Phu Quoc has rapidly transformed from a sleepy island into Vietnam's premier beach destination for families. Located in the Gulf of Thailand, it boasts warmer waters and calmer seas than the central coast, especially during the dry season from November to April. The island is rimmed with resorts catering to every budget, many offering direct beach access and extensive kid-friendly facilities.
Beyond building sandcastles on Sao Beach or Long Beach, the island is home to massive entertainment complexes. VinWonders is a world-class theme park featuring a water park, aquarium, and rides suitable for all ages. Adjacent to it is the Vinpearl Safari, where families can take a bus tour through semi-wild enclosures to see giraffes, rhinos, and tigers—a rare experience in Vietnam. For a different kind of thrill, the Hon Thom Cable Car holds the record for the world's longest non-stop three-way cable car, offering spectacular aerial views of the fishing boats and coral reefs below.
Nature lovers should head to the north of the island to visit Starfish Beach (Rach Vem), where hundreds of red starfish can be seen in the shallow clear water. It is a crucial lesson for children to look but not touch, protecting the delicate marine life. Snorkeling tours to the An Thoi archipelago are also popular, with plenty of life jackets and guides available to help beginners.
Dining on the island is a seafood lover's dream, particularly at the Duong Dong Night Market, though plenty of western food options are available for picky eaters. With its international airport and visa-exemption policy for many tourists (for stays up to 30 days if flying directly), Phu Quoc is the most hassle-free beach escape in the country.
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Activities & Best Times
Beach resorts, marine activities: diving, snorkelling, kite surfing, wind surfing, sailing
Phu Quoc offers stunning turquoise waters and ultra-luxury beach resorts that rival global standards, though marine biodiversity is more modest than the Maldives. The dry season (Dec-Mar) provides the crystal-clear visibility and calm seas required for world-class snorkeling and relaxation.
Spa retreats, wellness centers, peaceful getaways
Home to high-end wellness retreats and sophisticated spa facilities from leading international hotel brands. Peak months feature lower humidity (59-62%) and pleasant temperatures, creating an ideal environment for outdoor yoga and holistic therapies.
Hiking, wildlife, outdoor exploration, ecotourism
The National Park offers authentic tropical forest trekking and biodiversity, though it is more accessible than 'wild' compared to Borneo. Peak months provide dry trails and comfortable hiking conditions, while the heavy monsoon rains from May to October make the interior inaccessible.
Sport tourism, fitness activities, active recreation
Offers high-quality golfing and water-based activities like kayaking and sailing in sheltered bays. Conditions are peak from Jan-Mar when winds are predictable and rainfall is minimal, while the mid-year monsoon brings rougher seas and poor visibility for active pursuits.
Amusement parks, family entertainment venues
The island features the Vinpearl Safari and VinWonders, which offer high-quality, family-oriented entertainment and conservation experiences. These outdoor-centric venues are best visited during the dry season to avoid the significant disruptions and closures caused by the heavy rainfall of the monsoon.
Urban tourism, museums, historical sites, architecture
While lacking a major historical city center, the island offers authentic insights into traditional industries like pepper farming and fish sauce production. These cultural visits are most comfortable during the dry season when farm access is easiest.
Learning experiences, scientific sites, historical education
Authentic visits to traditional fish sauce distilleries and pearl farms provide unique local insight but lack the depth of world-class educational museums. These sites are best visited when dry weather permits easy access to the rural roads where most producers are located.
Attractions (41 total)
Natural Feature / Scenic Site
An Thoi Archipelago
An Thoi
A group of pristine islands south of Phu Quoc known for crystal-clear snorkeling waters and dramatic coastal scenery.
Ganh Dau Cape
Ganh Dau
The island's northernmost tip providing panoramic views across the sea toward the Cambodian coastline amidst rugged rocks and clear water.
Water Park / Splash Park / Aquatic Centre
Aquatopia Water Park
An Thoi
A top-tier tropical-themed water park on Hon Thom Island featuring over 20 thrill slides and dedicated zones for all ages.
Visit website →VinWonders Phu Quoc Water Park
Ganh Dau
One of Southeast Asia's largest water parks, offering high-speed slides, a massive wave pool, and the 'Typhoon World' themed adventure zone.
Visit website →Landmark / Monument / Iconic Urban Attraction
Dinh Cau Temple
Duong Dong
An iconic 1937 temple and lighthouse perched on a rocky outcrop, offering a cultural experience and famous sunset views for families.
Kiss Bridge (Cau Hon)
An Thoi
A stunning modern architectural landmark consisting of two separate walkways that almost meet, set against a Mediterranean-style coastal town.
Visit website →Bamboo Legend
Ganh Dau
A massive and intricate architectural masterpiece made of 42,000 bamboo canes, serving as a landmark gateway to the Grand World complex.
Visit website →Road Trips & Scenic Drives
Ganh Dau Scenic Coastal Road (DT45)
Duong Dong
28km paved coastal route (1 hour) connecting the main hub of Duong Dong to the northern tip of the island. Highlights include the Cua Can river bridge, views of Vung Bau beach, and the Ganh Dau Cape where the Cambodian coastline is visible across the water.
Visit website →Phu Quoc National Park Forest Road (DT973)
Ham Ninh
35km paved road (1.5 hours) cutting through the heart of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. This well-maintained route features dense tropical jungle canopies, mountain vistas of the Ham Ninh range, and leads to the remote and peaceful northern village of Bai Thom.
Visit website →South Island Heritage and Coastal Loop
An Thoi
45km paved loop (2-3 hours) exploring the southern peninsula. The route follows the DT46 and coastal bypasses, passing the Ho Quoc Pagoda, the white sands of Bai Sao, and the Mediterranean-themed Sunset Town architecture overlooking the An Thoi archipelago.
Visit website →Historic Town / Village / Cultural Area
Ham Ninh Fishing Village
Ham Ninh
One of the oldest traditional fishing villages on the island, featuring stilt houses and a long wooden pier over the turquoise Gulf of Thailand.
Phu Quoc Prison (Cay Dua Prison)
An Thoi
A significant historical museum documenting the island's wartime past through preserved prison barracks, watchtowers, and educational exhibits.
Sung Hung Pagoda
Duong Dong
The oldest Buddhist temple on the island, showcasing classic architectural styles, intricate wood carvings, and serene tropical gardens.
Dinh Cau Rock (Cau Temple)
Duong Dong
A historic 17th-century lighthouse and temple built on a rocky outcrop where fishermen pray for safe voyages and calm seas.
Beach / Coastal Recreation Area
Long Beach (Bai Truong)
Duong Dong
Stretching over 20 kilometers, this popular beach provides families with golden sands, excellent sunset views, and easy access to local dining.
Sao Beach
An Thoi
Renowned for its powdery white sand and turquoise waters, this beach offers a safe, shallow swimming area perfect for children.
Ganh Dau Beach
Ganh Dau
This northern beach offers a tranquil atmosphere and shallow waters where families can enjoy views of the Cambodian coast in a natural setting.
Ong Lang Beach
Duong Dong
A peaceful retreat featuring calm waters and rocky lagoons, ideal for families seeking a quieter environment for swimming and snorkeling.
Starfish Beach (Bai Rach Vem)
Rach Vem
Known for the abundance of red starfish in its crystal-clear shallows, this unique spot offers a scenic and educational experience for families.
Hiking & Cycling Routes
North Phu Quoc Loop
Duong Dong
75km challenging full-day cycling route with approximately 450m elevation gain. Circles the northern half of the island through protected forests and coastal villages. Bike rental: Hornbill Adventures (hornbilladventures.com)
Visit website →Mount Chua Trail
Cua Can
7.5km challenging 4-hour trek to the highest point of Phu Quoc at 603m. Features dense rainforest, steep elevation gain, and rugged terrain requiring good fitness. Recommended with a guide due to thick foliage.
Visit website →Suoi Tranh Waterfall Trail
Duong Dong
1.5km easy 45-minute nature walk along a well-maintained stone path. Minimal elevation gain, leading through tropical woodland to a scenic multi-tiered waterfall and rock pools suitable for bathing.
Visit website →Ganh Dau Trail
Ganh Dau
5km easy to moderate 3-hour round-trip jungle trek through the northern section of the National Park. Features ancient trees, diverse flora, and coastal views. Bike rental: Phu Quoc Bicycle (phuquocbicycle.com)
Visit website →Ham Ninh Mountain Trail (Tien Son Dinh)
Ham Ninh
6km moderate to challenging 3-4 hour hike reaching the 'Heavenly Peak' (Tien Son Dinh). Includes steep rocky sections and approximately 230m elevation gain with panoramic views of the island and Gulf of Thailand.
Visit website →National Park / Nature Reserve
Phu Quoc National Park
Ganh Dau
A sprawling UNESCO Biosphere Reserve offering lush jungle trekking trails and diverse tropical flora and fauna for adventurous families.
Da Ban Stream
Duong Dong
A natural stream characterized by large, flat stone slabs that resemble tables, offering a tranquil spot for hiking and enjoying the island's river ecology.
Suoi Tranh Waterfall
Duong Dong
A scenic four-meter-tall waterfall reachable via an easy forest walk, featuring rock pools perfect for a refreshing dip and family picnics.
Castle / Palace / Historic Site
Phu Quoc Prison
An Thoi
A sobering memorial and museum documenting the history of the island's former prisoner-of-war camp with preserved barracks and exhibits.
Dinh Cau Rock
Duong Dong
A historic 1930s lighthouse and colorful temple perched on a rocky outcrop, serving as a sacred site for local fishermen.
Ho Quoc Pagoda
Duong To
A grand Buddhist temple complex featuring traditional Vietnamese architecture and panoramic views of the Gulf of Thailand.
Adventure Park / Outdoor Activity Center
Sun World Hon Thom
An Thoi
A massive island-based entertainment complex featuring the world's longest sea-crossing cable car and a world-class water park.
Visit website →VinWonders Phu Quoc
Ganh Dau
Vietnam's largest theme park offers families diverse zones with thrill rides, a water park, and a giant turtle-shaped aquarium.
Visit website →Theme Park / Amusement Park
Sun World Hon Thom Nature Park
An Thoi
Home to the world's longest sea-crossing cable car and the Aquatopia Water Park with numerous slides and tropical landscapes.
Visit website →Grand World Phu Quoc
Ganh Dau
A massive 'sleepless' entertainment complex featuring Venice-inspired canals, a Teddy Bear Museum, and daily cultural light shows.
Visit website →Aquarium / Sea Life Centre
The Sea Shell Aquarium
Ganh Dau
One of the largest aquariums in the world, this giant turtle-shaped facility features five themed zones and thousands of marine species.
Visit website →Botanical Garden / Formal Gardens
The World Garden at VinWonders Phu Quoc
Ganh Dau
A sprawling botanical complex within VinWonders featuring themed glass pavilions, a rose kingdom, and desert landscapes with plants from five continents.
Visit website →Phu Quoc Botanical Garden
Duong Dong
A naturalistic botanical park situated within the national forest offering educational trails, labeled tropical tree species, and a tranquil waterfall setting.
Farm Park / Petting Zoo / Rural Experience
Vinpearl Safari Phu Quoc
Ganh Dau
Vietnam's first open-access safari park featuring a dedicated Kidzoo area where children can interact with and feed friendly animals.
Visit website →Khu Tuong Pepper Farm
Cua Duong
A traditional agricultural site where families can walk through high pepper vine gardens and learn about local spice cultivation.
Phu Quoc Bee Farm
Cua Can
An ecological farm providing an educational experience about honeybees in a lush garden setting with organic fruit tasting.
Thanh Nga Dog Conservation Center
Cua Duong
A specialized farm and training center dedicated to preserving the rare Phu Quoc Ridgeback dog breed, featuring racing and agility demonstrations.
