Travelling Tips

22.03.23

Top things to do on Phu Quoc trip: Explore the "Pearl Island"

Huyen Nguyen

If you want to visit a sunny paradise with an unique ecosystem of green tropical plants, come to Phu Quoc, a beautiful island located in the Gulf of Thailand. Famous for fish sauce, pepper and pearls, Phu Quoc offers both luxury and local experiences.

1. Phu Quoc's Famous Beaches

Phu Quoc's coastline stretches for more than 150 kilometers, with pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters that are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling. The island is known for its long stretches of white sand beaches, which are among the most beautiful in Vietnam. Some of the popular beaches on Phu Quoc include:

Long Beach (Bãi Dài)

This is the most popular beach on the island, with more than 20 kilometers of soft, white sand and crystal-clear water. It's perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. Long Beach is also an ideal place for enjoy the beautiful sunset with a cold drink and some snacks.

Sao Beach (Bãi tắm Sao)

This is one of the most beautiful beaches on the island, with turquoise water and powdery white sand. It's ideal for swimming and relaxing, and there are several beach bars and restaurants nearby.

Ong Lang Beach (Bãi Ông Lang)

This is a quieter beach, located away from the crowds. It has calm waters and a peaceful atmosphere, and it's perfect for couples and families looking for a more secluded beach experience.

2. Activities on the beaches

Snorkeling and Diving

Phu Quoc has some fantastic dive sites that are perfect for both beginners and experienced divers. You can explore coral reefs, shipwrecks, and a diverse range of marine life, including barracudas, clownfish, and turtles.

Fishing Trips

You can go on a fishing trip with local fishermen and learn about their traditional fishing techniques. You can also cook and eat the fish that you catch on the beach. Enjoy fresh fishes from the sea catching by your own hands will be an exciting experience.

Jet Skiing and Parasailing

For those seeking adventure and excitement, these activities are definitely for you.

For jet skiing, there are many rental shops located on the beaches where you can rent a jet ski and take it out for a ride. You can ride solo or with a friend, and explore the beautiful coastline of Phu Quoc. Make sure to wear a life jacket and follow safety guidelines to ensure a fun and safe experience.

For parasailing, our Local Buddy can book a tour with a local tour operator that offers this activity for you. You will be lifted up in the air by a parachute while being pulled by a speedboat, giving you an amazing view of the island from above. It is a thrilling experience and a great way to see the island from a different perspective.

3. Exploring Phu Quoc's nature

After discover the marine life, you can now come visit the dense forests and their unique ecosystem of floral and fauna.

If you want to immerse yourself in the nature of Phu Quoc, visit Phu Quoc National Park. This protected area in Phu Quoc boasts beautiful forests, waterfalls, and hiking trails. You can explore the park on foot, by bike, or by motorbike, and spot a variety of wildlife, including macaques, hornbills, and giant fruit bats.

And if you're a fan of hot and spicy food, you should know that Phu Quoc is famous for its pepper, which is considered some of the best in the world. You can visit one of the island's pepper farms to learn about the traditional cultivation methods and buy some fresh pepper.

4. Phu Quoc's culture and heritage

Visit a fish sauce factory

Fish sauce is a staple in Vietnamese cuisine, and Phu Quoc is known for producing some of the best fish sauce in the country. Visit this fermented treasure factory to learn about the traditional production methods and sample some of the local fish sauce is well-worth for any traveler.

Learn about pearl farming

Pearl farming is an important industry in Phu Quoc, and visiting a pearl farm can be a fascinating cultural experience. You can learn about the traditional methods of pearl farming and buy pearls as souvenirs.

Visit the Phu Quoc Prison Museum

This museum showcases the history of the island and the political prisoners who were kept here during the Vietnam War.

Enjoy local food at Phu Quoc Night Market

The Phu Quoc Night Market is open every night from around 5 pm until late and is located in the heart of Duong Dong town

The night market is known for its delicious street food, which includes fresh seafood, grilled meats, traditional Vietnamese dishes, and tropical fruits. You can try a variety of local delicacies and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere. However, you should carefully choose the food stalls because there might be stalls that are not qualify the food safety's conditions.

It is also a great place to people-watch and soak up the local culture. You can observe the hustle and bustle of the market and interact with locals.

5. Phu Quoc's weather - When to visit

Phu Quoc has a tropical climate with two distinct seasons: dry season (November to April) and rainy season (May to October). The dry season is the best time to visit Phu Quoc, as the weather is sunny, warm, and dry, with average temperatures ranging from 25-30°C. During this time, the sea is calm and clear, making it perfect for water activities such as swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving. The rainy season, on the other hand, can be unpredictable, with heavy rainfall and strong winds that can disrupt outdoor activities. However, the rainy season can also be a good time to visit Phu Quoc for budget travelers, as prices are lower and the island is less crowded.

6. How long to stay in Phu Quoc

The ideal length of stay in Phu Quoc depends on your interests and travel plans. If you want to relax on the beaches, explore the island's natural attractions, and soak up the local culture, then you may want to consider staying for at least 3-4 days. This will give you enough time to visit the popular beaches, explore the national park, try some local food at the night market, and take part in other activities such as snorkeling, kayaking, and fishing.

If you have more time, you can consider extending your stay to a week or more to explore the island in more depth and visit some of the lesser-known attractions. This will also give you the opportunity to take day trips to nearby islands and experience more of the local culture and way of life.

If you visit Phu Quoc and book a Local Buddy, he/she can customize your itinerary that suits your travel preferences and budget so you don't need to worry about anything else.

Phu Quoc offers a wide range of activities and attractions for travelers of all ages and interests. Whether you're looking for adventure, relaxation, or cultural experiences, you're sure to find something to suit your taste in this beautiful island paradise.