Phu Quoc Island is a peaceful tropical paradise in Kien Giang Province, floating in the warm turquoise waters in the Gulf of Thailand, 45 kms from the Vietnamese mainland and a 50 minute flight from Ho Chi Minh City,
It's known for white-sand beaches and resorts, most of which are along the palm-lined southwest coast.
More than half of the island is part of Phu Quoc National Park, which features mountains, dense tropical jungle, hiking trails and wildlife
Area: 589.27 km2 (227.52 sq mi)
Population: 179,480
Dialing code: 855
- GEOGRAPHY
- WEATHER AND CLIMATE
- TRANSPORTATION
- Best Places to Visit
1. GEOGRAPHY
Phu Quoc Island is located in the West of Vietnam about 45kms from the coastline of Ha Tien City and the South of Cambodia , Phu Quoc District includes 22 Islands and Islets.
Phu Quoc Island is considered the biggest Island in Vietnam.
Phu Quoc Island is mainly composed of sedimentary rocks from the Mesozoic and Cenozoic age, including heterogeneous conglomerate composition, layering thick, quartz pebbles, silica, limestone, rhyolite and felsite.
The Mesozoic rocks are classified in Phu Quoc Formation. We can also call Phu Quoc is a green Island because most of the island is covered by the National Park.
2. WEATHER AND CLIMATE
Phu Quoc Island has tropical monsoon climate with two distinctive seasons: Dry season from November to next April and rainy season from May to October.
Based on weather change, it can be classified into three seasons as below
Dry Season: November - March, This is the nicest weather season of the year.
The average tempreture is about 31°C, sometimes peaks up at 38°C, the average precipitation is from 30 mm to 60 mm/month.
This is also the highest tourist season of the Island
Hot season, April: April and May are the hottest months with the average temperature is about 37°C and the average precipitation is from 150 mm to 250 mm/month. There are usually rain in late afternoon.
Rainy Season: From June to October, a lot of heavy rain most of days a month. the average temprature is about 33°C, the average precipitation is from 400 mm to 550 mm/month.
3. TRANSPORTATION
By Air: Phu Quoc International Airport was upgraded to handle millions of passengers per year, by now There are some direct flights from Asia Countries and Russia to Phu Quoc, but next years There are more direct flights from Western Countries to Phu Quoc Island because this place has been approved to be the non visa destination for the foreign tourists.
There are also dozens of flights a day from domestic airports by Vietnamairlines, Vietjet Airs, Bamboo Aiways...
By Sea: It's easy to take a speed boat from Rach Gia Port and Ha Tien Port to Phu Quoc Port.
It takes 2,5 hours from Rach Gia Port and 1,5 hours from Ha Tien Port to Phu Quoc.
You can also go by Ferry from Ha Tien to Phu Quoc but It takes much more time.
4. Best Places to Visit
There are for sure numerous things to see and to do in Phu Quoc. Among them are some must-sees that you should know before planning an itinerary to the pearl island.
Long Beach
Located to the north west of Phu Quoc Island, Long Beach is the cleanest and most beautiful beach in the island yet still reserves untouched.
With 15km in length, Long Beach is a truly paradise of any traveller for its yellow sand, crystal blue water and exotic tranquil ambiance.
You can find any beach resort in this beach from standard to luxury ones.
Phu Quoc National Park
The area was recoginsed as an Unesco Biosphere Reserve in July 2010.
The forest covers more than 50% of the Island's area and mostly concentrates in the northern half of Phu Quoc.
You can join a half day tour through the national forest and feel the diversity of the plantation here.
This massive natural attraction spans over an area of 31,422 hectares, which includes 8603 hectares of strictly protected area, 22,603 hectares of biological restoration area and 33 hectares for administration and services.
An additional 6,144 hectares is dedicated to a land-buffer zone and around 20,000 hectares of sea-buffer zone, though the final Marine protection zones are yet to be declared.
Sao Beach
Sao Beach is located in An Thoi town, about 25 kms from Phu Quoc Central.
Being one of the most ravishing beaches in Phu Quoc, Sao Beach possesses creamy white coast with over 7km in length.
There are few hotels and resorts in this beach so you can stay in Duong Dong town then go by shuttle bus from you hotel to this destination, the beach is well worth seeing and one of Top 10 Best beaches in Vietnam
Ganh Dau Cape
The Cape is located at the north west of the island attracts visitors for its wild and picturesque natural beauty.
From here you can have a panoramic view of Cambodia's sea region.
Ganh Dau Cape has a luring arched shaped beach at 500m long.
This is a best destinations for fising tours, diving and snorkeling tour, this is also a wonderful destination for any seafood lover.
Hon Thom Island
Just off the southern tip of Phu Quoc, these 15 islands and islets can be visited by chartered boat.
It’s a fine area for sightseeing, fishing, swimming and snorkelling.
Hon Thom (Pineapple Island) is about 3km in length and is the largest island in the group.
Khem Beach
Stretching a curved shape in the coast of Phu Quoc island, Bai Khiem beach owns a beautiful smooth sandy shore nestled in the green color of the pristine forest.
This is one of the most gorgeous beaches in Phu Quoc with the white sand, crystal-clear sea water.
This private beach is such an ideal place for relaxing family or friend trips.
It is not spacious and long as Bai Truong beach or other beaches in the island, Bai Khem beach with its curse that seduces tourist’s heart with the pure white sandy which is metaphorically compared to the ice-cream.
Suoi Tranh & Suoi Da Ban (Tranh Spring and Stony Surface Spring)
The rarely seen springs in Phu Quoc lie on the North of the island. There is beautiful stream of water from the mountain ravine.
The best time to visit these places is during May to September when the springs are full of emerald water - by the end of the dry season there’s little more than a trickle.
Pepper garden
Phu Quoc's pepper is well-known for its outstanding taste and nice fragrance.
You are always welcome to visit the luxuriant pepper gardens of the local farmers.
Phu Quoc Prison or Cay Dua Prison
Being a prison built by the French colonialist to imprison Vietnamese people which was known as Coconut Tree Prison, in 1967, Saigon Government rebuilt the Coconut Tree Prison into Phu Quoc communist prisoner prison in an area of 400ha, also known as Phu Quoc war prisoner prison, or Phu Quoc prison.
This was the largest place to keep communist soldiers in the South with more than 32,000 prisoners.
Sometimes, this number was up to 40,000 people including political prisoners in several periods.
Fish Sauce Factories
Phu Quoc is the homeland of fish sauce and fish sauce in Phu Quoc is considered the best fish sauce in Vietnam having created the brand for more than 200 years, which is made from the fresh anchovies rich in protein.
This is Why you should visit fish sauce factories to see how they make fish sauce.
Now there are about more than 100 big factories in Phu Quoc
Dinh Cau Temple
Dinh Cau Temple is located on an natural rock on the beach of Bach Dang Str, Duong Dong Town.
This Temple was constructed in 1937 to commemorate Thien Hau (the goddess of the sea), whom locals believe provides protection for fishermen heading out to the open sea.
There are 29 winding stone steps to reach Cau Temple’s rooftop terrace, where you will be greeted with spectacular sunset views of Dinh Cau Beach, traditional fishing boats, Duong Dong Town, and neighbouring islets.
Phu Quoc Pearl farm
On an isolated area of Long Beach, Phu Quoc Pearls is a requisite stop if you care about this lovely jewelry.
A small shop sells pearl necklaces and earrings, and wall panels describe (in English) how the oysters yield their bounty.
There’s also a display of 16th century pottery retrieved from wrecks in the area and a small cafe on site.
Avid pearl hunters can find cheaper wares at kiosks in the village of Ham Ninh, but at least you have a guarantee of authenticity here.
Phu Quoc Night Market
Apart from other night markets in Vietnam, Phu Quoc night market is bustling nightly with various kind of souvenirs made from sea products.
Besides, don't forget to try some dishes cooked from fresh seafood chosen directly by yourself.
There are 3 nights markets in Phu Quoc Island offering a plethora of dining and shopping opportunities until late.
Visitors can find hudreds of stalls which sell fresh seafood, street snacks, and beverages at affordable prices. you can also see many food stalls that offer the Phu Quoc specialities and Korean or Japanese cuisine.
Dinh Cau Night Market: 30 Tran Hung Dao Str, Duong Dong Town, Phu Quoc Island
Bach Dang Night Market: Bach Dang Str, Duong Dong Town, Phu Quoc Island
Phu Quoc Night Market: 54 Nguyen Trai Str, Duong Dong Town, Phu Quoc Island
Duong Dong Market
Duong Dong Market is located on the bank of Duong Dong River, in the central of Duong Dong Town.
It's the biggest and busiest local market in Phu Quoc Island. like other local markets in Vietnam, They are selling alot of local products, local foods, seafoods and souvenirs but the best things you should buy are fresh seafood those have just arrived from Duong Dong port.
Vinpearl Land Amusement Park of Phu Quoc
Located in Bai Dai, Ganh Dau, Phu Quoc This is the largest theme park in Vietnam that ranks to Asia.
In area of 170,000m² Vinpearl Land Phu Quoc Amusement Park offers a full range of entertainment services for visitors at different ages including an outdoor water park, outdoor and indoor arcade centres, an aquarium, and shopping street.
Beach Activities: Being on this paradise island you can not forget beach activities such as fishing tours, sknorkeling tours, diving tours, skate board... You can do this easily by booking tours from local travel agencies