Beach Guide: Phu Quoc, Vietnam

The island of Phu Quoc, in the Gulf of Thailand, is home to some of the most beautiful and unspoilt beaches in Vietnam. As you wander along the blissfully tranquil coastline, its hard to believe that Phu Quoc was the site of a huge POW camp during the Vietnam war. These days, gorgeous scenery, excellent seafood, and friendly locals has made Phu Quoc one of Vietnam’s the most desirable tourist destinations. The airport in Duong Dong town has made it easy to access Phu Quoc, but with an increase in tourism the island will lose much of its rustic charm. To experience these beaches in all their untouched glory, you should get out there as soon as possible. Bear in mind, however, that the island’s dirt-road infrastructure makes travel difficult during the rainy season (July-September).

The main beach on Phu Quoc is Long Beach, on the west side, just south of Duong Dong. This five-mile stretch of beach is the centre of Phu Quoc’s tourist scene, and there are some lively backpacker bars. There are crowded clusters of resorts and guesthouses, but some sections of the beach are much less busy. Competition can be fierce for the best accommodation on Long Beach, so it’s advisable to book your rooms in advance, especially if you’re traveling during peak season (November-March).

Escaping the crowds on Phu Quoc’s Beaches

For a more tranquil experience, take a boat up to Ganh Dau Beach on the northern tip of the island. There are fewer tourists here, and it’s a good place to sample Phu Quoc’s famous seafood. If you really want to get away from it all, head east in a taxi to Sao Beach – an isolated stretch of sand with stunningly beautiful views. Accommodation is basic on Sao Beach, but it’s worth staying overnight for the incredible sunrise.

Phu Quoc’s clear, shallow waters make it perfect for snorkeling. On Long Beach there are several boat tour companies, who offer day-trips to the best snorkeling spots around the island. There are also some good scuba diving centers, catering for beginners and experts alike. For diving newbies, Phu Quoc is a good place to learn, with plenty of unchallenging yet beautiful dive-spots. If you feel like something different, why not check out a pearl farm, which are an important part of Phu-Quoc’s industry. It’s possible to buy high-quality and inexpensive pearls directly from the farms. Just head south down Long Beach until you get to Duong To village, where you’ll find several big pearl-farms. And if you keep your eyes open when you’re diving or snorkeling, you might even find a wild pearl for yourself.