Phu Quoc, the largest island in Vietnam, what to see and what to do?

In the south of Vietnam, and a few kilometers from the Cambodian coast, is Phu Quoc. Located in the Gulf of Thailand, Phu Quoc is the largest island in Vietnam with a total area of ​​574 km2. Around 103,000 people inhabit the island.

There is a lot to see in Phu Quoc but, without a doubt, the main attraction of this island is, without a doubt, its surroundings: white sand beaches and crystal clear water and dense expanses of tropical forest. As well as Halong Bay, another popular destination that Vietnam has, internationally known as a more magical, charming and beautiful place.

If you want to give a more urban touch to your visit to Phu Quoc, you can visit its capital, Duong Dong, in the center of the west coast of the island.

The best beaches in Phu Quoc

If you are going to spend a few days on this amazing Vietnamese island and you are wondering what to do in Phu Quoc, the first thing you have to take into account are its beaches. Here we reveal some of the best beaches in Phu Quoc.

Dai Beach

Dai Beach is located between the towns of Ganh Dauth and Vung Bau. The waters of Dai Beach are calm and pleasant. Formerly it was a particularly quiet place with few buildings or tourists.

Currently it is a more lively place although it still hides some corners with its original charm.

Vung Bau

In the northwest of Phu Quoc, near Dai Beach, is Vung Bau. This beach is very lonely, remote, perfect for those travelers who really want to disconnect and enjoy a few hours in absolute silence.

The coastline of this beach stretches for 4.5 kilometers. Its waters are calm, especially during the dry months.

Ong Lang

Ong Lang Beach is located in the north of the capital of Phu Quoc. It is a bit rocky area and is actually made up of small beaches.

If you are in the Duong Dong area and you are looking for a quieter beach than Long Beach, this may be your best alternative.

Ganh dau

Ganh Dau is a calm beach 500 meters long, which is located between two mountains. The natural environment of the beach is lush, with palm trees and forests in which to get lost.

If you enjoy marine fauna, at Ganh Dau beach you will also be able to appreciate numerous marine species while you snorkel.

Sao Beach

Sao beach is probably one of the most paradisiacal on the island: crystal clear water and white sand. An environment surrounded by palm trees and a particularly calm sea.

If you feel like snorkeling or kayaking, the calm waters of Sao will allow you to do it with ease.

Long beach

Long Beach is fun and tranquility, it is being able to rest on its white sand, bathing in its turquoise water, but also being able to enjoy many activities in the middle of nature.

The resorts located in Long Beach offer multiple activities, from kayaking, snorkeling and paddle surfing, to jet skiing, night parties or a varied gastronomy.

Things to see in Phu Quoc

Temples in Duong Dong

Dinh Cau Rock (Cau Temple)

Dinh Cau Rock, also known as Cau Temple, is a temple that dates back to 1937 and is located on Bach Dang Street in Duong Dong City.

It is a small Buddhist temple, located on the seashore, next to the fishing port. It stands out for the color of its exterior, in bright red colors and for its decorations and dragon sculptures.

Sung Hung Pagoda

One of the oldest temples in Phu Quoc is located on Tran Hung Dao Street in Duong Dong. The exact date of its construction is unknown, but it is known that it was formed from two ancient pagodas dating from the 10th century.

Cao Dai Temple

At 40 Nguyen Trai Street you can visit the Cao Dai Temple. This temple follows the current of caodaism, which maintains that there is a single god for all religions. It is an inclusive religion founded in 1926 and practiced only in Vietnam or in countries with Vietnamese immigration.

Explore Phu Quoc National Park

This natural park occupies more than half of Phu Quoc, being located in the northernmost part of the island.
 
You can take a motorcycle route through the park or also visit it on foot. Not all tours are suitable for walking, although there are especially suitable routes to do it.

Stroll through Duong Dong Market

On Tran Phu Street in Duong Dong you can visit the Duong Dong Market any day of the week. It is the largest market on the island and the busiest. You can buy all kinds of products, especially products from fishing.

You will have the opportunity to see how the boats that bring fresh fish and seafood arrive to sell it in the market. The famous Phu Quoc fish sauce is also marketed there, which is considered one of the best fish sauces in the world.