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Day Trips from Phu Quoc

Day Trips from Phu Quoc

Kien Giang Vietnam Travel Guide

Southern Islands An Thoi Archipelago

This is a popular day trip from Vietnam's Largest island. The archipelago includes beautiful islands like Hon Thom (Pineapple Island), May Rut Island, Fingernail Island, and Turtle Island.

Reach this group of islands by group boat tours setting off from An Thoi port, using a private boat charters, or by taking the Hon Thom Cable Car to Hon Thom Island. Organized tours are strongly suggested for island-to-island travel. They handle the logistics of boat rental, navigating between islands, and often include Snorkeling gear and lunch. Independent travel by private boat charter offers flexibility but has higher costs. A full day (6-8 hours) is typically needed to savor the Southern Islands fully.

Northern Phu Quoc Highlights

  • Explore Vietnam's Largest island National Park, Ganh Dau village, and Starfish Beach. Taxis or Grab services, or hiring a private driver, are also options. Organized tours cover multiple spots efficiently.
  • A half-day to a full-day trip, varying by number of stops.
  • For Southern Islands, begin early from An Thoi. Spend the day snorkeling, swimming, and relaxing. Return late afternoon. For Northern Phu Quoc, dedicate the forenoon to the national park and waterfalls (if wet season). Spend the afternoon at Ganh Dau and Starfish Beach.
  • Consider a day trip booking. Find day trips on GetYourGuide.

Natural Escapes

Vietnam's Largest island and its surroundings are rich in natural beauty, having lots of opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts.

Parks and Nature Reserves

Vietnam's Largest island National Park, an UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, is ideal for trekking, bird watching, plus waterfalls like Suoi Tranh and Suoi Da Ban. These falls are most impressive during the wet season.

Scenic Landscapes & Beaches

  • Ho Quoc Pagoda: Offers stunning coastal views.
  • Ganh Dau Peninsula: Panoramic views towards Cambodia.
  • Sao Beach, Khem Beach, Ong Lang Beach, Vung Bau Beach: Quieter and often more pristine beach experiences.

Seasonal Natural Phenomena

Waterfalls: Suoi Tranh and Suoi Da Ban waterfalls are at their peak during the wet season (May-October), when rainfall brings strong water flow.

Starfish at Rach Vem

  • Historically known for starfish, their visibility can be seasonal and influenced by environmental factors and tourism.
  • Often more visible in drier months, but their presence is not certain due to changing conditions.
  • Support responsible tourism to preserve natural sites.

Outdoor Activities

Island Exploration

  • Snorkeling around Southern Islands
  • Kayaking in smoother seas
  • Hiking in Phu Quoc National Park
  • Cycling through rural areas

Wildlife Spotting

  • Bird watching in the National Park
  • Marine life observation
  • Responsible interaction with wildlife
  • Preserving natural habitats

Travel Distances & Times

  • Duong Dong to An Thoi Port~30 minutes drive
  • Duong Dong to Hon Thom Cable Car~45 minutes drive
  • Duong Dong to Ganh Dau~AN hour's drive
  • Duong Dong to Ho Quoc Pagoda~25 minutes drive
  • Duong Dong to Sao Beach~40 minutes drive
  • Southern Islands tripFull day (6-8 hours)
  • Northern Phu Quoc tripHalf to Full day
  • Phu Quoc Airport to Duong Dong~20-30 minutes drive

Important Note on Waterfalls

Suoi Tranh and Suoi Da Ban falls are ideal to visit during the wet season (May-October) for ample water flow. In the dry period, they may be less impressive or dry.

Cultural Excursions

Explore the cultural and historical facets of Vietnam's Largest island.

Historical Sites

Vietnam's Largest island Prison is an important historical site on the island, with insights into wartime history.

Traditional Industries

Visit Ham Ninh Fishing Village for newly caught seafood. Explore pepper agricultural lands and fish sauce factories to learn about traditional production.

Spiritual Sites

Ho Quoc Pagoda is a prominent spiritual site, attracting pilgrims and visitors seeking tranquility and beautiful vistas.

Ham Ninh Fishing Village

A classic fishing village known for its fresh seafood, in particular its well-known Ham Ninh crab. Experience local life here and enjoy seafood from stilt houses over the water.

What to Do

  • Savor fresh crab and seafood.
  • Observe fishing by locals traditions.
  • Wander through the village.

Pepper Farms & Fish Sauce Factories

Learn about the cultivation of Phu Quoc's renowned black pepper. Witness traditional production methods of Phu Quoc's famous a salty sauce made from fermented fish.

Experiences

  • Tour pepper farms and buy fresh pepper.
  • See large wooden barrels for fish sauce fermentation.
  • Purchase authentic Phu Quoc fish sauce.

Local Production Insights

Pepper CultivationTraditional farming methods
A Salty sauce made from fermented fish FermentationAged in large wooden barrels
Ham Ninh CrabFreshly caught daily
Local CraftsSupport artisan communities
Sustainable PracticesGrowing eco-consciousness
Community SupportBuying directly benefit locals

Cultural Tip

  • Support local artisans and businesses directly when purchasing souvenirs to contribute to the preservation of traditional livelihoods.

Multi-Day Extensions

Consider extending your trip beyond Phu Quoc to explore more of the Mekong Delta or even neighboring countries.

Mekong Delta Exploration

Add 1-2 days to your trip to explore the heart of the Mekong Delta in Can Tho, or visit Ha Tien, a coastal town and gateway to Cambodia.

Extended Experiences

  • A City in the mekong delta: The Delta of the mekong river Hub for floating markets.
  • Ha Tien: Coastal Gateway with historical sites and markets.
  • Sihanoukville: Cambodian shores accessible by fast ferry (visa requirements apply).

Logical Next Destinations

Ho Chi Minh City: A major city hub for onward travel within Vietnam or international flights. Offers bustling city life and historical sites.

Further Adventures

  • Mekong Delta (Can Tho, Chau Doc): Dive into rural Vietnamese life with waterways and agriculture.
  • Cambodia (Kep, Kampot, Sihanoukville): Geographically close, checking visa requirements is necessary.
  • If your flight is disrupted, a service like Compensair assists with compensation claims.

Transportation Connections

Phu Quoc to A City in the mekong delta/Ha Tien/Rach Gia: Take a fast ferry, then connect to a bus for onward travel.

Connecting Travel

  • Phu Quoc to Ho Chi Minh City: Direct flights from Vietnam's Largest island International Airport (PQC) to Ho Chi Minh City (SGN), about AN hour.
  • Vietnam's Largest island to Sihanoukville (Cambodia): Direct international ferries. Check schedules and Cambodian visa needs.
  • Access airport lounges globally with Priority Pass.

Extended Travel Planning

For a deep look at Vietnam or neighboring regions, strategic planning for onward journeys is beneficial.

Planning Tips

  • Map out your next destination well in advance.
  • Book flights with connections or ferry tickets ahead of time.
  • Verify entry requirements for all countries you plan to visit.

Extended Travel Ideas

Beyond direct connections, various regions present special experiences easily combined with a Phu Quoc trip.

Ho Chi Minh City

Explore the city life and historical landmarks. Many flight connections available.

Mekong Delta Rivers

Discover local life along the waterways, markets, and fruit orchards.

Cambodian Coasts

Continue the island you're on adventure with a ferry to Sihanoukville or explore Kep/Kampot.

Travel Advisory

Always verify visa requirements for neighboring countries like Cambodia before planning cross-border excursions.