Phú Quốc— Vietnam’s largest island (589 km2, Singapore’s size), lies in the Gulf of Thailand, only 15 km from Cambodia.145,000 inhabitants150 km of coastline. Called“The Pearl of Siam”— historically produces the best of Vietnam’s fish sauces and authentic pearls.
History in Brief
The island was historically at the interface of Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand. During the French–Vietnamese War and the American War — a large - scale prison (Coconut Tree Prison, up to 40,000 prisoners). Since the 2000s — mass tourism. 2014: International airport opening. 2018:Vinpearl Landand the world's largest cable car (7899 m). Today: rival Bali and Phuketu.
Beaches — top 5
1. Sao Beach (Bãi Sao)
Southeast.The Whitest Sands of Vietnam- Like a farine. Turquoise water, coconuts, hammocks. Weekend crowds. More and more beach restaurants. 12 km from Duong Dong (center of the island).
2. Long Beach (Bãi Trường)
20 km along the beach on the west coast, the main hotel base from Duong Dong to the south. The sunsets of the legendary sun (Phu Quoc is the only island of Vietnam where the sun sets by the sea). Large number of restaurants, bars, water sports.
3. Ong Lang Beach (Bãi Ông Lang)
Northwest, calmer, with palm trees and trees. Less hotels, more boutiques and eco-ministers. Ideal for couples and quiet holidays.
4. Khem Beach (Bãi Khem)
South, exclusive —JW Marriott Phu Quoc(one of the most beautiful hotels in the world by many rankings). Public section of the beach available to everyone.
5. Vung Bau Beach (Bãi Vũng Bầu)
North, less developed, more wild. Fishing boats. For peace seekers.
An Thoi Archipelago — snorkeling
15 islands in the south of Phú Quốc. Turquoise water, coral, tropical fish. Main tours:Hòn Móng Tay,Hòn Mây Rút,Ngoài. Single-day cruise: 400,000-800 000 VND with lunch, snorkeling equipment, 3-4 stops.
Hon Thom Cable Car
The world's longest cable car by the sea(Guinness):7899 mfrom land to the island of Hòn Thēm. 15 minutes drive. Height: 174 m above the water. Panorama of the archipelago. Ticket: 300,000 VND round trip + Sun World Hon Thom theme park included in the price.
Sun World Hon Thom: amusement park, water slides, aqua park, beach. All-day fun.
VinWonders + Vinpearl Safari
Vin Wonders— Vietnam’s largest amusement park in the north of the island. Ticket 550 000 VND.Vinpearl Safari— safari park with 3,000 animals (noses, giraffes, tigers). Ticket 650 000 VND. Combo: 950 000 VND.
National Protection — Phu Quoc National Park
50% of the island — a national park, pristine forests, four roads in the middle.Chua Mountain (Núi Chúa, 603 m)— the highest point of the island, 4x4 access with a guide. WaterfallsSuoi TranhandSuoi Da Ban— baths available from the road.
I mean, fish sauce.
Phú Quốc producesBest n.m. in Vietnam— the onlyprotected designation of origin (PDO)Vietnam. Fermented 12-15 months with anchovy in wooden barrels of 12,000 litres. Main factories (Duong Dong):
- Khai Hoan— factory + museum, tasting, free admission
- Hung Thanh— Older tradition
- Phung Hung— Premium
Smell: TRAINING (fermentation). But the sauce itself: perfect, delicate, umami. 100 ml bottle — 30,000-80,000 VND.
Pearls
Phú Quốc — the oldest pearl breeding centre in Vietnam. Pearl farms can be visited (a lot of tourist tacks, but real buy in recommended:Ngoc Hien Pearl Farm,Long Beach Pearl Farm). Price per pearl: 200 000-5 000 000 VND (quality + color + size).
Night Fair — Duong Dong Night Market
Main night market on the Duong Dong promenade. Seafood (crawfish, langus, calamari) from the oven. Prices higher than in local but atmospheric. Hours 18-23.
Coconut Tree Prison (Nhà tù Phú Quốc)
Historical museum — a French-American prison for the Vietcong. 1:1 torture maneuvers, preserved targets of the "bomb cage", barbed wire.Emotionally Difficult. Free admission. 27 km from Duong Dong.
Sunset diner
Phú Quïc is famous for its sunsets. Legends:
- Sunset Sanato— art installations in the west, beach
- Rory's Beach Bar— legendary mixed cocktails
- InterContinental Long Beach— luxurious terrace with cocktails
Kitchen Phú Quốc
- Mr Bún Kèn— rice noodles with fish curry (island speciality)
- Gỏi cá trích— Raw sardine salad + coconut, peanuts, rice crackers
- Nhum nướng— grilled sea urchins
- Hïi sån— fresh seafood everywhere: crabs, langostes (500 000-2,000,000 VND/kg), lobsters, squid
Practical information
- Directions: direct flights from Hanoi (2h), Ho Chi Minh (55 min), and internationally (Bangkok, Singapore, Seoul). Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet, Bamboo Airways
- Visa: VISO- FREE ISLAND for all tourists up to 30 days (special status of Phu Quoc since 2014). You don't need a visa!
- Transport: taxi Mai Linh (safe), Grab (since 2019). scooter rental: 150 000-200 000 VND/day
- Season:November-March— dry, 25-30°C, perfect time.April-October— monsoon, rains every day, but hot water. August: Worst Typhoons
- Overnight: budget hostels 300 000-500 000 VND. Mid-range 4* 1.5-3 million VND. Luxury (JW Marriott, InterContinental, Movenpick) — 5-15 million VND