Phu Quoc

Island-hopping and sunset-watching are two of Phu Quoc’s biggest draws – but there’s plenty to do on this beautiful Vietnamese isle.

Grab a bite of the freshest seafood in the restaurants of Ham Ninh or Ganh Dau fishing villages, or catch your own dish with an escorted fishing tour at sunrise or sunset. And browse Duong Dong Night Market. Wander the vibrant stalls as you can grab a drink or a bite to eat, such as barbecued fish, sizzling street food, banana pancakes, and refreshing ice-cream.

Elsewhere, you can uncover the island’s complex history with a visit to the Coi Nguon Museum or the old Phu Quoc Prison. Sample some local produce during a tour of a wine factory or pepper farm. Or head out into the forests of the Ham Ninh Mountains to discover the cascading Suoi Tranh Waterfall.

The uninterrupted view from shore to horizon on Phu Quoc’s west coast makes it one of the best places for sunset-watching in Southeast Asia. Take a seat on the caramel-coloured sands, perch on a beachside rock, or snuggle up on a sun lounger and watch the sun slowly slip into the Gulf of Thailand.

The beaches are certainly worth a visit during the day, too. North Long Beach, beside the bustling town of Duong Dong, is lined with bars and restaurants, while luxury resorts sit beside the sands of its southern neighbour. Bai Ong Lang is a lovely spot to relax in the day, before dancing to live music in the bars at night. Meanwhile, keen snorkellers should head to Sao Beach in the east, where powdery sands lead to clear waters and colourful corals.

Climb aboard the longest non-stop three-way cable car in the world, and soar gently for almost five miles from An Thoi on Phu Quoc, to Hon Thom Nature Park on Thom Island. During the 15-minute journey, you can see tiny fishing villages and look out across dozens of small islands scattered across the blue sea.

Step off for a fun-filled family afternoon at Aquatopia waterpark, or enjoy the rides and attractions of Sun World Phu Quoc. Prefer to explore the islands at sea level? Choose a boat tour to Turtle Island, Fingernail Island, May Rut Island, or the An Thoi Islands. You can enjoy lunch as bob along the ocean, and go snorkelling in some of the idyllic shoreline spots.

November to March is the best time for your holiday to Phu Quoc. Temperatures hover between 25°C and 30°C, and the days are dry and sunny, with spectacular sunsets almost every evening. The dry season lasts longer, beginning in October and often extending into late-May. Sun lovers will enjoy lounging in the shade as temperatures rise toward 35°C, but the heat can make some activities challenging during the warmest times of the day.

Rainy season arrives in May and lasts until September. There can often be heavy downpours or even monsoons, especially towards the end of the season. While this is not the recommended time to visit, many showers are short, sharp and dry up quickly – so this can be a nice, quiet time to see the island’s attractions without the crowds.