When you take a trip to Phu Quoc Island, there are countless thrilling experiences that you absolutely cannot miss. From the breathtaking crystal-clear water and the soft white sand beaches to the unspoiled forests, this place is truly a paradise. Let’s explore the Phu Quoc Island travel guide below, brought to you by Asia Legend Travel, to assist you in preparing for your upcoming trip!
Overview of Phu Quoc Island
Phu Quoc Island, the largest island in Vietnam, is situated near the coast of Cambodia in the Gulf of Thailand. Half of the island is a national park with an abundance of natural beauty. When viewed on a map, Phu Quoc Island resembles a fish with its tail gracefully waving in the Gulf of Thailand.
The island proudly earns its well-deserved nickname, “Emerald Island,” thanks to its breathtaking white powder beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, lush palm tree forests, majestic mountains, and enchanting waterfalls.
Not only is it a paradise for nature enthusiasts, but it also boasts lively markets and exceptional local culinary delights. Moreover, Phu Quoc Island offers a wide range of recreational activities suitable for all visitors. From dawn till dusk, the area is always vibrant, offering a fascinating and relaxing holiday that you have never had before.
Top Tourist Attractions in Phu Quoc Island
Phu Quoc Island is divided into four main areas: the center (Duong Dong Town), and the southern, northern, and eastern areas.
The northern part of the island features stunning natural beauty with its primeval forests. Additionally, you can find some small beaches and charming fishing spots that are not overly crowded or touristy in the area. Some notable tourist attractions in Phu Quoc Island include Vinpearl Phu Quoc, Phu Quoc National Park, Rach Vem fishing village, the Open Zoo & Conservation Park of Vinpearl Safari, Ganh Dau Cape, and more.
The southern part of the island is famous for its pristine turquoise waters and soft, powdery white beaches. This area is extremely popular among tourists as it offers a variety of thrilling water sports, with kayaking being the top favorite activity.
In the southern part of the island, there are several must-visit places such as Dinh Ba Temple, Dinh Cau Temple, Dinh Cau Cape, Phu Quoc Prison, Phu Quoc Night Market, fish sauce factories, pearl farms, and sim wine factories.
And it would be a big regret if you missed out on the opportunity to explore the beautiful surrounding islands such as Hon Thom, Mong Tay, Gam Ghi, and May Rut during your trip. Each island has its own distinct beauty and charm that you wouldn’t want to miss. Fortunately, there are well-designed tour packages available that make it easy for anyone to visit these islands.
Must-try Local Food in Phu Quoc Island
Let’s discover some incredible delicacies that you absolutely must try during your trip to Phu Quoc Island! However, this list curated by Phu Quoc Island Travel Guide only scratches the surface, as there are many more fascinating tourist spots in Phu Quoc Island just waiting for you to explore!
Ham Ninh Blue Crab
If you are looking for fresh and reasonably priced seafood, a visit to Ham Ninh fishing village is a must. Here, you can find the freshest blue crabs, one of the most delicious dishes in Phu Quoc that is sure to leave you craving for more.
Sea Urchin
Sea urchin is a unique creature of Phu Quoc that is worth trying! Although its appearance is full of sharp spines, sea urchin is a very nutritious seafood that can help you quickly regain strength after a day spent at the beach.
Crab Blood Soup
This specialty is one of the local dishes that draws in countless travelers. To ensure its delicious and nutritious taste, only sea crabs that are rich in tomalley are used. The dish is prepared with great care, and the crab paste is served alongside the crab meat, all of which is seasoned just right to create a perfect balance of salty and sweet flavors.
Bun Ken – Ken Noodles, Dried noodle with fish, pickle, and coconut milk
When you wake up early in the morning in Phu Quoc and are unsure of what to eat, try the Ken Noodles. Unlike the ken noodles dish on the mainland, which is usually made from snakehead fish, Phu Quoc’s ken noodles are cooked with various kinds of sea fish, with the most common being yellowtail scad.
Bun Quay – Stirred noodles
In addition to Ken Noodles, the stirred noodles (quay noodles) are a must-try noodle dish for anyone visiting Phu Quoc Island. It’s a delightful dish that consists of thin, flat cakes made from various raw seafood such as sea shrimp and fish. When the hot broth is poured in, the cakes are gradually cooked to perfection while still retaining their fresh and sweet taste. And the best part? You can personalize your dish by mixing your own seasoning, including soup powder, sugar, lime, and ground chili, to make it truly unique and delicious.
Best Things to Do in Phu Quoc Island
Below are just a few of the many exciting things to do on Phu Quoc Island, curated by Phu Quoc Island Travel Guide. No matter who you are, this beautiful island has something special just for you.
Relax on the beautiful beaches & Take part in a range of thrilling water sports
With a 150-kilometer coastline, Phu Quoc is a haven for beach lovers. There are several breathtaking white sand beaches that are sure to captivate your senses from the moment you set eyes on them, such as Sao Beach, Ong Lang Beach, Starfish Beach, Long Beach, and many more.
Furthermore, the gentle waves and crystal-clear waters also make it a perfect spot for activities such as swimming, diving, snorkeling, and kayaking. Whether you seek thrilling water escapades or simply desire a peaceful day on the beach, Phu Quoc will leave you with cherished memories and a longing to return.
Visit some local farms on the island
Despite the significant growth in tourism in Phu Quoc, the island still maintains its agricultural roots. In addition to enjoying the stunning scenery, visitors can venture into local farms and purchase high-quality souvenirs such as pepper, honey, and pearls at affordable prices. They can also witness the production process of agricultural products firsthand and even participate in it, making it a must-have experience during a visit to Phu Quoc Island.
Try squid fishing
Looking for a unique and unforgettable experience in Phu Quoc? Look no further than Phu Quoc night squid fishing! This fun tourism activity allows visitors to experience a night as a fisherman, catching squid and tasting them right on the boat. It’s an experience that will stay with you forever!
Go trekking
Phu Quoc Island is a perfect place for trekking with 2 options of trekking trails available for you to choose. The Phu Quoc National Park Trail provides visitors with the opportunity to explore the lush forests and diverse ecosystems of the Phu Quoc National Park, making it a perfect choice for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts as well.
Meanwhile, Ganh Dau Trail is considered to be the easiest and most well-liked trail in Phu Quoc. Along the 5-km long trail, you will also have a chance to witness the beauty of Ganh Dau fishing village, famous for its fish sauce throughout the country.
Visit historical sites on the Phu Quoc Island
Besides an abundance of beautiful natural landscapes, Phu Quoc Island boasts a range of historical sites, namely Phu Quoc Prison, Cao Dai Temple, Su Muon Pagoda, among others. A visit to these historical sites on the island is a wonderful chance for everyone to delve into the rich history and culture of Vietnam.
Best Time to Visit Phu Quoc Island
Phu Quoc experiences both wet and dry seasons. During the dry season, which runs from November to March, temperatures range from 25-28°C, making it the ideal time to visit. It is recommended to schedule in advance as hotels tend to fill up quickly.
From April to June and in October, conditions are still good for travel. However, temperatures can reach 35°C in April and May when humidity is high. If you prefer a quieter holiday and don’t mind heavy rain, the monsoon from July to September is the perfect time to visit, as it tends to be less crowded during this season.
How Long to Spend in Phu Quoc Island
There are no specific rules for how long you should stay in Phu Quoc to fully enjoy the island. However, one to two weeks is enough time to explore all the different attractions of the island. If you’re on a shorter trip, it’s a good idea to plan for a 3 to 4-day stay and focus on the main activities.
Overall, Phu Quoc Island is truly a paradise for travelers for several reasons. Hopefully, the information in the Phu Quoc Island Travel Guide above will help you plan an incredible trip to this fantastic island. Have a wonderful time and enjoy every moment!