Rising from the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Thailand, Phu Quoc is Vietnam’s largest island and one of Southeast Asia’s most dazzling emerging destinations. With its powder-white beaches, dense jungle interior, and a food scene built on some of the world’s finest black pepper and fish sauce, this island punches well above its weight. If your cruise is calling here, clear your schedule — you’re going to want every possible minute on shore.
What to Expect When Your Ship Arrives
Most cruise ships dock at or tender into the An Thoi Port in the south of the island, though some vessels use the newer international cruise terminal near Duong Dong, the island’s main town. Taxis and ride-hailing apps like Grab are readily available at the port, and the infrastructure has improved dramatically over the past decade thanks to significant investment in tourism. If you’re planning to explore independently, renting a scooter is an affordable and liberating option — just be comfortable with occasional rutted roads in more rural areas. The island is roughly 50 kilometres long, so having a plan before you step off the gangway will save you precious time.
Top Things to Do and See
Phu Quoc rewards curious travellers generously. The north of the island is home to the Phu Quoc National Park, a UNESCO-recognised biosphere reserve where jungle trails weave through old-growth forest. The southern tip features the charming fishing village of An Thoi and the iconic Hon Thom Cable Car — the world’s longest non-stop cable car ride over open sea, connecting the mainland island to Hon Thom Island.
For beach lovers, Sao Beach is a must. Its shallow, impossibly clear water and bone-white sand consistently rank among Vietnam’s best, and it rarely feels as crowded as the more accessible Long Beach near Duong Dong. If you’re after underwater adventure, a full-day snorkelling trip around the surrounding islands is an absolute highlight — you’ll explore coral reefs, spot tropical fish, and hop between remote islets. 🎟 Book: Phu Quoc Snorkeling and Island Discovery
For those seeking fun on a larger scale, the VinWonders theme park on the northern tip of the island offers a spectacular day out with water rides, cultural shows, and sweeping sea views — perfect if you’re travelling with family. 🎟 Book: VinWonder at Phu Quoc Vietnam's Theme Park Experience
Best Local Food and Restaurants
Phu Quoc’s culinary identity is rooted in its fishing heritage. The island produces Phu Quoc fish sauce (nuoc mam), considered the finest in Vietnam, and its black pepper plantations have been supplying kitchens across Asia for centuries. You’ll want to taste both in their natural home.
Head to Dinh Cau Night Market in Duong Dong for the most atmospheric dining experience on the island. Stalls fire up grills as the sun goes down, serving fresh-caught seafood by weight — grilled scallops with scallion oil, peppery crab, and whole snapper are all outstanding. Prices are reasonable if you agree on the cost before ordering. For a sit-down meal, Rika Restaurant near Long Beach offers a refined take on Vietnamese coastal cuisine with great cocktails to match.
If you want to go deeper into the local food culture, joining a cooking class is one of the most rewarding ways to spend three hours on the island — you’ll visit a local market, learn to make Vietnamese classics, and sit down to eat everything you’ve cooked. 🎟 Book: Phu Quoc Cooking Class
Shopping Tips
Duong Dong’s Dinh Cau Market (the daytime version) and the surrounding streets are your best bet for authentic souvenirs. Look for bottles of genuine Phu Quoc fish sauce to take home — the real thing comes in ceramic bottles and is worlds apart from supermarket varieties. Bags of locally grown Kampot-style black pepper also make excellent gifts. Ignore the tourist-targeted shops near the main beach and head further into town for better prices and more genuine products. Be prepared to barter politely at market stalls, though the margins for negotiation are generally modest here.
Practical Travel Tips
The Vietnamese dong (VND) is the local currency, though US dollars are accepted at many tourist businesses. ATMs are available in Duong Dong. The island is hot and humid year-round, so wear light clothing and sunscreen, and carry a reusable water bottle. The dry season (November to April) aligns with the best snorkelling conditions and calmest seas. English is spoken in most tourist-facing businesses but less so in markets and local eateries — a translation app is a handy backup. Tipping at restaurants and for guides is appreciated but not obligatory.
Phu Quoc is the kind of place that gets under your skin quickly. Whether you spend the day drifting between coral reefs, losing yourself in a night market, or simply lying on Sao Beach watching the fishing boats go by, this Vietnamese island offers a genuinely memorable port experience — one that will have you Googling return flights before you’re back on board.
🎟️ Things to Book in Advance
These highly-rated experiences fill up fast — book before you arrive to avoid missing out.
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📍 Getting to Phu Quoc Vietnam
Use the interactive map below to explore the port area and plan your route from the terminal.