Phu Quoc Island, ranked as the second most beautiful island in the world in 2024—just behind the Maldives—boasts an average temperature of 23°C to 27°C. It has only two seasons: dry and rainy, making it a very comfortable destination. The best time to visit is from November to April.
The world’s longest sea cable car is located in the southern part of Phu Quoc Island. Spanning 7,899.9 meters, it takes about 25 minutes to complete the ride and serves as one of the transportation options to Hon Thom Island.
With 360° panoramic glass, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the sea from above. The water is crystal clear and a vibrant shade of green, creating a truly stunning sight.
Sunset Town features a unique architectural style with colorful candy-colored houses, exuding a romantic Mediterranean vibe that beautifully contrasts with the deep blue sea. It’s a sight to behold!
As the sun slowly sets, golden rays bathe the entire town, making it feel like stepping into a dreamy fairy tale world.
Kissing Bridge
Every night, there’s a parade featuring dance performances in the Vietnamese style.
Yang Dong Night Market, located in the center of Phu Quoc Island, brings together a variety of local vendors offering seafood, snacks, drinks, and handmade goods, as well as traditional Vietnamese spas. The standout feature of the market is the peanut vendors, known for selling a popular snack among the locals.
Grand World, located in the northern part of Phu Quoc Island, is right next to the Pearl Paradise and the Wildlife Park. Its design is inspired by European cities, featuring exquisite and luxurious architecture centered around a canal, flanked by European-style buildings. It’s often referred to as the “Venice of Vietnam.”
Phu Quoc Island Hotel Recommendations
As a traveler increasingly drawn to relaxing at hotels, Phu Quoc Island provides the perfect setting for me to unwind. Of course, before indulging in some well-earned rest, I did some research. Here are my top hotel picks to help you make the most of your stay.
Recommendation 1: Ocean Bay Phu Quoc Resort and Spa
Pros:
- The hotel offers a private beach, and most rooms are standalone buildings with direct access to the sand.
- The breakfast buffet is abundant, and the area is serene with few guests—ideal for relaxation.
- The surroundings are peaceful, providing excellent value for money, making it perfect for a restful getaway.
Cons:
- The area lacks commercial facilities, so if you’re looking to explore night markets or enjoy nightlife, this may not be the right spot.
This hotel is ideal for travelers seeking a quiet retreat, away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Recommendation 2: JW Marriott Phu Quoc Resort
Known as the most beautiful Marriott hotel in Asia, this resort combines tropical and French styles. With colorful buildings and themed restaurants, how could anyone resist staying here?
Pros:
- The only downside might be the average quality of the seawater.
- Restaurant reservations are necessary in advance, especially for afternoon tea (I missed my chance!).
- The hotel’s photogenic setting feels perfect for capturing ten different photo shoots.
This hotel offers a dreamlike stay, ideal for those who enjoy aesthetic surroundings and gourmet experiences.
Recommendation 3: Regent Phu Quoc
Apart from being expensive, there are truly no other flaws. The resort’s private beach is the most comfortable, even though many nearby hotels also have their own private beaches connected along the coastline. However, Regent’s security is top-notch, and it feels much quieter and more exclusive.
You can enjoy the most beautiful sunset while lying on the beach. In the evening, take a stroll along the coast or pick a lively or quiet bar for a drink—whichever suits your mood.
Island Hopping Tour Recommendation
I opted for a one-day tour, which you can easily book from your hotel. In the morning, a shuttle will pick you up directly from your hotel, and once you arrive at the pier, just find the staff, who will confirm your reservation by name. You can even pay after the tour!
There are various options: one island, two islands, or three islands. I chose the two-island tour, and the only thing you need to remember is to make sure May Rut Trong Island is included—this is where you’ll find the glassy sea. It’s breathtakingly beautiful!
The boat doesn’t dock at the first island, but you can hop into the water for snorkeling. Since I had just gotten sunburned, I decided not to dive this time. Although the tour uses large boats, I strongly recommend taking seasickness medication in advance if you’re prone to seasickness. I saw quite a few people start feeling unwell shortly after boarding.
There are many water activities available on the beach, but the prices are quite steep. Instead, why not enjoy a coconut and relax on a beach chair? (Note that the beach chairs come with an extra charge.)
I hadn’t seen much mention of this island in the guides I read before, but I noticed it on the day tour pamphlet and thought the pictures might be misleading. However, once I arrived, it was truly beautiful. The day tour wraps up around 4 p.m., so if you’re interested in night fishing, there’s still enough time to join.
Phu Quoc Island doesn’t offer a drastically different experience compared to other islands, but what sets it apart is the feeling that it hasn’t been overly commercialized, and the cost of living is surprisingly low. Everyone can tailor their stay to their liking, whether it’s island hopping, diving, or enjoying water activities, or simply lounging on the hotel’s private beach for an entire afternoon, watching the sun rise and set, letting time slip through your fingers.
The island’s array of French-style architecture makes you feel like you’re wandering through a quaint European town. The culture, language, and cuisine all carry European influences. In short, if you’re looking for the perfect destination for a relaxing family vacation, Phu Quoc is the place to be—it’s a choice you won’t regret.
