Vietnam’s Phu Quoc Island has claimed the title of the world’s second most beautiful island, surpassing the iconic Bali in this year’s Travel+Leisure World’s Best Awards. The results, based on over 700,000 reader votes, highlight a significant shift in the global tourism landscape.
Known for its pristine beaches, luxurious resorts, and growing popularity among international celebrities, Phu Quoc has captivated the hearts of travelers worldwide. The island’s unspoiled natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere have set it apart from its more developed counterparts. The island’s ability to preserve its natural charm while offering world-class amenities has resonated with travelers seeking authentic experiences.
This prestigious accolade is a major win for Vietnam’s tourism industry, positioning the country as a premier destination for beach lovers and adventure seekers alike.
Lets check out everything you need to know about Phu Quoc before you plan your next trip to this beautiful island.
Best Time to Visit Phu Quoc
- High Season (November to March): This is the best time to visit Phu Quoc, with pleasant weather and average temperatures around 30 degrees Celsius.
- Shoulder Season (April to June): These are the hottest months, with a 50/50 chance of good weather.
- Low Season (July to September): Expect a lot of rain during these months, making it the least favorable time to visit.
Phu Quoc offers a unique blend of relaxation, adventure, and cultural exploration, making it an ideal destination for all types of travelers. Whether you’re lounging on its beautiful beaches, exploring its rich marine life, or delving into its history and culture, Phu Quoc promises an unforgettable experience.
Free Things to do in Phu Quoc in 2024
Beach Bumming
Widely regarded as the most beautiful beach in Phu Quoc, Sao Beach offers powdery white sand and clear, turquoise waters perfect for snorkeling and relaxing. Check out another most popular beach on the island, Long Beach. It is lined with restaurants and resorts, making it a great spot for both relaxation and dining.
Explore Street Food and Life in Local Markets
Immerse yourself in the local culture by visiting night markets and exploring the vibrant local life, and street food. Dinh Cau Night Market, An open-air market in Duong Dong town that comes alive every evening. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, sample local street food, and shop for souvenirs.
Go Hiking
Embark on a hike through Phu Quoc National Park for breathtaking views and encounters with nature. Remember, to hike to the Suoi Tranh Waterfall, a serene spot located within the island’s lush rainforest. The waterfall is small, but the surrounding natural pools and greenery make it a peaceful place to visit.
Check out our Ultimate Guide to Phu Quoc National Park
Visit Fishing Villages
Experience the traditional way of life in charming fishing villages like Ham Ninh. Explore this traditional village where you can see local fishermen at work, and enjoy fresh seafood, especially the village’s famous crabs.
Phu Quoc Tours and Activities in 2024
Feel the Adrenaline with Water Sports
Explore the An Thoi archipelago, a group of small islands off the southern coast of Phu Quoc. These islands offer stunning beaches, excellent snorkeling, kayaking and opportunities for fishing. Speedboat tours can take you to multiple islands in a single day. Day tours are available to May Rut Island, Ong Lang Beach, Doi Moi Island, Fingernail Island, and Dam Ngang Island, where you can explore the vibrant marine life with water sports.
Take a Cable Car Ride to Hon Thom Island
Take a 15-minute cable car ride to Hon Thom, which offers breathtaking views of the sea and lush landscapes. The cable car is the longest overwater ride in the world.
Enjoy the Sunset with Drinks
Witness the breathtaking beauty of Phu Quoc’s sunsets from the beach or a rooftop bar, go swimming or enjoy your time just being there. The west coast of Phu Quoc offers some of the most stunning sunsets in Vietnam. Find a spot on the beach, perhaps at a beach bar with a cocktail in hand, and watch the sun dip below the horizon.
Visit Plantations
- Pepper Plantations: Phu Quoc is famous for its high-quality pepper. Visit a plantation to learn about the cultivation process and buy some fresh pepper as a souvenir.
- Fish Sauce Factories: Fish sauce is a staple in Vietnamese cuisine, and Phu Quoc is known for producing some of the best. Tour a factory to see how this essential condiment is made.
How to Reach Phu Quoc
By Air
- Domestic Flights
- From Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon): Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) offers multiple daily flights to Phu Quoc International Airport (PQC). The flight duration is approximately 1 hour.
- From Hanoi: Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) also has several daily flights to Phu Quoc, with a flight time of about 2 hours.
- From Da Nang: Flights from Da Nang International Airport (DAD) take about 1.5 hours to reach Phu Quoc.
- International Flights
- Phu Quoc International Airport (PQC) has direct flights from several international destinations, including Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, and several cities in China and South Korea.
By Sea
- From Ha Tien
- Ferry: Regular ferries and speedboats operate between Ha Tien and Phu Quoc. The ferry ride takes about 2.5 hours.
- Superdong Ferries: These high-speed ferries are a popular choice, with comfortable seating and reliable service.
- From Rach Gia
- Ferry: Another option is to take a ferry from Rach Gia, which takes about 2.5 to 3 hours to reach Phu Quoc.
By Road and Sea Combination
- From Ho Chi Minh City
- Bus to Ha Tien or Rach Gia: Take a bus from Ho Chi Minh City to either Ha Tien or Rach Gia. The bus journey to Ha Tien takes about 8 hours, while the journey to Rach Gia takes around 6 hours. To avoid hassles, best is to book your tickets online in advance. Check Vietnam bus tickets booking apps like redBus for bus schedules, and promos for cheapest ticket prices.
- Ferry to Phu Quoc: Once you reach Ha Tien or Rach Gia, you can take a ferry or speedboat to Phu Quoc.
By Train and Sea Combination
- Train to Ha Tien or Rach Gia: There are no direct train routes to Ha Tien or Rach Gia. You can take a train to the nearest major city (such as Can Tho or My Tho) and then continue by bus.
- Bus and Ferry: After reaching Can Tho or My Tho, take a bus to Ha Tien or Rach Gia, followed by a ferry to Phu Quoc.
Phu Quoc offers a unique blend of relaxation, adventure, and cultural exploration, making it an ideal destination for all types of travelers. Whether you’re lounging on its beautiful beaches, exploring its rich marine life, or delving into its history and culture, Phu Quoc promises an unforgettable experience.