Phu Quoc Island is often described as Vietnam’s tropical escape, but what’s surprising is how varied the experience can be. From taking a cable car above its beautiful turquoise waters, to stumbling across quiet beaches in the south, Phu Quoc can feel like more than a single destination, stitched together from several small experiences. While it isn’t perfect, there are moments I genuinely loved while exploring the island.
Arriving on Phu Quoc
I arrived in Phu Quoc by ferry from Ha Tien. Unfortunately for me, I hadn’t followed a fellow backpacker’s advice of not driving during peak sunlight hours, and arrived in Ha Tien from Cao Bang with what felt like 3rd degree burns.
Fortunately, rather than stay in bed all day feeling sorry for myself, I worked up the strength to painfully make my way to the ticket office and book my trinkets for the following morning, only to be told I needed to have my passport, which I had to make my way in agony back to the hotel, then right back to the office to complete my purchase.
Unfortunately for me, I didn’t check my email where my hotel had offered a taxi service to pick me up from the bay. What should have been a cheap, roughly $5 trip turned into an over $30 drive, with a driver who had no idea where to go….. So check your emails.
The Closest Beach
There are good beaches on Phu Quoc; however, the one closest to mine was far less than stellar. A slippery, mucky walk to the beach was just the start, but once I arrived there, I quickly turned around and headed back. Glass from lightbulbs, fishing nets, plastic. It was a mess. So make sure you check your reviews before booking a hotel.
Riding the World’s Longest Over-Sea Cable Car
The cable car ride to Hon Thom Island stretches far over the sea, giving you a completely different perspective of Phu Quoc. From here, you can see the fishing boats below, clusters of tiny islands, and water shifting from deep blue to bright turquoise, making it the perfect introduction to the island’s scale and beauty.
From the cable car, Phu Quoc looks far more spread out than it feels on the ground. Small islands sit scattered across the water, with long stretches of open sea between them.
Slowing Down on Hon Thom
Once on Hon Thom, everything begins to slow down. The beach was open and uncrowded, and while there wasn’t much to “do” in the usual sense, that was the point. Here, I spent most of my time sitting by the water, listening to the waves, and doing very little.
Phu Quoc Safari
I didn’t even know Phu Quoc had a safari before visiting, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. The ticket price certainly caught me off guard as it was quite expensive, especially if you’re travelling on a backpackers budget, so it’s worth checking the official website beforehand.
There was a clear price difference between Vietnamese visitors and foreigners, which, while common in Vietnam, can be a little frustrating, considering how expensive the island was to begin with. While I didn’t mind price differences in countries where tourist attractions are a part of the culture and history (such as the Machu Picchu prices in Peru), price discrepancies for a Safari on a holiday island are a little bit harder to swallow.
Surprisingly, the experience was better than expected. If you’ve been to other zoos in Vietnam, such as Saigon Zoo, you’ll know the animals aren’t kept in the best conditions. However, here, the animals are kept in wide, open areas rather than tight enclosures, which made it feel more respectful and less rushed. It didn’t feel overly commercial, and that helped justify the cost.
The South of Phu Quoc
Southern Phu Quoc felt quieter and less polished than the north. There were fewer resorts, fewer tourists, and more signs of everyday local life, which suits me better. Here, it felt less curated and more lived-in, giving a more authentic feeling of Vietnamese island life.
Some of the best beaches in the south aren’t visible from the main roads, and you can usually access themhrough narrow alleyways between houses, with no signs pointing the way. That extra effort keeps them clean and quiet, and it’s why they’re worth finding.
If you’re afraid of dogs, it might be best to avoid the south, as you’ll notice a lot of stray dogs around this section of the island. Phu Quoc also has its own local dog breed, known for the ridge of hair along its spine. They’re fast, strong, and part of the island’s identity, making it another reminder that this place runs on its own rhythm.
Sunsets and Mosquitoes
I’m not particularly a sunset man myself, but they do look on your Instagram stories to make people jealous, and Phu Quoc’s sunsets live up to the hype. The colours are impressive, and watching the sun drop into the sea is genuinely beautiful. It’s also one of the best places to see a full sunset, since there isn’t as much pollution blocking the sun as it sets (an unfortunate downside of living in bigger cities).
However, what’s rarely mentioned are the mosquitoes. During sunset, they come out in large numbers, and they’re quite big. If you plan to sit on the beach at golden hour, bring repellent or cover up, or the experience can quickly become uncomfortable. Also, it might be best to get a vaccine for Dengue fever before heading, as I got it before, and it ain’t fun.
Food Prices
If you’re expecting seafood to be cheaper on an island, then guess again. In reality, it was often more expensive than pork, chicken, or even beef, and I never got a straight answer as to why. It didn’t stop me from eating it, but it’s something to keep in mind if seafood is a big part of your plan.
Is Phu Quoc Worth It
Phu Quoc balances good and bad without trying to hide either. It has great sunsets, but a lot of mosquitoes, there are some unique experiences (for Vietnam) that are worth seeing, but are often expensive, and while there are beautiful beaches, some take effort to reach.
I can’t say I recommend it for backpackers on a budget, or motorbike adventures such as myself, but for families or those who take things at a slower pace and just want to enjoy sun, beaches, and the occasional day out, it’s with checking out.
Final Thoughts
Phu Quoc left a strong impression on me because it felt real rather than perfect. Polished resorts sit next to local alleys, beautiful beaches come with trade-offs, and some prices don’t always make sense.
Southern Phu Quoc, in particular, felt more grounded and connected to daily island life. The experience wasn’t flawless, but it didn’t need to be, and that’s exactly why it worked.