Phu Quoc Travelers Recommend

With three days in Phu Quoc, you have plenty of time to experience all the island has to offer, from sun-drenched sandy beaches and lush rain forests to remote villages and bustling night markets. Here are a few ideas for a 72-hour itinerary.

Day 1: In the Water

While there’s absolutely nothing wrong with laying out a towel for a relaxing day at one of Phu Quoc’s many white-sand beaches, there’s a lot more to do in the turquoise waters as well. Active travelers might choose a full-day snorkeling trip, floating above colorful coral reefs teeming with tropical fish. You’ll also find some of Vietnam’s best scuba diving, with options for beginners and certified divers alike. And if you prefer to stay in the boat, spend the day fishing for mackerel or barracuda. Later, refuel with a street food dinner at a local night market.

Day 2: On-Land Adventure

If you can tear yourself away from the beach, Phu Quoc offers some excellent inland adventures. Get off the beaten tourist track with a day of kayaking on the Cua Can River, or head into the verdant jungle of Phu Quoc National Park for a hike. Families looking for a kid-approved day outdoors should snag tickets to Vinpearl Safari Park, for the chance to see Bengal tigers, lions, and other animals in a safari-like environment. After a day of activity, reward yourself with a chill evening at one of Phu Quoc’s toes-in-the-sand beach bars, many of which serve fresh-caught seafood.

Day 3: Local Culture

Take a day to learn more about the people who call the island home (and the products that make it famous). A guided circle island tour is a good place to start—most itineraries include visits to a pepper plantation, fish sauce distillery, and pearl farm, so you can see what goes on behind the scenes of three big island industries. If you’re interested in Vietnamese cuisine, consider signing up for a cooking class with a local chef. Rest up in the afternoon to prepare for a unique evening activity—squid fishing. Venture into the water at sunset for an after-dark lesson in luring squid, followed by a barbecue dinner featuring your catch.

The relatively compact Phu Quoc Island offers a surprising diversity of experiences, both on and off the beach. With two days, you’ll be able to catch the highlights and have an adventure or two in the great outdoors. Here are some ideas for a 48-hour itinerary.

Day 1: Island Overview

**Morning:**Start with an orientation of the island. Most circle island tours begin in the south, where you can visit a pearl farm, learn about the Vietnam War at the Phu Quoc Prison, sample a local favorite at a fish sauce distillery, and soak up some rays on the palm-lined Sao Beach.

**Afternoon:**Continue your journey by heading north to the less-touristy areas of the island. Guides typically take visitors to remote fishing villages, pepper plantations, temples, hidden beaches, and Phu Quoc National Park, a popular hiking spot in the tropical forest. 

**Night:**After a day of exploration, refuel at one of the island’s bustling night markets. Shop for souvenirs, and treat your taste buds to local street foods like pan-fried shrimp pancakes, fish and pork noodle soup, grilled seafood, and banh mi.

Day 2: Outdoor Adventure

**Morning:**Immerse yourself in the island’s natural beauty. Spend the day snorkeling, scuba diving, or fishing—or ride one of the world’s longest cable cars into Hon Thom Nature Park. 

**Afternoon:**If you’re looking for a change of pace, relax on the beach, or take the kids to the family-friendly Vinpearl Safari Park. Alternatively, learn how to prepare local specialties during a hands-on cooking class.

**Night:**Finish off your trip with one of Phu Quoc’s unique activities, nighttime squid fishing. Board a boat and venture out into the waters of the Gulf of Thailand as the sun begins to set. After dark, learn the tricks of the trade as you use light to lure squid—then dine on your fresh catch.

Sparkling white-sand beaches, tropical jungles, and ample opportunity for adventure make Phu Quoc a favorite island getaway in the Gulf of Thailand. One day in Phu Quoc will give you a taste of the island’s appeal—here are some ideas for a quick visit.

Morning: Southern Phu Quoc

With limited time in Phu Quoc, consider joining an island tour to get an overview of everything this Vietnamese resort destination has to offer. Spend the morning hours in the southern part of the island. Visit a pearl cultivation farm to see the growing and harvesting process firsthand; learn about the island’s role in the Vietnam War at the Phu Quoc Prison; and stop at Sao Beach for some swimming and relaxation. If you’d rather just hang out in the water, opt for a southern snorkeling excursion instead.

Afternoon: Northern Phu Quoc

After lunch, make your way to the less-touristy northern side of the island to see what local life is like. Many guides take travelers to remote fishing villages, pepper plantations, temples, and Phu Quoc National Park for forest walking. Add some adventure to your afternoon by combining your tour of the north with some kayaking on the serene Cua Can River. Those who prefer a more laid-back experience can head to the nearest beach for some of the sun, sand, and sea that make the island so popular. 

Night: Squid Fishing

Many island locals make their living by fishing. This evening, get a hands-on lesson in squid fishing during an after-dark trip into the Gulf of Thailand. Watch the sunset from the boat as you venture out. Once it gets dark, learn how to hook squid by luring them with bright objects in the water. Polish off your day in Phu Quoc with a barbecue dinner featuring your fresh catch.