Gulf of Thailand, southern Vietnam · Vietnam
Vietnam's largest island: white-sand beaches, warm calm water, fish-sauce factories, pepper farms and a jungle-covered interior, only a short hop from Saigon.
Phu Quoc is Vietnam's largest island, about 45 km long, lying in the Gulf of Thailand, closer to Cambodia than to the Vietnamese mainland. Its interior is covered with forest, much of it a national park, and its western coast has long sandy beaches facing the sunset. For decades it was a quiet place of fishing villages and plantations, and it has become the country's leading beach resort, with big resorts, a new international airport and a growing list of attractions.
The island is still known for its traditional industries. Its fish sauce, made by fermenting anchovies in large wooden barrels, is prized across Vietnam and protected by an EU geographical indication. Black pepper farms, pearl farms and a local breed of dog, the Phu Quoc ridgeback, are other symbols. Night markets in Duong Dong sell seafood, and the south of the island has fishing communities and offshore islands.
Development has been rapid, and some of the best-known beaches now have resorts and traffic, but there are still quieter corners, particularly in the north and the south-east. It is a good place for a few days of rest at the end of a Vietnam trip, particularly in the dry season.
Why visit
Phu Quoc is the easiest place in Vietnam for a beach holiday, with a mix of resorts and rustic corners.
Sao Beach, Long Beach, Ong Lang and others offer fine sand and calm water.
The An Thoi islands in the south have coral reefs and clear water.
Fresh fish, squid and crab at low prices.
Fish sauce, pepper, pearls and honey.
A national park with forest trails and waterfalls.
Main attractions
The island is spread out, and the sights are best combined by area.
The island's most beautiful beach, on the south-east coast, with soft white sand and calm, clear water.
Tip Go on a weekday, and arrive early.
A long strip of sand on the west coast, with resorts, restaurants and the main town, and the Dinh Cau night market.
Tip Stay for sunset.
A nightly market with seafood stalls, souvenirs and local snacks, beside the Dinh Cau temple.
Tip Check prices before you order.
One of the longest sea-crossing cable cars in the world, from An Thoi to Hon Thom island, with a water park and views.
Tip Go in the morning.
The An Thoi archipelago, with snorkelling and diving among coral reefs, reached by boat tours.
Tip Book a tour with a good operator.
Visit the barrels of fermenting fish sauce and the peppercorn plantations in the north.
Tip Buy directly from producers.
Things to do
Phu Quoc is for the beach first, and for day trips second.
Coral reefs and clear water off the An Thoi islands.
Tip Best from November to April.
Grilled squid, prawns and fish.
Tip Check prices and weights.
The west coast is ideal, with beach bars and restaurants.
Tip Bring a jacket for the breeze.
See how the sauce is made, and taste it.
Tip Buy a bottle to take home.
Forest trails, waterfalls and viewpoints in the north.
Tip Wear good shoes.
An evening trip to fish for squid with lights.
Tip Book through your hotel.
Local food
Phu Quoc's food is seafood and fish sauce, with a range of local specialities.
Squid, crab, prawns, scallops and fish, cooked to order.
Where to try it The night market and beach restaurants.
Fresh noodles in a broth with fish, a Phu Quoc speciality.
Where to try it Restaurants in Duong Dong.
Raw herring with coconut, herbs and peanuts.
Where to try it Local restaurants.
Fresh shellfish grilled with spring onions.
Where to try it Night market.
Wine made from rose myrtle, and local black pepper.
Where to try it Shops and farms.
Accommodation
Choose the coast that suits you. The west has the most choice, and the south-east is quieter.
Transport
Phu Quoc is reached by air, or by ferry from the mainland.
The island is large, and a scooter or taxi is needed.
When to go
Phu Quoc has a tropical climate, with a dry season from November to April and a wet season with rough seas from May to October.
Sunny, dry, calm seas and clear water.
Hot and dry, with warm seas.
Heavy rain, rougher seas and some closures. Green and cheap.
Busy with domestic tourists.
Worth planning around: August to October, the wettest months, when the sea is rough and murky.
Itinerary
Beach days with a mix of tours and markets.
Beach and sunset.
Islands and cable car.
Pepper, sauce and nature.
A last swim.
Travel tips
A few tips help you plan the island.
FAQ
Three or four days for beaches and the main attractions.
November to April. The wet season has rougher seas.
Sao Beach for beauty, Long Beach for services, and Ong Lang for quiet.
Yes, for a beach break, though it is more developed than it used to be.
Yes, about one hour by air.
Roads are quiet outside the main areas, but accidents are common. Take care and wear a helmet.
Keep exploring
Places that pair well with Phu Quoc, whether you have a few spare days or are building a longer route.
Southern Vietnam, Vietnam
The commercial heart of Vietnam, with the Reunification Palace, War Remnants Museum, Notre-Dame Basilica, Ben Thanh Market, Chinatown and the Cu Chi Tunnels, plus a thriving food and nightlife scene.
Don't miss A bowl of noodles on a plastic stool at midnight, with the motorbikes of Saigon streaming by.
Explore Destination — Ho Chi Minh CityMekong Delta, southern Vietnam, Vietnam
Vietnam's rice bowl: a delta of waterways south of Ho Chi Minh City with floating markets at Can Tho, fruit orchards, homestays, coconut candy workshops and a slow river pace.
Don't miss A dawn boat to a floating market, with fruit boats piled high and vendors hanging their wares from tall poles.
Explore Destination — The Mekong DeltaCentral coast, near Da Nang, Vietnam
A UNESCO-listed trading town of Chinese assembly halls, Japanese bridge and merchants' houses, famed for lanterns, tailors, food and its easy access to beaches and the ruins of My Son.
Don't miss The old town at dusk, when the lanterns are lit and the river fills with candle-lit boats.
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