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Phu Quoc sunset time

What to Do in Phu Quoc? The Must-Sees of Vietnam’s Island Gem

Located at the very southern tip of Vietnam, just off the coast of Cambodia, Phu Quoc is a tropical island bathed in the warm waters of the Gulf of Thailand. Once little known, it now attracts more and more travelers, yet it has managed to keep much of its peaceful atmosphere.

I settled in Phu Quoc for three weeks, the first stop on my journey through Vietnam, but above all an immersion into a new daily rhythm: the digital nomad life under the sun, with my feet in the sand.

Endless golden beaches and bustling markets, authentic fishing villages and lush tropical forest… wild Phu Quoc is best explored by scooter. But the island has another side… quite unexpected. A giant cable car, a recreated Venetian town, brand-new Mediterranean-style villages, some already ghostly. A striking contrast! Between nature, tradition, and surreal settings, Phu Quoc never leaves anyone indifferent.

Curious to discover this Vietnamese island? Here are its unmissable highlights.

1. Discover the Most Beautiful Beaches of Phu Quoc

Phu Quoc Beach

A little slice of paradise, Phu Quoc invites you to slow down and simply enjoy. Long stretches of golden sand, hidden coves, warm water all year round; it is hard not to fall under its spell.

On the west coast, the beaches are easy to reach. Long Beach is the largest, most central and best known. Wide sweeps of golden sand, cafés and beach bars, water sports; the atmosphere is lively but never overwhelming. Further north, Ong Lang offers a more peaceful setting, perfect for an afternoon nap or a romantic sunset away from the big resorts.

The east coast, more rugged and wild, is also more remote. This is where you will find the famous Sao Beach, often considered the most beautiful on the island. Its powdery white sand and turquoise water attract plenty of visitors. However, this part of the island is also more exposed to marine debris carried by the currents, especially outside the dry season. Something worth knowing before you go.

Crystal-clear water, colorful marine life, white-sand lagoons... set off on a little trip to paradise!
Island-hopping by boat

2. Discover Local Villages and Markets

Market_PhuQuoc

Phu Quoc still has a few fishing villages where you can catch a glimpse of a simpler life, far from the hotels and resorts. On the east coast, Ham Ninh is the best known, with its wooden stilt houses, long piers, crab fishing and small seafood restaurants. The place has kept much of its old charm.

In the center of the island, the Duong Dong day market is lively and colorful. It comes alive at dawn with stalls overflowing with freshly caught fish, herbs and tropical fruits. It is a true local market, designed for residents, where you weave your way between scooters, vendors and baskets of produce.

In the evening, the Duong Dong night market takes over in a nearby street close to the port. It is the perfect place to taste fresh seafood grilled on the spot, try a few Vietnamese sweets or wander between stalls of handmade crafts and local creations. The atmosphere is crowded, fragrant, noisy and full of life, sometimes a little chaotic, but always one of the most authentic experiences on the island.

Another night market takes place in Sunset Town, further south. The setting is very different, more chic and romantic. There are many stands of Vietnamese street food, a few local artisans and even a small street performance every evening. It is an ideal spot for a night out in a completely different atmosphere.

3. The Artisan Treasures of Phu Quoc

Pepper_PhuQuoc

Behind the beaches and hotels, Phu Quoc still preserves genuine local craftsmanship that remains very much alive. The island is famous throughout Vietnam for three emblematic products: pearls, fish sauce (nuoc mam), and pepper.Three visits that reveal what makes the island both rich and unique.

Pearl farms are still active in Phu Quoc, particularly along the west coast. Some welcome visitors with showrooms, workshops and demonstrations of oyster opening to extract the pearls. For instance, Ngoc Hien Pearl Farm offers a short guided tour of about twenty minutes to explain the whole process.

Another local specialty is nuoc mam, the traditional Vietnamese fish sauce that has been produced in Phu Quoc for generations. In An Thoi, at the southern end of the island, you can visit a shop-factory to learn about the fermentation and bottling process. The smell is strong, but the visit is worth it to understand the importance of this product in Vietnamese culture. You can even try a tasting if you dare.

Finally, the island is also known for its pepper, considered among the finest in Vietnam. Plantations stretch mainly across the north and center of Phu Quoc, around Ganh Dau, Cua Duong and Khu Tuong. Some farms open their doors to visitors, showing the fields, the cultivated varieties and the drying process. The visit often ends with a tasting and the chance to take home a fragrant, truly local souvenir.

4. Hon Thom: The Longest Cable Car in the World at Phu Quoc

Cable Car in Phu Quoc

This is one of the most spectacular attractions in Phu Quoc. The Hon Thom Cable Car, inaugurated in 2018, holds the record as the longest cable car in the world, stretching nearly eight kilometers over the sea. It connects the southern tip of the island, from An Thoi Station, to Hon Thom Island, also known as Pineapple Island.

The ride takes about 20 minutes and offers an absolutely stunning 360-degree panorama. The turquoise sea, small fishing boats gliding below, and the islands of the An Thoi archipelago slowly passing beneath your feet. It is a unique experience between sky and sea.

At the arrival point, you step into the Sun World Hon Thom Nature Park, a large leisure complex created by the Sun World group. It includes the Aquatopia Water Park, several restaurants and bars, family activities, attractions, Instagram-friendly photo spots, and even a few idyllic beaches. The place is heavily developed, clearly built for tourism, and not the most authentic. Still, the ride on this dizzying cable car is well worth it. A true experience not to be missed.

Discover the South of Phu Quoc and Its Spectacular Cable Car
An Unforgettable Excursion

5. Explore the Underwater World Around Phu Quoc

Starfish from starfish beach, Phu Quoc

You simply cannot leave Phu Quoc without discovering its underwater world. The island is surrounded by small islets with turquoise waters, perfect for a day trip by boat.

Most excursions head south toward the An Thoi archipelago, a cluster of islands known for their crystal-clear lagoons. These trips usually include several stops for snorkeling, sometimes scuba diving, and a freshly prepared lunch on board. The coral reefs are still beautiful in some places and more damaged in others. It is best to choose an eco-friendly operator and avoid large group tours.

In the north of the island, around Ganh Dau and Starfish Beach, a simple mask and snorkel are enough to spot tropical fish and enjoy some lovely marine scenery. The water is clear and shallow, ideal for a long swim or a spontaneous snorkeling session.

Explore the Islands and Underwater World of Phu Quoc
Book an Excursion

Conclusion – Phu Quoc, an Island of Many Faces

Phu Quoc is an island of contrasts. On one side, there are wild beaches, peaceful villages and genuine smiles. On the other, modern resorts and ambitious tourism projects. It is a mix that can feel surprising, yet its charm is undeniable. A destination that encourages you to slow down, open up to others and appreciate the beauty of the unknown.

For digital nomads, Phu Quoc offers a pleasant setting for working in the sun. Wi-Fi is available almost everywhere, modern hotels provide all the comfort you could need, and some accommodations even offer shared workspaces.

Find the best place to stay in Phu Quoc, tailored to your needs and travel style.
Where to stay in Phu Quoc ?

FAQ – Planning Your Trip to Phu Quoc

Que voir absolument à Hakone ?

The best time to visit is from November to April, during the dry season. The weather is sunny, the sea calm, and conditions are ideal for enjoying the beaches. From May to October, the rainy season brings higher humidity and rougher seas.

Plan three to five days to see the essentials: beaches, markets, island excursions and local discoveries. Staying a full week lets you slow down and truly soak up the atmosphere.

Travelers from many countries do not need a visa for stays up to 30 days if arriving directly in Phu Quoc (without entering mainland Vietnam).
To visit the rest of Vietnam, you can apply online for an e-visa valid for up to 90 days, with single or multiple entries.

A scooter is the easiest way to explore Phu Quoc freely, and rentals are available almost everywhere. For shorter trips, Grab and local taxis are reliable and inexpensive.

 

Definitely. It is an impressive experience: almost eight kilometers of cable car ride over the sea, offering panoramic views of the An Thoi Islands. Even though the amusement park at the end is very touristy, the ride itself is well worth it.

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