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VietnamFirst time in Phu Quoc? We, too, once faced a choice: where to go first, so as not to miss the main thing. After visiting all the tourist locations of Phu Quoc, we have compiled this TOP-7 — exactly the places that we recommend to all newcomers.
If you want to explore all the options in more detail, take a look at our complete guide to the sights of Phu Quoc. And this article is your ready-made route for your first trip.
1. Phu Quoc Coconut Prison
When we first got here, we were amazed at how much this place contrasts with the resort atmosphere of the island. This is the only truly historical landmark of Phu Quoc, through which about 32,000 prisoners have passed. Realistic installations with mannequins show scenes of torture and bullying — it's hard to watch, but it's necessary.
Why in the top: Without this place, your idea of Phu Quoc and Vietnam as a whole will be incomplete. This is an important history lesson that helps to understand the country.
💡 Our advice: Do not take small children here— scenes of torture can scare them. It is better to visit in the morning in order to switch to easier locations later.
🕐 Opening hours: daily, from 8:30 to 11:30 and from 13:30 to 17:00.
💵 Entrance fee: free.
🚶 How to get there: located in the southern part of the island at 350 Nguyen Van Cu Street (prison museum on the map). Taxi from 50,000 to 200,000 VND. Read more about Coconut Prison here.
2. Phu Quoc Night Markets
We have toured all three major night markets and are ready to share a comparison:
- Duong Dong Night Market — is the most authentic and largest. Both tourists and locals come here. The food is amazing, especially the seafood!
- Sonasi Night Market (Sonasea) — more modern, located in a new tourist area. Cleaner and more spacious.
- Vui Night Market-Fest Bazaar Sunset Town — the newest and most stylish. A great place for a walk and a photo.
Why in the top: Without visiting the night market, your acquaintance with Vietnamese cuisine will be incomplete. This is a must-do at any Vietnamese resort.
💡 Our advice: If time is limited, choose the market in Duong Dong— it is the most atmospheric and with the largest selection of food. Come hungry!
🕐 Opening hours: approximately from 16:00-18:00 to midnight.
💵 Entrance fee: free.
🚶 How to get there: Duong Dong Market: downtown (night market on the map). Sonasi Market: Duong To district (Sonasi market on the map). Sunset Town Market: Sunset Town Promenade (Sunset Town market on the map). Read more about night markets here.
3. Dinh Cau Temple and lighthouse
This small but very atmospheric temple with a lighthouse in the heart of Duong Dong was a pleasant discovery for us. A place of power for local fishermen who come here to pray to the goddess of the sea Tien Hau before going out to sea.
Why in the top: An ideal place for an evening walk. From here you can enjoy a beautiful view of the sunset, and after that you can immediately go to the night market, which is a 10-minute walk away.
💡 Our advice: Come an hour before sunset — have time to see the temple and catch the most beautiful time for a photo. Combine with a visit to the night market.
🕐 Opening hours: daily, from 7:30 to 20:00.
💵 Entrance fee: free.
🚶 How to get there: in the center of Duong Dong on the waterfront (Dinh Kau Temple on the map). More about Dinh Kau Temple read here.
4. Su Muon Temple
In our opinion, this is one of the most interesting temples of Phu Quoc, a must-visit. It is located on a mountainside at an altitude of about 50 meters, offering a beautiful view. The temple is still under construction, but already impresses with its scale and spiritual atmosphere.
Why in the top: It is the largest and tallest temple on the island. The main shrine is the 800-year-old konia tree, under which Buddha Shakyamuni meditates.
💡 Our advice: The temple is under construction, but this does not prevent its visit. The climb is not difficult, there is an asphalt road. Take water and hats— it may be hot.
🕐 Opening hours: daily, from 7:00 to 18:00.
💵 Entrance fee: free.
🚶 How to get there: in the central part of Phu Quoc, away from tourist areas (Su Muon Temple on the map). It is best by taxi or rented transport. Read more about Su Muon Temple here.
Suoi Tranh
The most accessible and ennobled Phu Quoc waterfall. Low (about 4 meters), but very picturesque, especially in the rainy season. What we especially liked was two attractions in one: first you go through a beautiful theme park with sculptures, and then you go out to a waterfall with a natural swimming pool.
Why in the top: A great place to get to know the nature of Phu Quoc without extreme. Suitable for visitors of any age and physical fitness.
💡 Our advice: Come to the opening at 7 am— you will have the waterfall practically for yourself. After 10:00, excursion groups are picked up. In the dry season (January-April), the waterfall may dry out.
🕐 Opening hours: daily, from 7:00 to 17:00.
💵 Entrance fee: 30,000 VND.
🚶 How to get there: in the central part of the island near the airport (Suoy Tranh on the map). Good road, free buses No. 20. Read more about Suoi Tran Waterfall here.
6. Starfish beach
One of the most beautiful beaches in Phu Quoc, and we confirm this. Snow-white sand, clear turquoise water and dozens of bright red starfish on the bottom. The children were absolutely delighted!
Why in the top: 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 crystal clear water is a real pleasure.
💡 Our advice: Boats are optional! You can walk to the beach, do not succumb to the persuasions of the locals. Take water and food with you— there is almost no infrastructure. Explain to the children that the stars can not be pulled out of the water.
🕐 Opening hours: around the clock, but it is better to visit during the day.
💵 Entrance fee: free.
🚶 How to get there: in the north of the island (Starfish beach on the map). The road is bad— only by bike or SUV. More about on the beach with starfish read here.
Ho Quoc Temple
The largest pagoda and monastery on the island of Phu Quoc. A very popular place among tourists and travelers. The temple complex is relatively new (opened in 2012), but already impressive in its scale.
Why in the top: The area of the complex is simply huge: the temple itself, the meditation center, small religious pavilions, a lake, living quarters for monks and pilgrims are located on it. From here you can enjoy a beautiful view of the sea.
💡 Our advice: Come in good weather to enjoy the views. The complex is large, plan at least an hour to visit. Combine with a visit to the wild Dam beach, which is located nearby.
🕐 Opening hours: daily, from 06:00 to 18.00.
💵 Entrance fee: free.
🚶 How to get there: located in the southern part of Phu Quoc in a remote location behind the wild beach of Dam beach (temple on the map). The road is good, but buses do not go here. Learn more about Read the Ho Kwok Pagoda here.
How to plan a route for 3-7 days
Based on our experience, here are the best routes for the first trip:
For 3 days:
Day 1: Coconut Prison + Dinh Kau Temple + Duong Dong Night Market
Day 2: Suoi Tran Waterfall + Su Muon Temple
Day 3: Starfish Beach or Ho Quoc Pagoda (depending on the weather)
For 5-7 days:
Add a second night market (Sonasi or Sunset Town), visit both temples on different days, set aside a whole day for a beach holiday at Starfish Beach.
Our main advice: Do not try to embrace the immensity! Phu Quoc is big, and moving takes time. It is better to look less, but qualitatively.
Bottom line: What's really worth your time
We selected these 7 places because they give a complete picture of the island: its history, nature, culture and cuisine. Of course, there are many more interesting things in Phu Quoc — amusement parks, a cable car, a safari park. But if you have limited time, start with this list.
And when you get used to it, take a look at our great guide— there you will find many more interesting places for your next trips.
Have a good holiday 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.: