Phu Quoc Island: Best Beaches, Resorts, and Things to Do

Phu Quoc Island, sometimes written as “Phu Quoc,” has gained widespread popularity among travelers from Saudi Arabia and the GCC. It has become the focus of travel videos featuring scenes completely different from the rest of Vietnam, including boats sailing through Venetian-style canals, a cable car stretching almost 8 kilometers over the sea, and white beaches with waters that rival the Maldives for clarity.

This growing popularity is no coincidence. The American platform AOL ranked Phu Quoc among the world’s 10 most searched and booked destinations for 2026, based on Expedia data. This has made Phu Quoc one of the most prominent Vietnamese islands and perhaps the best choice for a relaxing beach holiday away from busy cities.

In this guide, we explore the best beaches in Phu Quoc, the top areas to stay, its main entertainment attractions, and all the practical details you need for your visit.

Where Is Phu Quoc Island, and Why Did It Top Global Destination Lists in 2026?

Phu Quoc is located in the Gulf of Thailand and is Vietnam’s largest island. Administratively, it belongs to Kien Giang Province, although geographically it is closer to the Cambodian coast than to mainland Vietnam.

This relatively isolated location has turned the island into a destination that feels different from the rest of Vietnam. Instead of busy cities and colonial history, Phu Quoc offers a complete tropical island experience with luxury resorts, long beaches, and large entertainment complexes developed by major Vietnamese companies over the past decade.

One important point should be clarified for travelers planning their trip. Vietnam offers a 30-day visa exemption to travelers of all nationalities who enter Phu Quoc directly on an international flight landing at the island’s airport, provided that their next destination after the island is a country outside Vietnam.

However, in practice, this exemption does not apply to most Saudi travelers because flights from Saudi Arabia usually connect through Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City first. In this case, the standard Vietnam e-visa remains the correct option because the traveler’s actual entry point into the country is not Phu Quoc.

You can learn more about Vietnam visa requirements in the following article: [Tourism in Vietnam: Your Complete 2026 Travel Guide].

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Best Beaches in Phu Quoc

Phu Quoc’s coastline stretches for more than 150 kilometers and includes over 20 named beaches. The following are among the most popular:

Sao Beach, Bai Sao: Located in the far south of the island near An Thoi, this is the most famous beach in Phu Quoc. It is known for its soft white sand and calm turquoise water and has previously appeared on international lists of the world’s clearest beaches.

Long Beach, Bai Truong: Stretching along the western coast beside many of the island’s hotels and resorts, Long Beach is only a few minutes from the airport and is the most popular location for watching the sunset.

Ong Lang Beach: Located in the northwest, Ong Lang is quieter and less crowded than Long Beach. It combines sandy and rocky sections with small resorts and is known for its romantic sunsets.

Khem Beach, Bai Khem: Located in the southeast, Khem Beach is considered one of the island’s quieter hidden spots, with clear water despite being close to the more famous Sao Beach.

Bai Dai Beach: Located in the north, this beach stretches for a long distance and is less crowded than beaches in southern and western Phu Quoc.

Rach Vem Beach, Starfish Beach: Located in the far north, this beach is known for the natural starfish found close to the shore. Visitors should not touch the starfish or remove them from the water, as this can harm the local ecosystem.

The best time for swimming and snorkeling at these beaches is during the dry season, from November to April, when underwater visibility is clear and may reach up to 15 meters.

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Best Resorts and Areas to Stay in Phu Quoc

The best area to stay depends on the type of trip you are planning:

Long Beach: Most hotels and resorts in Phu Quoc are concentrated in this area. It is the most convenient option for most visitors because it is only around five minutes from the airport and provides easy access to the island’s main attractions.

Ong Lang: This area offers smaller and quieter boutique resorts. It is a good choice for honeymooners or travelers who prefer to stay away from busy tourist areas.

An Thoi and Sao Beach, southern Phu Quoc: This area is suitable for travelers who prioritize the Hon Thom Cable Car, snorkeling tours, and visits to the southern islands, as it is close to the cable-car station and boat piers.

Grand World and Vinpearl: These integrated resort areas are directly connected to major entertainment complexes. They are a practical choice for families who want to walk or use free shuttle buses to reach the theme park and safari without arranging daily transportation.

You can search for hotels in Phu Quoc and compare prices through almatar according to your preferred area and travel dates.

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Top Attractions and Entertainment Activities in Phu Quoc

Alongside its beaches, Phu Quoc has become a major entertainment destination in recent years, offering attractions that rival those of large international leisure cities.

Hon Thom Cable Car: The cable car connects An Thoi with southern Hon Thom Island across approximately 7.9 kilometers over the sea. The journey takes around 15 minutes and offers panoramic views of the surrounding islands. Hon Thom also includes a water park and beach activities.

Grand World Phu Quoc: An entertainment complex that operates around the clock. It features Venetian-style canals that can be explored by boat, a night market with more than 130 food and souvenir shops, and evening shows such as The Quintessence of Vietnam, a large live cultural performance, and The Charm of Venice, a water show featuring lights and music.

VinWonders Phu Quoc: A large theme park featuring rides and theatrical performances, including Once, a show inspired by fairy tales. It is particularly suitable for families.

Vinpearl Safari: A semi-wildlife park that is considered the largest of its kind in Vietnam.

Sunset Town: This area is known for Kiss of the Sea, a daily artistic fireworks and multimedia show lasting approximately 20 minutes. It is the only show of its kind held every night in Vietnam.

Phu Quoc Night Market: Located in Duong Dong, this market is simpler and more local than the market at Grand World. It is known for fresh seafood and locally made island products.

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Best Time to Visit Phu Quoc

The dry season from November to April is the best time to visit Phu Quoc. Temperatures range from 26°C to 30°C, while the sea is generally calm and underwater visibility is clear. These conditions are ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and boat trips.

The rainy season from May to October offers fewer crowds and better accommodation prices. However, it is best avoided when diving and swimming are the main focus of the trip, particularly between June and September, when the sea becomes rougher, and the water is less clear.

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Halal Food and Local Phu Quoc Specialties

Halal food options in Phu Quoc are limited compared with larger Vietnamese cities such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

Most options are concentrated in a small number of Indian and halal restaurants in Duong Dong, including Ganesh Indian Restaurant, the highly rated Chez Messiline, and Sarah Halal Restaurant.

It is advisable to reserve a table or contact the restaurant before arrival to confirm its opening hours, particularly because these restaurants are smaller and fewer in number than halal restaurants in major cities.

Phu Quoc is also known for a unique local product, fish sauce called nuoc mam, which has been traditionally produced on the island for generations.

The island is also famous for its black pepper farms. Some traditional factories and farms can be visited as part of a light cultural tour between beach days.

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How to Reach Phu Quoc

The island is served by Phu Quoc International Airport (IATA code: PQC).

There are no direct flights from Saudi Arabia to Phu Quoc. Most Saudi travelers need to fly first to Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, then take a short domestic flight. The journey from Ho Chi Minh City to Phu Quoc takes approximately one hour.

Travelers who are already in southern Vietnam can also use fast ferries from Ha Tien or Rach Gia on the mainland. The journey takes between 1.5 and 3 hours, depending on the departure port.

After planning the details of your trip to Phu Quoc, you can use the flight search feature on almatar to compare airfares to Vietnam before booking.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tourism in Phu Quoc

Where is Phu Quoc Island located?

Phu Quoc is located in the Gulf of Thailand. It is Vietnam’s largest island and lies close to the coast of Cambodia.

What is the best time to visit Phu Quoc?

The dry season, from November to April, is the best time for swimming, snorkeling, and boat trips.

What are the best beaches in Phu Quoc?

The most popular beaches include Sao Beach, Long Beach, Ong Lang Beach, Khem Beach, and Bai Dai Beach.

What are the top activities in Phu Quoc?

Popular activities include riding the Hon Thom Cable Car and visiting VinWonders, Vinpearl Safari, Grand World, and the shows at Sunset Town.

Is halal food available in Phu Quoc?

Yes, there are a few halal and Indian restaurants in Duong Dong, but options are limited, so it is best to confirm availability in advance.