A tropical paradise in the Gulf of Thailand.
Phu Quoc is a large tropical Vietnamese island in the Gulf of Thailand, about 45 km west of Ha Tien on the Vietnamese mainland and 15 km south of the coast of Cambodia [citation:8]. It is the largest island in Vietnam at 590 square kilometres, almost the same size as Singapore [citation:3].
Blessed with white sand, turquoise beaches, and balmy weather nearly year-round, with two-thirds of the island covered in tropical forests, Phu Quoc is a tourism paradise [citation:3]. The island officially became Vietnam’s first island city on January 1, 2021 [citation:3].
What Phu Quoc is
Once branded “Hell on Earth” for the notorious prison which witnessed the most terrifying scenes of oppression during wartime before 1975, Phu Quoc has risen above the pain of war and shot to stardom as a dynamic economic zone [citation:3]. The turning point came in 2004, when the government approved a plan to pave the way for the island’s tourism development [citation:11].
Today, Phu Quoc is one of Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing beach destinations [citation:13]. It has an international airport with many foreign airlines operating both commercial and charter flights to the island [citation:3]. The island has attracted strategic investors such as VinGroup, SunGroup, BIMgroup and CEOgroup, among others, with investors registering some US$16 billion in 328 projects [citation:3].
Phu Quoc National Park, with mountains, dense tropical jungle, hiking trails and wildlife, covers more than half of the island [citation:3]. Apart from the natural beauty, tourists are also attracted by the island’s luxury resorts, golf courses, animal safari, and casinos [citation:3]. In 2019, the number of visitors to the island reached 5.1 million, including approximately 600,000 international tourists [citation:11].
Three parts of a visit
From beaches and cable cars to Mediterranean-style towns, these are the experiences that define a visit to Phu Quoc.
Sao Beach & Kem Beach
Phu Quoc is ringed with some of the most beautiful beaches in Vietnam [citation:8]. Sao Beach is famous for its fine white sand, while Kem Beach is home to the JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort, designed by architect Bill Bensley [citation:2].
Sunset Town & Kiss Bridge
Sunset Town in the island’s south is a major highlight — colourful stucco buildings with red-tiled roofs line sloping streets, and a 75-metre red-brick clock tower inspired by the Campanile in Venice dominates the town [citation:2]. The Kiss Bridge is designed so that on January 1, the sun sets directly in the gap between its two arms [citation:2].
Hon Thom Cable Car & Water Park
Ride the world’s longest three-wire cable car to Hon Thom Island, home to the Sun World Hon Thom complex [citation:2]. The cable car is nearly 8 km long, taking about 20 minutes one way, with blue sea and green islands below [citation:14].
When to visit Phu Quoc
Phu Quoc has a hot tropical climate with a short dry season. The best time to visit is during the dry season, when the sea is calm and the sun is beautiful [citation:1].
Sunny, little rain, 27–28°C, sometimes 35°C in April–May. Ideal for swimming and snorkeling. The sea is calm and the sun is beautiful [citation:1].
Heavy rain in September–October, rough seas in the west, murky seas in the east. The end of October marks the transition between seasons, so monitor the weather [citation:1].
Western media identifies December to March as the “golden” time for Phu Quoc, with the best weather for beach activities and island exploration [citation:5].
Late April is still a beautiful time with more reasonable costs. The weather is pleasant, not too hot in the morning or afternoon, ideal for swimming and sightseeing [citation:9][citation:20].
Practical information
Getting there & around
By plane: Phu Quoc airport is about a 20-minute drive from the city center. Reference round-trip airfare: Hanoi – Phu Quoc (2 hours 05 minutes), 2,500,000 – 4,500,000 VND; Ho Chi Minh City – Phu Quoc (1 hour), 1,300,000 – 2,500,000 VND [citation:1]. Direct flights are available from Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Seoul, Hong Kong and Taipei [citation:19].
By ferry: Rach Gia – Phu Quoc is approximately 120km, taking about 2 hours and 30 minutes; Ha Tien – Phu Quoc is approximately 50km, taking about 1 hour and 30 minutes. Reference prices: Standard 340,000 VND (Rach Gia) and 250,000 VND (Ha Tien) [citation:1].
On the island: Motorbike rental is ~120,000 VND/day (manual transmission), ~150,000 VND/day (automatic transmission). Self-drive car rental is ~700,000 – 1,300,000 VND/day [citation:1]. Grab ride-hailing is also available and is 15%-20% cheaper than taxis [citation:16].
Good to know
- — Visa-free 30 days for direct flights to Phu Quoc [citation:14]
- — Exchange money at gold shops in Duong Dong town; airport rates are usually worse [citation:14]
- — Bring sunscreen and mosquito repellent — tropical UV rays are no joke [citation:14]
- — Motorbike helmet is mandatory; international license required [citation:16]
- — A 3-4 day trip costs about 5,000,000 – 8,000,000 VND per person including airfare [citation:1]
Other places nearby
Phu Quoc sits in the Gulf of Thailand, within easy reach of the Mekong Delta and other southern Vietnam destinations.
Ho Chi Minh City
Vietnam’s largest city and main southern gateway. Flights to Phu Quoc take about an hour.
Explore Saigon → RegionMekong Delta
The rice bowl of Vietnam — floating markets, river life, and lush waterways, easily combined with Phu Quoc.
Explore the Mekong → IslandCon Dao Islands
A remote archipelago with pristine beaches, turtles, and a dark history — a quieter alternative to Phu Quoc.
Explore Con Dao → RegionSouthern Vietnam
Every destination we cover in southern Vietnam — cities, islands, beaches, and the Mekong Delta.
Explore the Region →Questions About Phu Quoc
What is Phu Quoc known for?
Phu Quoc is known for its picturesque beaches, world-class resorts, the world’s longest three-wire cable car, Sunset Town with its Mediterranean-style architecture, and its fish sauce industry [citation:2][citation:3]. It is Vietnam’s largest island and was officially designated the country’s first island city in 2021 [citation:3].
When is the best time to visit Phu Quoc?
The dry season from November to April is the best time, when the sea is calm and the sun is beautiful. December to March is considered the “golden” window [citation:1][citation:5]. The rainy season runs from May to October, with heavy rain in September–October [citation:1].
How do I get to Phu Quoc?
By plane is the most common option. Phu Quoc International Airport is about a 20-minute drive from the city center. Flights from Hanoi take about 2 hours 05 minutes; from Ho Chi Minh City about 1 hour [citation:1]. Ferries also run from Rach Gia (2.5 hours) and Ha Tien (1.5 hours) [citation:1].
Is Phu Quoc visa-free?
Yes — direct flights to Phu Quoc are visa-free for 30 days [citation:14]. If you transfer through other Vietnamese cities, you will need a visa in advance.
What is there to do on Phu Quoc?
Relax on beaches (Sao, Kem, Ong Lang), ride the world’s longest cable car to Hon Thom Island, visit Aquatopia Water Park, explore Sunset Town and the Kiss Bridge, see the Kiss of the Sea show, visit VinWonders and Vinpearl Safari, and explore the night market in Duong Dong [citation:2][citation:14].
How do I get around Phu Quoc?
Motorbike rental is the most flexible option at ~120,000–150,000 VND/day. Self-drive cars are also available. Grab ride-hailing is available and 15%-20% cheaper than taxis [citation:1][citation:16]. The island has a free VinBus network covering many attractions [citation:16].
How much does a trip to Phu Quoc cost?
A 3-4 day trip typically costs 5,000,000 – 8,000,000 VND per person including airfare, accommodation, meals, and entrance fees [citation:1]. A 5-day trip typically costs 8–12 million VND per person [citation:9]. Costs vary depending on the service class and time of booking.
Escape to Vietnam’s Pearl Island.
Phu Quoc works best as a relaxed island break in the middle of a Vietnam itinerary — beaches, cable cars, sunset towns, and seafood. Our specialists can arrange transport, hotels, and a pace that suits you.
Start Planning →Island destination expertise, on the ground.
If you are building Vietnam programs that include Phu Quoc, we can support you with local DMC services, vetted hotel partners, and confidential trade rates across the island.
Visit the Trade Page →Vietnam’s Pearl Island.
From the turquoise waters of Sao Beach to the Mediterranean magic of Sunset Town, Phu Quoc is where natural beauty meets world-class entertainment. Come for the beaches, stay for the sunsets.