Top 10 things to do on Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam
Vietnam’s Phu Quoc Island is an emerald isle in southern Vietnam in the Gulf of Thailand – although technically it’s off the coast of Cambodia! It’s known for white-sand sun-kissed beaches, friendly locals, pearls, fish sauce, pepper plantations – and resorts, most of which are along the palm-lined southwest coast. Since 2006, more than half of this laidback island has been protected by a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve which features mountains, dense tropical jungle, hiking trails and wildlife.
Check out our list of the top 10 things to do on Phu Quoc Island and then book your tropical island holiday!
1. Spot wildlife in Phu Quoc National Park
Phu Quoc National Park contains Mount Chua, the highest point at 603 metres, and the Rach Cua Can River which flows into the Gulf of Thailand on the west coast of the island just north of Cua Can village. Covered in evergreen forest, the park is an ideal habitat for over 470 plant species and also boasts numerous types of offshore coral reefs. This verdant landscape is open to a wide range of activities such as camping, hiking, birdwatching and wildlife photography.
2. Sniff out the island’s exports
The island is famous for production of spicy pepper and pungent fish sauce! Check out one of the fish sauce distilleries to see how Vietnam’s number one export is produced.
3. Stay in a luxury resort
Vinpearl Wonderland Phu Quoc located on Long Beach boasts villas (some with private pool) and a beautiful private beach adjacent to a golf course. The Mediterranean-style villas range from one to four bedrooms so are perfect for couples and families. Close by is Vinpearl Resort & Spa Phu Quoc featuring bold Asian architecture and an expansive outdoor swimming pool of 5,000sqm.
4. Sample seafood delicacies in Ham Ninh Fishing Village
One of the oldest fishing villages in Vietnam, visitors can witness an ancient way of life and take in views of colourful fishing boats, Ham Ninh mountain range and coastline, and the Hai Tac Archipelago. Spend some time here trying out freshly-caught seafood including crab and sea cucumbers.
5. Laze on Long Beach
The aptly named Long Beach is the longest beach on the island. It stretches nearly 20 kilometres from Dinh Cau Temple in the capital of Duong Dong all the way to the south of the island. It is also the busiest of all the beaches and is known for its spectacular sunsets. Other beaches worth visiting include Ganh Dau Beach on the northwestern tip, Ong Lang Beach located a few kilometres north of Duong Dong and Cua Can Beach on the west coast divided by the Cua Can River.
6. Get banged up in Coconut Prison
For a touch of the macabre, venture into the ruins of Phu Quoc’s notorious Coconut Prison where prisoners were kept during French colonial times and throughout the Vietnam War.
7. Sip ‘sim’ while watching the sunset
Vinpearl Resort & Spa’s Sim Bar is the ideal place to watch the sunset while sipping a cool tropical cocktail or a local wine. ‘Sim’ is the name of Phu Quoc’s locally produced wine made from the fruit called ‘sim’ or rose myrtle.
8. Eat dinner at Phu Quoc Night Market
Savour local cuisine, shop for souvenirs and rub shoulders with the locals at the bustling Duong Dong night market. Street food stalls and small eateries serve up seafood specialties such as grilled fish and shrimp, boiled sea snails, cooked oysters and barbecued squid – all served with Phu Quoc fish sauce and pepper of course.
9. Pray to the goddess of the sea
Perched on a rock at the mouth of the River Duong Dong, visit Dinh Cau, a combination of lighthouse and temple dedicated to Tin Hau, the patron goddess of fishermen and seafarers.
10. Play squid games
Looking for a night out with a difference – why not join a boat trip and try a spot of quid fishing! When you reach the best fishing spot the boat will drop anchor, and as the light fades, the boats will turn their lights on to attract the squid. Assisted by the boat-crew, use the same technique for catching squid that the local fisherman have been using for generations. Then breathe in the aromas as your fresh seafood is grilled right there and then on the boat.
Our Hotels, Cruises & DMCs in Vietnam
