An independent guide to Phu Quoc islandSupport
Frequently asked questions
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Phu Quoc island guide
Is Phu Quoc Island Tourism an official government website?
No. It is an independent guide. The official portals are run by An Giang province and by the Phu Quoc Special Zone; we link to them where they are the source of a fact.
Is Phu Quoc still in Kien Giang province?
No. Since 1 July 2025 Phu Quoc has been a special zone of An Giang province, after Kien Giang and An Giang merged.
Older maps, tickets and websites may still say Kien Giang; they refer to the same island.
When is the sea calmest?
On the west coast, in the dry north-east monsoon, roughly November or December to April. In the wet months the south-east beaches such as Bai Sao and Bai Khem are more sheltered.
Does this site sell tours or tickets?
No. We publish information only. To book a flight, boat, hotel or activity, deal directly with the company that provides it.
Read in full: Phu Quoc island guide.
Getting there
Can I use the 30-day Phu Quoc exemption if I connect through Ho Chi Minh City?
Only if you stay in the international transit area and continue to Phu Quoc without passing immigration, according to the airport's guidance.
If you clear immigration in Ho Chi Minh City, you need a visa or a nationwide exemption.
Where do boats from the mainland arrive?
At Bai Vong port on the east coast. Superdong lists a shuttle bus from the port to its Duong Dong ticket office.
Can I bring a car or a motorbike to the island?
Yes, on a car ferry. Thanh Thoi lists fares for mopeds and cars on its Ha Tien and Rach Gia crossings; check with the operator before you go.
Can I stay longer than 30 days on the exemption?
No. The exemption is up to 30 days and covers Phu Quoc only. For a longer stay or for travel elsewhere in Vietnam, apply for an e-visa.
Read in full: Getting there.
Getting around
Is Grab available everywhere on Phu Quoc?
Mostly around Duong Dong and Long Beach. In the north, at remote beaches and late at night there may be no car nearby; metered taxis or a driver booked through your hotel are the fallback.
Can I ride a scooter with my car driving licence?
No. Vietnamese law requires a licence for the motorcycle class you ride. With an international permit, you must also carry a home licence valid for the same class.
How long does it take from the airport to Duong Dong?
VnExpress's handbook gives about 15 minutes to the island's centre. Sources differ on the distance: about 7 km in a 2012 report, 10 to 14 km in Vietnam Airlines' guide.
Can I pay taxis in US dollars?
Fares should be quoted and paid in Vietnamese dong. Carry dong for taxis and small purchases.
Read in full: Getting around.
Weather and seasons
When is the rainy season on Phu Quoc?
Roughly May to October, with sources differing on November. A 2021 climate study puts it from May to November; travel guides often say May to October.
Can I swim in July?
Usually on the sheltered south-east beaches such as Bai Sao and Bai Khem. West-coast beaches often have waves in the south-west monsoon; follow lifeguard flags and local advice.
Which is the hottest month?
April, on long-term averages, with average highs around 32.5 °C.
Do boats to the island run all year?
Yes, but services are suspended on rough days in both monsoons. Keep a spare day if a boat crossing is part of a tight plan.
Read in full: Weather and seasons.
Duong Dong and Long Beach
Is the Duong Dong night market open?
Its status changed in 2026: the lease ended at the end of 2025 and the special zone said in April 2026 it was studying a new site. Ask your hotel for the current location before you go.
Can I swim at Long Beach all year?
In the dry months the sea is usually calm. From about May to October waves build on the west coast; swim only where lifeguards and flags show it is safe.
When is the Dinh Cau festival?
On the 15th and 16th days of the tenth lunar month. In 2024 that was 15 and 16 November; the solar date changes every year.
Read in full: Duong Dong and Long Beach.
South and An Thoi islands
Are canoe trips to the An Thoi islands running again?
Several operators paused them in July 2026 while vessels were reviewed. Check with the operator, and only board a registered boat with life jackets for everyone.
How long is the Hon Thom cable car ride?
About 15 minutes for the 7,899.9 m crossing from An Thoi to Hon Thom.
Is Bai Sao good for children?
The water is shallow and sheltered from the south-west wind, which suits children with an adult watching. Midday sun on the white sand is strong.
Read in full: South and An Thoi islands.
North and national park
Can I walk in Phu Quoc National Park on my own?
Roads cross the park, but its visitor rules were not published online when we checked. Ask the park office or go with a licensed guide before walking into the forest.
When can I see starfish at Rach Vem?
From about January to May, according to the An Giang tourism department. Look but leave them in the water.
Is Bai Dai the same as Long Beach?
No. Bai Dai is in the north-west between Cua Can and Ganh Dau. Long Beach, or Bai Truong, runs south from Duong Dong.
Read in full: North and national park.
East coast and Ham Ninh
Is the old wooden bridge at Ham Ninh open?
No. Vietnam Airlines' guide says it is damaged and no longer in use. The village and its floating restaurants remain open to visitors.
When does Suoi Tranh have water?
Mainly in the wet season, roughly June to October. In the dry months it may be almost dry.
Can I see dugongs?
We have no source on how often visitors see them, so do not plan a trip around a sighting. Their seagrass habitat lies along the north-east and east coast; keep boats and feet off the beds.
Read in full: East coast and Ham Ninh.
Culture and history
Can I bring Phu Quoc fish sauce home on the plane?
Usually only in checked baggage and well sealed. Vietnam Airlines allows up to 3 litres or 3 kg per passenger in plastic bottles packed in a sealed foam box, not on its ATR72 aircraft.
Is the Phu Quoc Prison site free to visit?
Vietnam Airlines' guide lists free entry with morning and afternoon opening hours. Confirm on the day, as hours can change on holidays.
Is Phu Quoc fish sauce protected in Europe?
Yes. The EU registered it as a protected designation of origin in 2012. Only sauce made and bottled on the island may use the name in the EU.
Are the pearls sold on the island real?
Some are, some are not. Press reports have warned about imitations. Buy only with a written certificate from the seller.
Read in full: Culture and history.
Responsible travel
Is it safe to take a canoe trip to the An Thoi islands?
It can be, on a registered and inspected boat with life jackets worn by everyone, not overloaded, in good weather. After the July 2026 capsizing the special zone tightened these rules; refuse any boat that does not follow them.
Who do I contact about overcharging?
The special zone's Tourism Rapid Response Team, launched in February 2026, handles complaints about prices and service through QR feedback points and its teams around the island.
Can I take shells or coral home?
Leave them where they are. The reefs and seagrass are inside a marine protected area, and taking marine life harms it.
What are the emergency numbers?
113 police, 114 fire and rescue, 115 ambulance, 112 search and rescue.
Read in full: Responsible travel.
Start planning
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