Ride-hailing apps
Grab and Xanh SM book cars across the island with the fare shown before you confirm. If you take a street taxi, use a metered one and check the meter is on. Show the driver our Vietnamese address card if the pin is off.
Phu Quoc, beach by beach.
Today's exchange rate, how far Grand World, Sunset Town and Ham Ninh are and which coast is calm this month, the bun quay, snail shops, pizza and vegetarian kitchens the island loves, sunset bars and massage in short, 26 photo spots, and a pocket map for walking Duong Dong or riding pillion to the Kiss Bridge. Put together by Toward Local's hosts, with every address checked on Google Maps on 6 November 2026.
You don't visit Phu Quoc. You unlock it.
From the barrels to the sunset shrine
3.0 km · 5 stops · about 45 min of walking
Walk it with the map →
3.0 km · 5 stops · about 45 min of walking
- Right now on Phu Quoc
- --:-- · …Loading what locals are doing at this hour…
- Vietcombank rate today
- 1 USD = …Counters pay less for worn or torn notes
- Weather this month
- …
- WhatsApp a local
- +84 334 370 563Mr Tim · we usually reply within a few hours
Money, distances and the right season
Three things to sort before your first bowl of bun quay: what your cash is worth, how long it takes to cross a 50 km island, and which coast is calm in the month you're here.
Today's exchange guide
Vietnam uses the dong (VND, ₫)
Rates below are Vietcombank's cash buying rates, the price one of Vietnam's biggest banks pays for foreign banknotes today.
Expect a little less at the counter. Exchange counters, hotels and gold shops check every note. Torn, taped, stained or written-on bills, very worn notes and older series are bought below this rate, and badly damaged ones can be refused. Bring clean, recent notes.
USD
At the Vietcombank rate: …Counters pay less for worn or damaged notes.
₫
That's about …
Know your notes
Changing and spending
- Change cash at banks, the airport or licensed exchange counters, and keep the receipt.
- Crisp notes get the best rate. Keep your cash flat and dry, and don't write on it.
- ATMs are in Duong Dong, An Thoi, Grand World and Sunset Town, but few in the countryside. Most charge a fee per withdrawal, and your home bank may add its own.
- Cards and QR payments work in resorts, Grand World, Sunset Town and many restaurants. Markets, snail shops and fishing-village rafts want cash.
- The 20,000₫ and 500,000₫ notes are both blue. Count the zeros before you hand one over.
How far from Duong Dong, and when to go
Road distances measured from Dinh Cau on OpenStreetMap
DestinationHours from Dinh Cau, Duong Dong (scale 0–3 h)Best months
Phu Quoc itself
You're here · dry and calm Nov–Apr, wetter and windier May–Oct
Jan: Best timeFeb: Best timeMar: Best timeApr: Good, with some rain or heatMay: Good, with some rain or heatJun: Wet or rough seasJul: Wet or rough seasAug: Wet or rough seasSep: Wet or rough seasOct: Wet or rough seasNov: Good, with some rain or heatDec: Best time
Phu Quoc airport (PQC)
11 km south-east of Duong Dong
Jan: Best timeFeb: Best timeMar: Best timeApr: Good, with some rain or heatMay: Good, with some rain or heatJun: Wet or rough seasJul: Wet or rough seasAug: Wet or rough seasSep: Wet or rough seasOct: Wet or rough seasNov: Good, with some rain or heatDec: Best time
Ong Lang & the northern beaches
Quiet coves · 9 km north
Jan: Best timeFeb: Best timeMar: Best timeApr: Good, with some rain or heatMay: Good, with some rain or heatJun: Wet or rough seasJul: Wet or rough seasAug: Wet or rough seasSep: Wet or rough seasOct: Wet or rough seasNov: Good, with some rain or heatDec: Best time
Suoi Tranh stream
Forest waterfalls · 9 km south-east
Jan: Good, with some rain or heatFeb: Good, with some rain or heatMar: Good, with some rain or heatApr: Good, with some rain or heatMay: Good, with some rain or heatJun: Special seasonJul: Special seasonAug: Special seasonSep: Special seasonOct: Special seasonNov: Good, with some rain or heatDec: Good, with some rain or heat
Ham Ninh fishing village
Crab and a long pier on the east coast · 14 km
Jan: Best timeFeb: Best timeMar: Best timeApr: Good, with some rain or heatMay: Good, with some rain or heatJun: Good, with some rain or heatJul: Good, with some rain or heatAug: Good, with some rain or heatSep: Good, with some rain or heatOct: Good, with some rain or heatNov: Good, with some rain or heatDec: Best time
Grand World, VinWonders & Safari
The north-west · 20–25 km
Jan: Best timeFeb: Best timeMar: Best timeApr: Good, with some rain or heatMay: Good, with some rain or heatJun: Good, with some rain or heatJul: Good, with some rain or heatAug: Good, with some rain or heatSep: Good, with some rain or heatOct: Good, with some rain or heatNov: Good, with some rain or heatDec: Best time
Ganh Dau Cape
The north-west tip · 27 km
Jan: Best timeFeb: Best timeMar: Best timeApr: Good, with some rain or heatMay: Good, with some rain or heatJun: Wet or rough seasJul: Wet or rough seasAug: Wet or rough seasSep: Wet or rough seasOct: Wet or rough seasNov: Good, with some rain or heatDec: Best time
Starfish Beach (Rach Vem)
The north coast · 23 km
Jan: Best timeFeb: Best timeMar: Best timeApr: Best timeMay: Good, with some rain or heatJun: Wet or rough seasJul: Wet or rough seasAug: Wet or rough seasSep: Wet or rough seasOct: Wet or rough seasNov: Good, with some rain or heatDec: Best time
Ho Quoc Pagoda
Above the east coast · 25 km
Jan: Best timeFeb: Best timeMar: Best timeApr: Good, with some rain or heatMay: Good, with some rain or heatJun: Good, with some rain or heatJul: Good, with some rain or heatAug: Good, with some rain or heatSep: Good, with some rain or heatOct: Good, with some rain or heatNov: Good, with some rain or heatDec: Best time
Sao Beach
White sand in the south-east · 27 km
Jan: Best timeFeb: Best timeMar: Best timeApr: Good, with some rain or heatMay: Good, with some rain or heatJun: Good, with some rain or heatJul: Good, with some rain or heatAug: Good, with some rain or heatSep: Good, with some rain or heatOct: Good, with some rain or heatNov: Good, with some rain or heatDec: Best time
Sunset Town & the Kiss Bridge
The south-west tip · 24 km
Jan: Best timeFeb: Best timeMar: Best timeApr: Good, with some rain or heatMay: Good, with some rain or heatJun: Wet or rough seasJul: Wet or rough seasAug: Wet or rough seasSep: Wet or rough seasOct: Wet or rough seasNov: Good, with some rain or heatDec: Best time
Hon Thom by cable car
Sun World Hon Thom · 25 km to the station
Jan: Best timeFeb: Best timeMar: Best timeApr: Best timeMay: Good, with some rain or heatJun: Wet or rough seasJul: Wet or rough seasAug: Wet or rough seasSep: Wet or rough seasOct: Wet or rough seasNov: Good, with some rain or heatDec: Best time
The An Thoi islands
Snorkelling and white beaches · 29 km to An Thoi port
Jan: Best timeFeb: Best timeMar: Best timeApr: Best timeMay: Good, with some rain or heatJun: Wet or rough seasJul: Wet or rough seasAug: Wet or rough seasSep: Wet or rough seasOct: Wet or rough seasNov: Good, with some rain or heatDec: Best time
Ha Tien (mainland)
Fast boat from Bai Vong port · 14 km to the port
Jan: Best timeFeb: Best timeMar: Best timeApr: Best timeMay: Good, with some rain or heatJun: Wet or rough seasJul: Wet or rough seasAug: Wet or rough seasSep: Wet or rough seasOct: Wet or rough seasNov: Good, with some rain or heatDec: Best time
Rach Gia (mainland)
Fast boat from Bai Vong port
Jan: Best timeFeb: Best timeMar: Best timeApr: Best timeMay: Good, with some rain or heatJun: Wet or rough seasJul: Wet or rough seasAug: Wet or rough seasSep: Wet or rough seasOct: Wet or rough seasNov: Good, with some rain or heatDec: Best time
Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
About 300 km · our hosts ride here
Our Saigon guide ↗Ho Chi Minh City tours ↗Jan: Best timeFeb: Best timeMar: Best timeApr: Best timeMay: Good, with some rain or heatJun: Good, with some rain or heatJul: Good, with some rain or heatAug: Good, with some rain or heatSep: Good, with some rain or heatOct: Good, with some rain or heatNov: Good, with some rain or heatDec: Best time
Da Nang & Hoi An
Our hosts ride here too
Our Da Nang guide ↗Our Hoi An guide ↗Da Nang tours ↗Hoi An tours ↗Jan: Good, with some rain or heatFeb: Best timeMar: Best timeApr: Best timeMay: Best timeJun: Best timeJul: Best timeAug: Best timeSep: Good, with some rain or heatOct: Wet or rough seasNov: Wet or rough seasDec: Good, with some rain or heat
Jan: Good, with some rain or heatFeb: Good, with some rain or heatMar: Good, with some rain or heatApr: Best timeMay: Good, with some rain or heatJun: Wet or rough seasJul: Wet or rough seasAug: Wet or rough seasSep: Good, with some rain or heatOct: Best timeNov: Best timeDec: Best time
By road
Boat or cable car
Direct flight
Best months
Good, with some rain or heat
Wet or rough seas
Special season (see notes)
Two coasts, two seasons. From November to April the northeast monsoon keeps the west coast calm, with clear water and sunsets over the sea. From May to October the southwest monsoon brings waves and short, heavy showers to the west coast; the east coast, at Ham Ninh and Sao Beach, is the sheltered side.
Boats and islands. Island-hopping and snorkelling are best from November to April. From May to October boats can stay in port when the wind is up. Book licensed operators and wear the life jacket: checks on tour boats were tightened after a boat capsized near An Thoi in July 2026.
The hot months. March to May are the hottest, with strong midday sun. Plan beaches and walks for early morning and late afternoon.
Streams in the rain. Suoi Tranh and the island's other forest streams flow best in the rainy months, about June to October. In the dry season they can be a trickle.
Peak season and Tet. Christmas to Lunar New Year (Tet falls on 6 February 2027) is the busiest time. Book flights, rooms, cable-car tickets and boat trips well ahead.
APEC 2027. Vietnam hosts APEC's leaders' week on Phu Quoc in November 2027. Until then there's a lot of building work around the island, and during the meetings expect road closures and tight security.
Times are by car or taxi and stretch in heavy rain and at weekends. Flight times don't include getting to the airport. Boats to the islands and the mainland stay in port when the wind is up, mostly from May to October, so keep a spare day before a flight.
Getting around Phu Quoc
The airport is 11 km from town
Phu Quoc International Airport (PQC) is 15–20 minutes by road from Duong Dong, about 30–40 minutes from Sunset Town and about 35 minutes from Grand World. It's a 50 km island, so choose where you stay by what you want to do.
Ride as a passenger
An International Driving Permit issued under the 1949 convention isn't valid in Vietnam, and riding without a valid licence can void your travel insurance. Sit behind a licensed local driver instead. Emergency: 113 police · 114 fire · 115 ambulance.
30 days on the island without a visa
Fly straight into Phu Quoc from abroad and you can usually stay up to 30 days without a visa, on the island only. Going on to the mainland needs a Vietnam visa or exemption, so check the rules for your passport before you fly.
Boats to the mainland
Fast boats leave Bai Vong port on the east coast for Ha Tien (about 1 h 15–1 h 30) and Rach Gia (about 2 h 10–2 h 30), with car ferries too. Book a day ahead in peak season; sailings stop in rough weather.
Sun, sea and temples
The sun is strong all year: hat, water and reef-safe sun cream. Swim near lifeguards on the west coast from May to October, when currents pick up. Pagodas and temples ask for covered shoulders and knees.
Where Phu Quoc eats
Thirty places grouped by what you're craving: bun quay and crab noodles, snail shops that stay open past midnight, seafood by the water, wood-fired pizza, eight vegetarian kitchens and a few Vietnamese tables (with one pho, as promised). The MICHELIN Guide only announced Phu Quoc in October 2026, with its first selection due in 2027, so every card shows the Google Maps rating instead. Ratings, hours and pins are from each listing on 6 November 2026; only places rated 4.0 or higher made the list.
- DirectionsOpens Google Maps with a route from where you're standing. Tap the motorbike icon for two-wheeler routes.
- Show driverShows the address in large Vietnamese for your Grab or taxi driver.
- On our mapJumps to the pocket map below, with the place highlighted.
- Before you goDownload Phu Quoc for offline use in Google Maps, and carry some cash: street stalls rarely take cards.
Bun quay & island noodlesbun quay · banh canh ghe · bun ken · 5
Phu Quoc's own bowls. Bun quay means 'stirred noodles': fish and shrimp paste is cooked to order in the broth, and you stir your own dipping sauce at the table from salt, sugar, pepper, kumquat and chilli. Banh canh ghe is a thick tapioca noodle soup with blue swimmer crab, and bun ken is rice noodles in a fish and coconut-milk broth.
The original bun quay4.2 · 6,501 Google reviews
Bun Quay Kien Xay
The Duong Dong shop that made bun quay famous. Queue, order at the counter, then mix your own dipping sauce at the self-service table before the bowl arrives: fish and shrimp paste cooked to order with fresh noodles. Busy all day, so expect a short wait.
- Hours
- 06:50–22:30 (Wed to 23:00, Thu to 23:30)
- Address
- 28 Bach Dang
Duong Dong · 3 min walk from Dinh Cau
Bun quay on the beach strip4.7 · 425 Google reviews
Bun Quay Thien My
A highly rated bun quay shop on Tran Hung Dao, the road behind Long Beach, so you don't need to go into town for the island's signature bowl. Same ritual: stir your own sauce, then dip.
- Hours
- 07:00–22:00 daily
- Address
- 103 Tran Hung Dao
Long Beach strip · 2 km south of Duong Dong
Crab noodle soup4.3 · 381 Google reviews
Banh Canh Minh Thu
Thick, slippery tapioca noodles in a crab broth, topped with blue swimmer crab. The menu also has lobster and abalone versions if you want to push the boat out.
- Hours
- 07:00–22:00 daily
- Address
- 70 Tran Hung Dao
Long Beach strip · 1.5 km south of Duong Dong
Crab noodles in the south4.7 · 438 Google reviews
Banh Canh Ghe Be Map
'Fat Crab Noodle Soup': a big bowl of banh canh with blue swimmer crab, close to Sunset Town and the cable car. A good lunch before the Hon Thom ride or dinner before the evening show.
- Hours
- 06:00–21:00 daily
- Address
- S3-02 Sun Grand City, An Thoi
An Thoi · 23 km south of Duong Dong
Morning only4.3 · 910 Google reviews
Bun Ken Ut Luom
The one breakfast stop on this list. Bun ken is a dish of Phu Quoc and the coast nearby: rice noodles in a fish and coconut-milk broth, with herbs and raw vegetables on the side. It sells out by lunchtime.
- Hours
- 06:00–12:30 daily
- Address
- 42 Duong 30 Thang 4
Duong Dong · 10 min walk from Dinh Cau
Snail shopsquan oc · shellfish & sea snails · 4
Where the island goes after dark: trays of sea snails, clams, scallops and razor clams, grilled with scallion oil, steamed with lemongrass or stir-fried with tamarind, coconut or salted egg. Most are priced by the plate or by weight, so check before you order. Several stay open until 3am.
Snails until 3am4.6 · 1,870 Google reviews
Oc Hai San KTIN
A big, busy snail and seafood shop on the Long Beach strip, with a picture menu and plenty of tables. Open from late morning until 3am, so it works for lunch, dinner or the end of a night out.
- Hours
- 10:30–03:00 daily
- Address
- 147A Tran Hung Dao
Long Beach strip · 4 km south of Duong Dong
Snails & seafood barbecue4.8 · 804 Google reviews
Oc Nhi
An evening snail house on the east side of Duong Dong, also doing seafood barbecue and hotpot. Point at what looks good on the trays and choose how it's cooked.
- Hours
- 15:00–03:00 daily
- Address
- 363 Nguyen Trung Truc
Duong Dong · east of the river, 5 min by car
Evening snails in An Thoi4.4 · 237 Google reviews
Oc Dao An Thoi
A neighbourhood snail shop in An Thoi, the fishing town at the southern tip, that opens late afternoon. Easy to combine with Sunset Town and the 9pm show nearby.
- Hours
- 16:30–24:00 daily
- Address
- An Thoi town centre
An Thoi · 23 km south of Duong Dong
Family snail house4.7 · 310 Google reviews
Oc Co An Thoi
A family-run snail and seafood place in An Thoi with small plates at friendly prices, open from mid-morning until 3am. Order several plates and share.
- Hours
- 10:00–03:00 daily
- Address
- DT975, An Thoi
An Thoi · 23 km south of Duong Dong
Seafood by the waterhai san · goi ca trich · ghe Ham Ninh · 6
Choose it live, say how you want it cooked, eat it by the sea. Try goi ca trich, raw herring with grated coconut rolled in rice paper with herbs, and the blue swimmer crab of Ham Ninh. Seafood is sold by weight: agree the price per kilo before it goes into the pot.
Seafood on a sea terrace4.2 · 5,030 Google reviews
Xin Chao Seafood
Fresh island seafood and Vietnamese family dishes on a big terrace over the sea in Duong Dong. Good for a first-night seafood dinner without leaving town: arrive before sunset for a table at the edge.
- Hours
- 11:00–21:30 daily
- Address
- 66 Tran Hung Dao
Duong Dong · 10 min walk from Dinh Cau
Beachfront seafood4.7 · 1,396 Google reviews
Dao Hai San (Island Seafood)
A seafood restaurant on the beach north of the Duong Dong river mouth, popular with travellers for its sea views and fish chosen daily. Dinner only.
- Hours
- 16:00–22:30 daily
- Address
- Alley 111 Tran Phu
Duong Dong · north of the river mouth, 5 min by car
Crab on a floating restaurant4.4 · 120 Google reviews
Nha Be Ngoc Han
A floating raft restaurant at Ham Ninh fishing village on the quiet east coast. Pick your crab, scallops or fish from the pens, then eat over the water. Ham Ninh crab is the reason to come.
- Hours
- 09:30–22:00 daily
- Address
- Ham Ninh fishing village
Ham Ninh · 14 km east of Duong Dong
Seafood at Ganh Dau4.7 · 1,387 Google reviews
Quoc Thien
A local seafood restaurant at Ganh Dau, the fishing village on the island's north-west tip, with tables looking out to sea. Pair it with the cape and a sunset on the way back.
- Hours
- 10:00–22:00 daily
- Address
- Group 1, Ganh Dau
Ganh Dau · 26 km north-west of Duong Dong
Stilt house at Starfish Beach4.8 · 600 Google reviews
Nha Tren Bien (Joy Adventures)
A house on stilts at Rach Vem, run by a fishing family for three generations: seafood straight from the water, and their own boat out to the starfish shallows. Daytime only, so make it lunch.
- Hours
- 08:00–18:30 daily
- Address
- Rach Vem
Rach Vem · 23 km north of Duong Dong
Seafood in Grand World4.8 · 4,049 Google reviews
Hai San Cuong Kua
The busy seafood house of Grand World, for a crab and shellfish dinner before the canal lights come on. It offers free pick-up inside Grand World and from the big resorts around it.
- Hours
- 15:00–23:00 daily
- Address
- Grand World, Bai Dai
Grand World · 21 km north of Duong Dong
Wood-fired pizzapizza · Italian · 4
Phu Quoc has a serious pizza scene, from brick ovens on the Long Beach strip to a garden pizzeria in Ong Lang. Good for an easy dinner after a long beach day, and for families travelling with fussy eaters.
Brick-oven pizza4.8 · 8,663 Google reviews
The Home Pizza
The island's best-known pizzeria, with dough tossed by hand in an open kitchen and baked in a brick oven. Classic Italian pizzas plus Vietnamese-fusion ones; book at dinner time.
- Hours
- 11:00–22:30 daily
- Address
- 129 Tran Hung Dao
Long Beach strip · 3 km south of Duong Dong
Wood-fired Italian4.8 · 1,883 Google reviews
Pizza Camia
Wood-fired pizza on handmade dough from the team behind Camia Resort & Spa. Calm, a little smarter than most places on the strip.
- Hours
- 12:00–22:00 daily
- Address
- 89 Tran Hung Dao
Long Beach strip · 2 km south of Duong Dong
Neapolitan, Italian-owned4.6 · 789 Google reviews
Pizzamo
An Italian-owned Neapolitan pizzeria: 15 pizzas, panuozzo sandwiches, fresh pasta made in-house and several vegetarian options.
- Hours
- 13:00–23:00 (Tue to 00:30)
- Address
- 71B Tran Hung Dao
Long Beach strip · 1.5 km south of Duong Dong
Garden pizzeria in Ong Lang4.7 · 799 Google reviews
Midori House
A cosy garden restaurant in quiet Ong Lang, north of Duong Dong, with pizza from a wood oven and homemade Italian dishes. Handy if you're staying on the northern beaches.
- Hours
- 12:00–22:00 daily
- Address
- Le Thuc Nha, Ong Lang
Ong Lang · 8 km north of Duong Dong
Vegetarian & veganchay · Buddhist vegetarian · 8
Eight kitchens that cook without meat or fish: Vietnamese vegetarian bistros, a self-serve rice shop, homemade vegan noodles in Grand World and a pure-vegetarian Indian kitchen in Sunset Town. Tell staff if you're vegan or avoid egg.
Vegetarian bistro4.9 · 376 Google reviews
Bep Chay Nha An
A small vegetarian bistro in central Duong Dong cooking Vietnamese dishes without meat or fish. Lunch and dinner sittings, so plan around the afternoon break.
- Hours
- 09:00–14:00 · 17:00–21:00 daily
- Address
- 29 Tran Hung Dao
Duong Dong · 8 min walk from Dinh Cau
Vegan, all day4.5 · 461 Google reviews
Nam Vegan Restaurant
Nam means mushroom, and mushrooms star on a fully vegan menu of Vietnamese dishes, a short walk from the river mouth.
- Hours
- 10:00–21:00 daily
- Address
- 13 Nguyen Trai
Duong Dong · 5 min walk from Dinh Cau
Vegetarian restaurant4.6 · 282 Google reviews
Chay Minh Tam
A vegetarian restaurant opened in 2020 and popular with locals as much as travellers, with a long menu of Vietnamese dishes. Open from breakfast to dinner.
- Hours
- 07:00–21:00 daily
- Address
- 245 Duong 30 Thang 4
Duong Dong · east side, 5 min by car
Point-and-pick vegetarian rice4.7 · 245 Google reviews
Bo De Chay
A self-serve vegetarian rice shop: point at the dishes you want and they're piled onto your rice. Vegetarian noodle soups in the morning. Quick, cheap and very local.
- Hours
- 05:00–22:00 daily
- Address
- 189A Duong 30 Thang 4
Duong Dong · 15 min walk from Dinh Cau
Quiet vegan kitchen4.9 · 73 Google reviews
Tiem Chay Tam An
A calm little vegetarian shop cooking Vietnamese dishes from vegetables, mushrooms, tofu and beans. Small, so it's best for a slow lunch.
- Hours
- 06:30–20:30 daily
- Address
- 38 Hoang Van Thu
Duong Dong · east side, 5 min by car
Vegetarian in the south4.7 · 167 Google reviews
Chay Thien Nam
A simple vegetarian eatery in An Thoi, the closest meat-free kitchen to the Hon Thom cable car and the southern beaches.
- Hours
- 06:00–21:00 daily
- Address
- DT46, An Thoi
An Thoi · 28 km south of Duong Dong
Homemade vegan noodles5.0 · 184 Google reviews
Lam Vegan
'Lam' is the green of leaves and mountains. This Grand World shop makes its own 100% vegan fresh noodles, a rare find, and cooks light, fresh Vietnamese bowls around them.
- Hours
- 08:00–21:00 daily
- Address
- Grand World, Bai Dai
Grand World · 21 km north of Duong Dong
Pure-veg Indian · Sunset Town4.9 · 1,162 Google reviews
Maa Indian Vegetarian
A 100% vegetarian Indian kitchen in the middle of Sunset Town, with North and South Indian, Jain and vegan-friendly dishes. Open late, with a view of the evening show and fireworks from its tables.
- Hours
- 09:00–00:30 daily
- Address
- 01 Amalfi, Sunset Town
Sunset Town · 24 km south of Duong Dong
Vietnamese at the tablecom nha · banh xeo · and one pho · 3
Sit-down Vietnamese meals for a first night or a group: home-style rice dishes, crispy pancakes and, because some days you just want a bowl of pho, one pho shop. Just one, as promised.
Vietnamese home cooking4.9 · 384 Google reviews
Ninh Kitchen
A small, friendly Vietnamese restaurant near Duong Dong Market, cooking family-style dishes for travellers who want a sit-down meal in town.
- Hours
- 10:30–22:00 daily
- Address
- 10 Le Loi
Duong Dong · 3 min walk from Dinh Cau
Open 24 hours4.7 · 748 Google reviews
Com Que 378
Serving Grand World since 2020: crispy banh xeo pancakes, seafood, Hanoi draught beer and home-style rice meals, at any hour.
- Hours
- Open 24 hours
- Address
- Grand World, Bai Dai
Grand World · 21 km north of Duong Dong
The one pho4.8 · 851 Google reviews
Pho Tam
The one pho shop on this page: a well-loved bowl in Grand World's Shanghai street, open from breakfast to evening, with other Vietnamese dishes too.
- Hours
- 07:00–21:30 daily
- Address
- TH1-31 Shanghai, Grand World
Grand World · 21 km north of Duong Dong
Sunset bars and massage, in short
Phu Quoc's evenings start with the sunset, so the best bars face west. Six for a sundowner or a late cocktail, and five spas for the morning after a long boat day. One line each.
Long Beach evening: massage at Glow → sunset at OCSEN → dinner on Tran Hung Dao → cocktails at Origin 1982. In the south: massage at Coconut Spa → sunset on the Kiss Bridge → Times Corner rooftop for the 9pm show.
Bars & beach clubs6 places
-
Beach club · Long Beach
OCSEN Beach Bar & Club
Long Beach's best-known beach club, open since 2018: sunset on the sand, then cocktails until 1am.
4.5 · 4,768 Google reviews16:00–01:00
-
Beach club · Bai Truong
Sailing Club Beach Club
On the sand at the quieter southern end of Long Beach, open from breakfast; stay on for sunset drinks.
4.5 · 4,008 Google reviews06:30–22:00
-
Rooftop · 19th floor
INK 360 Rooftop Bar
Cocktails on the 19th floor of the InterContinental, designed by Ashley Sutton, with the sun dropping into the sea.
4.6 · 775 Google reviews17:00–23:00
-
Rooftop · Sunset Town
Times Corner Sky Bar
A Sunset Town rooftop for the sunset and, later, a view of the evening show and fireworks.
4.8 · 484 Google reviews15:00–24:00 (Sat–Sun to 23:00)
-
Hilltop view
Chuon Chuon Bistro & Bar
'Dragonfly' sits on a hill above Duong Dong: the whole bay, the town and the sea at sunset.
4.3 · 6,205 Google reviews07:30–23:00
-
Speakeasy · old house
Origin 1982
Specialty coffee by day, a speakeasy by night, in what it calls the last old house on the strip, built in 1982.
4.9 · 694 Google reviews07:30–24:00
Massage & spa5 places
-
Massage · Long Beach strip
YUJU Spa
Open 6am to midnight, with free luggage storage: handy on your last day before a late flight.
4.9 · 5,926 Google reviews06:00–24:00
-
Massage · central Duong Dong
Fiona Spa
Body and foot massage a few minutes' walk from Dinh Cau: book it for after the sunset walk.
4.8 · 4,027 Google reviews10:00–22:00
-
Foot, body & hot stone
Glow Day Spa
Foot and body massage and hot stones from therapists with more than ten years' experience, on the strip.
4.9 · 1,475 Google reviews10:00–22:30
-
Massage · Sunset Town
Coconut Spa & Cafe
A massage in Sunset Town before you walk to the Kiss Bridge for sunset. Closes at 9pm.
4.9 · 3,722 Google reviews08:00–21:00
-
Late massage · Sunset Town
Hanz Sunset Spa
Open until 11:30pm, so you can fit a foot massage in after the 9pm show.
4.8 · 1,234 Google reviews09:00–23:30
Massage prices are on the menu at the door: agree the treatment and its length before you start. Tipping is welcome but never required.
Not sure where to start? Tell our hosts where you're staying and what kind of evening you want, and we'll reply on WhatsApp with the places we'd pick.
Phu Quoc's photo spots, and how to reach them
Twenty-six places worth the photo, from the Kiss Bridge to starfish in the shallows, with the best time of day, what it costs and a one-tap route from wherever you're standing. Road times are from Dinh Cau in Duong Dong. Prices of the theme parks, the cable car and the shows are 2026 reference prices: check the operator's website before you go.
26 spots
Duong Dong & Long BeachSunset
Dinh Cau Rock Shrine
A small shrine on a rock at the mouth of the Duong Dong River, with a blue-and-white lighthouse beside it. Fishermen come to pray for calm seas and good catches before they head out, and at sunset the whole rock glows orange over the water.
- Hours
- 07:00–20:30
- Cost
- Free
In central Duong Dong
Climb the steps to the shrine about 30 minutes before sunset, then watch the fishing boats come back into the river below.
Duong Dong & Long BeachLate afternoon
Temple of the Sea Goddess
A colourful temple to Thuy Long Thanh Mau, the goddess the island's fishermen ask to protect them at sea. Dragons on the roof, incense inside and a quiet courtyard, a minute from Dinh Cau.
- Cost
- Free
In central Duong Dong
Dress modestly and keep your voice down: people come here to pray. A small donation is welcome.
Duong Dong & Long BeachEarly morning
Duong Dong Market
The island's main market, where fishing families sell the night's catch and stalls are piled with dried squid, black pepper and bottles of fish sauce. The best place to see everyday Phu Quoc.
- Cost
- Free
In central Duong Dong
Go before 9am for the fish section. Buy pepper and dried seafood here at local prices, and ask for it vacuum-packed for your bag.
Duong Dong & Long BeachMorning
Fish Sauce Barrel House
Walk between giant wooden barrels where anchovies and salt ferment for a year or more. Phu Quoc fish sauce was Vietnam's first product with a protected geographical indication (2001), and in 2012 the first Vietnamese product with protected-origin status in the EU.
- Hours
- 07:00–19:00
- Cost
- Free to visit
~25 min walk~5 min by road
Many airlines don't allow fish sauce in the cabin: ask the shop to pack it for checked luggage, and check your airline's rules first.
Duong Dong & Long BeachSunset
Long Beach (Bai Truong)
Around 20 km of sand along the west coast, from Duong Dong down past the airport. The north end is lined with small resorts, bars and seafood restaurants; the south end is quieter and backed by big resorts. Every evening the sun sets straight into the sea.
- Cost
- Free (public access points)
5 km south of Duong Dong · 10–15 min by road
From November to April the sea is calm and clear; from May to October waves and currents pick up on this coast, so swim near lifeguards.
Duong Dong & Long BeachSunset
Sunset Sanato Beach
A beach club on Long Beach dotted with large art installations on the sand and in the shallows, built for the sunset photo. One of the most photographed spots on the island.
- Hours
- 09:00–22:00
- Cost
- Entrance ticket; food and drinks extra
9 km south of Duong Dong · 15–20 min by road
Arrive an hour before sunset to get photos before the crowd, then stay for a drink as the sky changes.
The northSunset
Ong Lang Beach
A quieter beach of small coves and rocks north of Duong Dong, with low-key resorts and restaurants under the trees. A calm alternative to Long Beach in the dry season.
- Cost
- Free
9 km north of Duong Dong · 15–20 min by road
Reach it through the resort and restaurant lanes off the main road; most let you in if you buy a drink.
The northAfter dark
Grand World & the Venice canal
A whole new town in the north, built around a Venice-style canal with gondolas, bright shophouses and a night market. It's open all day and night, and most people come once the lights come on.
- Hours
- Open 24 hours
- Cost
- Free to walk around; gondolas, shows and some attractions are ticketed
20 km north-west of Duong Dong · 30–35 min by road
Come for sunset, have dinner, then stay for the evening shows by the canal. The night market runs from late afternoon to late.
The northAfter dark
Bamboo Legend
A huge domed structure woven from bamboo at the edge of Grand World, lit up in gold after dark. Step inside to look up at the pattern of the canes.
- Cost
- Free to see from outside
20 km north-west of Duong Dong · 30–35 min by road
Pair it with the Grand World canal: they're a two-minute walk apart.
The northAll day
VinWonders Phu Quoc
Vietnam's largest theme park, covering about 50 hectares, with rides, a water park and an aquarium in six themed zones. A full day out with children.
- Hours
- 09:00–19:30
- Cost
- About 950,000₫ (guests 1.4 m and taller; 2026 reference)
22 km north-west of Duong Dong · 35–40 min by road
Buy online on the VinWonders website for the best price, and look at the combined ticket with the Safari if you'll do both.
The northMorning
Vinpearl Safari
An open-range zoo and conservation park in the forest of the north, with rare native species and animals from around the world. Part of it is seen from a bus through the open enclosures.
- Hours
- 09:00–16:00
- Cost
- 850,000₫ (guests 1.4 m and taller), 650,000₫ (1–1.4 m and over 60), since 7 Jan 2026
25 km north-west of Duong Dong · 40–50 min by road
Go at opening time, when the animals are most active and it's cooler. A combined ticket with VinWonders is 1,500,000₫ for one day.
The northLate afternoon
Ganh Dau Cape
The rocky north-west tip of the island, with boulders, fishing boats and seafood shacks. On clear days you can make out the Cambodian coast across the water.
- Cost
- Free
27 km north-west of Duong Dong · 40–50 min by road
Have seafood at Ganh Dau village and watch the sunset on the way back along Bai Dai.
The northMorning
Starfish Beach (Rach Vem)
Shallow, clear water on the north coast where red starfish gather on the sand, with fishing families' stilt houses and boats along the shore.
- Cost
- Free; boat rides extra
23 km north of Duong Dong · 45–60 min by road (the last stretch is narrow)
Look, don't lift: taken out of the water, starfish can die within minutes. Calm, sunny days in the dry season give the clearest water.
East coast & hillsMorning or late afternoon
Ham Ninh fishing village
A fishing village on the quiet east coast, with a long pier running out over the water, crab boats and floating seafood restaurants. Ham Ninh's blue swimmer crabs are famous across the island.
- Cost
- Free
14 km east of Duong Dong · 20–25 min by road
Walk to the end of the pier at low tide, then have steamed crab at one of the rafts. Ask the price per kilo before you choose.
East coast & hillsRainy season
Suoi Tranh stream
A forest walk up a stream to small waterfalls and pools in the island's hills, with shade, rocks and a cool breeze on a hot day.
- Cost
- Small entry fee
9 km south-east of Duong Dong · 10–15 min by road
It flows best from about June to October; in the dry months it can be a trickle. Wear shoes with grip.
East coast & hillsMorning
Su Muon Pagoda
A hillside pagoda among pepper gardens east of the airport, with Buddha statues and a view across the middle of the island. Peaceful, and seldom crowded.
- Hours
- 07:00–17:00
- Cost
- Free
6 km south-east of Duong Dong · 10–15 min by road
Cover shoulders and knees, and take off your shoes where others do.
East coast & hillsEarly morning
Ho Quoc Pagoda
The island's largest pagoda, a Zen monastery climbing a forested hillside above the east coast, with a bell tower and terraces looking straight out to sea.
- Hours
- 06:00–18:00
- Cost
- Free
25 km south-east of Duong Dong · 35–45 min by road
Come at opening for the soft morning light over the water. Cover shoulders and knees.
The southSunset
Sunset Town
A Mediterranean-style town of pastel houses, a clock tower and seafront squares, built on the island's south-west coast. At 9pm the Kiss of the Sea show lights up the sea with water, lasers and fireworks.
- Hours
- Open 24 hours
- Cost
- Free to walk around; Kiss of the Sea is ticketed (about 1,000,000₫ , 2026 reference)
25 km south of Duong Dong · 40–50 min by road
Sunset from the seafront, dinner in town, then the 9pm show. The Vui-Fest seaside night market runs from about 6pm.
The southSunset
Kiss Bridge
Two arms of a white bridge reach out over the sea from Sunset Town and stop just short of each other, leaving a gap where couples lean across to kiss. Designed with the Italian architect Marco Casamonti.
- Hours
- About 07:00–22:00
- Cost
- About 50,000₫ ; 100,000₫ in the 16:00–19:00 sunset slot (2026 reference)
24 km south of Duong Dong · 40–50 min by road
The sunset slot is the busiest and dearest. For a quieter photo, go in the morning or after 7pm when it's lit up.
The southMorning
Hon Thom cable car
At 7,899.9 m, a Guinness World Record holder as the longest non-stop three-rope cable car (2018). The cabins glide over fishing boats and the An Thoi islands to Hon Thom.
- Hours
- 09:30–17:00
- Cost
- About 850,000₫ return for adults, with the island park (2026 reference)
25 km south of Duong Dong · 40–50 min by road
Take one of the first cabins for clear water and short queues, and book online on the Sun World website in peak season.
The southMorning
Sao Beach
A curve of fine white sand and turquoise water on the south-east coast, with beach restaurants and sun loungers to rent. Often called the island's prettiest beach.
- Cost
- Free; loungers to rent
27 km south-east of Duong Dong · 35–40 min by road
Come in the morning before the tour buses, and choose a restaurant for your lounger: most let you use it if you eat there.
The southMorning
Coconut Tree Prison
A prisoner-of-war camp of the French and American wars, and a national relic since 1995. Barbed-wire compounds, cells and a museum tell the story of the tens of thousands held here. Moving and sobering.
- Hours
- About 07:30–11:30 · 13:30–17:00
- Cost
- Free
26 km south of Duong Dong · 30–35 min by road
It closes over lunch. Some displays are graphic, so think before bringing young children.
An Thoi islandsAll day
Hon Thom island
The biggest of the An Thoi islands, reached by the cable car: a nature park, the Aquatopia water park and a long beach of soft sand.
- Hours
- 09:00–17:00
- Cost
- Included with the cable-car ticket
25 km to the cable car, then 15–20 min across the sea
Bring a dry bag and sun cream. The last cabins back fill up in the late afternoon, so don't leave it to the end.
An Thoi islandsMorning
Gam Ghi island
A small island with clear turquoise water and coral close to the shore, one of the classic snorkelling stops on a boat trip from An Thoi.
- Cost
- On a boat trip
30 km to An Thoi port, then about 30–40 min by boat
Snorkel only where the crew tells you, keep your fins off the coral and wear the life jacket.
An Thoi islandsMidday
May Rut island
A small, unspoilt island with a white beach and shallow water, the usual lunch-and-swim stop on island-hopping trips.
- Cost
- On a boat trip
30 km to An Thoi port, then about 30–40 min by boat
Take your rubbish back to the boat with you: there's nowhere to leave it on the island.
An Thoi islandsMorning
Mong Tay island
'Fingernail Island': a tiny curl of white sand in clear water at the southern edge of the An Thoi islands, often the first stop of the day.
- Cost
- On a boat trip
Boat trips from An Thoi port, about 40 min
The beach is small and busy by late morning: boats that leave early get it to themselves.
Must-try experiences on Phu Quoc
Twelve things to do between swims: four hands-on ones, from squid fishing at night to a pepper farm, and the eight island moments a local would send a friend to. All are easy to arrange yourself; prices, where shown, are for reference.
DIY: do it with your own hands
Catch it, pick it, paddle it or cook it yourself.
DIY
Catch your own squid at night
Squid boats head out from the harbours around sunset. Once it's dark the crew switch on bright lamps, hand you a line and a lure, and show you how to jig for squid. Whatever you catch is grilled on board while you watch the lights of the fleet.
Usually about 17:00–21:30 · book with a licensed operator through your hotel · stays in port when the sea is rough
DIY
Harvest pepper on a farm
Phu Quoc black pepper grows on tall vines all over the island. At The Countryside farm in the north you learn how black, white and red peppercorns are planted and harvested, then taste pepper in tea and in food.
Open 09:00–16:30 · pair it with Grand World or Starfish Beach
DIY
Paddle the Cua Can River
Paddle up the green, winding Cua Can River in a kayak or a round bamboo basket boat, the kind island fishermen use. A quiet hour on the water that most visitors never find.
Open 07:30–17:00 · morning is coolest · 14 km north of Duong Dong
DIY
Cook island food with a family
A few small family kitchens near Long Beach run hands-on cooking classes: you cook three or four Vietnamese dishes, from rolls to a soup or a curry, then sit down and eat them together. Tell them in advance if you're vegetarian.
Classes usually take 2–3 hours · Troc's Kitchen is open 09:00–21:00
Things you can't leave Phu Quoc without doing
The island's classics, and how to do them well.
Can't miss
Ride the record-breaking cable car
Float 7.9 km over the sea from An Thoi to Hon Thom, past fishing boats and the green An Thoi islands, then spend the day on the island's beach and in its water park.
09:30–17:00 · about 850,000₫ return (2026 reference) · first cabins have the shortest queues
Can't miss
Island-hop and snorkel the An Thoi islands
Day boats from An Thoi stop at three or four small islands for snorkelling over coral, swimming off white beaches and a seafood lunch. The water is clearest in the dry season.
Best November–April · book a licensed operator · wear the life jacket
Can't miss
Sunset on the Kiss Bridge, then the 9pm show
Watch the sun go down from the Kiss Bridge or the Sunset Town seafront, have dinner in town, then take your seat for Kiss of the Sea, a show of water, lasers and fireworks over the bay.
Show at 21:00 · tickets about 1,000,000₫ (2026 reference) · buy on the Sun World website
Can't miss
Eat crab on a raft at Ham Ninh
Drive across the island to the fishing village on the east coast, walk out along the pier, then pick your crab from the pens of a floating restaurant and eat it steamed, with salt, pepper and lime.
Ask the price per kilo before you choose · about 20–25 min from Duong Dong
Can't miss
Walk among the fish-sauce barrels
See where Phu Quoc's famous fish sauce is aged for a year or more in giant wooden barrels, smell the real thing, and taste the difference between first-press and the everyday bottle.
Free · 07:00–19:00 · check your airline's rules before buying a bottle
Can't miss
Find starfish in the shallows
Wade or take a small boat out at Rach Vem on the north coast, where red starfish lie on the sandy bottom in clear, shallow water. Look closely, take a photo with them still in the sea, and leave them where they are.
Free · calm mornings in the dry season · lunch at a stilt house
Can't miss
Spend an evening in Grand World
Ride a gondola along the Venice canal, wander the night market, then see Tinh Hoa Viet Nam, an open-air show about the life of Vietnam's fishing villages, with dancers, boats and projections.
Evening show about 20:15–21:00 · 230,000–300,000₫ (reference) · walking around is free
Can't miss
Greet the sunrise at Ho Quoc Pagoda
Be at the island's biggest pagoda when it opens: the monks' morning bells, incense smoke and the light coming up over the east coast, before the day's heat and the tour buses.
Free · opens 06:00 · cover shoulders and knees
Hosted by Toward Local
Saigon, Da Nang or Hoi An next? Ride with our hosts.
Toward Local's hosts ride in Saigon, Da Nang and Hoi An. Phu Quoc isn't one of our cities, so everything in this guide is something you can do on your own. Most island trips start or end in Saigon, an hour's flight away: sit behind a licensed local driver for a night of street food, or whisk your own egg coffee in one of our workshops.
- You ride as a passenger. A licensed local driver rides; helmet included.
- Egg coffee, hands-on. Workshops in Da Nang and Saigon, with an English-speaking host.
- Stops follow the day: the weather, the traffic and what's cooking decide the route.
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Six ways to ride, walk and whisk with us
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Saigon · by motorbikeToward Local
Iconic Saigon By Night Foodie Tour on Motorbike
Saigon after dark from the back of a motorbike: street food at several stops, food alleys and local neighbourhoods.
Saigon · workshopToward Local
Ho Chi Minh City Cooking Class & Egg Coffee Workshop
Learn to make Vietnamese egg coffee, add a hands-on cooking class if you like, then enjoy what you made.
Da Nang · by motorbikeToward Local
Da Nang Signature Local Street Food by Motorbike
Mi Quang, grilled-pork noodles, banh xeo and banh beo, with a drip-coffee stop and something sweet to finish.
Da Nang · workshopToward Local
Da Nang Egg Coffee Making Workshop
Whisk your own egg coffee with an English-speaking host, with an introduction to Vietnam's coffee culture.
Hoi An · on footToward Local
Hoi An Old Town Authentic Food and Sightseeing Walking Tour
The old town on foot: White Rose dumplings, banh mi, cao lau and Vietnamese coffee by the river.
Hoi An · by motorbikeToward Local
Hoi An Old Town Authentic Street Food Tour by Motorbike
White Rose dumplings, banh mi and cao lau, then out to Tra Que vegetable village and the Cam Nam riverside.
More free guides from our hosts
Same idea as this page, for the rest of your route.
Saigon Street by Street ↗Broken rice, Chinatown and walking routes in Ho Chi Minh City
Beyond Saigon ↗The Mekong Delta, Mui Ne, Con Dao and more of the south
Da Nang Bridge by Bridge ↗Turmeric noodles, the Dragon Bridge and a pocket map of the city
Hoi An Lantern by Lantern ↗Cao lau, the old town and a lantern-lit pocket map
Nha Trang Bay by Bay ↗Fish noodle soup, mud baths and island days
Hanoi Lake by Lake ↗Bun cha, the Old Quarter and a pocket map of the lakes
Beyond Da Nang ↗Hue, Phong Nha, Quy Nhon, Phu Yen and Da Lat
Beyond Hanoi ↗Ninh Binh, Ha Long, Ha Giang, Sa Pa and the northern mountains
All our tours are listed on towardlocal.com: Ho Chi Minh City tours · Da Nang tours · Hoi An tours. Want a route built around your dates? Message us on WhatsApp.
Walk Duong Dong, or ride south to the Kiss Bridge
Two routes drawn on real Phu Quoc roads: a 3 km late-afternoon walk through Duong Dong, from the fish-sauce barrels to Dinh Cau for sunset, and a 40 km ride south as a passenger past two pagodas, Sao Beach and the Coconut Tree Prison to Sunset Town. Switch to "All places" to see every address on this page, all over the island. Drag to move, pinch or use the buttons to zoom.
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
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