Top 49 Best Things to Do in Phu Quoc Island + Tourist Spots
Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam: Top Things to Do for an Unforgettable Vacation
Phu Quoc Island, located in the Gulf of Thailand, is a tropical paradise that boasts pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush forests. As the largest island in Vietnam, Phu Quoc offers visitors a wide range of activities, from exploring the island’s natural beauty to indulging in its delicious cuisine.
Things to do in Phu Quoc Island photo by Kamil Pietrzak via Unsplash
One of the top things to do in Phu Quoc is to visit its many stunning beaches. From the famous Long Beach to the secluded Ong Lang Beach, there is a beach for every type of traveler. Visitors can relax on the soft sand, swim in the warm waters, or try their hand at water sports like kayaking or jet skiing.
Aside from its beaches, Phu Quoc is also home to several other attractions. Nature lovers can explore the island’s lush forests and national parks, while history buffs can visit the Phu Quoc Prison Museum to learn about the island’s past. Foodies will also love the island’s fresh seafood and unique local dishes, which can be found at the island’s many restaurants and street food stalls.
Beaches in Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam
Exploring the Beaches
Phu Quoc Island is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Vietnam. With crystal clear waters and soft sandy shores, these beaches offer a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. In this blog, we will explore some of the island’s best beaches and the activities you can enjoy there.
Ong Lang Beach
Explore the tranquil beauty of Ong Lang Beach, a hidden gem on the west coast of Phu Quoc that is often referred to as “Maldives in Vietnam”. Unlike the island’s more popular beaches, here you will find a serene, unspoiled paradise with its wild and peaceful beauty. Just a 10-minute drive from Duong Dong town, Ong Lang Beach boasts a stunning coastline of sandy beaches and rocky outcrops framed by lush green trees. Take a dip in its turquoise waters and be mesmerized by its golden sand and picturesque views.
Phu Quoc Long Beach by Claire via Flickr cc
Long Beach
Long Beach stretches invitingly along Vietnam’s west coast, from Duong Dong to An Thoi. The north end near Duong Dong is a bustling area of resorts, recliners, and rattan umbrellas, and the only part of the beach is rubbish-free. As the sun sets, the sky is illuminated with the most spectacular colors, making this 20-kilometer stretch of beach one of the most popular on the island.
With a selection of beachfront bars, it’s the perfect place to sip on a cocktail and watch the sunset. Although not the prettiest, Long Beach is a great budget option for accommodation and socializing. Duong Dong and its night market are within walking distance from the north end, while the more remote stretches towards the south of the island are best reached by motorbike or bicycle.
Bai Sao Beach By Trantuonglam Trantuonglam – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0 , cc
Bai Sao Beach
Bai Sao Beach, also known as Star Beach, is one of the most picturesque locations on Phu Quoc island. With its crystal clear waters, white sandy shores, and lush jungle backdrop, it’s the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Here, you can watch the sun dip below the horizon as you enjoy a romantic dinner at one of the beachfront restaurants. Located around 25km from the capital, Bai Sao Beach is a must-visit for beach lovers and those seeking a tranquil getaway.
Vung Bau Beach
Take a journey to Vung Bau Beach, an idyllic paradise northwest of Phu Quoc island. Also known as Ban Nguyet (Crescent) Beach, this stunning 6-kilometer stretch of sand is the perfect spot to soak up the tranquil atmosphere and watch the sun dip below the horizon. Take a peaceful stroll along the shoreline and enjoy the serene beauty of this secluded beach. It’s the perfect place to relax and unwind in a peaceful and quiet setting.
Starfish Beach
For an unforgettable vacation, come to Starfish Beach on Phu Quoc Island. With its soft white sand, clear turquoise water, and abundant sea life, it is no wonder why this beach is known as one of the most beautiful in the area. Swim in the refreshing waters and spot starfish in their natural habitat. If you’re feeling adventurous, try snorkeling or diving to explore the underwater world.
Nature and Wildlife
Phu Quoc Island is a nature lover’s paradise, with its lush green forests, pristine beaches, and diverse wildlife. The island is home to the Phu Quoc National Park, which covers more than half of the island’s northern area. The park is over 340,000 square meters and is home to various kinds of wildlife, including unique flora and fauna, evergreen forests, and lush mountain ranges.
Phu Quoc National Park by Gavin White via Flickr cc
Phu Quoc National Park
The island’s northern part is covered by forest and the Phu Quoc National Park. Four protected spots — Bai Thom, Cua Duong, Ham Ninh, and Ganh Dau — are open for camping, bird-watching, and hiking. Each has trails and dirt roads you can explore by bike or on foot.
Phu Quoc National Park is a must-visit destination for those who love nature. The park covers over half of the island’s northern area and is home to diverse flora and fauna. Visitors can explore the park’s lush forests, mountains, and waterfalls.
The island is also known for its beautiful coral reefs, home to various marine life. Visitors can go snorkeling or scuba diving to explore the reefs and see the colorful fish and other sea creatures.
Phu Quoc Bee Farm
Visit The Phu Quoc Bee Farm
There are several wildlife areas on the island for those interested in wildlife. The Phu Quoc Bee Farm is a great place to learn about the island’s beekeeping industry and sample some of the delicious honey produced here.
Phu Quoc Ridgeback Dog
Visit The Phu Quoc Dog Farm
At the Phu Quoc Dog Farm, a sanctuary for the endangered Phu Quoc Ridgeback, visitors can get an up-close and personal look at the unique and rare breed. While there are dogs that resemble the Phu Quoc breed in the city, the Phu Quoc Dog Farm is the only place where you can view and learn about the 100% pure breed. It’s an excellent opportunity to explore these beloved animals’ history and breeding and observe them in their natural habitat.
Historical Sites and Temples
Phu Quoc Island is not only famous for its pristine beaches and natural beauty, but it also has a rich history and culture. The island has several historical sites and temples that are worth visiting.
Dinh Cau Temple By Fox Travels, CC BY-SA 3.0 , cc
Dinh Cau Temple
One of the most famous temples on the island is Dinh Cau Temple. Located on a rocky promontory overlooking the sea, this temple is dedicated to Thien Hau, the goddess of the sea. The temple is also a popular spot to watch the sunset.
Sung Hung Pagoda via Wikimedia cc
Sung Hung Pagoda
Sung Hung Pagoda is another must-visit temple on the island. Built in the 10th century, this temple is one of the oldest on the island and is dedicated to Buddha. The pagoda has a serene and peaceful atmosphere and beautiful gardens.
Coi Nguon Museum
Coi Nguon Museum
For those interested in Vietnamese history, visiting Coi Nguon Museum is a must. The museum showcases the history and culture of Phu Quoc Island, from the early days of fishing villages to the present day. The museum has a collection of artifacts, photographs, and documents that provide an insight into the island’s history.
Nguyen Trung Truc Temple photo via FB page
Nguyen Trung Truc Temple
Nguyen Trung Truc Temple is another important historical site on the island. The temple is dedicated to Nguyen Trung Truc, a national hero who fought against the French colonialists in the 19th century. The temple is beautiful, surrounded by lush greenery and overlooking the sea.
Cao Dai Temple
Cao Dai Temple is a unique temple on the island that is worth visiting. This temple is dedicated to the religion of Caodaism, which was founded in Vietnam in the early 20th century. The temple has a colorful, ornate interior, intricate carvings, and statues.
Culinary Delights
Phu Quoc Island is not just a paradise for beach lovers and nature enthusiasts, but it also offers a fantastic culinary experience. The island is widely known for its fresh seafood, which can be abundant at street vendors, local markets, and high-end restaurants.
Eat Seafoods
Seafood lovers will be spoilt for choice with the variety of available fish, crabs, prawns, and squid dishes. One of the most popular dishes is the grilled fish, often served with rice noodles, fresh herbs, and fish sauce. The fish sauce, made from fermented anchovies, is a staple condiment in Vietnamese cuisine and adds flavor to many dishes.
