Local at Duong Dong Market

Recommended length of visit: two-three hours in the evening

Duong Dong Market is the biggest local market on Phu Quoc Island. In the daytime, it's no different from other local markets, mainly selling vegetables and fruits. At night, it becomes a bustling night market, full of colors and various foods. Tents will be set up one after another.

Phu Quoc is reputed for its fantastic seafood so don't miss out on tasting the local snacks! A seafood BBQ is the most popular cooking style for the locals as well as tourists. It's highly recommended.

After dinner, you can have a walk and see all kinds of interesting souvenirs at the market stalls. Enjoy your stroll at this popular local market!

13. Visit a Pepper Farm

Recommended length of visit: half a day

Did you know that pepper grows on trees? You can see pepper grow on Phu Quoc Island and see how it goes from growing on the tree, to being taken to the factory, and being processed into the pepper that we know on our kitchen tables! You'll also be able to get some to bring home to your friends.

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14. Watch the Sunset on a Phu Quoc Beach

Recommended length of visit: a few hours in the evening

A Phu Quoc sunset is incredible, and you shouldn't miss it while you are there! The sun generally goes down around 6.15pm but do double check on the specific day that you are there as you don't want to miss the magic.

Head on over to the beach to see sunset, particularly Bai Sao's white sandy beaches, Ganh Dau cape, Dinh Cau cape, Ong Land beach, or the nearby Dam Ngang island are great spots to settle in and enjoy the sun go down.

15. Visit the Ho Quoc Pagoda

Recommended length of visit: half a day

Ho Quoc Pagoda, also known as Truc Lam Ho Quoc, is the largest and most peaceful Buddhist temple that is on the island. It's beautiful because of the pagoda, but also because of the gorgeous panoramic sea view!

This pagoda has amazing intricate carvings that draw crowds of tourists, and there are also huge Buddha statues inside. Apart from sightseeing, it's also a quiet space to meditate or reflect on Phu Quoc Island.

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