Most travellers who add Phu Quoc to their Vietnam itinerary don't really know the best things to do in Phu Quoc beyond the obvious. They stick to standard island-hopping tours and beach time, missing out on the island's authentic food scene and the local experiences that make this place so good for relaxation and rejuvenation.
That's exactly what this guide is for. We'll show you what you can do, and what you really shouldn't skip, when you're exploring Phu Quoc, so every day of your holiday actually counts. Along the way, we've packed in travel tips based on real, on-ground experience of the island, the kind of insight that makes a genuine difference.
Think of this as your go-to guide for the best things to do in Phu Quoc, put together to help you experience the island the way someone who actually knows it would.
Give it a go!
Why Visit Phu Quoc in Vietnam?
If you're looking for an island that combines postcard-worthy beaches, exciting attractions, and authentic local experiences without stretching your budget, Phu Quoc ticks every box. Here's what makes it one of Vietnam's most rewarding beach destinations:
- Luxury without the splurge: Enjoy a five-star beachfront escape for 20% to 25% less than what you'd typically spend in Bali or Phuket.
- Sunsets worth planning your evenings around: Thanks to its west-facing coastline, Phu Quoc treats you to breathtaking ocean sunsets almost every day.
- Beaches you'll want to linger on: From the white sands of Sao Beach to the clear waters of Kem Beach, the island offers beautiful, uncrowded stretches of coastline.
- Two completely different experiences on one island: Spend one day at VinWonders, Vinpearl Safari, or Grand World, and the next exploring Sunset Town and walking across the iconic Kiss Bridge.
- Nature is always within reach: With over half the island protected as Phu Quoc National Park, you can swap beach time for jungle trails, waterfalls, and lush tropical settings.
- A chance to experience local island life: Visit floating fishing villages, explore pepper plantations, and discover the island's history at the Coconut Tree Prison.
Things to Do in Phu Quoc
There are plenty of things to do in Phu Quoc, whether you want to spend your day island hopping, enjoying water sports, or visiting family-friendly attractions. Here are some experiences worth adding to your itinerary.
Must-Try Food in Phu Quoc
Trying the local food is one of the best things to do in Phu Quoc. From freshly caught seafood to traditional Vietnamese dishes, the island has plenty to offer food lovers.
1. Herring Salad (Gỏi Cá Trích)
What is it: The island's signature raw seafood delicacy, combining fresh fish with shredded coconut and local herbs.
Main ingredients: Raw herring fillets, shredded coconut, thin red onion slices, mint, coriander, rice paper, and a dipping sauce made from local anchovy fish sauce, crushed peanuts, and chili.
Where to try: Ham Ninh Fishing Village (East Coast) or seafood restaurants lining 30/4 Street in Duong Dong town.
2. Stirring Rice Noodles (Bún Quậy)
What is it: A high-energy, interactive seafood noodle soup where the noodles are pressed fresh into the pot right before serving.
Main ingredients: Freshly pressed rice noodles, boiling fish broth, a pounded paste of wild shrimp, squid, minced beef, scallions, cilantro, and a self-mixed dipping sauce of kumquat juice, sugar, chili, and salt.
Where to try: Bún quậy KIẾN - XÂY (Bach Dang Street, Duong Dong town).
3. Ham Ninh Crab (Ghẹ Hàm Ninh)
What is it: A famous coastal dish featuring small to medium-sized blue crabs harvested from the island's shallow eastern waters.
Main ingredients: Whole blue crabs, steamed fresh with lemongrass and ginger, served with a simple dipping sauce of lime juice, sea salt, and black pepper.
Where to try: Pier-side stilt restaurants at Ham Ninh Fishing Village.
4. Grilled Sea Urchin (Nhum Biển Nướng)
What is it: A prized local coastal delicacy harvested straight from the pristine coral reefs surrounding the island.
Main ingredients: Fresh sea urchins, roasted peanuts, chopped scallions, and lard oil, grilled over open charcoal flames.
Where to try: Seafood stalls inside the Phu Quoc Night Market (Nguyen Trai Street, Duong Dong).
5. Rice Noodle Salad with Veggie Crispy Rolls (Bún Chả Giò Chay)
What is it: A cold, refreshing noodle bowl that balances warm, crunchy fried textures with crisp garden greens.
Main ingredients: Rice vermicelli noodles, crispy spring rolls (filled with wood-ear mushrooms, taro, and glass noodles), lettuce, mint, bean sprouts, crushed peanuts, and a sweet pineapple-based dipping sauce.
Where to try: Khánh Ly Vegetarian Restaurant (Nguyen Trai Street, Duong Dong).
6. Vegetarian Savory Crêpes (Bánh Xèo Chay)
What is it: A massive, crispy, turmeric-infused rice flour pancake fried to order over a roaring fire.
Main ingredients: Rice flour, turmeric, coconut milk, fresh mung beans, bean sprouts, wild mushrooms, mustard leaves, and jungle herbs used to wrap the crêpe.
Where to try: Look for street food carts displaying large "CHAY" signs along the perimeter of the Phu Quoc Night Market or Tran Hung Dao Street.
7. Braised Tofu Claypot (Đậu Hũ Kho Tộ Chay)
What is it: A rich, bubbling savory comfort food served alongside broken rice at traditional island eateries.
Main ingredients: Firm tofu chunks, local black pepper, garlic, chili, soy sauce, and sugar, slow-cooked in a traditional clay pot until caramelized.
Where to try: Point-and-choose buffet counter at Khánh Ly Vegetarian Restaurant.
8. Lemongrass Tofu Baguette (Bánh Mì Đậu Hũ Sả)
What is it: The iconic Vietnamese French-style street sandwich adapted with local aromatics and plant proteins.
Main ingredients: Crispy baguette, tofu strips sautéed with fresh lemongrass and chili, mushroom pâté, cucumber, pickled daikon radish, carrots, cilantro, and soy sauce.
Where to try: Mobile street baguette carts displaying "CHAY" signs around Duong Dong town center.
Fun Activities in Phu Quoc
Whether you're travelling with family, friends, or your partner, you'll find no shortage of things to do in Phu Quoc, from water activities to theme parks we’ve got your covered!
1. An Thoi Archipelago
Activities: Visit different islands, snorkel to see coral reefs, try sea walking, or spend time relaxing at May Rut Island.
Tribe Tip: Choose a speedboat tour to spend more time on the islands and less time travelling.
2. Hon Thom Island
Activities: Ride the cable car across the sea, enjoy the rides at Exotica Village, and cool off at Aquatopia Water Park.
Tribe Tip: Bring a waterproof phone pouch and a quick-dry towel instead of buying them at the park.
3. Cua Can River
Activities: Kayak or paddleboard through the river, pass mangrove forests, and see local fishing villages along the way.
Tribe Tip: Head out early in the morning when the river is quieter and the weather is cooler.
4. Rach Vem (Starfish Beach)
Activities: Walk in the shallow water, see red starfish, and enjoy seafood at the floating restaurants.
Tribe Tip: Don't take the starfish out of the water, as it can harm them.
5. VinWonders & Vinpearl Safari
Activities: Go on roller coasters, visit the aquarium, watch live shows, and take a safari bus to see animals.
Tribe Tip: Buy a combo ticket and visit the safari first before heading to VinWonders.
6. Sunset Town & Kiss Bridge
Activities: Walk around Sunset Town, visit the Kiss Bridge, watch the sunset, and stay for the evening light and firework show.
Tribe Tip: A waterfront café gives you great sunset views if you don't want to pay for bridge entry.
Shopping in Phu Quoc Island
Because we know the list of things to do in Phu Quoc isn't complete without a shopping stop!
1. Kingkong Mart
What to get: Vacuum-sealed Phu Quoc black pepper, premium fish sauce, and sweet Sim myrtle syrup.
Tribe Tip: This store sells fish sauce bottles pre-wrapped in airline-approved packaging to prevent leaks in your luggage.
2. Ngoc Hien Pearl Farm
What to get: Certified cultured pearl jewelry, pearl earrings, and long-lasting pearl powder face masks.
Tribe Tip: Keep the official certificate of authenticity handy in your carry-on luggage for potential customs checks.
3. Phu Quoc Night Market
What to get: Roasted flavored peanuts, dried seasoned squid, and durable bamboo or coconut handicrafts.
Tip: Check that the plastic seals on food containers are fully intact so the items stay fresh for months.
4. Khai Hoan Fish Sauce Factory
What to get: Authentic, high-protein (40°N or 45°N) traditional fish sauce directly from the source.
Tribe Tip: Most airlines ban liquid fish sauce in carry-on bags, so check if the factory can ship it directly to your home country.
5. Suoi Da Pepper Farm
What to get: Dried whole green peppercorns, pink peppercorns, and specialty pepper-infused sea salts.
Tip: Buy whole peppercorns instead of ground powder because they maintain their punchy flavor for up to three years.
Relaxation & Rejuvenation in Phu Quoc
The following table blends the most peaceful public beaches and monasteries with accessible, nature-focused things to do in Phu Quoc:
Place | Type | Best Public Activity |
Phu Quoc National Park | National Park | Birdwatching along the quiet Ganh Dau trail to spot hornbills and wild butterflies. |
Ong Lang Beach | Public Beach | Practicing self-guided morning yoga on empty, rock-fringed sands. |
Ganh Dau Cape | Public Coastline | Peering into shallow rock pools during low tide to look for small sea stars and tiny crabs. |
Su Muon Pagoda | Monastery | Finding a shaded stone bench beneath ancient trees for mindful meditation. |
Suoi Tranh Jungle Path | Nature Park | Listening to the natural chorus of wild cicadas and tree frogs while walking the shaded forest trail. |
Why Choose Holiday Tribe?
The best holidays are rarely defined by the big-ticket attractions. They're shaped by the little decisions along the way. Staying in the right part of the island. Having enough time to enjoy a place instead of rushing through it. Knowing which experiences are worth your time and which ones can wait. That's how we approach every Holiday Tribe getaway, so your time in Phu Quoc feels less like a packed itinerary and more like a holiday you'll genuinely remember.
