Phu Quoc is a beautiful island with crystal clear waters, incredible sunsets, lush tropical landscapes, perfect sandy beaches and welcoming locals. It is the largest island in Vietnam, the size of Phuket in Thailand. The northern part of the island is relatively unaffected by its status as a UNESCO protected national park, but there are numerous luxury resorts, funky bars and cafes along the southern coastline.
5 reasons why you should visit Phu Quoc
- World-Class Beaches: Home to some of the clearest turquoise waters and softest white sand in Southeast Asia (like Sao Beach).
- Entertainment Paradises: It hosts massive theme parks like VinWonders, the Grand World “Sleepless City,” and Vietnam’s only open-safari park.
- Unique Local Culture: Famous for its traditional fish sauce factories, pepper plantations, and historic fishing villages.
- Luxury for Less: You can find 5-star resorts and Mediterranean-style architecture (Sunset Town) at a fraction of the price of Europe.
- Direct Accessibility: Unlike other islands, it has an international airport with visa exemptions for many tourists.
Best things to do in Phu Quoc: a complete guide
Most things to do in Phu Quoc revolve around the beautiful beaches. If you don’t feel like a beach holiday or to end your tour here, you better skip the island. If you like this, you will be treated to the most beautiful beaches in Vietnam, with typical beach activities to choose from.
1.Stroll through Sunset Town (Mediterranean Town)
Located in the south of the island, this is the most visually stunning destination in Phu Quoc. Known locally as “Dia Trung Hai,” this newest hotspot on the island has created a stunning, almost surreal replica of the Italian Amalfi Coast right here in Vietnam.
This is easily the most “Instagrammable” spot on the island, featuring vibrant, multi-colored buildings climbing up the hillside, cobblestone pathways, and Roman-style ruins like the imposing Clock Tower. The highlight for many is the iconic Kiss Bridge, designed for romantic sunset photos. As the name suggests, this is arguably the best modern spot on the entire island to grab a coffee or some drinks and watch the sun go down over the ocean.
2. Enjoy the nightlife at Grand World
If you are looking for world-class entertainment, head to the “Sleepless City” in the North. Grand World is a massive 24/7 complex famous for its “Venice of Vietnam” canals, where you can ride gondolas past colorful European architecture.
Unlike other parks, entry to the main walking area here is free. You can admire the Bamboo Legend (the largest bamboo structure in Vietnam) and enjoy the spectacular “Colors of Venice” water and light show in the evening. It is the perfect place to experience the vibrant energy of the island.
3. Ride the Record-Breaking Cable Car to Hon Thom Island
You cannot visit Phu Quoc without experiencing the world’s longest 3-wire sea-crossing cable car. The 15-minute ride offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the An Thoi archipelago and the fishing boats below—a view you simply cannot get from anywhere else.
The ride takes you to Hon Thom Island, home to the Sun World Nature Park. Here, you can spend the rest of the day at Aquatopia (a massive water park), enjoy the pristine Trao Beach, or have a Halal-friendly buffet lunch. It is the perfect combination of sightseeing and adventure.
4. Have fun at VinWonders Theme Park
Located in the Northern “United Center” complex (near Grand World), VinWonders is the largest theme park in Vietnam. If you find the beach life too slow-paced, this is the adrenaline kick you need.
The park is massive, featuring six different thematic zones inspired by world civilizations and fairy tales. Thrill-seekers will love the high-speed roller coasters in the Adventure World, while everyone enjoys “Typhoon World”—a giant water park perfect for cooling off in the Phu Quoc heat. Don’t miss the Sea Shell Aquarium (Neptune Palace), housed in a giant turtle-shaped building, which is one of the five largest aquariums in the world.
5. Experience the wild at Vinpearl Safari
Located right next to VinWonders is a completely different nature experience. Vinpearl Safari is Vietnam’s first and only open zoo and semi-wildlife conservation park.
It is a massive hit for families because of the unique “Safari Park” zone. Instead of walking around looking at cages, you board a specialized, secure bus that drives inside the large animal enclosures. It is a thrilling reversal of roles where you are caged in, watching lions, Bengal tigers, rhinos, and zebras roam freely right next to your window—an experience usually reserved for Africa. The park also has an “Open Zoo” area where you can interact more closely with gentler animals like feeding giraffes or elephants.
6. Enjoy the beaches
The best thing to do in Phu Quoc is enjoy the beach. This is also the main reason for most travelers to travel to the island. And not without reason, because here you will find thebest beaches in Vietnam.
Sao Beach is seen by most people as the most beautiful beach in Phu Quoc. There are plenty of places where you can sit on a lounge chair with a parasol and enjoy the calm water.
Long Beach is the most popular beach, as it runs along Duong Duong, the largest city on the island. Here you will find many restaurants and resorts right on the beach.
7. Island hopping
The third best thing to do in Phu Quoc has to do with the beaches again. Off the coast of the main island are many smaller islands with more beautiful beaches that you can visit by boat trip.
There are several boat trips that are organized. This way you can quickly visit various islands with a speedboat. The larger boats are slow, but have a place to enjoy a drink and jump off the boat.
The most beautiful islands of Phu Quoc are the An Thoi island group, at the southernmost point. A perfect place for snorkeling, swimming and fishing.
8. Diving & snorkeling
This island may not be the best place to dive in Vietnam, but it is one of the most popular things to do in Phu Quoc. There are several options for diving in Phu Quoc, for both beginners and experienced divers.
Snorkeling is possible during day tours. You can do a boat tour to May Rut Island Finger Island and Dam Ngang Island, where you can snorkel among the fish and coral.
9. Phu Quoc night market
Phu Quoc night market, officially Dinh Cau nigh market, is an open-air market in Duong Dong town. Every evening from 5am, the streets here are closed to vehicles and more than 100 different street stalls emerge. Here they sell everything, such as seafood, souvenirs, ice cream, banana pancakes and drinks.
There are also several restaurants around the market if you’d rather eat somewhere where you can sit.
10. Suoi Tranh waterfall
If you have had enough of all the beaches, you can also explore the interior of the island. The Suoi Tranh waterfall is therefore a good option. At 4 meters high it is not a very special or impressive waterfall, but the natural pools and the location between the lush rain forest makes it worth a visit.
Food & Halal Dining
Finding Halal food in Phu Quoc used to be difficult, but recently several excellent options have opened to cater to Muslim travelers.
Top Halal-Certified & Muslim-Friendly Restaurants
- Nan n Kabab Halal Restaurant: Located in Duong Dong, this is arguably the best spot for Middle Eastern and Pakistani cuisine. They serve authentic charcoal-grilled kebabs, lamb curries, and fresh naan. It has a prayer room available and is strictly Halal.
- Sri Mutiara Halal Restaurant: Owned by a Malaysian-Vietnamese Muslim family. This is the place to go if you crave local Vietnamese flavor (like Pho) or Malaysian favorites (Nasi Lemak) cooked to strict Halal standards.
- Ganesh Indian Restaurant: A famous chain in Vietnam. While they serve alcohol, their food menu is pork-free, and they use Halal-certified lamb. It is a safe and delicious option for fine North Indian cuisine.
- Halal Phu Quoc Restaurant: A simple, friendly spot near the center serving Indonesian and Vietnamese dishes. It is a favorite for backpackers and families looking for affordable Halal meals.
Seafood Tip: Most local seafood restaurants in the Night Market or Ham Ninh Fishing Village are “Seafood Only,” but they may sell alcohol or use non-halal cooking wine. If you are strict, we recommend sticking to the list above or asking for “Plain Grilled Seafood” (Nuong Moi) with no marinade.
Evening Activities
Unlike the party-heavy backpacking streets, Phu Quoc offers wonderful alcohol-free evening entertainment perfect for families and couples.
- Phu Quoc Night Market (Duong Dong): A bustling atmosphere where you can shop for pearls, souvenirs, and enjoy fresh fruit juices or rolled ice cream.
- Grand World Night Shows: As mentioned in point #14, the “Colors of Venice” show is a spectacular water and light performance that requires no entry fee.
- Sunset Town Night Walk: The southern town of An Thoi is beautiful at night. You can walk across the Kiss Bridge or watch the nightly fireworks show (check schedule) without needing to visit a bar.
- Squid Fishing Tours: A peaceful activity where you take a boat out at sunset to catch squid with the locals. Most private tours can arrange a Halal-friendly grilled squid dinner on the boat for you.
How to get there
Flights to Phu Quoc
Phu Quoc International Airport (PQC) is located on the south side of Long Beach, approximately nine kilometers from the city of Duong Dong. There are several flights a day from Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. From the airport to Long Beach the taxi costs me around 100,000 – 150,000 VND. Jetstar runs a shuttle bus to Duong Dong for 50,000 VND.
Ferry to Phu Quoc
- Tip: Travel through our uniquecombination tour from Ho Chi Minh City to Phu Quoc through the Mekong Delta. You can choose to go either by bus or private car to the Mekong. Here you will cycle through the countryside, make a boat trip through the rivers, stay overnight in a local but modern homestay and visit the biggest floating market in the Mekong Delta. After this you will travel directly to your accommodation in Phu Quoc via the speed ferry. It is also possible to do this tour the other way around and start in Phu Quoc.
How to get around
Taxis are available outside of Phu Quoc International Airport, as well as prominent resorts and places of interest on the island. It is also possible to rent a car with driver for a day that takes you around the island.
Bicycle rental is offered by most hotels and resorts on the island of Phu Quoc for around US $ 1 per day. Ideal for short trips within Duong Dong and Long Beach.
Motorcycles and scooters are ideal if you want to explore Phu Quoc at your own pace. The traffic in the center of Duong Dong is less bad compared to other cities in Vietnam, but the roads that lead to the countryside and Phu Quoc National Park are quite winding and bumpy. Motorbike rental shops can be found in Duong Dong, with daily rates between VND 120,000 and VND 250,000. Most resorts also offer motorbike rentals. Always check the quality of the engine before you start driving, especially the brakes.
VinBus (Free Electric Bus): If you are visiting the United Center in the North (Grand World, VinWonders, Safari) or the South, look out for the green VinBus. These electric buses run frequently from the airport and center to these major attractions for free or a very low cost, saving you a lot of money on taxis.
