If you're searching for the perfect winter getaway where golden sunshine, azure waters, and powdery white sands await, look no further than Phu Quoc Island. This tropical paradise, often referred to as the "Pearl Island", offers a perfect blend of beach relaxation and adventure from October to March, making it an ideal destination for cold weather escape in winter.
From exploring vibrant coral reefs to savoring delicious local cuisine, Phu Quoc has something for everyone. Let’s dive into what makes this island a must-visit destination and how you can make the most of your Phu Quoc Tours & Excursions.
1. Phu Quoc Island Overview - What is Phu Quoc Known for?
Phu Quoc Island is a Vietnam tropical paradise located in the Gulf of Thailand. Known for its stunning beaches, luxury resorts, and vibrant marine life, Phu Quoc is now a shooting star of Vietnam tourism.
1.1. Phu Quoc Location
As mentioned above, but where is Phu Quoc Island located exactly? Phu Quoc Island is situated off the southwestern coast of Vietnam, approximately 45 kilometers from the mainland and close to the Cambodian border. It is the largest island in Vietnam, boasting an area of around 574 square kilometers. The island is part of the Kien Giang Province and is easily accessible by air and sea.
1.2. Is It Worth Visiting Phu Quoc Island?
When it comes to the
Phu Quoc tours, you're in for a treat with its stunning beaches like Bai Sao Beach and Long Beach, offering crystal-clear waters and soft white sands. The island is also a haven for biodiversity, being home to the Phu Quoc National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
Notably, Travel+Leisure, the popular travel magazine, ranked Phu Quoc Vietnam, as the second-best island in the world for 2024, just behind the Maldives, beating out famous Bali in Indonesia and Phuket in Thailand. So, now you know Phu Quoc Island is a promising destination for your Vietnam beach break!
2. Phu Quoc Island Weather
Phu Quoc Island generally has 2 seasons: dry and rainy accordingly marking the Phu Quoc tourism season.
2.1. Dry Season in Phu Quoc
The dry season in Phu Quoc, from November to April, is considered the peak tourism season. During this period, the Phu Quoc climate is sunny with minimal rainfall, making it ideal for beach activities and outdoor adventures in temperatures from 25°C to 30°C, providing warm and comfortable conditions.
The calm and clear waters during the dry season are perfect for Phu Quoc diving tours, snorkeling, and other water sports. Visitors can also explore the island’s attractions without worrying about sudden rain showers, making this the
best time to fully experience all that Phu Quoc has to offer.
2.2. Rainy Season in Phu Quoc
The rainy season in Phu Quoc lasts from May to October. This period sees increased rainfall, with heavy showers and occasional storms being common. Temperatures in Phu Quoc during the rainy season range from 24°C to 31°C.
While beach activities may be limited during heavy rains, the rainy season offers a quieter and more tranquil experience with fewer tourists. It’s also a great time to explore indoor attractions, enjoy spa treatments, and take advantage of off-season discounts on Phu Quoc accommodation and tours.
3. Phu Quoc Top Attractions
Being a city intensively invested in tourism,
Phu Quoc has unlimited places to explore, check out these top-rated destinations brought to you by Incredible Asia Journeys!
3.1. Starfish Beach (Bai Sao Beach)
Starfish Beach, also known as Bai Sao Beach, is renowned for its stunning clear waters and powdery white sand. The shallow waters are perfect for swimming and wading, and the beach is famous for the starfish that can be seen near the shore.
Many tourists love to visit this beach to try to catch a glimpse of these beautiful creatures and take some photos. Just keep in mind that seeing the starfish isn't guaranteed since it depends on the season and water level. But, if you're lucky, you might just get the chance to swim alongside them!
3.2. Long Beach
Long Beach, also known as Bai Truong, is the longest beach on Phu Quoc Island, stretching over 20 kilometers along the southwest coast of Duong Dong Town. Famous for its golden sand, gentle waves, and stunning sunsets, it’s an ideal spot for swimming, sunbathing, and beachside dining, with numerous resorts, bars, and restaurants lining the shore. Long Beach offers a tranquil escape for
Phu Quoc Island Beach Break and is a popular choice for tourists seeking a leisurely day by the sea.
3.3. Phu Quoc National Park
Phu Quoc National Park covers more than half of the island featuring lush tropical forests, diverse wildlife, and scenic hiking trails. Adventurers can explore the park’s rich biodiversity, trek through dense jungles, and spot rare flora and fauna.
Take a Phu Quoc hiking tour to discover the waterfalls such as the refreshing Suoi Tranh Waterfall or the majestic grandeur of Da Ban Waterfall.
3.4. Phu Quoc Prison
Phu Quoc Prison, also known as Coconut Tree Prison, is a historical site that offers a poignant glimpse into the island's past. The prison was used during the Vietnam War to detain political prisoners, and it has been preserved as a museum.
Visitors can explore the prison cells, view exhibitions on the harsh conditions faced by prisoners, and learn about the history and resilience of those who were held here.
3.5. VinWonders Phu Quoc
VinWonders Phu Quoc is the largest theme park in Vietnam, offering a plethora of thrilling rides, water slides, and captivating shows. The park is divided into six themed zones, each has unique experiences from fairy tales to adventurous expeditions. If you take a Phu Quoc family tour, don’t miss out on this place to experience with your kids.
3.6. Ho Quoc Pagoda
Ho Quoc Pagoda, or Truc Lam Ho Quoc Zen Monastery, is perched on a hill with stunning views of the Phu Quoc sea. The pagoda is an architectural marvel, blending traditional Vietnamese and modern design elements. Visitors can come here to seek tranquility, explore the beautiful temple grounds, and enjoy the panoramic views from the pagoda over the blue sea.
3.7. Coi Nguon Museum
The Coi Nguon Museum showcases the Phu Quoc island’s history, culture, and natural treasures. With about 3,000 artifacts, including ancient relics, local crafts, and historical documents made from stone, bronze, pottery, and fossilized wood, the museum offers a comprehensive insight into Phu Quoc's heritage.
4. Things to Do in Phu Quoc Vietnam
With many places to visit in Phu Quoc, what to do in Phu Quoc becomes more easy for tourists to choose and experience.
4.1. Play with the waves at Long Beach
Soak up the sun on the sands of Long Beach, one of the most popular beaches on the Phu Quoc island. Swim in the crystal-clear waters or lounge under a palm tree with a good book. You should visit in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat and crowds.
4.2. Visit the Vinpearl Safari
Experience Vietnam’s largest wildlife conservation park, the Vinpearl Safari. See exotic animals up close, including tigers, elephants, and giraffes, in a natural habitat setting. Highly recommend you plan your visit early in the day to catch the animal feeding times and shows.
4.3. Kayak in Cua Can River
Kayak along the serene Cua Can River, navigating through mangroves and observing local wildlife. Not only having beautiful beaches, but coming to Phu Quoc you can enjoy the peaceful river. After leisurely paddling through lovely gardens and tranquil local villages, you can take a break at the seaport and enjoy a relaxing view of the ocean.
4.4. Taste Fish Sauce at a Phu Quoc Local Factory
Visit a Phu Quoc fish sauce factory to see how this essential Vietnamese condiment is made. You can learn about the fermentation process and sample different varieties of Phu Quoc fish sauce. Moreover, you can purchase a bottle of high-quality Phu Quoc fish sauce to try your home cooking.
4.5. Snorkel at Hon Thom Island
Snorkel in the clear waters around Hon Thom Island, part of the An Thoi archipelago. Discover vibrant coral gardens and a variety of marine species. Take a cable car ride from Phu Quoc to Hon Thom for stunning aerial views of the islands. The snorkeling in Hon Thom can reach depths of up to 30m and is suitable for adventurous tourists with good health and scuba diving skills.
4.6. Experience Phu Quoc Nightlife at Dinh Cau Night Market
End your day with a visit to the Dinh Cau Night Market, where you can enjoy a vibrant mix of food stalls, souvenir shops, and street performances. Then, you can watch the sunset over the ocean for a magical evening. Remember to arrive early to secure a good spot for sunset viewing and to explore the market at a leisurely pace.
5. Best Way to Travel to Phu Quoc
As being an island away from the mainland, how to get to Phu Quoc may be the wonder of many tourists, let’s find out the best ways to come to Phu Quoc from the major cities of Vietnam.
5.1. Reach Phu Quoc by Flights
Traveling to Phu Quoc by air is convenient with direct flights from several major cities. From
Hanoi to Phu Quoc, the travel time is approximately 2 hours, with ticket prices ranging from 2,500,000 - 4,000,000 VND (100-160 USD).
Meanwhile, flights from
Ho Chi Minh City to Phu Quoc take about 1 hour, with prices between 1,500,000 - 2,500,000 VND (60-108 USD). For those traveling from Da Nang to Phu Quoc, the flight duration is around 1.5 hours, and ticket prices range from 3,500,000 - 4,500,000 VND (140-177 USD).
5.2. Come to Phu Quoc by Ferry
For those preferring to travel by sea, high-speed ferries offer a scenic route to Phu Quoc. The ferry from Rach Gia to Phu Quoc takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, with tickets priced between 300,000 - 400,000 VND (13-17 USD). Another option is the ferry from Ha Tien to Phu Quoc, which takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, with prices ranging from 250,000 - 350,000 VND (11-15 USD).
Combining road and sea travel, tourists can take a bus from Ho Chi Minh City to either Rach Gia or Ha Tien, followed by a ferry to Phu Quoc. This journey takes approximately 8 to 10 hours, including both bus and ferry travel, and costs between 500,000 and 800,000 VND (22-35 USD).
Ready for a tropical escape? Phu Quoc Island is calling your name! With its stunning beaches, this island paradise has it all. Whether you're lounging on the soft sands of Long Beach, snorkeling among colorful coral gardens, or savoring the flavors of local cuisine, Phu Quoc hits differently.
Easy access by direct flights and scenic ferries means your dream getaway is just a booking away at
Incredible Asia Journeys. Pack your sunscreen and sense of adventure - Phu Quoc Island is waiting to enchant you!
