Check-in Phu Quoc: 12 Things to Do on Vietnam’s Beautiful Island

Phu Quoc, often called the “Pearl Island” of Vietnam, is one of Southeast Asia’s most enchanting tropical destinations. With lush rainforests, pristine sandy beaches, vibrant culture, and endless activities, it’s no surprise visitors are seeking the best things to do in Phu Quoc for their upcoming trip.

1. Best Beaches and Island Adventures

Khem Beach – Iconic Swimming Spot

Start your Phu Quoc journey by relaxing at Khem Beach, known for its clear turquoise waters and smooth white sand. Thanks to its natural crescent shape and the protection of surrounding mountains, Khem Beach is largely sheltered from the strong southwest monsoon winds that often affect other areas of Phu Quoc.

Thanks to this unique terrain, Khem Beach remains calm, crystal-clear, and suitable for swimming even during the rainy season in Phu Quoc, making it a year-round paradise for sea lovers.

Kayaking at Ong Lang Beach

For a more active seaside experience, kayaking at Ong Lang Beach is a must-do. Glide through calm waters, soak in the coastal views, and discover hidden coves perfect for photos and relaxation.

Ong Lang Beach is ranked among the most beautiful beaches in Phu Quoc and is often referred to as the “Maldives of Vietnam”. In contrast to the more crowded and lively beaches on the Pearl Island, Ong Lang Beach offers a tranquil escape with gentle waves, a peaceful and unspoiled atmosphere, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and a refreshing coastal breeze. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of exciting leisure activities, making it an ideal destination for both relaxation and exploration.

Snorkeling Around Doi Moi Island

Explore beneath the surface with snorkeling at Doi Moi Island. Its crystal-clear water reveals vibrant coral reefs and colorful marine life — an unforgettable activity for nature lovers. The Doi Moi Island area is home to more than 17 species of soft and hard corals, making it a fascinating attraction for visitors. This exciting experience is suitable for everyone, even for those who cannot swim.

Visitors can dive beneath the water’s surface to admire and even touch vibrant coral reefs in a wide range of colors. In addition, you will have the chance to explore the underwater world and watch schools of fish swimming freely, creating a truly unforgettable ocean adventure.

2. Nature & Cultural Experiences

Ham Ninh Fishing Village Tour

Ham Ninh Fishing Village on Phu Quoc Island is known as the main supplier of fresh seafood for the entire island. This ancient village retains a truly rustic and peaceful charm, with pristine beaches and clear blue waters. Thanks to its unspoiled beauty and tranquil atmosphere, Ham Ninh attracts a large number of visitors every year who come to explore and experience its authentic coastal lifestyle.

Immerse yourself in local island life at Ham Ninh Fishing Village. Stroll through the lively market, watch fishermen at work, and sample fresh seafood while experiencing authentic Phu Quoc culture.

Explore Phu Quoc National Park

Amid the bustling beaches and luxurious resorts, Phu Quoc National Park reveals a very different side of Phu Quoc – rustic, untouched, and full of life. If you once thought the Pearl Island was only about the sea, this place will change your perspective: nearly one-third of the island is covered by primary forest, clear streams, and a remarkably well-preserved ecosystem.

Walking through the vast green landscape, you can feel the breath of the forest blending with the ocean breeze – a rare sense of freshness in today’s fast-paced world. Whether you enjoy trekking, exploring nature, or simply searching for a quiet place to “recharge,” Phu Quoc National Park has a way of gently soothing the soul. This is the perfect escape from urban life, where you can reconnect with nature and rediscover balance within yourself.

Visit a Pepper Farm

Phu Quoc is famous for its pepper — considered among the best in Vietnam. Visiting a pepper plantation lets you see how this fragrant spice is grown, harvested, and processed.

Phu Quoc Pepper Farm is a popular tourist attraction among young travelers, especially those who love taking Instagram-worthy photos. The lush green pepper gardens, with their narrow paths winding through like a maze, offer visitors a variety of unique and memorable experiences.

Learn About Phu Quoc Prison History

Delve into history at Phu Quoc Prison, a preserved relic of Vietnam’s turbulent past. The museum offers poignant exhibits detailing life here during war years.

Phu Quoc Prison, also known as Coconut Tree Prison, was built by the French colonial authorities in 1949 to detain Vietnamese revolutionary fighters. After 1954, the prison was taken over by the U.S.-backed South Vietnamese government and significantly expanded. During the Vietnam War, it became the largest prison camp in South Vietnam, holding more than 40,000 inmates, many of whom endured brutal torture and inhumane living conditions.

Following Vietnam’s reunification in 1975, Phu Quoc Prison was dismantled and later officially recognized as a National Historical Site in 1995, marking its transformation from a wartime prison into a memorial landmark. Today, the site serves as a solemn reminder of the suffering endured during the war while honoring the resilience and sacrifice of Vietnamese soldiers. It also plays a vital role in preserving wartime memories for future generations, offering visitors profound insight into the harsh realities faced by prisoners.

Numerous commemorative and educational activities are held at the prison, including historical guided tours, incense-offering ceremonies on national holidays, and annual memorial events dedicated to veterans and fallen soldiers. The site also hosts themed exhibitions featuring prisoner testimonies, artifacts, photographs, and documents related to the resistance movement, helping to inspire patriotism, raise awareness of Vietnamese history, and promote humanitarian values among visitors.

3. Top Entertainment Attractions in Phu Quoc

VinWonders Phu Quoc Theme Park

VinWonders Phu Quoc is the largest theme park in Vietnam and one of the leading attractions of its kind in Asia. Designed for visitors of all ages and personalities, the park offers a wide range of ideal experiences for everyone.

From world-record-breaking rides to the vibrant underwater world featuring tens of thousands of marine creatures, VinWonders delivers an extraordinary level of entertainment. A visit here promises unforgettable moments and adds an exciting highlight to your Phu Quoc travel experience.

Vinpearl Safari Phu Quoc

Vinpearl Safari Phu Quoc is considered a shared home to thousands of animal individuals. It is home to many rare and endangered species from around the world, such as the Arabian oryx, flamingos, and black-necked swans. The animals here live together harmoniously and are raised under the best conditions that meet international standards.

Vinpearl Safari Phu Quoc is the first zoo in Vietnam to receive certification from the SEAZA Association for its efforts in animal conservation and welfare improvement. The zoo has been internationally recognized for meeting all essential requirements in terms of natural environment, infrastructure, and living conditions, enabling wild animals to be conserved, bred, and multiplied to form sustainable populations.

Vinpearl Safari Phu Quoc is divided into two main zones:

• Open Zoo
• Safari Park

Grand World Phu Quoc – “The Sleepless City”

Spanning an impressive 85 hectares and located at the heart of the area, Grand World features magnificent and luxurious architecture, vibrant and fashionable shopping streets, lively festivals and parties, and serves as a dynamic hub of entertainment and leisure.

Operating nonstop 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, Grand World creates a constant rhythm of excitement and an endless festive atmosphere—bursting with energy, much like the world’s most famous cities that never sleep.

4. Nighttime Fun & Local Cuisine

Phu Quoc Night Market Experience

Although it only comes alive for a few hours each evening, Phu Quoc Night Market is always bustling with tourists as well as local residents. Visitors can enjoy shopping to their heart’s content while tasting Phu Quoc’s signature specialties, especially the wide variety of fresh seafood beautifully displayed throughout the market.

Seafood: If you don’t have a chance to visit Ham Ninh fishing village for seafood, the night market is always a great alternative. Every seafood stall here is packed with diners, both locals and international visitors alike. Prices at the market are generally higher than elsewhere, but if you feel like treating yourself, it’s absolutely worth it.

Thai Rolled Ice Cream: One of the most distinctive features of Phu Quoc Night Market is the rhythmic “clack-clack” sound coming from Thai rolled ice cream carts. You’ll find them everywhere—almost every few dozen meters there’s another cart. The lively chopping sounds echo throughout the market and are often the very first thing people remember when talking about Phu Quoc Night Market.

Churros – A New Treat at Phu Quoc Night Market: There is a very eye-catching churros stall that makes nearly everyone stop and look. What really draws attention is the small chocolate fountain flowing continuously, releasing an irresistible aroma. Freshly fried churros are coated with sugar and dipped into rich, fragrant chocolate sauce—simple but incredibly tempting.

Palm Sugar Honeycomb Cake (Bánh bò thốt nốt): Palm sugar honeycomb cakes cost only around 5,000 VND each. For travelers from southern Vietnam, this treat may feel familiar, but visitors from central or northern regions may be discovering palm fruit for the first time. Palm trees thrive in sun and rain but cannot tolerate cold weather. They belong to the palm family, and the fruit is about the size of a coconut, with soft, white segments inside that are lightly sweet and pleasantly fragrant

Pearls: After filling your stomach, take a stroll around the market to find souvenirs for family and friends. Phu Quoc is famous for its natural pearls, and the market offers a wide selection including white, black, gray, and golden pearls. Vendors often claim these are real pearls that were rejected due to not meeting top-grade standards. If you want more peace of mind, you can always visit pearl farms to purchase directly from the source.

Phu Quoc Pepper: Of course, you shouldn’t miss the pepper stalls. Phu Quoc pepper is just as famous as Dak Lak pepper, known for its strong aroma and distinctive flavor.

Night Squid Fishing Cruise

Night squid fishing in Phu Quoc is an exciting and highly attractive experience for travelers. Many visitors share the same opinion: if you come to Phu Quoc without trying night squid fishing, you have only explored half of the Pearl Island.

According to local fishermen, night squid fishing is not always available during a trip to Phu Quoc, as this activity is greatly affected by weather conditions.

Best time for night squid fishing in Phu Quoc:

• Dry season (October to April): This is the most ideal period, with little rain, no storms, and calm seas. Travelers are advised to go squid fishing on the west coast, especially around Dinh Cau, where winds are lighter. Choosing a tour in this area allows visitors to enjoy squid fishing after watching a beautiful sunset over the sea.
• Rainy season (May to September): During this time, tourists should head to Bai Sao. The southwest monsoon is stronger in this season, but Bai Sao has gentler waves, making it safer and easier for squid fishing.

One important note for travelers planning to go night squid fishing in Phu Quoc is to avoid full-moon nights or days with strong waves, as squid are less active and sea conditions may be unsafe.