Planning Phu Quoc yourself is easy once you know four things: how to get around, which area to stay in, what to do each day and how much it costs. This guide was put together by the Blue Waves Trip team, who live and run tours on the island.
Contents
Phu Quoc is Vietnam’s largest island, roughly 50 km from north to south. Because it is so big, the most important Phu Quoc travel tip is to stay in the right area and group sights by region, so you are not driving back and forth across the island every day. Below we go step by step through transport, accommodation, itinerary and budget.
How to get to Phu Quoc
By air – the fastest option
Phu Quoc International Airport (PQC) sits in the Duong To area, about 10–15 minutes by car from Duong Dong town. There are direct flights from Hanoi (around 2 hours), Ho Chi Minh City (around 1 hour) and other cities, plus direct international flights from several countries. Tip: book 1–2 months ahead and avoid public holidays and Tet, when fares can double.
By fast ferry from Rach Gia or Ha Tien
If you are already in the Mekong Delta, the fast ferry is a budget-friendly option: about 1.5 hours from Ha Tien and 2.5 hours from Rach Gia, arriving at Bai Vong port on the east coast. During the southwest monsoon (roughly June–September) the sea can be rough, so bring seasickness tablets.
Getting around the island
- Self-drive scooter: the most flexible and cheapest option for couples and young groups. Bring a valid licence, wear a helmet and avoid the North Island forest roads after dark.
- Taxis and ride-hailing apps: available in most tourist areas – ideal for families with small children or airport runs.
- Island buses: routes link the North Island, the centre and the South Island at low fares; check the latest timetable as it changes with the season.
- Private car with driver: the best value for groups of 4–7 or for covering a whole region in a day. See the vehicles in our Car rental section.
Tip: the sun is fierce between 10am and 3pm. Plan sea activities for the morning or late afternoon and spend midday at your hotel or somewhere indoors.
Where to stay: North Island, the centre or South Island?
This is the decision that shapes your trip the most. Each area has its strengths:
| Area | Best for | Nearby highlights |
|---|---|---|
| North Island (Ganh Dau, Bai Dai) | Families with small children, quiet resort stays | Grand World, VinWonders, Vinpearl Safari, Rach Vem, Ganh Dau Cape |
| Centre (Duong Dong, Long Beach) | First-timers, mid-range budgets, food and night-market lovers | Phu Quoc Night Market, Dinh Cau, Sunset Sanato, Long Beach |
| South Island (An Thoi, Khem Beach) | Island-hoppers, couples, photo lovers | Hon Thom cable car, Sunset Town, Kiss Bridge, Sao Beach, Phu Quoc Prison |
For 4 days or more, the smart move is to split your stay: 2 nights in the north and 2 in the south or centre. Browse our list of Phu Quoc hotels and resorts by area.
Suggested Phu Quoc itinerary
Day 1 – North Island: forest, starfish and Grand World
In the morning head to Rach Vem and Ham Rong Cape to see red starfish (go early, before the crowds), rest in the afternoon, then stroll Grand World in the evening and take a boat on the Venice canal. For great photos without driving the forest roads yourself, try the private open-top Jeep tour from Grand World to Starfish Beach.
Day 2 – South Island by sea
Spend a full day on the water: swimming, coral snorkelling and a seafood lunch on an island. The Nautilus yacht and May Rut Trong Island tour goes straight to the sea with no shopping stops – perfect for first-timers.
Day 3 – Hon Thom cable car and Sunset Town
Ride the over-sea cable car, play at Aquatopia water park, then head down to Sunset Town for sunset at the Kiss Bridge and the Kiss of the Sea show in the evening. Travelling as a couple? The Mediterranean Romance – Cable Car – Kiss of the Sea tour includes all tickets.
Day 4 – Culture, local produce and souvenirs
Visit a pearl farm, a fish sauce house, Phu Quoc Prison and Truc Lam Ho Quoc Zen Monastery, then shop for local specialties before your flight. The South Island heritage, culture and sea tour covers all of this in one day.
Got a spare evening? Try sunset and night squid fishing – a very “Phu Quoc” experience many visitors miss.
How much does a Phu Quoc trip cost?
Costs depend heavily on the season and how you stay, eat and play. The table below is a rough guide per person for 4 days, 3 nights (in Vietnamese dong):
| Item | Budget | Comfortable |
|---|---|---|
| Return domestic flight | 1.5 – 2.5 million | 3 – 5 million |
| Accommodation (3 nights, sharing) | 0.8 – 1.5 million | 4 – 10 million |
| Food and drink | 0.8 – 1.2 million | 2 – 3 million |
| Getting around | 0.4 – 0.6 million (scooter) | 1 – 2 million (taxi, private car) |
| Tickets and tours | 1.5 – 2.5 million | 3 – 6 million |
| Total | about 5 – 8 million | about 13 – 26 million |
Figures are indicative only and vary with peak season, holidays and providers. International flights are not included.
Saving tips: travel in April–May or October–November (shoulder season, softer room rates), book flights early, eat seafood at local markets rather than resort restaurants, and choose tours without shopping stops.
When is the best time to visit?
The dry season (roughly November to April) is the best time: blue skies and calm seas on the west coast and South Island, ideal for boat trips and snorkelling. The rainy season (roughly May to October) usually brings short showers, lower prices and fewer crowds; the west coast can be rough, so favour east-coast beaches and land activities. Suoi Tranh stream is at its best in the rainy season.
Things to know before you go
- Bring sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses – the tropical sun burns quickly.
- Never lift starfish out of the water for photos – they die easily once out of the sea.
- Ask for prices before ordering seafood at places without a price list.
- Check boat schedules and the weather forecast before island trips, especially in the windy season.
- Save the hotline numbers of your hotel and tour operator.
Short on planning time? Just message the Blue Waves Trip team – we will suggest an itinerary based on your days, budget and interests.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do I need in Phu Quoc?
For a first visit, 3 days 2 nights to 4 days 3 nights is ideal: enough for the North Island, a day at sea in the south, the Hon Thom cable car and Sunset Town without rushing.
How much does 4 days in Phu Quoc cost?
As a rough guide per person: about 5–8 million VND on a budget (domestic flight, shared room, scooter) and about 13–26 million VND staying at resorts, using taxis and joining several tours. Prices vary by season.
Should I stay in the north or the south of Phu Quoc?
Families with small children and resort lovers suit the North Island near Grand World, VinWonders and the Safari. Island-hoppers and cable-car fans suit the South Island. First-timers on a mid-range budget can stay in Duong Dong. For 4+ days, split your stay.
What is the best month to visit Phu Quoc?
Roughly November to April (dry season) brings sunshine and calm seas, ideal for island trips and snorkelling. May to October is the rainy season – cheaper and quieter, but the west coast can be rough.
Scooter or taxi in Phu Quoc?
Couples and young groups often rent scooters for flexibility. Families with small children, older travellers or groups of 4–7 are better off with taxis or a private car with driver, especially for far-flung North Island sights.
Tours we recommend
PQ-05
Nautilus Yacht Voyage & May Rut Trong Paradise
View tour
PQ-07
Mediterranean Romance – Cable Car – Kiss of the Sea Show
View tour
PQ-13
Private Open-Top Jeep Tour: Grand World – Starfish Beach
View tour
PQ-04
North Island Sunset & Night Squid Fishing
View tour
PQ-17
South Island Heritage, Culture & Sea Discovery
View tour
