Vietnam's tropical island of beaches and sunsets
Phu Quoc is Vietnam's largest island, in the Gulf of Thailand near the Cambodian coast. It is known for white sand beaches, resorts, fresh seafood and some of the best sunsets in the country. It suits beach holidays, families and couples, and has plenty of theme parks and water sports. Expect a busy resort feel on the west coast and a quieter south and north.
Tap a card to open it. Day trips are marked.
A long strip of white sand and calm turquoise water on the southeast coast, the island's most famous beach.
Beach access is free; sunbeds and drinks are paid.
A long sea cable car over the south coast islands to Hon Thom, where there is a beach and a water park.
Cable car ticket, with water park access often extra, 2026 estimate.
A lively evening market with seafood, grilled skewers, souvenirs and pearls near the Dinh Cau temple.
Free to enter, food and souvenirs are paid.
A small seaside temple built on rocks at the river mouth, dedicated to the sea goddess and local fishermen.
Free to enter.
Tropical forest covering much of the north of the island, with hiking trails, waterfalls and wildlife such as small mammals and birds.
Small park fee if you enter formal trails.
A large theme park with rides, shows and an aquarium, popular with families.
Ticket price varies by season and age, in 2026.
An open safari park where you can ride between enclosures to see animals from around the world.
Ticket price varies by season and age, in 2026.
A Mediterranean style village by the sea, with a curved bridge popular at sunset.
Free to walk around, drinks and meals are paid.
A boat trip around small islands in the south for snorkelling, beach stops and a seafood lunch.
Price per person varies by operator, in 2026.
A former prison camp with exhibits that explain the harsh conditions of the war years. It is a thoughtful stop for history lovers.
Small entry fee in VND.
Everything above is open to read. A Hodolog account lets you build the trip around it.
Choose how many days you have.
Mix beach, theme parks and nature across the island, with a day for island hopping in the south.
Cave pagodas, riverside markets and a border town feel on the Cambodian edge.
62 mi · Fast ferry from Phu Quoc to the mainland, about 1h 30 each way
Wooden jetties, crab restaurants and a quieter side of the island.
12 mi · Taxi or scooter, about 30 minutes
Remote northwestern fishing village with views toward Cambodia.
19 mi · Taxi, about 45 minutes
Best: November to April. Skies are clear and seas are calm, perfect for beaches and snorkelling, while the rainy season brings storms and rough water.
Daily high and average, by month
Typical inches per month
Busy season. Higher prices, bigger crowds.
Climate normals: NASA POWER (public domain). For your own dates, a trip's Plan tab shows the forecast and the usual weather.
Late January to February
Big family holiday, many local shops close and prices rise.
September or October
Lantern parades and mooncakes for children.
April 30
National holiday with a long weekend and busy beaches.
Violent crime is uncommon, but watch for traffic accidents, scooter rental scams, bag snatching and rough seas in the wet season; check current government advice.
Sights are spread across a large island, so only parts of Duong Dong and some resort strips are walkable.
Local buses and a free resort shuttle exist, but most visitors rely on taxis, ride apps and rented scooters, paying cash or by app.
The neighborhoods that suit most first visits.
Best for: first timers, budget, nightlife
Lots of choice, restaurants and bars, close to the night market and airport.
Best for: couples, quiet seekers
A relaxed strip of boutique bungalows on a calm beach.
Best for: families, luxury
Large resorts and wide beaches along the south and west.
Best for: adventure, snorkelling
Close to the cable car, boat trips and island hopping piers.
| Main airport | Phu Quoc International Airport (PQC), 6 mi from the center |
| To the center | Taxi, Grab or hotel shuttle to Duong Dong in about 15 to 20 minutes. |
| Around town | Use Grab or taxis for most trips, and rent a scooter only if you are licensed and experienced. Hotel shuttles and tour buses cover the big parks. A long sea cable car also links the south to Hon Thom Island. |
| Ride apps | Grab, Be, Xanh SM |
Order squid, grouper, crab or prawns by weight at the night market.
Local broth and noodles flavoured with island fish sauce.
A thick local rice porridge with sea urchin roe.
Rice noodles with fish ball and shrimp, a Phu Quoc speciality.
Local black pepper features in many stir fries.
| Plugs | Types A, C and F, 220 V |
| Tap water | Use bottled water |
| Tipping | Not required, but small tips for drivers, guides and hotel staff are welcome. |
| Payments | Cards work in resorts and bigger restaurants; carry cash for markets, taxis and small cafes. |
| Etiquette | Dress modestly away from beaches, especially in temples, and keep your voice and tone polite. Do not touch people's heads. |
The island has long been fished and farmed, and was once part of Cambodian and Khmer lands before Vietnam took control in the eighteenth century. Under French rule a large prison was built at An Thoi, and a larger one later served the Vietnam War era. Fish sauce and pepper farming kept the island's economy going for decades. Since the 2000s tourism has boomed, helped by a new international airport that opened in 2012.
Researched 2026-10-12. Check official sources and recent changes before you go.