
Phu Quoc, Vietnam’s largest island, is accessible by flight (fastest) or ferry (cheaper but slower). Here’s how to reach it from major cities like Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), Hanoi, and nearby provinces.
✈️ Option 1: By Flight (Fastest & Most Convenient)
Phu Quoc International Airport (PQC) serves domestic and international flights.
From Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) → Phu Quoc
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Airlines: Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air, Bamboo Airways
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Duration: ~1 hour
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Cost: 800,000–2,000,000 VND (~35–35–85) round-trip
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Frequency: 20+ daily flights
From Hanoi → Phu Quoc
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Duration: ~2 hours
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Cost: 1,500,000–3,500,000 VND (~65–65–150) round-trip
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Frequency: 5–10 daily flights
From Other Cities (Da Nang, Can Tho, etc.)
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Direct flights available but less frequent.
✔ Best for: Travelers short on time.
⚠ Tip: Book early in peak season (Nov–Mar) for better prices.
⛴️ Option 2: By Ferry (Cheaper but Slower)
Ferries depart from Rach Gia or Ha Tien (mainland Mekong Delta).
From Rach Gia → Phu Quoc
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Duration: ~2.5 hours (Superdong Hydrofoil)
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Cost: 300,000–400,000 VND (~13–13–17) one-way
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Schedule: 5–6 departures daily
From Ha Tien → Phu Quoc
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Duration: ~1.5 hours (Superdong or Phu Quoc Express)
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Cost: 350,000–450,000 VND (~15–15–19) one-way
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Schedule: 3–4 departures daily
How to Get to Rach Gia/Ha Tien?
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From HCMC: Take a bus (6–7 hours, 150,000–300,000 VND) or private car.
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From Can Tho: Bus to Rach Gia (~3 hours).
✔ Best for: Budget travelers or those exploring the Mekong Delta first.
⚠ Tip: Ferries can be canceled in bad weather (July–Oct monsoon).
🚗 Option 3: Combined Bus + Ferry (From HCMC)
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Step 1: Take a bus from HCMC to Rach Gia/Ha Tien (6–7 hours).
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Step 2: Board a ferry to Phu Quoc (1.5–2.5 hours).
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Total Cost: ~500,000–700,000 VND (~21–21–30) one-way.
📍 Arriving in Phu Quoc: Transport to Your Hotel
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Taxi: Mai Linh, Vinasun (~300,000–500,000 VND to Long Beach).
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Airport Shuttle Bus: 50,000 VND/person (limited routes).
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Rented Motorbike/Car: Available at the airport (200,000–500,000 VND/day).
💡 Best Time to Visit Phu Quoc
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Dry Season (Nov–Apr): Best for beaches, diving, and sunsets.
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Rainy Season (May–Oct): Fewer tourists but possible ferry delays.
Phu Quoc, Vietnam’s largest island, has a rich and turbulent history shaped by war, colonialism, and its strategic location in the Gulf of Thailand. Once a wild frontier, it’s now a booming tourist destination. Here’s its fascinating past:
🌴 Early History: Kingdoms & Pirates
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Pre-17th Century: Inhabited by the Khmer people (Cambodian influence).
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1700s: Became a pirate stronghold under Mac Cuu, a Chinese warlord who ruled Ha Tien (near Cambodia).
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1780s: Nguyen Lords (Vietnamese dynasty) took control, using it as a penal colony.
⛓ French Colonial Era (1860s–1954)
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1859: French seized southern Vietnam, including Phu Quoc.
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Early 1900s: Developed pepper farms and fish sauce (nuoc mam) industry.
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WWII: Briefly occupied by Japanese forces (1941–1945).
💥 Vietnam War (1955–1975): The “Prison Island”
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Phu Quoc Prison (“Coconut Tree Prison”): Built by French colonists, later used by South Vietnam & U.S. to detain Viet Cong prisoners.
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Notorious for torture and harsh conditions (now a war museum).
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1975: Communist North Vietnam took over after the Fall of Saigon.
🛑 Post-War Isolation (1975–1990s)
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Closed to foreigners—used as a military outpost due to Cambodia border tensions.
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Economy: Relied on fishing, pepper, and fish sauce.
✈️ Tourism Boom (2000s–Present)
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2003: Opened to international tourists.
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2012: Designated a special economic zone (tax incentives for investors).
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2020: Phu Quoc International Airport expanded, now direct flights from Europe/Asia.
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Today: Known for luxury resorts, UNESCO-listed biosphere reserve, and pristine beaches.
🎭 Cultural Mix
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Ethnic Groups: Vietnamese, Khmer, Chinese.
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Famous For:
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Fish sauce (Phu Quoc produces Vietnam’s best).
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Black pepper (spice trade legacy).
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Sim wine (made from local rose myrtle fruit).
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🏛 Historical Sites to Visit
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Phu Quoc Prison (War relics & stories)
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Dinh Cau Temple (18th-century shrine for fishermen)
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Pepper Farms (See colonial-era cultivation)
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Fish Sauce Factories (Tour the fermentation vats)
Phu Quoc, Vietnam’s largest island, is famous for its pristine beaches, lush jungles, and unique cultural sites. Here’s a guide to the top landmarks and attractions:
🏝️ Natural Wonders & Beaches
**1. Long Beach (Bãi Dài) – Sunset Paradise
📍 Location: West coast (stretches 20km)
✔ Why Visit?
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Best sunset views in Phu Quoc.
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Lined with resorts, beach bars, and seafood restaurants.
**2. Sao Beach (Bãi Sao) – Powder-White Sands
📍 Location: Southeast coast (25km from Duong Dong)
✔ Why Visit?
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Crystal-clear turquoise water, ideal for swimming.
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Less crowded than Long Beach.
**3. Phu Quoc National Park (Vườn Quốc Gia Phú Quốc) – Jungle Adventure
📍 Location: Northeast island (50% of Phu Quoc’s area)
✔ Why Visit?
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Hiking trails, waterfalls, and rare wildlife (macques, hornbills).
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Visit Ganh Dau Cape for panoramic views.
**4. Hon Thom Nature Park (Sun World Phu Quoc) – Cable Car & Waterpark
📍 Location: An Thoi Town (southern tip)
✔ Why Visit?
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World’s longest sea cable car (7.9km, stunning views).
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Waterpark, beach club, and amusement rides.
🏛️ Cultural & Historical Sites
**5. Dinh Cậu Temple (Miếu Dinh Cậu) – Fisherman’s Shrine
📍 Location: Near Duong Dong Market
✔ Why Visit?
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Small temple on a rocky outcrop overlooking the sea.
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Locals pray for safe voyages and good fortune.
**6. Phu Quoc Prison (Nhà Tù Phú Quốc) – War History
📍 Location: Near An Thoi Town
✔ Why Visit?
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Former Vietnam War prison with haunting exhibits.
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Learn about wartime history.
**7. Coi Nguon Museum (Bảo Tàng Cội Nguồn) – Local Heritage
📍 Location: Duong Dong Town
✔ Why Visit?
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Displays traditional tools, artifacts, and pearl farming history.
🌊 Unique Experiences
**8. Vinpearl Safari & Conservation Park – Wildlife Encounter
📍 Location: North Phu Quoc (Vinpearl complex)
✔ Why Visit?
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Open safari with lions, giraffes, and zebras.
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Zoo and botanical garden.
**9. Phu Quoc Night Market (Chợ Đêm Dinh Cậu) – Food & Souvenirs
📍 Location: Duong Dong Town
✔ Why Visit?
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Try grilled seafood, banh mi, and fresh coconuts.
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Buy pearl jewelry, fish sauce, and handicrafts.
**10. Fishing Villages (Làng Chài Hàm Ninh & Rạch Vẹm) – Local Life
📍 Location: East coast
✔ Why Visit?
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See floating houses and squid fishing boats.
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Eat fresh crab, sea urchin, and oysters.
🎁 Best Souvenirs from Phu Quoc
✔ Phu Quoc Pearl Jewelry (from farms like Ngoc Hien Pearl)
✔ Fish Sauce (Nước Mắm Phú Quốc) – Famous worldwide
✔ Sim Wine (Rượu Sim) – Made from local rose myrtle fruit
✔ Pepper (Hồ Tiêu Phú Quốc) – Spicy & aromatic
💡 Travel Tips
✔ Rent a motorbike (best way to explore the island).
✔ Avoid plastic waste (many beaches suffer from pollution).
✔ Visit in dry season (Nov–Apr) for best weather.
Phu Quoc, Vietnam’s largest island, offers various transport options to explore its beaches, forests, and fishing villages. Here’s the best way to navigate the island:
🚗 Best Transport Options in Phu Quoc
**1. Motorbike/Scooter Rental (Most Popular) 🏍️
✔ Best for: Freedom & flexibility to explore beaches
💰 Cost: 120,000-200,000 VND/day (~$5-8)
⛽ Fuel: 30,000 VND/liter
⚠ Tips:
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No international license required (but carry passport)
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Police rarely stop tourists, but drive carefully
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Best for visiting: Sao Beach, Phu Quoc Prison, pepper farms
**2. Private Taxi (Mai Linh/Vinasun) 🚖
✔ Best for: Groups or AC comfort
💰 Cost: 15,000-20,000 VND/km
📱 Apps: Grab works (but limited drivers)
⚠ Warning: Avoid unmetered taxis near airport
**3. Rental Car (Self-Drive) 🚙
✔ Best for: Families or rainy season
💰 Cost: 800,000-1,200,000 VND/day (~$35-50)
ℹ Note: Requires Vietnamese license (IDP not accepted)
**4. Bicycle (For Short Distances) 🚲
✔ Best for: Duong Dong town area
💰 Cost: 50,000-100,000 VND/day
⚠ Caution: Not suitable for long distances (hilly terrain)
**5. Public Bus (Cheapest Option) 🚌
✔ Route: Duong Dong ↔ Long Beach ↔ Vinpearl
💰 Fare: 5,000-15,000 VND
⏰ Frequency: Every 30-60 mins (6AM-6PM)
📍 Key Transport Hubs
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Duong Dong Town: Main transport hub (rentals/taxis)
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Phu Quoc Airport: Taxis available (fixed price 200,000 VND to Long Beach)
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An Thoi Port: For boats to southern islands
💡 Pro Tips for Getting Around
✔ Best time to drive: Early morning (less traffic)
✔ Avoid night driving: Poor street lighting
✔ Cash is king: Most rentals/taxis don’t take cards
✔ Road quality: Good main roads but bumpy rural paths
Phu Quoc offers a mix of beachside markets, pearl farms, and local craft villages. Here’s where to find the best deals, souvenirs, and unique island products.
🛍️ Best Shopping Places in Phu Quoc
**1. **Night Market (Chợ Đêm Phú Quốc) – Must-Visit
📍 Location: Duong Dong Town (near Dinh Cau Temple)
⏰ Hours: 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM
✔ Best for: Seafood, souvenirs, pearl jewelry
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Try grilled sea urchin, banh xeo (Vietnamese pancake)
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Bargain for pearl bracelets, shell crafts, fish sauce
**2. **Phu Quoc Pearl Farm (Ngọc Hiền) – Luxury Pearls
📍 Location: North Island (near Vinpearl Safari)
⏰ Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
✔ Best for: Genuine Phu Quoc pearls (cheaper than stores)
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Watch pearl harvesting & buy earrings, necklaces (from $20+)
**3. **Grand World Phu Quoc – Modern Shopping
📍 Location: Bai Dai area (North Phu Quoc)
⏰ Hours: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
✔ Best for: Branded fashion, souvenirs, nightlife
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Has Vinpearl stores, Vietnamese silk, handmade crafts
**4. **Dinh Cau Market (Chợ Dinh Cậu) – Local Flavors
📍 Location: Duong Dong Town
⏰ Hours: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
✔ Best for: Fresh seafood, dried squid, pepper
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Buy Phu Quoc fish sauce (best in Vietnam!)
**5. **Sim Wine & Pepper Farms – Unique Gifts
📍 Location: Island interior (tours available)
✔ Best for:
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Sim wine (made from local berries)
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Black/red pepper (famous export)
🎁 Best Souvenirs from Phu Quoc
✔ Pearl Jewelry (cheaper at farms than shops)
✔ Fish Sauce (Nước Mắm) – #1 Vietnamese brand
✔ Pepper (Hồ Tiêu) – Spicy & aromatic
✔ Handmade Shell Crafts (decor, wind chimes)
✔ Sim Wine – Sweet berry liquor
💡 Shopping Tips
✔ Bargain at markets (except fixed-price stores)
✔ Avoid fake pearls (buy from farms like Ngoc Hien)
✔ Fish sauce must be checked in luggage (no carry-on)
✔ Visit pepper farms for free tastings
