Being well-known as the best island for relaxing in Vietnam, Phu Quoc island located in southern Vietnam has lots of great things to offer to leisure travelers. Top things to experience in Phu Quoc include discovering the long sandy beaches & pristine islets, partaking in sea sports, experiencing the local specialties & culture, visiting the top tourist sites, and enjoying a great beach vacation at the luxury resorts.
I - What to do in Phu Quoc island Vietnam for a more cultural experience?
Sightseeing and visiting the religious & cultural attractions are one of the top popular activities in Phu Quoc for tourists. Here are the top sacred temples and pagodas that tourists should not miss.
1 - Cao Dai Church
Source: Wikipedia
The church was built in 1961 and belongs to Tay Ninh’s Cao Dai church. You will immerse yourself in the fresh space with many kinds of flowers in front of the sea, and behind mountains. To get to this place, you will have to walk on the mossy green stone steps.
- Address: No.40 Nguyen Trai street, Duong Dong town, Phu Quoc island
- Mass time: 6am - 0pm
2 - Join Dinh Cau festival
Source: Wolverineair
This is one of the best things to do in Phu Quoc island Vietnam. The appropriate time to go to Dinh Cau is from April to June or from November to March when the weather is nice, cool, and suitable for a visit.
Dinh Cau Festival is held on the full moon day of the tenth lunar month every year. The first part of the festival is the ceremony part, including a solemn ceremony to welcome Cau (the God), a ceremony to report to Cau (the God), and many other ceremonies. The second part of the festival is expected by everyone with such games as walking on stilts, catching sea ducks, jumping sacks,...
- Address: Quarter 2, Duong Dong town, Phu Quoc island
3 - Ho Quoc Pagoda (Truc Lam Ho Quoc Zen Monastery)
For those who want to explore more about Vietnamese culture, visiting Ho Quoc pagoda is among the best Phu Quoc Vietnam things to do. This is the largest temple on the island, one temple of the Truc Lam Zen Monastery system in Vietnam. The temple attracts tourists with its sacredness and antiquity. The 1st and 15th in the lunar month are the most crowded days when the locals come here to pray for good health, wealth, and peace.
- Address: Suoi Lon hamlet, Duong To commune, Phu Quoc island
- Opening time: 6am - 6pm on weekdays.
4 - Visiting Su Muon Pagoda
The pagoda was built with traditional architecture. Different from the solemn atmosphere in the main hall, the scenery around the temple is extremely airy and cool thanks to being surrounded by lush trees all year round, very suitable for those who love quiet spaces.
- Address: Suoi Da hamlet, Duong To commune, Phu Quoc island
- Opening time: 6am - 5pm
5 - Phu Quoc prison - top things to do in Phu Quoc
Phu Quoc prison can be said to be the most famous place in Phu Quoc. Known as a "hell on earth", the old prison was the place to keep the communist prisoners during the Vietnam War between 1967 and 1973.
Through preserved artifacts and pictures, you have the opportunity to better understand the Vietnam War, and at the same time understand the war's inexpressible devastation.
- Entrance fee: free
6 - Sung Hung ancient pagoda
Source: Innotour
Visiting the oldest temples on the island is among the best Phu Quoc things to do. This temple is located on a mountain in the center of town, built with a very ancient folk architectural style: the shrine in front, the temple in the back.
- Address: No.7 Tran Hung Dao street (near Dinh Cau night market), Duong Dong town, Phu Quoc island
- Opening time: 7am - 7pm
7 - Coi Nguon (Origins) Museum
Source: Diphuquoc
Coi Nguon Museum displays antiques and artworks in a variety of genres. It can be said that Phu Quoc island can keep its soul also partly thanks to the Coi Nguon Museum. The reason is that the museum displays many artifacts recreating the history of Vietnam in general and Phu Quoc in particular from the time of the nation's construction up to now.
- Address: No.149 Tran Hung Dao street, Duong Dong town
- Entrance fee: 20,000 VND/ticket ($1)
II - Phu Quoc things to do to explore daily life?
8 - Visiting the pepper farms
The pepper gardens here are of good quality and can be combined for green tourism at the same time. Some pepper gardens for tourism help you explore the process of planting, caring, and harvesting pepper such as:
- Garden of Khu Tuong: Cua Duong
- Phu Quoc Suoi Da pepper garden: Suoi Da hamlet, Duong To commune
- Phu Quoc Suoi Lon pepper park: Provincial road 46, Suoi Lon hamlet.
9 - Phu Quoc Bee Farm - one of the top exciting Phu Quoc things to do
Source: Annie Spratt
This is the first research site to conserve honey bees in Phu Quoc. Learning about the behavior of honey bees & the usefulness of pollinators and why we must protect the living environment of bees is a great experience.
- Address: Hamlet 2, Cua Can commune
- Opening time: 9am - 5pm
10 - Visiting the pearl farm
Visiting the pearl farms is recommended as one of the top Phu Quoc things to do, at which you can observe the pearl-making process, take some nice jewelry & gifts home. Top 3 largest traditional pearl farms in Phu Quoc:
- Ngoc Hien pearl: Group 01, Duong To hamlet, Duong To commune
- Quoc An pearl: Suoi May hamlet, Duong To Commune
- Long Beach Pearl: No.124 Tran Hung Dao street, Duong To commune
11 - Visiting an organic farm
Visiting the organic farm is recommended as one of the most attractive Phu Quoc things to do. You will witness the farming model of rare natural plants such as black termite mushrooms, cordyceps, saffron,... You also have the opportunity to learn the process of making black termite mushrooms in Mito tomato sauce and enjoy unique and delicious dishes on the farm.
- Address: Suoi May, Duong To commune
12 - Visiting Ham Ninh fishing village
Taking a trip to explore the peaceful beauty of famous Ham Ninh fishing villages is among the most interesting Phu Quoc island activities for one day.
Source: Phuong Nguyen Lan
You not only can immerse yourself in a peaceful space but also learn about the cultural life of fishermen, have a chance to go to the sea, fish near the shore, learn about the lives of the people here. Crab is must-try seafood in Ham Ninh fishing village.
One of the specialties here is boiled crabs.
- Address: Ham Ninh, Phu Quoc island
- Opening time: 4am - 10pm
13 - Shopping at Duong Dong market
Shopping is one of the greatest Phu Quoc things to do when traveling to the markets. You can find lots of interesting things to buy varying from seafood and local specialties.
Duong Dong market is a recommended market to visit:
- Address: No.21 Tran Phu street, Duong Dong town, Phu Quoc island
- Opening time: 3am - 7pm
14 - Dinner at Dinh Cau night market
Visiting Dinh Cau night market, enjoying local delicious seafood dishes, and taking some specialties home are things to do in Phu Quoc at night.
- Address: Vo Thi Sau street, Duong Dong town, Phu Quoc island
- Opening time: 5pm - 10pm
15 - Explore the process of producing fish sauce
Source: Thao Le
Fish sauce is considered as Vietnamese cuisine's soul. Visiting and exploring the traditional production process of fish sauce is one of the greatest travel experiences. You can also buy Vietnamese fish sauce at a price of 100,000 - 200,000VND/liter ($4 - 8).
The 3 famous Phu Quoc fish sauce houses:
- Phu Quoc Khai Hoan fish sauce house:
+ Address: No.11 Hung Vuong Bridge, Duong Dong Town, Phu Quoc island
+ Opening time: 7am - 10pm
- Phung Hung fish sauce house:
+ Address: Nguyen Van Cu, Quarter 4, Phu Quoc island
+ Opening time: 9am - 9pm
- Thinh Phat fish sauce house:
+ Address: Quarter 1, Duong Dong town, Phu Quoc island
+ Opening time: 8am - 5pm on weekdays
16 - Explore the process of producing rose myrtle wine
Exploring the process of producing rose myrtle wine is recommended as one of the best things to do in Phu Quoc island. Rose myrtle wine in Phu Quoc has long been famous and considered as a specialty of this island. At the rose myrtle wine production facilities, you will learn about the process of making delicious wine drops. You can buy wine with prices from 150,000 - 200,000 VND/ bottle ($6 - 8.5).
Some recommended rose myrtle wine producers:
- Bay Gao rose myrtle wine manufacturer:
+ Address: No.124, 30/4 street, KP1, Duong Dong town, Phu Quoc island
+ Opening time: 7am - 10pm
- Thanh Long rose myrtle wine manufacturer
+ Address:47 provincial road, Duong To, Phu Quoc island
+ Opening time: 7:30am - 6pm
- Sim Son rose myrtle wine manufacturer
+ Address: Group 01, Cua Lap Hamlet, Phu Quoc island
+ Opening time: 7:30am - 6pm
17 - Enjoy seafood
What to do in Phu Quoc? (Source: Menú Acapulco)
It’s quite a pity if you come to Phu Quoc without enjoying seafood. The types of seafood you must try when coming to Phu Quoc are:
Ham Ninh Phu Quoc Crab: Ham Ninh crab is famous for its firm & fresh meat quality that is only available in Phu Quoc. You can find great crab with prices from 500,000 VND/kg ($21.6).
- Bien Xanh restaurant - at the 47 provincial road, Ham Ninh
- Ham Ninh Crab at Salt pepper Restaurant - No.112 Bach Dang street
Phu Quoc sea chestnut: In Phu Quoc, you cannot ignore the grilled sea chestnut. Sea chestnuts are grilled with onion oil, which tastes fatty and delicious. You will never forget its flavor once you eat it. Average price from 20,000 VND / head ($0.86).
- Oc 343 - No.343, 30/4 street, Quarter 1, Duong Dong Town
Phu Quoc sweet snail: Sampling this dish is a must-do in Phu Quoc island. The sweet snails are raised by local people to serve as cuisine on the island and are considered a specialty of the island. Price from 550,000 VND / kg ($23)
- Address: Ra Khoi Restaurant - No.131 at 30/4 street, Duong Dong town
Seafood - bitter bolete soup: Bitter bolete is a kind of mushroom that appears for only 1 month in Phu Quoc, so there is very little of it in the market. Having a beautiful purple color and delicious taste, the mushroom is processed into a delicious seafood-bitter bolete soup that attracts customers. The price for each bowl is about 330,000 VND (~ $14.2) for 4-5 people.
- Ngan Ha Seafood: At Tran Hung Dao Street, opposite Ngoc Hien Pearl Showroom
- Bien Hai Restaurant - Group 1, Ganh Dau hamlet, Ganh Dau commune
Phu Quoc sardinella raw fish salad: Price 100,000 VND ($4.32)/bowl for 2-3 people.
- Vuon Tao Restaurant - Cua Lap, Duong To Commune
- Trung Duong Marina Restaurant - 30/4 street, Duong Dong town
Grilled abalone: Enjoying abalone is one of the best Phu Quoc things to do. Abalone has long been considered as a viand of the sea because of its high nutritional value. Abalone has various prices, from about 500,000VND ($21.65) to 1,990,000VND ($86.6) a kilogram.
- Ngheu So Oc Hen Restaurant - 30/4 street, Duong Dong town
Crab blood pudding: Crab blood pudding dish is loved by both residents and visitors. People will choose the crabs that have just been caught and the ones with lots of tomalleys to make a delicious and nutritious blood pudding. The average price is from 50,000 - 60,000 VND ($2.17 - 2.6) serving.
- Ra Khoi Restaurant - No.131, 30/4 street, Duong Dong town
18 - Enjoy fruits on the island
Fruits on Phu Quoc island are very diverse in types and flavors. You can enjoy succulent and fresh fruit such as durian, rambutan, custard-apple,... at fruit orchards along the roads in Duong Dong town.
III - Phu Quoc island activities in nature discovery
19 - Swimming in the sea, playing in Aquatopia water park
Source: Sun World
At Aquatopia Water Park, you will feel lost in a space overwhelmed with more than 20 games for both children and adults.
- Address: An Thoi, Phu Quoc island
- Admission fee: 200,000 - 600,000 VND/person ($8.7 - 26)
20 - Phu Quoc National Park - a must-do in Phu Quoc
Phu Quoc National Park, covering an area of 31,422 hectares, is one of the most ideal points of interest in the island for nature lovers. This place still remains untouched, primeval old forests. In particular, you can encounter orchids, large trees, or herbs such as mint, mung bean, licorice,... or experience spring bathing, climbing the mountain, etc.
- Entrance fee: 500,000 VND/person ($22)
21 - Explore Suoi Tranh waterfall - among best Phu Quoc things to do
Suoi Tranh is a tourist destination located about 9km to the south of Duong Dong town center, Phu Quoc island district. Suoi Tranh has many white rugged falls, charming natural scenery. You can go along from the foot of the stream to the upstream to enjoy the beautiful scenery and you must definitely immerse yourself in the cool clear water.
22 - Explore Phu Quoc Safari
Source: Vinwonders
Vinpearl Safari Phu Quoc is a semi-wild zoo, gathering nearly 3,000 animals and plants. Visiting this museum park is one of the best Phu Quoc things to do with kids and families. Fun entertainment games you should not miss when coming here: animal shows, Zulu dance show, let children play with animals, feed animals, take pictures with animals, etc.
Admission fee to Phu Quoc Safari:
- Adults: 600,000 VND/person ($26)
- Children (1m - 1.4m): 500,000 VND/person ($21.7)
- Children (under 1m): Free of charge
IV - Other recreational Phu Quoc things to do
23 - Surfing, snorkeling, and scuba diving
Source: Sincerely Media
Phu Quoc island is home to many stunning beaches such as Bai Truong (located on Tran Hung Dao street), Bai Dai (located in the northwest of the island), Bai Sao (in An Thoi town), Bai Khem (25km from Duong Dong town), etc. These beautiful beaches are well-known as top spots for sea sports in Vietnam including diving, surfing, and snorkeling.
It is highly recommended to take a Phu Quoc diving tour if traveling here in the dry season from November to May. You have a chance to dive deep into the sea, and admire the beauty of hundred kinds of colorful corals, sea fishes, seahorses,...
- Snorkeling: 280,000 - 350,000 VND/person ($12.17 - 15.2)
- Scuba diving: 910,000 - 1,400,000 VND/person ($40 - 63)
- Walking under the sea: 950,000 VND/person ($41.3)
- Surfing: 200,000 - 400,000 VND/person ($8.69 - 17.4)
24 - Enjoy the fun time at the bars
What to do in Phu Quoc at night? Source: Darren Nunis
One of the best things to do at night is to visit the bars & pubs to enjoy good drinks and relaxing moments.
Some famous bars on the island:
- INK 360: located on the 19th floor of InterContinental Phu Quoc Long beach, right on the Bai Truong beach, Duong To commune
- Ocean Beach Bar & Club: No.118/10 Tran Hung Dao street, Duong Dong town - a romantic bar located right on the beach.
- Dragonfly Bistro & Sky Bar: located at Sao Mai hill 69 Tran Hung Dao street, Duong Dong town. A nice place to enjoy the night scenery and good beverage.
25 - Try your luck at the casino on the island
Visiting the luxury casino and trying your luck is definitely one of the most exciting Phu Quoc things to do. It is highly recommended to visit Corona Resort & Casino that has officially been in operation since January 19, 2019. The casino, offering 400 roulette tables & 2000 slots, is one of the most vibrant entertaining spots in Phu Quoc.
26 - Mountain climbing
Source: Mathias Jensen (Phu Quoc island things to do)
Perhaps not an outstanding activity on a beach trip, but mountain climbing in Phu Quoc is still much loved by many tourists. The mountains in Phu Quoc with a low height of under 1,000m are so ideal for an easy-trek tour. You have the opportunity to be closer to nature and discover the diversity of flora & fauna on the way to conquering the peaks.
27 - Watching the sunset at sea
Watching the sunset on the sea, relaxing in the sand, and enjoying a delicious drink are great Phu Quoc things to do in the afternoon. Watching the afternoon sun flickering on the sea is a romantic experience. Some beautiful spots for watching the sunset on the sea are:
- Beach bar: No.118/10 Tran Hung Dao street, Duong Dong town
- Shri Phu Quoc: Tran Hung Dao street, Duong To town
- Sunset Sanato Beach Club: Group 3, Duong Bao Hamlet, Duong To commune
28 - Admiring the aquatic life
Instead of watching more than 3000 fish species through the TV screen, you can now directly admire their lives in real life. This service is offered by Vinpearl Land.
Admission fee to Vinpearl Land Phu Quoc:
- Adults 500,000 VND/time ($21.5)
- Children 400,000 VND/time ($17.2)
- Children under 1m are completely free.
29 - Ride a motorbike and explore the city - exciting Phu Quoc things to do
By riding a motorbike, you have the opportunity to take a closer look at the beauty of the island and be more active during your visit.
Motorbike rental fee: 120,000 - 150,000 VND/day ($4.3 - 6.5).
Some motorbike rental shops:
- Minh Man: 0913 027 823
- Anh Tinh: 0909 895 969 or 0987 441 799
- Anh Phu: 0909 296 989 or 0977 893 979
30 - Vietnamese style massage
Source: Alan Caishan
Vietnamese-style massage - a great thing to do in Phu Quoc to refresh after a long-exploring day or hard work. It helps you relieve stress and relax after a long day of exploring this place. Some places for massage:
- Phu Quoc Spa and Massage:
+ Address: No.100/3 Tran Hung Dao street, Duong Dong town
+ Price: 270,000 - 850,000 VND ($12 - 37)
- Luna Thai Spa:
+ Address: Tran Hung Dao, Duong To commune
+ Price: 580,000 - 870,000 VND ($25 - 38)
- TINH Wellness Sanctuary:
+ Address: La Veranda Resort, Duong Dong town
+ Price: 1,400,000 - 2,000,000 VND ($61 - 87)
Those are top Phu Quoc things to do. Hope this information is useful for your trip to Vietnam.
— Ha Bich
