travel-tips-for-first-time-travelers

Oct 26, 2023 | Phu Quoc, Travel Tips

Travel Phu Quoc A-Z: travel tips for first-time travelers

Phu Quoc, Travel Tips

Travel Phu Quoc on your own – it seems complicated but manageable. Pocket the self-sufficient Phu Quoc travel experiences compiled by yourvietnam.org to freely explore the beautiful nature of Pearl Island.

Many tourists need clarification the first time they travel to Phu Quoc on their own. The reason is that this island has quite a large area, with many historical relics, scenic spots. And Phu Quoc is also a variety of entertainment and exciting activities to explore nature. 

travel-phu-quoc-tips-for-the-first-time-traveling
Travel Phu Quoc – Tips for the first-time traveling

How do you visit all the famous Phu Quoc tourist destinations when time is limited? Let yourvietnam.org tell you some helpful, self-sufficient Phu Quoc travel experiences.

Where is Phu Quoc Island?

Belonging to Kien Giang province, Phu Quoc is about 45 km from Ha Tien and about 120 km from Rach Gia. Nicknamed “Pearl Island,” Phu Quoc Island is the largest island among the 22 islands in the Phu Quoc Island district. This place welcomes millions of tourists every year to relax and visit.

where-is-phu-quoc-island
Where is Phu Quoc Island?

When should you travel Phu Quoc?

When traveling on your own to Phu Quoc, you can freely choose any time of the year because the climate here has an average temperature of about 28 degrees Celsius. However, from April to September, it will be crowded, because it is summer, the vacation season. 

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Tourists should travel to Phu Quoc on summer season

October to March of the following year is the time when Phu Quoc is said to be the most beautiful. Still, you should also check the weather forecast to avoid stormy days.

Many tourist attractions in Phu Quoc have been effectively exploited for tourism. Therefore, no matter when you choose to travel Phu Quoc on your own, you can find a satisfying travel experience. Plus, with the advantage of low service costs, Phu Quoc deserves to be a destination that “thousands of people love” in every season of the year.

==> Explore more about the best time to travel Phu Quoc

Self-sufficient means of travel to Phu Quoc

By bus

If you have a departure point from the Central region or Ho Chi Minh City, you can take the Western bus to Rach Gia city or Ha Tien, Kien Giang province. Ticket prices range from 120,000 VND/way/person, and travel time is about 4-6 hours. 

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Go to Phu Quoc by boat

At Rach Gia or Ha Tien port, you continue to take the hydrofoil to Phu Quoc island. Travel time is 2 – 3 hours, and the ticket price is about 340,000 VND/adult.

Suppose you have a starting point from the North or Hanoi. In that case, you should go to Phu Quoc on your own by plane. Because the distance by bus will be very long, laborious, expensive, and dangerous.

By plane

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Phu Quoc viewed from above

Currently, many airlines are operating domestic flights to Phu Quoc. Round-trip airfare to Phu Quoc ranges from 1,500,000 VND – 2,000,000 VND depending on the airline (according to Skyscanner’s information). Flight time is only about 55 minutes – 1 hour. When choosing to to there by plane, you should book air tickets about 2 to 3 months early to get the most economical price.

==> Read more transportations to Phu Quoc article

Rent a motorbike in Phu Quoc

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Travel Phu Quoc yourself by motorbike

If you travel Phu Quoc alone or with your “other half,” renting a motorbike in Phu Quoc is the most economical transportation option. With a “motorbike,” you can travel to the most famous destinations in Pearl Island. For example: go to Duong Dong market, and flexibly change your schedule as you like.

Rent a private car in Phu Quoc

Transportation is always a complex problem for those traveling with family or in groups of 4 or more people. Rent a private car now to travel to Phu Quoc at a truly “lemongrass” price. With this choice, you will not only quickly master your Phu Quoc travel itinerary but also receive many valuable tips from the local driver.

==> Some suggestion about the transportation to travel around Phu Quoc

Experience traveling to Phu Quoc on your own – “enjoyable” activities

Explore the colorful animal world at Vinpearl Safari Phu Quoc

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Vinpearl Safari Phu Quoc is designed according to the world’s safari model

Possessing an area of up to 380 hectares, Vinpearl Safari Phu Quoc is a rare zoo in Vietnam designed according to the world-famous safari model. As explained, Vinpearl Safari Phu Quoc is a semi-wild zoo where visitors can see more than 3,000 individuals of more than 150 different animal species in a habitat that simulates the closest to nature.

Most of the lovely “animal friends” here originate from Europe, America, South Africa, etc.,. It includes many rare and precious animals that need to be protected, such as Arabian scimitar oryx, flamingos, and more. White Russian with black neck…

Travel Phu Quoc – Vinpearl Safari will surely be a memorable journey, bringing many suitable lessons about nature to children and the whole family.

==> Explore more about the amusement at Phu Quoc for your family

Visit Mong Tay Island – Dam Ngang Island – May Rut Island

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Join Phu Quoc tour to explore the 3 best islands here

According to many experience of travel Phu Quoc Island, the “specialties” here are scuba diving to see coral, swimming. In addition, you will explore the magical world under the sea. The highlight is the day tour to visit Mong Tay Island, Dam Ngang Island, and May Rut Island in Phu Quoc. 

You will feel like you are lost in a tropical paradise when experiencing an adventure around 3 beaches that are considered the best in Phu Quoc. Immerse yourself in the cool water and relax under the remarkable trees. This is truly a “place where time stops” for visitors to enjoy moments of relaxation.

Explore the world of bees at the Bee Farm

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The world of bees at the Bee Farm at Phu Quoc

If you like the natural environment and want to explore the world of bees, pepper farms, and orchards, choose the travel Phu Quoc Nature Discovery Tour. In this tour, you have the opportunity to:

  • Learn about the daily lives of farmers who make a living by raising and selling bee products
  • Enjoy a delicious lunch
  • Participate in swimming, sunbathing, or other activities
  • Sightseeing boat ride along Cua Can River.

Squid fishing at night with local fishermen

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Join the local ‘s life with Squid fishing at night

This is one of the outdoor picnic activities that many independent tourists participate in when travel Phu Quoc. Choosing the sunset boat tour and eating grilled squid, you will have local fishermen share their fishing experiences. 

When night comes, it will be time for you to experience squid fishing. The “trophies” collected will be processed right on the boat and eaten on the spot!

There is a brilliant Hon Thom at Sun World Hon Thom Phu Quoc

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Sun World Hon Thom Phu Quoc

Who says that if you want to explore nature, you can’t go to a theme park? Located on sunny Hon Thom, one of the islands with the most beautiful coastline in Phu Quoc, Sun World Phu Quoc offers visitors a close experience with the waves. 

First, you will get a panoramic view of Pearl Island’s nature from a height of 174m of the Sun World Hon Thom cable car (a.k.a. the longest sea-crossing cable car in the world).

Next, get ready to participate in countless exciting water games, such as scuba diving to see coral, canoeing, kayaking, parasailing, etc. Sun World Hon Thom Water Park or Aquatopia Water Park always welcomes “adrenaline fanatics” with hair-raising but also refreshing winding water slides.

==> Some special Phu Quoc tour that you should not miss

Explore the most beautiful coral reefs on Pearl Island

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The most beautiful coral reefs on Pearl Island

Phu Quoc Island attracts many visitors from far and wide, thanks to its beautiful, captivating white sand beaches. Besides, there is a diverse coral ecosystem, giving you a multi-dimensional view of the nature of Pearl Island. 

During the travel Phu Quoc Scuba Diving Tour, you will explore coral mountains, Northeast coral reefs, or the famous Half Moon coral reef.

Experience local life in Ham Ninh Fishing Village

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Experience local life in Ham Ninh Fishing Village

If you want to learn about real fishing village life for yourself, you should visit Ham Ninh fishing village – a place that still retains almost intact wildness. The main occupations of the people of this village are pearl diving, sea cucumber catching, and crab netting. 

Visit Ham Ninh early in the morning to watch the sunrise or watch the moon here at night; only then will you fully feel its beauty. Oh, make sure to take advantage of the specialty of freshly boiled crab with firm meat dipped in scrumptious lemon salt and pepper.

Enjoy the excellent green space at Ganh Dau Cape

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The excellent green space at Ganh Dau Cape

Many people who travel Phu Quoc on their own know about Sao Beach, Dai Beach, etc. But they need to pay more attention to the place called Ganh Dau. Coming here, you will be surprised to be immersed in a highly green space. 

The crescent-shaped beach hugs the surrounding trees. The golden white sand beach shimmers in the sunlight, making it seem like you can look into it and forget all your worries. From here, you can see the maritime boundary of neighboring Cambodia.

Explore ancient forests on Phu Quoc island

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Primeval forests with pristine scenery at Phu Quoc

For souls passionate about adventure, take advantage of the opportunity to explore the North of Phu Quoc Island or go to Da Ngon Mountain or Ganh Dau Mountain Ecological Reserve. You can also choose to travel on your own or hire a local guide to follow your journey. Primeval forests with pristine scenery are waiting for you!

Set up station overnight on Mong Tay Island

Mong Tay island is quite wild and uninhabited, as well as convenient services from the mainland. You can camp on the beach or go into the forest to explore the wild nature here. 

Another exciting activity is scuba diving to see the vibrant coral ecosystem, along with many types of brightly colored sea anemones. If you have an underwater camera, remember to take advantage of the opportunity to capture beautiful images of coral reefs of all colors and sizes.

Organize a picnic in the forest next to Suoi Tranh

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Organize overnight camping in the forest next to Suoi Tranh

One of the exciting activities when travel Phu Quoc on their own is to organize overnight camping in the forest next to Suoi Tranh. Suoi Tranh is located in the Ham Ninh range, northeast of Phu Quoc island. 

Suoi Tranh is made up of small streams, weaving through the forest and ravines, creating a relaxed, poetic stream. So the natural landscape with flowers, mountains, and forests is an ideal place to organize a picnic.

Explore the mysterious Phu Quoc bat cave

the-mysterious-phu-quoc-bat-cave
The mysterious Phu Quoc bat cave

When travel Phu Quoc island, you cannot miss a beautiful place, Bat Cave. To get here, you have to cross the quite adventurous waterfall called Suoi Tranh. From the outside, Bat Cave looks quite dark. Therefore, local people say that this cave is often inhabited by many snakes and pythons. 

You absolutely should not make any noise because just the sound of a rock falling can wake up thousands of bats. If you visit Suoi Tranh, remember to take advantage of this mysterious Bat Cave!

Travel to Phu Quoc with Phu Quoc island canoe tour

enjoy-phu-quoc-island-canoe-tour
Enjoy Phu Quoc island canoe tour

Canoe tours are a series of famous experiences for those who go to Phu Quoc on their own. With the Phu Quoc 4-island canoe tour, you will be able to visit the most beautiful beaches of pearl island, such as Hon May Rut, Hon Mong Tay, Hon Gam Ghi, and Hon Thom, participate in diving to see coral, and enjoy fresh seafood. On the boat, practicing fishing, watching the romantic red sunset… All in just one day.

==> Top 25 best attractions in Phu Quoc for your travel plan 

What to eat during travel Phu Quoc? 

Your love for food is as great as your passion for exploring nature. In that case, you must fill your “hungry stomach” with Phu Quoc specialties below that you crave as soon as you hear the name.

Crab blood pudding

dont-miss-to-eating-the-crab-blood-pudding-at-phu-quoc
Don’t miss to eating the crab blood pudding at Phu Quoc

Crab blood pudding is taken from the crab legs, cut into pieces, and then mixed with spices to create a characteristic salty, delicious flavor. There is no need to debate the deliciousness of crab blood pudding; once you eat it, you will remember it forever.

Bun ken

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Enjoy Bun Ken – the Phu Quoc specialties

If Da Nang’s delicious dishes include Quang noodles, Phu Quoc attracts tourists with simple vermicelli noodles. Fresh noni fish or silverfish is minced, fried. And then cooked with fish bone broth and coconut milk, served with shredded papaya, herbs, and red peppers, creating an unmistakably delicious flavor. This is a popular Phu Quoc delicacy, widely sold in Duong Dong town.

Ham Ninh crab

the-newly-caught-crab-at-ham-ninh-fishing-village
The newly caught crab at Ham Ninh fishing village

Ham Ninh crab is, of course, sold in Ham Ninh fishing village, about 20 km from Duong Dong town center. The newly caught crabs are still fresh, not too giant, but very thick and sweet. With simple preparations such as boiling or steaming lemongrass, the excellent flavor of Ham Ninh crab is enough to make any food lover memorable.

==> Don’t miss favorite places to eat in Phu Quoc

With highly detailed self-sufficient travel Phu Quoc experience in hand, what are you waiting for before setting out to explore Pearl Island? Phu Quoc is a beautiful tourist destination for you and your close friends to experience incredible moments and reward yourself after stressful working days.

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