10 Best Things To Do in Phu Quoc, Vietnam
While most western travelers visiting Vietnam beaches head north towards Halong Bay, most of the Vietnamese travelers are heading West of Ho Chi Minh. Just a stone's throw from Cambodia is the island of Phu Quoc.
Phu Quoc is the largest island in Vietnam and is only a short 40 minute flight from Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City). If you are looking for what to do in Vietnam, this is a perfect place to visit!
What I love about Phu Quoc is ability to get off the beaten path and have experiences without being inundated with bus loads of tourists.
Here are the best things to do in Phu Quoc.
10. Visit Sao Beach
Sao beach is busy with restaurants and tourists, but you can easily escape to a more deserted part of the beach. The hook at the north end of the beach has no restaurants and had no one hanging out. The water was crystal clear and the beach soft white sand. The perfect place for Instagram photos!
The arrow shows the best part of Sao beach, with no restaurants ands almost no tourists
The Trung Truc Temple is one of the best things to do in Phu Quoc, Vietnam
9. Trung Truc Temple
Visiting temples in SE Asia, generally means standing in a crowded area with tourists. Not here! The Trung Truc Temple was one of the most enjoyable temples, because there was almost no one else in sight. The scenery is beautiful, decorated with small ponds filled with lilypads. This temple is unique, because instead of being dedicated to a Buddha, it's dedicated to Nguyễn Trung Trực who was a Vietnamese fisherman and national hero who helped organize a militia to fight against the French colonization of Vietnam in the 1860's.
Best Things to Do in Phu Quoc, Vietnam - Visit a Pepper Farm
8. Visit a Pepper Farm
Phu Quoc is known for the quality of the peppercorns that grow on the island. This unique tourist stop doesn't feel very touristy at all. There are several, but the one I visited was the Hai Dương Pepper Farm. Be sure to taste the peppercorns fresh from the trees!
To this day, the pepper farm remains one of my favorite travel memories. Thins is one of the best things to do in Phu Quoc, as you will never forget the taste of a peppercorn fresh off the tree.
7. Island Hopping
Renting a boat from An Thới tiên to island hop is one of the best things to do Phu Quoc. Spend the day fishing for lunch, snorkeling through turquoise waters and soaking up the sun on the top deck of the boat.
Best Things to Do in Phu Quoc, Vietnam - Kayaking
6. Kayaking
Kayaking on the Cua Can River is a peaceful and memorable experience while visiting Phu Quoc. I did this from the dock at the Phượng vĩ Restaurant
Best Places to Eat Phu Quoc, Vietnam
5. Dinner on the River
After Kayaking at Phượng vĩ Restaurant on the river, stay for dinner. The restaurant's specialty is freshly caught seafood, and the local pepper. I opted for a customized meal of noodles, vegetables and prawns and it was one of the best meals I have had in Vietnam.
4. Scuba Dive
Scuba diving is one of the most unique ways to experience a destination. Dive sites offer a whole new vantage point! If you aren't certified, the clear waters of Phu Quoc make it a perfect place to get acquainted with a discovery dive or get certified!
3. Phu Quoc Night Market
One of my favorite aspects of Asian countries is the tradition of night markets. Although this market is designed for tourists, it's still a great local hangout. The best part is the homemade ice creams made right in front of your eyes!
Bee Farm - Best Things to Do in Phu Quoc, Vietnam
2. Bee Farm
I have tasted local honey all over the world, but there had been none as delicious as the honey at the Út Phượng Bee Farm in Phu Quoc. Walking through the picturesque gardens among lychee trees and bee hives was almost as sweet as the honey made here. I'm not one for souvenirs, but a few small jars of honey for my family and myself.
Visiting the Local Market is one of the best things to do in Phu Quoc, Vietnam
1. The Local Market
Duong Dong Market was my favorite part of visiting Phu Quoc, and the best experience for travelers looking to get a taste of local life. This is a market that almost never sees a tourist, which meant that this experience was authentic and unique. Roam the stalls of fresh fish, meat and produce, interact with locals and take a lot of photos!
Exploring, tasting and zipping around Vietnam, including the MeKong Delta, Cu Chi Tunnels, and the local market on the island of Phu Quoc!
Where to Stay:
With two infinity pools, the Novotel Phu Quoc is sure to please. The garden bungalows are beautiful, and come equip with a deep soaking tub, perfect for relaxing after a long day exploring the island!
While in Vietnam be sure to visit all the other amazing cities. There are a lot of wonderful things to explore in Hanoi and Halong Bay.
Read about the best time to go to Vietnam.
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