A dozen things to do in the most beautiful island beach in Vietnam

From military bivouacs, prisoner camps, ammunitions on desolated fields and an atmosphere of hostility and warfare to five-star hotels, beach clubs, restaurants, flocks of tourists and a potpourri of fun and exciting activities, Phu Quoc had truly metamorphosed into a top tourism magnet in Vietnam. The island has been dozing off for quite some time since its historical involvement in the nation’s discord against Cambodia. Only in the recent years that its hidden gem was uncovered and developed. 

Undeniably being one of the best, if not, the best beach there is in the country, Phu Quoc Island has drawn millions of local tourists and foreigners in a year. With an international airport just a few kilometers away from the city center, this island has become more accessible than ever. 

With a total area of 574 km², Phu Quoc is the biggest island in Vietnam that boasts a seemingly endless white-sand shoreline and an unlimited avenue for fun and relaxation.

Here are some activities worth ticking off your Phu Quoc bucket list:

1. ENJOY THE BEACH 

Lounge at the wide-stretch of white-sand beach and take a relaxing walk in the morning or at sunset. While you take a relaxing breath, you can try some refreshing drinks which are readily available at a beachfront cafe or restaurant. For a more unique experience, you may also wait for hawkers to come by and try the fresh local drinks.

Orange Resort

2. WATCH THE SUNSET

One thing you shouldn’t miss is the magnificent colors of dusk. Sunset Sanato, which also has accommodation options and a restaurant, provides cool backdrops for your sunset photos. It gets a little crowded on holidays and weekends so staying right at the doorstep of your beachfront hotel room should be perfect. 

I stayed at Orange Hotel, one of the many resorts that has a beachfront room, where I had the luxury of watching the sunset at the comfort of my bed. 

my sunset view from the Orange Resort

3. GET AN ADRENALINE RUSH WITH WATER ACTIVITIES

There are a number of water activities you can choose from. Snorkeling and diving are the most popular activities among tourists, but you might need to go on an island hopping first to get to do those things. The best way to book a tour is through your hotel staff. They usually have the best discounted deals. 

sea walking in Phu Quoc

4. GO ISLAND HOPPING

This is a must when you want to try the water activities in Phu Quoc.

5. BE THRILLED AT THE THEMED PARKS

VinWonders themed park is a must-visit. It lies 28 km north from the town center. There are public buses every 30 minutes but for your convenience, a taxi or a private car will be the best way to go. 

This place is perfect for kids and kids at heart. You can enjoy a variety of heart-stopping adventure rides and child-friendly ones. It also features an aquarium with diverse underwater creatures. 

The best way to book a ticket would be online or through the hotel staff as there could be discounted packages that include passes to both VinWonders and VinSafari. 

More of this trip here:

6. VISIT THE SAFARI

VinSafari Phu Quoc is the largest and the most diversified one in the country. It has an extensive collection of species and a better environment for its inhabitants. Tickets for the safari could be bought as a bundle with VinWonders Theme Park passes. The theme park and safari are in two different locations so you can either take the taxi or the electric buggies as a cheaper option. 

check out more of this on Vinpearl Safari Phu Quoc - YouTube

7. GET THAT ‘VENETIAN FEELS’ AT GRAND WORLD 

Grand World Phu Quoc is much closer to the safari and theme park attractions, but it is not situated on the coastal area. From the town center of Phu Quoc, you need to take a bus, a taxi or a private car to get to this little Italian district. However, you can definitely stay here as there are endless options of accommodations, food, and all sorts of entertainment in this place. 

You might want to stay up to watch their water musical show at around 9pm onwards. If you’re planning to do this, always secure a nice spot like a cafe or even from your hotel balcony before the show starts as it tends to get crowded especially on holidays. 

In the morning, you can try a relaxing cruise on a water taxi for 200k VND.

8. VISIT THE TEDDY BEAR MUSEUM

This attraction can easily be located at the Grand World. This is surely a big hit for kids. You can only imagine how awesome it is to see teddy bears of varied sizes coming to life, hypothetically err mechanically. 

Justine and Marvin at the Teddy Bear Museum

9. EAT LOCAL CUISINES

Because the island is a tourist destination, more and more restaurants and cafes are being opened or launched. There is a variety of street food such as barbeque and fried dishes in the night markets (Dinh Cau & Bach Dang). Make sure to add the fresh seafood in your food trip so do check out the restaurants especially along the shores of the island. 

a proof that you can always access fresh seafood on the island.  catch from our island-hopping mates :D

10. PARTY AT THE BEACH 

If you can't decide between hanging out at the beach and partying at clubs, then the beach clubs are your perfect choice. You can drink and disco along the shorelines while enjoying the fresh sea breeze. 

snapshots from Phu Quoc Island Bucket List - YouTube

11. DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY AT NIGHT CLUBS OR CHILL AT RESTAURANTS WITH LIVE BAND PERFORMANCES

The town center has become a partying hub with all the night clubs that mushroomed all over the place. But you can also choose a more laidback environment at cafes and pubs with live band performances. 

snapshots from Phu Quoc Island Bucket List - YouTube

12. SHOP AND DINE AT THE NIGHT MARKET

There are two night markets at the town center namely, Dinh Cau and Bach Dang, which are close to each other so you can have a fun night-market hopping, if that's a thing :D There is also another one at the Grand World. 

at the Grand World Indochine Night Market

Check out more of this trip here!

Let me know your thoughts about this trip! 

Till then,