🌴 Phu Quoc: 10 Best Places You Want to Experience. Not just visit.
- Vân Anh
- Nov 16
- 13 min read
Sunset with a drink in hand. Coral beneath the surface. Beach BBQ. A pagoda above the sea...
Phu Quoc has more than one face. One moment it draws you into the silence of the jungle, the next into beach bars where the party goes on long after sunset. In the morning, Vietnamese coffee with a sea view awaits you, during the day snorkeling among the corals, and in the evening, perhaps a barbecue on a deserted island. And amidst it all – stories, scents, colors, and tastes you won't forget.
We've selected ten places where Phu Quoc is lived to the fullest. Places that won't let you stand on the sidelines. Don't expect a classic list. This is an invitation. And who knows – maybe the beginning of a story you'll want to tell others.
1. Long Beach – The heart of the island where it all begins
This is where your first story is written. Ba Keo – the southern part of the legendary Bai Truong beach, also known as Long Beach – is the true center of activity on Phu Quoc. The beach stretches along the west coast of the island, combining all the colors of tropical life into one place.
Accommodation? A huge selection. You'll find stylish bungalows under the palms, modern hotels, and luxurious resorts. Gastronomy? From street food specialties to fine dining. Local cafes, Western cuisine, Vietnamese classics, vegan bowls, and seafood straight off the grill. Everything is just a few minutes' walk away.
Starting your day? Step barefoot on the fine sand... or jump straight into a full day of chilling under a palm tree with a coconut drink in hand. And what about the evening? Picture-perfect sunsets, fire shows on the beach, live music, DJs, and beach bars. The town comes alive, the lights turn on, and with them, the appetite to enjoy it fully.
It's busy, fun, lively – but still island-like. Do you know that feeling when everything is within reach? Shops, banks, exchange offices, the night market, attractions, bars, quiet corners, and pulsating energy. And this is precisely where most tours start.
2. Sunset Town and the Cable Car on Phu Quoc – Where the colors of the day burn into gold
As the sun dips lower, the town on the south of the island begins to transform into a fairy tale. Sunset Town, a colorful world inspired by Mediterranean architecture, is the perfect backdrop for evening strolls, romantic dinners, and photos that won't need any filter.
The atmosphere here is different – elegant, yet accessible. If you have a dress in your closet that hasn't seen the sunset over the ocean yet, this is the moment. Take your partner by the hand, sit down for a glass of wine overlooking the Kiss Bridge – and let the world slow down.
Cultural experiences are also present – such as the traditional Cải lương theater, which blends Vietnamese folklore with a modern interpretation. And then there's the Kiss Bridge – the iconic bridge of kisses, where multimedia water shows regularly take place, concluding with fireworks.
You can start your day with morning coffee overlooking the sea and finish it with seafood at one of the famous restaurants. And when you crave a bigger adventure, just take the Hon Thom Cable Car, which will transport you across the ocean to Thom Island (Pineapple) – a water park, a zip line in the jungle, snorkeling, white beaches, and adrenaline.
Check out our article: Hon Thom Cable Car and the World of Fun: How to do it and what to expect
In the evening, Sunset Town comes alive with live music, the night market offers street food and gifts, bars play everything from reggae to jazz, and restaurants serve both local and Western cuisine. Just note that the prices here tend to be a bit higher than, say, on Long Beach – but in return, you'll get style, service, and an atmosphere straight out of a movie.
3. Kim Quy Island – The Richest Coral Reef on Phu Quoc
Snorkeling in Phu Quoc? Kim Quy is the answer! We don't dive here for the beach. We come here for the action, for the vibrant underwater ecosystem. Here, you jump straight from the boat.
Just a few meters below you, a coral garden full of life begins. You'll find massive soft and hard corals, schools of brightly colored tropical fish, sea urchins, clams, and anemones. All you need to do is put on your mask and snorkel, dive into the crystal clear and calm water – and you'll find yourself in the golden kingdom of the Golden Turtle. Given the shallow depths, it's ideal snorkeling even for children and beginners.
The Secret of Kim Quy: Commercial Tours Are Not Held Here!
Kim Quy is not a mainstream location like some crowded beaches in the south. Precisely because this coral reef is so valuable, it is reserved only for special tours focused purely on snorkeling. It is not part of the main commercial routes, and thanks to this, it is quiet, the water is clean, and the marine life is undisturbed. Don't expect crowds of tourists or loud music, but just a small, comfortable group of people who came for a true, authentic underwater experience. Here, it's just about you and the sea.
You can, of course, only get to Kim Quy Island by boat, and we will show you the best route and the perfect snorkeling spot. You snorkel directly from the boat, exactly where the corals are currently the most beautiful. With Kimi Tours, you are guaranteed that we will take you to the best place!
Special Tip from Kimi Tours: And if you want to enjoy our trip to the fullest, try the one that ends with an exclusive beach BBQ at sunset. Fresh fish on the grill, chilled beer, and turquoise water around you – that's the perfect ending to the day that will make you the king of Phu Quoc!
Kim Quy is not just a place. It is an unforgettable snorkeling experience you will carry deep inside.
Ahoj, jasně, tady máš překlad dalších tří bodů do angličtiny. Zachoval jsem tvůj neformální tón a akční energii:
4.🧘 Ho Quoc Pagoda: A Sunrise That Stops Your Thoughts
On the east coast of Phu Quoc, on the slope of a low hill named Núi Dương Tơ, stands a pagoda that works miracles. Ho Quoc. Its tranquility strikes you at first sight. If you arrive early in the morning, even before dawn, the temple quietly unfolds before you – stone steps, red roofs, a white Buddha statue, and the endless sea beyond.
As the sun rises, the light gradually floods every statue, every corner, every detail. Colors come alive. And you simply stop – not just physically, but internally. In the silence, something awakens that you don't hear in the hustle of the day.
A Place with a Soul
Ho Quoc is not an overcrowded tourist spot. It is a living temple where monks pray every day and locals come to light incense sticks. You don't need to be a believer – but you should arrive with respect. Modest clothing is expected in the pagoda: covered shoulders and long trousers are essential. And if you don't have them? Right behind the gate, they will smile and lend you a light visitor's "skirt" that you simply tie over your shorts.
Want to explore other sacred places on the island? Check out our article on the pagodas, shrines, and temples of Phu Quoc.
A stop that sticks in your mind. It's not a place where you'd spend half a day – yet you'll remember it years after your return. You can stop here for a moment during your island exploration – perhaps as part of a tour of the lesser-known corners of Phu Quoc. Even a few minutes of silence between journeys can sometimes do more than a whole day on the beach.
Photo Tip: The ideal photo is taken from the top steps – the temple, the Buddha statue, and the morning sky reflected on the sea behind them. But most importantly, don't forget to take photos for yourself – for your memory, not just your phone.
🧭 5. Rạch Vẹm – Village at the End of the World and Starfish Kingdom
The journey here is an experience in itself
Until recently, the asphalt road ended several kilometers before the village. Today, access is a bit better because the area is awaiting resort construction – but you still face a narrow road between the jungle and the sea. Here, you will experience a true contrast to the busy beaches of the south.
Village on Stilts and Slow Life
Rạch Vẹm is a fishing village built on wooden stilts directly over the water. Colorful houses and simple bars hang over the sea, connected by narrow walkways. Children play with crabs here, fishermen mend nets, and time flows slowly. Even though more visitors are coming here now, it still has the charm of a genuine Vietnamese village at the end of the world.
Starfish Beach – A Living Jewel Connected to Nature
To the north of the village stretches a long beach where hundreds of cushion sea stars (Protoreaster nodosus) live in the shallows. It is a unique phenomenon created by the connection between the Phu Quoc National Park and a clean, calm bay. The water here is incredibly clear, the coastline is nearly deserted for kilometers, and the scenery is like paradise – views reaching the Cambodian coast, the jungle behind you, and silence all around.
Watch out for starfish! Never take them out of the water or photograph them outside of it. They are alive, and you are harming them this way. Appreciate the beauty, but leave it where it belongs.
The Most Beautiful Part of Starfish Beach
In a secluded part of Rạch Vẹm, near the area called Hàm Rồng, one of the island's most picturesque scenes is hidden – shallows dotted with starfish, fine sand transitioning into tropical jungle, and views straight out of a fairy tale. The place is not easy to find, and access can be tricky, but precisely because of this, it has retained its magic and tranquility.
We'll be happy to take you here as part of our tours – safely, stress-free, and at the ideal time when it's at its most beautiful.
🏖️ 6. Bãi Sao – The Legendary Beach You Must Experience
“A place you have to see.”
A Postcard Come to Life
Bãi Sao is an icon of Phu Quoc. A long crescent-shaped bay, white sand as fine as flour, coconut palms bending over turquoise water… This is exactly what a tropical dream looks like. Unlike the luxurious Khem Beach, Bãi Sao has maintained its natural shape and local character – without developer interventions, without fenced resorts. Here, you experience the wild beauty of the island in its original form.
Relaxation, Swimming, and Lunch with a View
Bãi Sao is the perfect place for a break. You can swim here in the shallow, calm lagoon, lie in the shade of the palms, or grab fresh shrimp right on the beach. You'll find simple bars, loungers, and a refreshing coconut served directly to your hand.
The Secret Among the Corals
One subtle surprise awaits you at Bãi Sao. Few people know that an exceptional snorkeling spot is hidden here – a natural corner where a colorful world of corals and fish comes alive beneath the surface. It is one of those places that are not openly revealed – only those who truly pay attention will discover it.
It is part of our full-day island tours. Because without Bãi Sao, Phu Quoc wouldn't be complete.
🌿 7. Phu Quoc National Park
The Jungle That Does What It Wants
If you truly want to escape civilization on Phu Quoc, head into the jungle. The National Park, covering more than half the island, is where nature takes control. Humidity hangs in the air, roots crisscross the path, and birds sing like they're from another world. Mountains, forests, and streams form an ecosystem here that isn't for show – it's real.
This isn't a manicured forest. It's a primal, tropical chaos where everything grows as it pleases. And while most inhabitants hide in the shadow of the leaves, sometimes you're lucky enough to spot something exceptional.
🐒 The Silvered Langur – The Island's Treasure
Phu Quoc is one of the few places where you can spot the endangered Silvered Langur (Trachypithecus germaini) in the wild. These shy and elegant forest dwellers move high in the treetops, and encountering them is a true gift.
Seeing a Silvered Langur in the wild is rare, but also a reminder of the fragility of the local nature. Every sighting is an experience – calm, quiet, and powerful.
In addition to them, Javan Macaques also live here, who are a bit bolder – sometimes you'll spot an entire group gathering fruit or by the stream. But be careful – don't be fooled by their expression; they are clever and curious.
🕷 Large spiders, tarantulas, scorpions, and several types of snakes also live in the jungle – mostly shy and prefer to avoid people. But this is precisely why it's good to have someone who knows their way around the jungle. Not just for safety, but also for what you might otherwise miss. The jungle won't show you everything right away. You have to learn to read it.
8. ⛰️ Tien Son Dinh and Bat Cave – A Challenge for True Explorers
If you crave adrenaline and want to explore the heart of wild Phu Quoc away from the beach, then Tien Son Dinh is the right choice. This "Fairy Peak" in the Ham Ninh mountain range is not just any little hill. It is one of the island's highest points, and the path to it leads through dense, untouched jungle full of sounds and scents.
A Journey to the Island's Interior
The ascent to Tien Son Dinh is a genuine trekking experience. Don't expect paved walkways, but rather roots, rocks, and trails you carve through the wild vegetation. It's more demanding, but the reward is magnificent. From the summit, a panoramic view opens up onto the sprawling green landscape of the island, the forests stretching to the horizon, and the sea shimmering in the distance. This peak is located about $1.2 \text{ km}$ from the coast, providing you with a magnificent view of Phu Quoc's vast interior, as well as its southern and central parts. It's a place where you realize how huge and untamed the island's nature truly is.
🦇 The Secret of the Bat Cave
Deep in the heart of the jungle, near the treks leading to the peaks, hides the Bat Cave. As the name suggests, the cave is home to thousands of bats clinging to the walls and ceilings. The entrance to the cave may be narrow, but the inner spaces open into larger halls where you can admire natural stalactite formations. It is fascinating, a bit mysterious, and for many, a completely new experience. Prepare for the specific atmosphere and sounds that belong to the lives of the bats.
Why Go with a Guide? Although the route may not be extremely difficult, navigating the impenetrable jungle terrain can be tricky. An experienced local guide will not only ensure your safe passage but will also show you hidden details and points of interest that you would easily overlook on your own. After all, who would want to miss the best views or interesting facts about the local fauna and flora?
9. 🏞️ Thác Đá Ngọn – A Hidden Gem in the Middle of the Forest
For those seeking a real adventure off the beaten path, Thác Đá Ngọn (Da Ngon Waterfall) is the ideal choice. This impressive waterfall is located deep within the Phu Quoc National Park, northeast of Duong Dong town, and represents an important source of fresh water for the entire island. Unlike other waterfalls on the island, Thác Đá Ngọn boasts seven cascades that flow with full force all year round, making it a fascinating sight regardless of the season.
The Journey for the Reward
Getting to Thác Đá Ngọn is an adventure in itself. It is not an easily accessible tourist spot with manicured paths. Instead, a trek through the wild forest awaits you, overcoming dusty roads, rocks, and sometimes wading through smaller streams. This more demanding journey is, however, rewarded with a view of untouched nature and majestic waterfalls plunging into natural pools. It's a place where you can immerse yourself in the cool, clear water and enjoy a refreshing swim in the middle of the wilderness.
Important Warning: The Heart of the National ParkThis natural jewel is located in the very heart of the National Park, in an area considered a "hot zone" due to its wild and inaccessible terrain. Even GPS navigation can struggle here, making orientation without experience very difficult. For this reason, it is strongly recommended to visit Thác Đá Ngọn with a local guide. The guide will not only ensure your safe journey but will also help you navigate the challenging terrain and show you hidden beauties and points of interest that you might easily miss on your own.
10. Dinh Cau and Duong Dong Night Market – Where Life Thrives After Sunset
For the perfect end to a day on Phu Quoc, head to Duong Dong, where spiritual atmosphere blends with culinary experiences and lively evening bustle.
🌅 Dinh Cau Temple (Dinh Cậu) – Guardian of the Sea
The dominant feature of Duong Dong is Dinh Cau Temple, a sacred site built on a rocky outcrop right at the mouth of the Duong Dong River. This ancient temple, dedicated to the Goddess of the Sea (Thien Hau) and other deities, is a symbol of protection and good fortune at sea for local fishermen. Climb the stone steps and admire the unique architecture with its moss-covered roofs. The temple offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the sea, and it is one of the best places on the island to watch the sunset, which paints the sky in shades of orange and purple.
🦐 Phu Quoc Night Market (Chợ Đêm Phú Quốc) – A Feast for the Senses
Right next to Dinh Cau Temple, in the heart of Duong Dong, the Phu Quoc Night Market comes alive with the arrival of evening. It is a place where the aromas of grilled seafood, the sounds of brisk trade, and the colors of stalls full of souvenirs mingle. The market is divided into two main zones:
Food Zone: Here you will find an incredible amount of fresh seafood that you can choose and have prepared right before your eyes – from grilled oysters with cheese, to shrimp, octopus, and various kinds of fish. In addition, try local specialties like "Vietnamese pizza" (grilled rice paper), coconut ice cream served in a coconut shell, or traditional sweets.
Souvenir Zone: In the second part of the market, you can buy pearls, but it's not recommended – the real ones are 100% at the pearl farms (link to the article about the pearl farm and deep-sea treasures), local pepper, fish sauce, handmade souvenirs, and various crafts. Don't forget to smile and try to negotiate the price!
The Lively Center of Duong Dong
The area around Dinh Cau Temple and the Night Market functions as the pulsating center of Duong Dong's evening life. It is an ideal place for an after-dinner stroll, soaking up the local atmosphere, and observing the daily lives of the islanders. This central location makes Dinh Cau and the Night Market an easily accessible and unforgettable place for every visitor to Phu Quoc.
🗺️ Phu Quoc Awaits Your Adventure!
We hope our guide to the 10 places you must experience on Phu Quoc has inspired you to explore. Whether you long for relaxation on the beach, snorkeling in coral gardens, trekking through the jungle, or getting to know the local culture, Phu Quoc has something to offer.
We understand that planning trips can be challenging. That's why we are here! As a local travel agency specializing in flights (and with an airline agency license!), we specialize in showing you the best of Phu Quoc island – stress-free, with maximum comfort, and authentic experiences.
Don't leave anything to chance and live your dream on Phu Quoc with us!
Check out our complete offer of trips [HERE!] and choose your unforgettable adventure! Or contact us directly via WhatsApp – that's the fastest and best way for us to get you your super trip!
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