What Should You Know Before Visiting Phu Quoc for the First Time?

When you think of Vietnam, you probably have Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh in mind. But if you look further, you’d be surprised to know that Vietnam has a hidden paradise filled with white sand beaches and UNESCO-protected natural sites. This is Phu Quoc or pearl island, the country’s largest island, and one of the most beautiful places to visit in Vietnam.

From finding the best Vietnamese restaurant in Phu Quoc to planning your activities on the island, this is your quintessential guide. Whether you’re having a holiday here for three days or staying for two weeks, planning can help you enjoy the island beyond the usual tourist destinations.

The Best Time to Visit Phu Quoc

If you’re visiting Phu Quoc mainly for its beaches, then you have to visit between November and March when the sun is out and there’s a rare chance of rain. But since this is the island’s peak season, you can also expect to pay more for everything. Now if you’re travelling on a budget, it’s best to go from May to September when few tourists visit the island and everything is a lot cheaper. You can expect a lot of rain, however.

But if you don’t mind getting soaked and you’re up for some adventure, you can definitely save a lot of money during these months. Now if you want the best of both worlds, visit Phu Quoc from April to May and September to November when you can enjoy the sunshine and still get good deals out of your trip.

How to Get Around Phu Quoc

Did you know that Phu Quoc is so small that you can get from the northern to the southern tip of the island in just 1.5 hours? You can easily get around by riding a taxi, especially when you’re in the central areas of the island. But you also have different transportation options depending on your budget.

A lot of tourists prefer to rent a motorbike for at least $5.80 per day because it’s the easiest way to get around the island and explore its many hidden spots. Now if you want to rent a motorbike, just make sure that you have a driver’s license, wear a helmet and never drive when you’re drunk.

If you’re travelling with family, you can book a private car with a driver who can take you around the island starting at $23 for at least five hours. This is a good option if you’re travelling with children since they can be comfortable during the ride, which helps to lessen the tantrums.

Now if you’re exploring the island alone or as a couple but you don’t want to drive a motorbike, you can actually book a Grab and just ask the driver to wait for you with an extra payment, of course. Most Grab drivers would take this offer because it allows them to earn extra while also guaranteeing that they’ll have passengers on their way back.

The Best Things to Do Around Phu Quoc

Phu Quoc may be most known for its beaches, but there are also a lot of other things that you can do while you’re on the island. So if you’re still planning your itinerary, here are some of the top activities that you should try:

• Explore the island’s best beaches.

First on your list should be the beach because Phu Quoc is home to some of the best beaches in all of Vietnam. But the truth is, most of its public beaches can get overcrowded, especially during peak season. So you should head to the lesser-known beaches like Con Dao Island that are just as beautiful as their popular counterparts if you want to have fun on the beach without any distractions. Now if you don’t mind paying for beach access, then you can always go for a day pass at one of the private beaches on the island.

• Experience the beauty of Phu Quoc National Park.

If you’re a nature lover or just a simple adrenaline junkie, you’ll have a grand time exploring Phu Quoc’s northern coast where you’ll find the massive Phu Quoc National Park, a UNESCO-protected tropical rainforest filled with different trails and peaks to explore. If you just want a relaxing stroll, try the five-kilometre Ganh Dau Trail. But if you want to challenge yourself to a real adventure, take on the ten-kilometre Mount Chua Peak. You also have the option to go mountain biking if you don’t want to go on a hike. And if you’re exploring a trail for the first time, it’s best to hire one of the local guides in the park to make sure that you can go around safely.

• Experience delectable culinary food on the island.

Phu Quoc isn’t just a place to relax and be close to nature. It’s also known for some of Vietnam’s most memorable culinary experiences. Spend some time to treat yourself to a memorable meal at a restaurant serving authentic Vietnamese cuisine, prepared with fresh, high-quality ingredients during your tour. You should also check out the island’s bustling street food scene where you’ll discover local dishes with influences from neighboring countries like Cambodia. You can even make a booking for a guided culinary tour to explore more about the island’s food and the stories behind it and its sellers.

• Stroll around Sunset Town.

Sunset Town is situated on the southern part of Phu Quoc and known to be a beautiful destination. This area was built in 2015 and designed to look like a European town. Here, you will see beautiful coloured buildings lining the coast where you’ll find hotels, restaurants and local stores. It’s best to visit Sunset Town late in the afternoon when this part of town starts to come alive. Explore the Duong Dong Night Market, shop at the local stores and take photos at the kissing bridge. The best part about exploring Sunset Town is that you can do it for free.

Of course, you can’t leave Phu Quoc without taking a scenic ride on the Hon Tum Cable Car. Leaving the southern part of the island just before sunset, this cable car ride will let you enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the fishing villages below, the boats on the water and the stunning island. The Hon Tum Cable Car is the world’s longest sea-crossing cable car route spanning a distance of 8 kilometers. Watching the sunset as you travel across the island is definitely one of the most magical experiences that you can treat yourself to during your trip to the island. While the price for a round-trip ticket can be expensive, it’s definitely worth the investment because it’s the only place where you can enjoy the views of Phu Quoc from above.

Visiting Phu Quoc is definitely an experience that you have to try if you’re going to Vietnam for a holiday. If you are planning to dine in some of the island’s most recognised restaurants, take a look at what we currently offer. We are here to give you a culinary experience like no other with the best food that you will ever try in Vietnam.