Phu Quoc sits in the Gulf of Thailand, 45km off the Cambodian coast and 15km from the Vietnamese mainland at Ha Tien. It was largely undeveloped before 2010 — dirt roads, a fishing economy, a pepper plantation or two, and a fish sauce (nuoc mam) industry that has been running since the 18th century. The fish sauce made in Phu Quoc is still considered the best in Vietnam; the pepper grown on the island still ends up in restaurants in Europe; most visitors do not notice either because they are at a beach resort. The Vinpearl resort complex at the northern tip, opened progressively from 2012, changed the island's character faster than any comparable development in Southeast Asia outside of Chinese investment zones.
Getting There
Phu Quoc International Airport (PQC) receives direct international flights from Singapore, Bangkok, Seoul, Kuala Lumpur, and several Chinese cities, as well as domestic routes from Hanoi (2 hours), Ho Chi Minh City (55 minutes), and Da Nang (1.5 hours). Budget carriers VietJet and Bamboo Airways connect frequently from HCMC; fares book out at 500,000–900,000 VND one-way if bought more than a week ahead. The airport is in the centre of the island; taxis and Grab to Long Beach run 100,000–150,000 VND.
A slower option: take a bus or taxi from Ho Chi Minh City to Ha Tien (5 hours), then a Superdong fast ferry to Phu Quoc (1 hour, 230,000 VND). The combined journey takes 7–8 hours but is considerably cheaper than flying and drops you at the Ha Tien–An Thoi ferry pier in the south of the island rather than the airport.
Long Beach and the West Coast
Bai Truong (Long Beach) is the island's main tourist strip — a 15km beach running south from Duong Dong town with hotels, resorts, restaurants, and bars spread along a road parallel to the shore. The northern section near Duong Dong has the most established infrastructure and the best sunset views. The middle section (Ong Lang to Cua Can) is quieter with smaller properties. The southern end approaching Khem Beach has the most upscale resort development (JW Marriott, Premier Village).
Sao Beach (Bai Sao) on the southeast coast is consistently rated the best beach on the island — fine white sand, calm turquoise water, minimal development. A 45-minute scooter ride or 30-minute taxi (300,000–400,000 VND) from Duong Dong. Day trip from any base on Long Beach; no need to stay here.
Phu Quoc National Park
The northern 60% of the island is designated national park — mostly untouched rainforest covering the island's interior mountains (highest point 603m). The main access road passes through the park but hiking trails are limited and poorly marked without a guide. Ham Ninh fishing village on the east coast, reachable through the park, has a seafood market and floating restaurant jetties where the morning catch is served. Motorbike rental (150,000–200,000 VND per day) is the practical way to explore the north.
Snorkelling and Diving
The best snorkelling is around the An Thoi Archipelago — 15 small islands at the southern tip, accessible by speedboat (half-day snorkel trip 350,000–500,000 VND per person including equipment and light lunch). Visibility is best November–April; the monsoon season (May–October) brings jellyfish, murky water, and rough seas. Diving off the east coast has good coral at 8–15m depth, better than most other Gulf of Thailand sites. A two-dive trip from Phu Quoc starts at 1,200,000 VND.
Duong Dong and Night Market
Duong Dong is the island's main town — functional rather than attractive, with a market, several fish sauce factories open to visitors, and a night market (Cho Dem Duong Dong) on the waterfront open from 18:00. The night market is the best place to eat cheaply: grilled seafood (prawns, squid, clams), banh mi, fresh fruit juices, and the local specialty of bun quay (a noodle soup with seafood). Budget 100,000–200,000 VND for a filling meal.
Practical Notes
Best months: November–April (dry, calm, clear water). May–October is monsoon season with heavy rain, rough seas, and limited snorkelling/diving. Despite the development, Phu Quoc has no public transport network — scooter rental or taxis are the only options for independent exploration. International visitors do not require a visa for stays under 30 days in Vietnam; citizens of some nationalities get longer exemptions. ATMs in Duong Dong; most resort areas accept cards.
FAQ
Is Phu Quoc still worth visiting after heavy development?
Yes, if beach and water activities are the goal — the beaches are excellent and the snorkelling around An Thoi is some of the best accessible reef snorkelling in Vietnam. The Vinpearl cable car and Grand World entertainment complex are genuinely unusual additions to a beach holiday; they are also easy to avoid entirely if that is the preference.
How many days do you need on Phu Quoc?
Three to four days: Long Beach base, one snorkel day trip, one scooter day around the north and east coast. Five days if diving is a priority.
