18 Best Things To Do On Phu Quoc Island. (Tours & Attractions.) (2023.)
LOOKING FOR THE BEST ATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO ON PHU QUOC?
Phu Quoc is a spectacular tropical paradise that often slips under the radar of Vietnam’s best tourist hot spots, but that is quickly changing because this breathtaking island, located 45km from the mainland, is coming into its own as one of the country’s must-visit destinations.
With pristine beaches, rugged landscapes, religious and historic sites, two theme parks, the world’s longest cable car, and so many more things to do on Phu Quoc, I’ve discovered that this stunning island, which is closer to Cambodia than Vietnam and requires a commercial flight to reach, is perfect for those who love authentic experiences, idyllic coastal escapes, nature-based adventures, and family-friendly vacations.
Planning Your Trip? Use My Favourite Resources!
Tours/Experiences: I recommend Viator.
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10 Best Things To Do On Phu Quoc Island.
1. Swimming At The Beaches.
Nestled in the Gulf of Thailand, one of the most appealing aspects of Phu Quoc is its beaches, which practically ring the entire island. The abundance of beautiful seaside locations lined with palm trees are so picturesque and paradisical that they look like they could easily feature in a movie set in a tropical paradise.
The ones closest to Duong Dong and An Thoi, such as Bai Truong (Long Beach) and On Lang Beach are the most popular tourist beaches and have a more lively atmosphere, while the ones further away on the eastern and northern side of the island provide a more secluded and tranquil beachside experience. And with Vietnam’s signature hot weather and humid climate, there are fewer better things to do on Phu Quoc Island than cooling off in the refreshing waters around its coastline.
2. Relax At A Luxury Resort.
Speaking of incredible beaches, an even better way to lap up the seaside atmosphere is by staying at one of the many luxury resorts Phu Quoc is home to, such as Movenpick Resort Waverly, Novotel Resort and Premiere Residences.
Each of these highly-rated resorts featured opulent rooms with balconies overlooking picturesque views, several gorgeous swimming pools with poolside bars, world-class dining experiences, relaxing spas AND private beaches with no shortage of cabanas to enjoy, perfect for those who like to lap up all the beachside luxury without ever having to leave their accommodation.
And those were just the resorts we stayed at. Phu Quoc has so many more to choose from, each offering its own unique offerings and experiences. But for us, the standout was Movenpick Resort Waverly, as every part of it oozed high-end luxury and opulence that made us feel every bit like we were honeymooning in a romantic Hollywood movie for a fraction of the price it felt like it should be.
3. Snorkelling.
Phu Quoc isn’t just a paradise above sea level. Its breathtaking beauty also extends deep below the surface, with spectacular coral reefs surrounding the An Thoi archipelago in the island’s south considered one of Vietnam’s premiere snorkelling spots. And the best way to discover where the most stunning underwater ecosystems are is by joining a guided tour.
OnBird is one of the island’s highest-rated companies offering small-group (4-8 people) snorkelling tours on an intimate underwater exploration to discover some of the area’s most spectacular, lesser-visited coral formations, such as the breathtaking Half Moon Reef and the unforgettable Coral Mountain. Whilst marvelling at these beautiful pieces of natural architecture, keep your eyes peeled for the beautiful marine creatures that call these places home. After a day exploring the depths, finish the experience by relaxing on a peaceful tropical island with a drink in a hammock to conclude one of the most magical and immersive tours in Vietnam.
4. Diving.
As with just about anywhere that has superb snorkelling, the reefs around the An Thoi Peninsula are also excellent for diving. For beginner and certified divers who don’t want to waste time searching for the best underwater landscapes, OnBird also offers intimate dive packages to explore the most beautiful and captivating coral systems and underwater terrains, all the while providing outstanding opportunities to see some of the magnificent fish species that reside in its depths.
5. Vin Wonders Phu Quoc.
Looking for the ultimate way to entertain the family or pack some adrenaline thrills into your island adventure? If so, add Vinwonders to your itinerary, because this massive theme park, Vietnam’s largest, is so jam-packed full of thrilling rides, captivating attractions and mesmerizing shows, that it is frequently touted as one of the best in Asia, and our personal favourite too.
Launched in the summer of 2020 and comprised of several enchanting lands – from the adrenaline-packed Adventure Land to the tropical oasis of Typhoon Land each area offers its own unique experiences, ensuring there’s something to delight at for everyone.
Some of the highlights include the Wrath Of Zeus, an exhilarating rollercoaster that launches riders up to 110km/h through several loops, twists and turns while reaching heights of 50m, and the Wheel Of Time, a massive 128m Ferris wheel with exceptional views overlooking the park and its intricately themed spaces and the Once Show, a dazzling theatrical after-dark light, water and dance extravaganza at the castle centrepiece.
Even the theme park’s exterior and car park are exquisitely themed to its fantasy motif, creating one of the most enchanting places to visit, not just on Phu Quoc, but in all of Vietnam.
6. Ride The World’s Longest Cable Car To A Water Park.
Sun World Hon Thom Aquatopia.
Phu Quoc isn’t just home to one of Asia’s best theme parks, but it’s also the gateway to Vietnam’s most exciting water park, Sunworld Aquatopia.
Even the journey to get there isn’t ordinary. It involves hopping aboard the world’s longest cable car and enjoying a magnificent 20-minute ride across the spectacular An Thoi archipelago as it traverses the 7,899m distance Hon Thom Island (Pineapple Island), where a world of exhilarating slides, interactive water playgrounds and relaxation pools and rivers await as soon as you get off.
While it’s mostly a waterpark with the best tube slides and lazy river circuit I’ve ever been on, there are also some exciting land rides, including an adrenaline-pumping wooden rollercoaster, a heart-pounding drop tower along with a scenic rotating observation tower and a private beach for those who just want to relax and soak in the beautiful scenery, and therefore something fabulous for everyone. When the day is dusted, don’t miss out on the incredible Kiss The Sun Star Show when you return to the mainland.
Note: Sunset Town is the departure point for the cable car, but as it’s been extensively and spectacularly modelled after classic Italian architecture, I’d advise heading there early to get photos.
7. Explore Northern Phu Quoc in Old US Army Jeeps.
If you love adventure and exploring hidden gems, a rugged off-road guided tour through northern Phu Quoc is a great way to see the other side of this gorgeous island seldom seen by tourists.
Hop into an old US Army Jeep and head off the beaten path through dense rainforests, isolated beaches and beautiful viewpoints, including Ganh Dau Cape, which overlooks the Gulf Of Thailand across to the coastline of Cambodia. Learn the history of the Cambodia/Vietnam border, and hear tales of some heroism and sacrifices made during the country’s war against the invading Americans and more while visiting the most remote and beautifully untamed parts of this breathtaking tropical island.
8. Phu Quoc Prison.
The Vietnam War is one of the most horrific events to happen in the country’s recent history. Even though Phu Quoc is 45km from the mainland, it was not immune to the horrors of it.
One of the most fascinatingly sombre places to get a first-hand glimpse of it is at the Phu Quoc Prison. First established by French colonists when they had a stronghold on the Southeast Asian country, it was later used in the Vietnam War to imprison and torture Viet Cong and North Vietnamese soldiers captured by the Americans.
The rows of high barbed wire fences and guard towns surrounding long basic sheds with confronting exhibits of prisoners being tortured in inhumanely creative ways paint a dishearteningly vivid picture of what barbaric things they were forced to endure while being held captive, including the infamous Tiger Cages.
While it is incredibly sobering and disturbing to see, it’s also a place to reflect and appreciate the strength and resilience so that the sacrifices made by the Vietnamese are not forgotten.
9. Su Muon Pagoda.
For something less heavy, the island, much like the rest of Vietnam is home to many temples and pagodas, so it goes without saying, that one of the best things to do on Phu Quoc is to visit them. But with so many available to explore, it’s hard to know which one to choose. However, one no traveller should miss is the Su Muon Pagoda.
This serene and tranquil Buddhist pagoda resides at the top of a hill and is nestled harmoniously within the lush landscape. To explore this expansive and spiritual place and its beautiful temples, shrines and ornaments entails climbing 60 stone steps. But once there, the still and peaceful atmosphere creates a lovely meditative and reflective space that provides the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the island, especially after learning about the atrocities that took place at Phu Quoc Prison.
While there, don’t forget to peek around the back of the main hall and see the majestic Konia Tree, which is over 200 years old and survived the Vietnam War that almost completely destroyed the pagoda precinct.
10. Dinh Cau Temple & Dinh Bà Temple.
Phu Quoc’s main town of Duong Dong also has some lovely religious sites worth visiting, albeit, they are much smaller. The Dinh Cau Temple, which translates to the “Dragon King Shrine” is the most popular to visit as it is over 300 years old and uniquely sits upon a coastal rock beside the local lighthouse, making it one of the oldest and most picturesque places of worship on the island.
It’s not the only temple to see. The nearby Chinese Dinh Bà Temple is just back from the Dinh Cau Temple and it’s well worth combining the two small beautifully ornate religious sites to appreciate some of Vietnam’s religious values.
11. Cao Dai Temple (Duong Dong) of Phu-Quoc.
Phu Quoc is the believed birthplace of Caodaism, and one colourful place to discover dedicated to that philosophy is the Cao Dai Temple, located in the heart of Duong Dong. This small place of worship is easily noticeable amongst the town’s other buildings thanks to its bold and colourful exterior. It is open to the public and provides a fascinating insight into the island’s cultural heritage.
12. Suoi Tranh Waterfall.
Swimming at the beaches is fun, but for something different, there’s the Suoi Tranh Waterfall. Tucked away amongst the island’s dense jungle, it is one of Phu Quoc’s best hinterland gems.
While it’s not the grandest waterfall, it is incredibly picturesque, with several small cascades lining the trail to the 4m tall main attraction. But it’s best advised not to come during the dry season (November-April) as there’s typically not enough water in the pools to even swim in. Generally speaking, between June and September is the best time to visit, as taking a refreshing soak in the plunge pool is easily one of the best things to do on Phu Quoc, especially given Vietnam’s infamous and unrelenting humidity.
13. Coi Nguon Museum.
For those interested in learning about Phu Quoc’s unique heritage, the Coi Nguon Museum is the ideal place for people looking to delve deeper into its storied past. The beautifully designed five-storey building contains over 2,600 artifacts and helps to preserve the natural and social history of the island, as well as the nation’s long-standing cultural values.
Discover its range of ancient human-crafted artefacts made of ceramic, stone, porcelain, bronze and wood dating from between the 15th century BC to the feudal age. There are also numerous antiquities recovered from various shipwrecks from the island’s eastern coastline and many ecological fossils, including a magnificent piece of fossilized wood from primeval forests that existed during the Triassic and Jurassic ages between about 138 and 208 million years ago. It’s a fascinating insight into the history of the island and how its people and ecology have evolved and adapted over the eras.
14. Ho Quoc Temple.
Another outstanding place to visit on Phu Quoc is the Ho Quoc Temple, also known as Truc Lam Ho Quoc Zen Monastery. Situated on the southern end of the island, this breathtaking attraction with unique architectural design and a mountain range for a backdrop and stunning views overlooking the Gulf Of Thailand in front of it is the largest place of worship on the island.
Within the expansive temple grounds, visitors can admire its towering marble Buddha statue and the various ornate objects that populate and beautify the magnificent grounds. It’s a beautifully peaceful spot to spend some time and invoke some self-reflection, or somewhere to enjoy some solitude after a day exploring.
15. Hiking – Tien Son Dinh.
For those looking to discover Phu Quoc’s lush jungle landscapes, there’s no better way to do that than by hiking to the summit of Tien Son Dinh, an elevation of 280m. The challenging 6km trail under a dense canopy leads to a stunning viewpoint, rewarding intrepid hikers with breathtaking panoramic views of the island, including the international airport.
This track is doable without a guide, but for those who want to learn more about the island’s ecology along the way, Si Tour Guide also offers guided tours to this picturesque peak.
Accommodation: Best Places To Stay In Phu Quoc.
- Ultra Budget Accommodation: Sen Hotel Phu Quoc.
- Best Budget Hotel: JM Boutique Hotel.
- Best Mid-Range Hotel: Movenpick Resort Waverly Phu Quoc.
- Best Luxury: Salinda Resort Phu Quoc.
- Best Ultra Luxurious Hotel: Regent Phu Quoc.
Best Restaurants In Quoc.
- Chay Minh Tam.
- Nha Hang Chay Nam.
- Hoang Yen Com Chay.
- DoDe Chay.
- Tu Phuc Thanh.
- Lau Thuc Pham Chay Tue Lam.
Phu Quoc Map.
Frequently Asked Questions.
Is Phu Quoc Island Safe?
Yes, Phu Quoc Island is generally considered safe for visitors. From my personal experience, I felt safe travelling around the island alongside my boyfriend. The only time I didn’t was when we first arrived there, and I wondered why we appeared to be driving through a car park and then onto a runway. Turns out, that was the old airport and it’s now used as a road. So it was just odd. Aside from that, no one stole anything from us and we never felt nervous going places.
However, it’s always advisable to keep your wits about you and a close eye on your possessions, the same as travelling anywhere. You’re more likely to suffer from heatstroke because Vietnam is so hot and humid, so take a hat, apply plenty of sunscreen and lots of clean drinking water. Entering the sea to swim is also a risk to safety as there are waves and currents to contend with, so avoid going in choppy water and big swells.
What Is Phu Quoc’s Weather Like?
Phu Quoc has warm temperatures all year round. It’s always hot and humid, which is uncomfortable as it essentially leaves you covered in sticky sweat virtually from the moment you walk outside.
But that also means it’s ideal for swimming any time of the day or night! I had never swum at 5 a.m. to water at the most perfect temperature as I did on Phu Quoc! (It was bliss. I highly recommend it.)
It can also rain at any given moment during the day or night. When it first arrived on this paradisiacal island known for its beaches and sunshine, it poured down with rain for hours. It also rained most nights we were there in late July.
How Many Days Do You Need On Phu Quoc?
How Many Days Do You Need On Phu Quoc?
Determining the ideal duration for a visit to Phu Quoc depends on your interests, what you want to see and do and the pace at which you feel you can do them. However, generally speaking, I would recommend seven days to comfortably enjoy the island’s many tours and attractions without rushing.
How To Get Around Phu Quoc Island?
The most convenient way for tourists to get around Phu Quoc is by hiring a motorbike to zip around.
However, for those without a motorbike license or the confidence to use one, the Grab app (essentially the Asian version of Uber) is a fantastic option for getting around. It is extremely easy to use, and you can opt for a motorbike or car driver to pick you up where you are and drop you off wherever you selected on the app. It’s also fixed price, so you needn’t worry about fake Grab drivers or taxis charging you tourist prices they like. Efficient and convenient!
The other way is through organised tours, which usually include transport.
Conclusion: Best Things To Do On Phu Quoc.
With its rich history, captivating landscapes, and unique cultural experiences, there is no shortage of attractions, activities, tours and things to do on Phu Quoc for every type of traveller. Whether it’s relaxing beaches, experiencing thrills, discovering captivating landscapes, searching for wild animals or exploring heritage sites, Vietnam’s largest island will no doubt leave visitors with lasting memories.
