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VietnamMany interesting places of Phu Quoc Island can be visited absolutely free of charge! We visited dozens of locations and compiled this guide to really worthwhile free places. There is no advertising and fiction here — only our personal experience and real impressions.
If you want to save money on excursions or just don't like to overpay for entrance tickets, this article is for you. And if you decide that you want more, you can always take a look at our complete guide to Phu Quoc.
1. Coconut Prison — free history lesson
Surprisingly, the most significant historical landmark of the island is absolutely free. We spent about two hours here studying the dark but important history of Vietnam. Realistic installations with mannequins make a strong impression.
Why it's worth a visit: This is the only place in Phu Quoc where you can truly understand the history of the country. And yes, it's free — we asked again several times, not believing our ears.
Practical Information
💡 Our advice: Do not take small children — scenes of torture can scare. It is better to visit in the morning so that there is time for lighter impressions after.
🕐 Opening hours: from 8:30 to 11:30 and from 13:30 to 17:00.
💵 Cost: free of charge
🚶 How to get there: south of the island, 350 Nguyen Van Cu Street (prison on the map). Taxi from 50 000 VND. Read more about Coconut Prison here.
2. Dinh Cau Temple and Lighthouse — best sunset for free
Our favorite place for evening walks. A small temple on a cliff with a lighthouse offers one of the best sunset views on the island. And all this is absolutely free!
Why it's worth a visit: The perfect combination of culture and nature. After sunset, you can walk 10 minutes to the night market — it turns out a ready-made evening route.
Practical Information
💡 Our advice: Come an hour before sunset to take a good place for a photo. Combine with a visit to the night market.
🕐 Opening hours: from 7:30 to 20:00.
💵 Cost: free of charge
🚶 How to get there: Duong Dong center, embankment (temple on the map). More about Dinh Kau Temple read here.
3. Su Muon Temple — mountain sanctuary for free
In our opinion, this is one of the most interesting temples in Phu Quoc, and it is absolutely free! Located on a mountainside, it offers beautiful views and a unique atmosphere.
Why it's worth a visit: This is the tallest and largest temple on the island. The 800-year-old konya tree and Buddha statues make a strong impression.
Practical Information
💡 Our advice: The temple is still being built, but this only adds atmosphere to it. The ascent along the asphalt road is not difficult. Take water — it may be hot.
🕐 Opening hours: from 7:00 to 18:00.
💵 Cost: free of charge
🚶 How to get there: the central part of the island (temple on the map). Taxi or rented transport. Read more about Su Muon Temple here.
4. Beach with starfish — natural wonder for free
One of the most beautiful beaches in Phu Quoc, and it is absolutely free! We were amazed when we saw dozens of bright red starfish on the bottom.
Why it's worth a visit: This is one of those places for which it is worth going to Phu Quoc. The photos turn out to be unrealistically beautiful, and swimming in clear water is a real pleasure.
Practical Information
💡 Our advice: Do not be persuaded to take a boat— you can walk to the beach for free. Take water and food with you— there is almost no infrastructure. Don't pull the stars out of the water!
🕐 Working hours: around the clock, preferably during the day.
💵 Cost: free of charge (rental of a lounger 50,000 VND optional)
🚶 How to get there: north of the island (beach on the map). The road is bad— only a bike or SUV. More about on the beach with starfish read here.
5. Ho Quoc Pagoda — is the largest and free
The largest pagoda on the island, and again amazing — absolutely free. A huge territory, beautiful sea views and a calm atmosphere.
Why it's worth a visit: The scale of the complex is amazing. There is a temple, a meditation center, a lake, living quarters — and all this can be viewed for free.
Practical Information
💡 Our advice: Combine with a visit to the wild Dam beach, which is located nearby. Plan for at least an hour — the territory is huge.
🕐 Opening hours: from 6:00 to 18:00.
💵 Cost: free of charge
🚶 How to get there: south of the island behind Dam beach (pagoda on the map). Learn more about Read the Ho Kwok Pagoda here.
6. Night markets— free gastronomic tour
All three main night markets of Phu Quoc are absolutely free to visit. You can just walk around, enjoy the atmosphere and look at the local life.
Why it's worth a visit: Even if you don't plan to buy anything, a walk through the night markets is already entertainment. Aromas, sounds, colors — real Asia!
Practical Information
💡 Our advice: Come just for a walk, even if you are not hungry. The atmosphere is worth it. The most authentic — market in Duong Dong.
🕐 Opening hours: from 16:00-18:00 to midnight.
💵 Cost: free of charge (food is paid separately)
🚶 How to get there: Duong Dong: city center (market on the map). Sonasea: Duong To district (market on the map). Sunset Town: waterfront (market on the map).
7. Grand World Walking Quarter — free Venice
A large walking area with canals, beautiful architecture and parkland. Admission is free, which made us very happy.
Why it's worth a visit: You can walk through the beautiful streets all day, take pictures against the background of the canals and enjoy the atmosphere of a European city. Entertainment is paid separately, but the walk itself is free.
Practical Information
💡 Our advice: Come in the afternoon to take a walk, and stay until the evening when the lights turn on. These are completely different impressions!
🕐 Opening hours: around the clock.
💵 Cost: free of charge (entertainment is paid separately)
🚶 How to get there: the northern part of Phu Quoc (Grand World on the map). Free buses #17, 19, 20. Read more about Grand World here.
8. Beach with airplanes — free air show
A unique place where you can watch the landing of airplanes for free. They fly literally tens of meters above your head!
Why it's worth a visit: A fascinating sight, especially for children and aviation enthusiasts. The photos are incredible.
Practical Information
💡 Our advice: Check the flight arrival schedule on airport website. In high season, planes land every 20-40 minutes.
🕐 Opening hours: around the clock.
💵 Cost: free of charge
🚶 How to get there: Long Beach opposite the airport (beach on the map). Buses No. 17 and No. 19. More about Read more about the beach with airplanes here.
9. Ho Chi Minh City Square— new free attraction
A brand new attraction, opened in May 2024. A huge square with a 20-meter statue of Ho Chi Minh on the site of the former airport.
Why it's worth a visit: So far, few tourists know about this place. The scale is impressive, and they don't charge a penny for admission.
Practical Information
💡 Our advice: If you are in Duong Dong, look here — located in the city center. A great place for a walk.
🕐 Opening hours: around the clock (museum— check on the spot)
💵 Cost: free of charge
🚶 How to get there: Duong Dong Center (area on the map). Buses #17, 19, 20. Read more about Ho Chi Minh City squares here.
10. Local Duong Dong Market — free immersion in real life
Unlike the tourist night market, this is a day market for locals. Here you can watch the real life of Vietnamese for free.
Why it's worth a visit: A real, unadorned Vietnam for tourists. Fruit prices are several times lower than in tourist markets.
Practical Information
💡 Our advice: The perfect place to buy fruits and vegetables. Come by motorbike — you can't drive by car.
🕐 Opening hours: from 7:00 to 17:00.
💵 Cost: free of charge
🚶 How to get there: Duong Dong Center, Duong Tran Phu Street (market on the map). Read more about local market here.
How to save as much as possible on Phu Quoc: our life hacks
During our travels in Phu Quoc, we have developed several rules that will help save money:
- Free buses — routes #17, 19, 20 are still running. Use it!
- Take water with you — is 2-3 times cheaper in stores than in tourist places.
- Parking — in many places you can find free parking if you search on the neighboring streets.
- Food — in local cafes (not tourist) prices are 2-3 times lower.
- Bargain — at markets and in taxis (if not via apps) It works!
Bottom line: Phu Quoc may be affordable
As you can see, you can have a great time in Phu Quoc without spending a single dong on entrance tickets. We specifically did not include in the list places where they charge for parking or where only the entrance is free, and you have to pay for everything else.
These 10 places are really free and give a complete picture of the island: its history, culture, nature and local life. Of course, there are many more free beaches and temples, but we have selected the most interesting and significant ones.
If after this guide you decide that you are ready to spend money on something special, take a look at our great guide to Phu Quoc — there is information about paid attractions.
Enjoy your stay and successful savings! Remember: the best things in life are free — and this is especially noticeable in Phu Quoc. 🌴
We remind you that it is much more interesting to get acquainted with the sights in Phu Quoc with the help of excursions, and therefore we advise you to look at the options with online booking and reviews on these excursion aggregators in Russian.: