10 Best Things to Do in Phu Quoc Island

The island of Phu Quoc, which has approximately 100 mountains, lush woods, and magnificent waterfalls, seems to be the most worth-visiting destination in Vietnam. Because of its appealing sandy beaches and clean seas, which are the main draw for tourists, you can find a wide array of best things to do in Phu Quoc Island. Read until the end to note down all of them!

1. Explore the iconic beaches

Spotless beaches and distinctive experiences make Phu Quoc a popular tourist destination. No surprise, right?

The most stunning shoreline on Phu Quoc island is thought to be Sao Beach. This beach's sand is flawlessly white and creamy silky, which creates a gentle sensation under your feet while walking into the crystal blue sea. When there is sunlight, you surely will crave stretching out on this sandy “blanket”!

Additionally, Ong Lang Beach features a different beauty from Phu Quoc beaches: a distinctive rocky shoreline, under which is the clear water and white sand. It's also a wonderful place to watch the sunset. Outdoor activities like playing games with friends or barbecuing are also perfect at this shore. You can go on a kayaking trip during the day to learn more about the area, then have a nice dinner while gazing at the shore's twinkling lights.

Situated in the southwest of Phu Quoc Island, Long Beach is well-known, with a shoreline that stretches more than 20 km from Dinh Cau Port to Northern An Thoi. The shoreline runs adjacent to Tran Hung Dao's main street, which is home to 70% of Phu Quoc's hotels, eateries, gift stores, and other visitor attractions. So if you are a foodie and just want to spend some days relaxing, note this area. 

2. Catch the moment of sunset

If you are going to Phu Quoc, please keep in mind that Phu Quoc is the finest location in Vietnam to see the sunset. You will not want you to miss this spectacular moment.

On this island, there are numerous shores where you can enjoy a stunning sunset, but each one provides a different experience. In Long Beach, you can take in the expansive view of the sun descending into the magnificent, enormous skyline. Ong Lang Shore will provide you with a more tranquil feeling. Under the boulders and waves, you can see the sun slowly descending into the water.

In the inlet where the Duong Dong River joins the sea, the Dinh Cau shrine is located on a tiny islet that sticks out into the water. 

Step up the 29 stone stairs to the monastery grounds when the sun starts to kiss the promontory. The ink smudge of an ocean ahead will start to blend with the pink and orange colors. Dinh Cau shoreline extends into a horizon point between the coconut bushes to the left. The river gently lulls hundreds of moored vessels to the right. The tiny lights of the squid-fishing vessels blink on and twinkle like stars as the sun sinks below the horizon and real night takes possession of the sky.

3. Learn historical stories in Phu Quoc prison

The island of Phu Quoc is now a well-known tropical getaway recognized for its gorgeous beaches, lush forests, and opulent accommodations. However, little is known about Phu Quoc's turbulent history during the country's bloody conflicts. The best thing to do in Phu Quoc regarding history must be to visit Phu Quoc Prison.

During the Indochina War, the French colonialists initially constructed Phu Quoc Prison in 1946 to house Vietnamese rebels. In South East Asia at the time, it was regarded as having the biggest jail. 

Hundreds of Vietnamese prisoners were tortured in captivity by the colonial authority, the empire, and the minions during the conflict. More than 32,000 Vietnamese inmates were once housed there at the Central Prison, which served the entire Republic of Vietnam. Visitors to Phu Quoc today can gain a deeper understanding of the voluntary heroes' suffering through relics. As a result, the troops' tenacity and patriotism in sacrificing for the country's freedom, sovereignty, and defense inspire the visitors more.

4. Visit Ham Ninh - a local fishing village

Here is a fact: One of Vietnam's oldest fishing communities is Ham Ninh. It is situated on Phu Quoc island, less than 20 kilometers northeast of Dong Duong town's core. When the first settlers arrived and began investigating this region, they discovered that the ground was ideal for boat anchorage, so they made the decision to establish a fishing community there. The sea around Ham Ninh is quite shallow; during low tides, it exposes the area's large sandy beaches, while at high tides, the water rises to the forest's border. No one is certain how long this community has been around, but it was undoubtedly founded when the first people from other areas came to this area to settle and take advantage of the seafood.

You'll feel nostalgic coming back to your hometown if you visit Ham Ninh. You'll be completely immersed in the routine of a fisherman who depends on the sea for his or her livelihood. They work as divers, collecting pearls, fish and sea cucumbers. Currently, Bai Vong Port and the neighboring gorgeous beaches are what make Ham Ninh famous. The beauty of the town is absolutely magnificent whether you arrive in Ham Ninh in the morning or in the afternoon. Purchasing some crabs in the fishing port when visiting the fishing hamlet of Ham Ninh is something you shouldn't miss, and enjoying it while admiring the lovely sea scenery is 100% beautiful!

5. Discover the secret behind the soul of Vietnamese cuisine at a Fish Sauce factory

When it comes to Vietnamese fish sauces, Phu Quoc is the first name to appear. With its unique taste, the brand Phu Quoc has won over generations of chefs as well as those in charge of home cooks, so it is not surprising that it has a strong positioning not just in Phu Quoc but also in many Vietnamese kitchens. If you are not afraid of the strong flavor of signature fish sauce, taking a tour inside the fish sauce factory is one of the best things to explore.

In Phu Quoc, anchovies are mostly used to make fish sauce. The fish are properly cleaned and salted on the boat after being caught to guarantee the full removal of the foul smell and the greatest amount of nitrogen. The sea salt comes from Ba Ria Vung Tau, a region with little contaminants. The mixture is then placed in substantial wooden barrels. Typically, the fermentation process takes nine to fifteen months. A salty, fishy, and flavorful puce liquid is the final result, giving the food a distinctly fatty flavor.

The Khai Hoan factory, which has been producing fish sauce for more than 200 years, is a popular spot in Phu Quoc for those seeking authentic flavor. In addition to hundreds of wooden barrels, the barrel house is well-equipped with a contemporary system of anchovy-catching boats. Every bottle is the result of a closed production method for fish sauce that has been continuously improved for decades. 

6. Connect with nature in Suoi Tranh Waterfall

Suoi Tranh is the most stunning location in Phu Quoc and is regarded as one of the island's most alluring natural sites. It is not too popular for tourists, yet it has a stunning appeal, as do the surroundings along the bustling path that leads to it. Numerous minor streams may be found in Suoi Tranh, which meanders through canyon woodlands. The stream is lovely during the wet season which is from May to September.

The largest string of waterfalls and rock pools on the island are 7 kilometers away to the southeast of Duong Dong Town. The area is also a good place for swimming when the falls are flowing because the stream usually dries up before the rainy season each year. Although the hike to the actual waterfall is noteworthy, even to simply experience the deep jungle, the entry to Suoi Tranh features a massive concrete statue, an artificial waterfall, and a large wood-carved sign.

7. Feel the nightlife at Phu Quoc Night Market

Without visiting the local markets, your journey to Phu Quoc Island would be incomplete. You may purchase and sample local cuisine at these top markets on Phu Quoc Island, and you can also get a glimpse into how locals go about their everyday lives.  Tourists may be familiar with the moniker Phu Quoc Night Market. This market has a long history of being known as one of the top spots in the area for entertainment, food, and late-night shopping. It is conveniently located.

The stalls at this night market are set out on both sides of the aisles, making it fairly roomy. It has two distinct zones. There is a gastronomic paradise at the market's entrance that is just begging to be discovered. In addition to Pearl Island's signature foods and goods, such as grilled sticky rice, silk candy, black pepper, fish sauce, and over 50 fresh seafood vendors giving unmatched deliciousness,... A wide variety of mementos and accessories are available at the market's conclusion. Here, you may acquire some gorgeous jewelry for yourself or your loved ones.

8. Watch Phu Quoc from Hon Thom Cable Car

What is the best thing to do in Phu Quoc in the sky? You shouldn't pass up the chance to ride the recently opened cable car link connecting Phu Quoc island with Hon Thom. This well-known cable car route is the longest non-stop three-way cable car in the world, according to the Guinness Book of World Records, measuring 8 kilometers.

No doubt, you’ll get a fantastic view as you soar above islands and an azure sea while riding the cable car. Visitors may enjoy a thrilling experience as they ride the Hon Thom cable car to the top and see a 360-degree aerial view of the An Thoi Archipelago while ascending over lush islands, vivid coral reefs, and attractive fishing boats. You may really observe fishermen sailing their boats out to sea by looking down at the port.

The cable car will take you from the main island of Phu Quoc to Hon Thom Nature Park on Thom Island. There is a small, lovely beach featuring a fun jumping castle-style playground in the water, deck chairs, and swings from the palm trees. The water is so turquoise and clear, and the small, gentle waves cannot stop you from taking pictures. A 360-degree aerial panorama of the An Thoi Archipelago is seen when visitors rise in the Hon Thom cable car above verdant islands, vibrant coral reefs, and eye-catching fishing boats. If you look down at the harbor, you can see fishermen really sailing their boats out to the sea.

9. Visit Phu Quoc Gallery of Contemporary Art

As the first recognized contemporary art gallery on Vietnam's largest island, Phu Quoc Gallery of Contemporary Art (GOCA) is officially open for business. One of GOCA's key goals is to exhibit contemporary art in its different forms through traditional exhibitions of conceptual art, visual art, photography, painting, sculpture, art installations, and more. The gallery, which is tucked away just a few hundred meters from the town of Ong Lang's sandy beach, stands out from its surroundings by ecological lodges and tranquil cottages due to its unusual construction. The gallery, which is 500 meters square, was largely rebuilt from a traditional wooden Vietnamese home from the 1980s.

The building has been split into two main areas: the working area for the art gallery and the open-air Goca Art Bar, which serves fusion drinks, wine, and exquisite Italian ice cream to promote the Phu Quoc art scene. So now, for art lovers, feel free to go around this beautiful island and still get inspired by nice artwork.

10. Dare yourself with watersport

Looking out for something adventurous? Go to Phu Quoc on summer days when it becomes more and more attractive to tourists, not only because of the cool beaches but also because of the fascinating water sports.

What options do you have? Hmm, many. Catamaran rides, speed boat rides, sunset cruises, and other Phu Quoc boat trips are among the pleasant choices. But if you like to add a little bit more drama, you can try swimming, snorkeling, sea walking, water hoverboard, exploring lagoons to boost up your adrenaline levels. I recommend you invite your friends or partner to join you because it will be a lot of fun.

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See more:

• The Best Time to Visit Phu Quoc Island
• Top 10 Most Stunning Beaches in Southern Vietnam
• Con Dao Island Travel Guide: Things to Do and See