Located in the Gulf of Thailand, facing beautiful Cambodia, Phú Quôc Island became an unexpected destination on my dad’s holiday to Vietnam. We had set out with the idea of exploring the north of Vietnam, but due to cold temperatures and rain, we decided on an impulse to visit this beautiful island. In the end, it turned out to be a really pleasant surprise, and we were really glad we made this decision!
We rented mopeds and toured the island from north to south, exploring all its beaches, visited the night market in the centre, and hiked to other nearby islands south of Phú Quôc. Below you will find tips on when is the best time to visit Phú Quôc, a list of the beaches we liked best, other available activities and information on accommodation. Happy reading!
When to go to Phú Quôc
The best time to visit Phú Quôc Island in Vietnam depends on your preferences and the type of experience you are looking for. Each season has its pros and cons:
Dry season: November to April
The dry season, particularly from November to March, is considered the peak tourist season. The climate is generally pleasant with little precipitation and the sea is calm. This is an excellent time for beach activities, snorkelling and diving. Accommodation prices can be higher and it is advisable to book in advance.
Note: Even during the dry season, rain is not uncommon in South East Asia. We were there in mid-January 2023, and it was wet and rainy on some days.
Rainy season: May to October
The rainy season, May to October, is the off-season. Accommodation and flight prices tend to be lower during this period, making it a budget-friendly option. During the rainy season, the island presents itself with lush vegetation and blooms. If you are interested in exploring the island’s natural beauty and hiking in its national parks, this could be a great time.
Note: Rain usually falls in short, heavy showers in the afternoon, leaving many dry and sunny hours to enjoy the island. Rainfall is generally manageable, but occasional storms may occur.
Intermediate Seasons: April and October
These months are transitional between the dry and rainy seasons. They are excellent times to visit the island as the climate is still pleasant and the crowds are fewer than in the high season. It is often possible to find good deals on accommodation and flights during these intermediate seasons.
How to get there
Phú Quôc Island is accessible from Phú Quôc International Airport, which connects Vietnam’s major cities, such as Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi, and other Southeast Asian cities. It is also possible to reach the island by ferry from Rach Gia and Ha Tien, cities in mainland Vietnam.
My dad and I were in northern Vietnam, in the famous Ha Long Bai, around mid-January. But as the weather in the north of Vietnam was quite cold at that time, we took the plunge and hopped on a plane from Haiphong airport and headed for the heat.
Flights to the island are usually very cheap, be careful though if you are in Vietnam during the Tet holiday, the famous Chinese New Year, as prices may skyrocket! Read here what you need to know if you are booking your holiday during Tet.
How many days and where to stay in visit Phú Quôc
We stayed in Phú Quôc for a total of 6 days, which was enough time to see everything and relax. If you are also planning a trip to the mainland of Vietnam, I recommend staying on the island for no more than 4 days. This is enough time to visit all the beautiful beaches and then continue with your adventures elsewhere.
My dad and I stayed at the Coco Garden Resort, just $10 from Phú Quôc airport by taxi. Out of budget compared to my and Ben’s budget trips to Southeast Asia (check out these articles if you’re interested in cheap adventures in Southeast Asia!), but generally really affordable. The cost is only $25 per night with breakfast included, and you can sleep in beautiful, clean bungalows, and enjoy the pool if you wish. The location is fantastic, situated to the west of the island in a very quiet area, just a 10-minute walk from the beautiful Ong Lang beach (see list of top beaches below).
Hotels in Phu Quoc View all
Renting a scooter
To visit the island, I highly recommend renting a scooter. It is the fastest and most convenient way to explore every corner of Phú Quôc! Our resort offered rental service directly on site, being located a little outside the centre, at a cost of 6 euro per day. However, you will find numerous rental shops in the centre in case your hotel or hostel does not offer this option.
Note: Travel insurance is a must for any motorbike rental abroad, especially in Asia. Even if problems rarely occur, make sure you are covered in case they do. We use SafetyWing and recommend it to anyone travelling worldwide.
Interactive Map
The best beaches in Phú Quôc
We drove all over the island, from north to south, and this is the list of the beaches we liked best during our stay in Phú Quôc.
South
1. Sao Beach (Bai Sao)
Sao Beach is the one that impressed us most with its beauty, crystal clear sea, and soft, powdery white sand. There are beach restaurants and water sports activities available. The beach is very long and it is possible to take pleasant walks along the seashore heading south.
West
2. Long Beach (Bai Truong)
Long Beach is one of the most famous and developed beaches on the island. It offers a long stretch of white sandy beach with numerous beachfront resorts, restaurants and bars. It is the ideal place to soak up the island’s lively atmosphere!
3. Ong Lang Beach
Ong Lang Beach is a quieter and less crowded alternative to Long Beach. It is lined with resorts and bungalows, offering a more peaceful atmosphere for those seeking relaxation. Our Coco Garden Resort was a 10-minute walk from this beach, and we often walked here before dinner to enjoy the fantastic sunsets in almost complete solitude.
North
4. Starfish beach
As the name suggests, Starfish Beach is famous for the abundant presence of starfish in its surface waters, which can easily be spotted. This place is quiet and less crowded than others, which makes it perfect if you want to relax a bit away from the hustle and bustle. We unfortunately only spotted a few starfish, but you can take mini tours with the local boat to admire them in other spots.
Note: It is important to respectfully observe starfish, keeping a certain distance and avoiding touching them so as not to ruin their delicate ecosystem.
Reaching this beach was definitely the part we enjoyed the most. We reached it on our mopeds from our resort, speeding for a good half an hour on fiery red dirt roads. Driving on that terrain was pure fun! Several tour operators can take you there on the day if you don’t want to rent a moped.
East
5. Rory’s Beach Bar
During our tour of the island, we noticed that the north-eastern part is much quieter and ideal for those who want to relax without a heap of tourism. Several beaches here, such as Bai Thom Beach, are an excellent choice for escaping the crowds. We recommend a stop at Rory’s Beach Bar. This place is phenomenal! We had lunch here and then relaxed by playing pool, cards, sunbathing, and if you want, there is also a miniature golf course. The owner is an Australian who will make you feel at home and always puts on great music to create a relaxed and convivial atmosphere in his place. Don’t hesitate to pay a visit!
We really enjoyed the beaches of Phú Quôc and had the opportunity to relax and have fun. The only negative note was pollution, a common problem on many beaches in South-East Asia. Unfortunately, we noticed a considerable amount of trash as soon as we left the resort and restaurant area. We also witnessed first-hand tourists not picking up their rubbish. So please help keep this wonderful place clean.
Night market and city centre
If you are staying outside the centre, in quieter parts of the island, you should visit the night market in the centre of the island at least one night! The night market is full of delicious and affordable food, and was a must for us when we returned from the beach. We became regular customers of a kind lady who cooked rice paper pizza (also in a vegetarian version) for only one euro!
Besides the night market, the centre is full of other good restaurants and bars where you can go for a drink in the evening. This is definitely the liveliest part of the island, where you will also find most of the hostels and backpackers’ clubs!
Extra activities not to be missed: Four Islands Tour to the south of Phú Quôc
We decided to dedicate a day of our week to a tour of the four islands, located south of Phú Quôc. We booked the tour through the hotel where we were staying, but in the city centre you will find numerous tourist agencies where you can book different types of excursions.
For a total cost of EUR 30 per person, we had transport to and from the port, a 6/7 hour boat trip to the beautiful islands south of Phú Quoc, which included snorkelling and equipment, plus lunch on one of the islands.
For specific information about the island tour and to book your place in advance, click here.
Usually with these tours there is the option of adding the ‘cable car experience’, i.e. the return to Phú Quôc from Hon Thom Island via the brand new panoramic cable car. The length is about 8 km, with a total duration of 15 minutes. We personally decided not to take the cable car, but other people have told us that they enjoyed a really beautiful view of the turquoise sea below and the small fishing villages.
The islands we visited on our tour were:
- Fingernail Island (Mong Tay): Known for its picturesque coastline and fantastic snorkelling opportunities. The island gets its name from its distinctive shape, which resembles a fingernail.
- Gam Ghi Island: This island offers one of the best snorkelling spots in the area!
- Hon Xuong: We had lunch organised on this beautiful island.
- May Rut Island (Hon Vong): This is the largest of the four islands, and offers opportunities for water sports such as kayaking and jet skiing. It also has swings where you can swing near the crystal clear water.
Overall, we really enjoyed the tour, although the pace was perhaps a little too fast for our taste. We would perhaps have preferred to see fewer islands but at a more relaxed pace. Look for the option that is closest to your taste when choosing the ideal tour for you.
Conclusions
Phú Quôc Island is a hidden gem that is becoming increasingly well known. Now is the ideal time to visit it and immerse yourself in its serene charm. Get ready to enjoy beautiful snorkelling in emerald waters, lush forests and tasty local Vietnamese food!
What to do next
After exploring Phú Quôc, it was time for my dad to head home. We took a plane and flew back to Hanoi, in the north of Vietnam. By the end of January, the weather was starting to get warmer and nicer. That was the time for Ben and I to get together and embark on the most breathtaking adventure we had ever experienced during our 7 months in South East Asia: the Ha Giang Loop! Read our guide on the most reckless moped ride you’ll ever experience in your life here!
Leave a Reply