Phu Quoc changed faster in the decade from 2012 to 2022 than almost any other destination in Southeast Asia. When the first sealed road was built across the island, there were a handful of resorts and a lot of fishing villages. Today there is a cable car (the longest non-stop tri-cable car over water in the world), an international airport, two major resort complexes, and a functioning island town with restaurants representing a dozen cuisines. The development has been aggressive and it shows.
What has not changed: the island’s beaches remain genuinely good, the fish sauce produced here is the most famous in Vietnam, the waters around the southern tip are still clear enough for snorkeling, and the northern end of the island (now protected as a national park) remains largely forested.
This guide is straightforward about what Phu Quoc is in 2026: a comfortable island resort destination with real infrastructure, not a hidden gem, but not an overbuilt disappointment either.
Where Is Phu Quoc Special Administrative Zone Located?
- Location: An Giang Province (southwestern Vietnam)
- Size: 562.362 km², Vietnam’s largest island
- After 2025 provincial merger: An Giang province merged with Kien Giang province.
- Population: updating
- Population density: updating
- Airport: Phu Quoc International Airport (PQC), 10 minutes from Duong Dong town
- Best for: Beach holidays, diving, snorkeling, family vacations, honeymoons
- Currency: Vietnamese dong; USD accepted at most resorts and tourist-facing businesses
Phu Quoc is located in the Gulf of Thailand and is part of Kien Giang Province in Vietnam.It is known as the largest island in Vietnam and is often referred to as “Pearl Island” due to its natural beauty.
How to Get to Phu Quoc
By air: Phu Quoc International Airport (PQC) receives direct flights from Hanoi (1.5 hours), Ho Chi Minh City (55 minutes), Da Nang (1.5 hours), and direct international flights from Seoul, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, and Singapore. This is by far the most practical option.
By ferry: High-speed ferries run from Ha Tien on the mainland (1 hour) and from Rach Gia (2.5 hours). This is a practical option if you are traveling from the Mekong Delta region overland.
>>> For organized travel, our Phu Quoc tours include airport transfers, accommodation, and island activities.
Best Time to Visit Phu Quoc
November to April is the dry season, with calm seas, clear skies, and water visibility that can reach 15 to 20 meters on good days. December to February is the peak season with the highest prices and hotel occupancy.
May to October is the rainy season. Rain comes in heavy afternoon bursts rather than all day, and morning snorkeling trips are usually fine. The island is significantly cheaper and quieter. Sea conditions are rougher and some boat trips are suspended, particularly in September and October.
The best diving and snorkeling conditions are from November to May, with peak visibility in January and February.
Top Things to Do in Phu Quoc
1. Long Beach
Golden sunset at Long Beach
The main beach on the western coast runs for 20 kilometers, making it one of the longest beaches in Vietnam. The northern section near Duong Dong town is the most developed and livelier in the evenings. The southern section is quieter, backed by large resorts (JW Marriott, Premier Village, Salinda), and has the calmest water.
2. Snorkeling and Diving
Snorkeling in Phu Quoc Island
The best snorkeling is around the southern island group (An Thoi Islands), accessible by boat from An Thoi port, about 30 minutes from Duong Dong. The coral gardens around Hon Thom and Hon Mong Tay are the healthiest on the island. Several PADI dive operators in Duong Dong offer courses and guided dives; Flipper Diving Club is among the most established.
3. Phu Quoc National Park
Phu Quoc National Park
The northern 70% of the island is a protected national park, home to 929 plant species and numerous bird species. Dirt tracks through the park can be explored by motorbike, and the park authority runs guided treks to viewpoints and forest areas. This part of the island is the clearest reminder that Phu Quoc was once primarily forest rather than resort.
4. Duong Dong Market and Night Market
Duong Dong Market is the vibrant heart of Phu Quoc, where locals and visitors gather for fresh seafood and local goods.
Duong Dong’s morning market near the Dinh Cau Rock is where local fishing families have sold fresh catch for generations. It operates from around 5am and winds down by 8am. The night market a few hundred meters away opens at 5pm and is more tourist-oriented but has the best concentration of local seafood restaurants at honest prices.
5. Phu Quoc Prison (Coconut Tree Prison)
Phu Quoc Prison
Built by the French and expanded by the South Vietnamese government, the prison held thousands of political prisoners through the mid-20th century. The preserved buildings and wax figure displays are a sobering but informative account of a significant period in Vietnamese history. Worth 1 to 2 hours.
Phu Quoc Food
Bun Quay: Fresh noodles are pressed on-site and served in a steaming broth made from fish, shrimp, and squid. The raw fish and shrimp paste are stirred (“quay”) directly in the bowl until cooked by the broth’s heat.
Bun Quay Phu Quoc
Hu Tieu Muc (Squid Noodle Soup): a comforting dish with a light yet flavorful broth that carries the essence of the sea. The clear soup is made by simmering pork bones and fresh squid, resulting in a naturally sweet and fragrant flavor.
Hu Tieu Muc (Squid Noodle Soup)
Goi ca trich (herring salad with coconut and fresh herbs) is the most distinctly local dish and is available at practically every seafood restaurant on the island.
Goi ca trich (herring salad with coconut and fresh herbs)
The grilled seafood at the Night Market (by weight, cooked to order) gives solid value for money and is the most reliable dinner option for visitors without a specific restaurant in mind.
Delicious seafood in Phu Quoc
Estimated Travel Costs in Phu Quoc
Phu Quoc spans a wider price range than almost any other Vietnamese destination, the island has cheap guesthouses in Duong Dong town and some of the most expensive resort properties in the country on Long Beach and the north coast. The main fixed costs are flights and the ferry to the southern islands for snorkeling. Budget travelers can manage well by staying inland and eating at the night market; luxury travelers have world-class options.
Prices below are estimates for international travelers and may vary by season and booking time.
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
| Accommodation (per night) |
250,000 – 500,000 VND (~$10-$20) |
800,000 – 2,500,000 VND (~$31-$98) |
3,000,000 – 12,000,000 VND (~$118-$472) |
| Meal per person | 30,000 – 80,000 VND (~$1.18-$3.15) |
120,000 – 350,000 VND (~$4.72-$13.78) |
450,000 – 1,500,000 VND (~$17.72-$59.06) |
| Motorbike rental (per day) |
100,000 – 150,000 VND (~$3.94-$5.91) |
150,000 – 250,000 VND (~$5.91-$9.84) |
– |
| Southern island snorkeling tour | 250,000 – 350,000 VND (~$9.84-$13.78) |
400,000 – 700,000 VND (~$15.75-$27.56) |
900,000 – 2,000,000 VND (~$35.43-$78.74) |
| Phu Quoc National Park entry | 30,000 VND (~$1.18) |
30,000 VND (~$1.18) |
30,000 VND (~$1.18) |
| Cable car to Khem Beach | – | 200,000 – 300,000 VND (~$7.87-$11.81) |
300,000 – 400,000 VND (~$11.81-$15.75) |
| Grab / taxi (airport to town) |
80,000 – 120,000 VND (~$3.15-$4.72) |
120,000 – 200,000 VND (~$4.72-$7.87) |
250,000 – 500,000 VND (~$9.84-$19.69) |
| Spa / wellness (per session) |
– | 400,000 – 900,000 VND (~$15.75-$35.43) |
1,000,000 – 4,000,000 VND (~$39.37-$157.48) |
| Total 5-day trip | 2,200,000 – 4,500,000 VND (~$87-$177) |
7,000,000 – 15,000,000 VND (~$276-$591) |
20,000,000 – 65,000,000 VND (~$787-$2,559) |
| Total 7-day trip | 3,100,000 – 6,300,000 VND (~$122-$248) |
9,800,000 – 21,000,000 VND (~$386-$827) |
28,000,000 – 91,000,000 VND (~$1,102-$3,583) |
| Total 14-day trip | 6,200,000 – 12,600,000 VND (~$244-$496) |
19,600,000 – 42,000,000 VND (~$772-$1,654) |
56,000,000 – 182,000,000 VND (~$2,205-$7,165) |
Phu Quoc resort prices during peak season (December to February) and Vietnamese Tet are significantly higher. International flight costs to Phu Quoc vary widely and are not included in the above totals. Always recheck costs at time of booking.
Phu Quoc Travel Tips
- High season (December to March) sees hotel prices roughly double compared to shoulder season. If your dates are flexible, April or May offer good weather at meaningfully lower cost.
- Getting around the island independently requires either a rented scooter or a taxi/Grab. There is no reliable public transport.
- The cable car to Hon Thom island is primarily a theme park attraction; the crossing itself is genuinely impressive but the island it leads to is a resort complex rather than a natural experience.
- Sunscreen is essential and worth buying before you arrive. Beach vendor prices are high.
- Tap water is not safe to drink anywhere on the island. Use filtered water or buy sealed bottles.
Book Your Phu Quoc Trip with IDC Travel
Our Phu Quoc tours cover snorkeling day trips, island-wide exploration, and multi-day packages that combine Phu Quoc with Ho Chi Minh City or the Mekong Delta. Contact our team for availability and pricing.
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Best Phu Quoc Tours & Package for 2024
Spotlight Experiences to Enrich Your Phu Quoc Tour
Ever been to Phu Quoc? If not, you’re in for a real treat. Forget the usual touristy stuff; we’re talking about genuine, heartwarming experiences that’ll stick with you. Imagine wandering through local markets, the air filled with tantalizing aromas of street food. Or how about a quiet moment watching the sun dip below the horizon from a secluded beach? And there’s nothing quite like the island’s hidden gems, from tucked-away waterfalls to age-old fishing villages. Our spotlight experiences are all about diving deep into what makes Phu Quoc truly special. So, if you’re looking for more than just a vacation, you’re in the right place. Let’s make your Phu Quoc tour unforgettable!
