Located in the Gulf of Thailand, Phu Quoc is a lovely Vietnamese island. Known to be a popular tourist destination, Phu Quoc is the perfect place to settle down and enjoy peaceful days. With its relaxed atmosphere and natural beauty, it’s a great addition to your Vietnam itinerary. Let’s just say that my family and I don’t regret spending a couple of days there. Since I recommend spending a minimum of 3 nights on the island, here are the best activities to do while you’re there:
- Enjoy the beaches
- Experience the Hon Thom cable car
- Explore Phú Quốc night market
- Discover the island on a scooter
- Visit Phu Quoc pepper farms
Enjoy the beaches
Asia’s turquoise water is often associated with the Philippines and Thailand. Lucky for us, Phu Quoc also has white beaches and blue waters. Although they may be less impressive than some beaches in other Asia countries, there are pretty good public options to enjoy the sand between your toes:
- Bai Truong (Long Beach): most famous beach, stretch of over 20 kilometers on the West Coast, soft white sands and perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
- Sao Beach (Bai Sao): powdery white sand, crystal-clear turquoise waters and perfect for water sports like snorkeling. * NOTE: Has of January 2024, the beach is covered in trash and isn’t recommended by people on Google Maps*
- Ong Lang Beach: quieter and has gentle waves.
Each beach in Phu Quoc has its unique charm. To be honest, I spent most of my time at the beaches of my resort, JW Marriott Phu Quoc & Sheraton Phu Quoc Long Beach Resort. No matter where you go, you will have a great time!
Experience the Hon Thom Cable Car
The most famous activity in Phu Quoc is the Hon Thom Cable Car. This cable car connects the island to Hon Thom Island. It holds the record for the longest non-stop single-track cable car at over 8 kilometers. The 15-minute ride offers breathtaking views of the ocean and islands below. When you get to the Hon Thom station, you can explore attractions such as an aquatic park (included in the ticket) and restaurants.
A round-trip ticket for an adult is 650,000 VND (36$ CAD) and for a child is 500,000 VDN (27$ CAD). You can either book your ticket online or directly at the cable car. Click here to know more about other options such as a buffet included in the price.
Explore Phú Quốc night market
Located in the heart of Duong Dong town, the Phu Quoc Night Market is a bustling market that is open every evening. It’s the perfect place for locals and tourists to shop for goods and eat street food. It’s a must-visit if you are looking to immerse yourselves in the local culture of Phu Quoc.
Discover the island on a scooter
I cannot recommend enough exploring Phu Quoc on a scooter. It’s what I did, and I had such a great time with my family. Scooters are my go-to because they are easy to maneuver through traffic and efficient for getting around towns. Plus, they often come with storage space under the seat, perfect for keeping your belongings safe while going on adventures. Remember to ask for a helmet when renting one. If you’re petite like me, opt for a smaller scooter like a Scoopy.
Commonly, they are going to ask for you to leave your passport or an ID as a guarantee. Nothing bad ever happened to me, but I know it is scary to leave behind something so important. There are controlled shops to rent bikes that could be safer for your IDs, but more expensive than some locals renting bikes.
Renting a scooter can go from 140,000 (7$ CAD) to 250,000 (14$ CAD) Dong per day. Never pay more than 250,000 Dong and always try to negotiate if you are renting for more than one day!
Visit Phu Quoc pepper farms
Pepper plantations are an integral part of the island’s agricultural landscape. Phu Quoc pepper is renowned for its high quality and unique flavor. The plantations usually consist of rows of vines that climb up wooden poles. The small peppercorns are harvested by hand when they reach maturity.
At the moment, all farms in Phu Quoc are free to explore and take photos. However, fees are charged if you wish to harvest peppers.
There are many farms on the island. All of them are worth a visit, so check online which one is closer to your hotel!
