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What makes South Phu Quoc Island stand out and always top the travel bucket list? Let's discover the 'what' and 'whatnot' of travel activities in the southern gem with Klook.
Known as the paradise of sea and islands in Vietnam, Phu Quoc offers travelers a colorful view of nature along with various entertaining and thrilling activities. Most of the famous tourist spots in Phu Quoc are concentrated in the northern, southern, and eastern parts of the island, each possessing its own unique charm. Therefore, no matter how many times you visit Phu Quoc independently, you can always accumulate numerous new experiences.
This article will take #teamKlook on a tour around South Phu Quoc Island - a destination that has been trending on social media for many years.
When is the Best Time to Visit South Phu Quoc Island?
South Phu Quoc Island is a popular tourist destination on Phu Quoc Island with stunning natural landscapes and romantic scenery, offering travelers extremely attractive experiences. The best time to visit South Phu Quoc Island is usually during the dry season, from November to April, when the weather is warm and sunny. During this time, the blue sea, white sand, and clear sky make South Phu Quoc Island a wonderful destination to enjoy the sea and delicious seafood.
However, if you want to avoid the crowds and have a quieter experience, the post-monsoon season (from May to October) can also be interesting. During this time, you can visit lush green vineyards and enjoy summer fruits on Phu Quoc Island. However, be aware that rain may occur and affect outdoor activities.
What to Do on South Phu Quoc Island? Unmissable Experiences on South Phu Quoc Island
1. Diving and Fishing at the Trio of Mong Tay Island, Dam Ngoc Island, and May Rut Island
Setting foot on Dam Ngoc Island and May Rut Island - beautiful beaches in Phu Quoc - travelers are sure to be amazed by the picturesque 'sea and sky blending as one' scene. The sea here is deep blue and crystal clear, allowing for ideal diving or fishing activities. After enjoying the water activities, travelers can sunbathe on the winding white sandy beaches or take photos with the natural rock formations emerging from the sea.
Find out more information about Mong Tay Island, May Rut Island, and other beautiful beaches in Phu Quoc in the article below.
2. Join the 4-Island Tour to Thom Island, Mong Tay Island, May Rut Island, and Buom Island
Are you endlessly passionate about water waves? Exploring natural islands has never been 'too much' for you? Then why wait to join Klook's 4-island tour, to 'hike' to the most famous islands of Phu Quoc including Thom Island, Mong Tay Island, May Rut Island, and Buom Island?
Leisurely strolling around the beautiful island and admiring the picturesque natural scenery, all the hustle and bustle of life seems to disappear. Travelers also experience the world's longest sea-crossing cable car to reach Sun World Hon Thom - one of the most attractive entertainment destinations on the pearl island. Remember to choose dynamic outfits to enjoy snorkeling, coral watching, and many other exciting water activities.
3. Experience the World's Longest Sea-crossing Cable Car
With a length of nearly 8,000 meters, the cable car to Sun World Hon Thom Phu Quoc holds the title of the world's longest sea-crossing cable car route. From the cabin, you can fully admire a brilliant Hon Thom, where natural beauty harmonizes with modern infrastructure.
Sun World Hon Thom Phu Quoc is also known as the top entertainment destination in Vietnam, featuring numerous exciting water activities such as floating houses, sea kite canoeing, kayaking.... The presence of Hon Thom Water Park - Aquatopia Water Park - is also the reason why many families choose Sun World Hon Thom Phu Quoc as their weekend getaway. #teamKlook, let's find out more about Sun World Hon Thom Phu Quoc in the article below.
Want to save when booking tickets to Sun World Hon Thom? Head straight to Klook now!
4. Practice Underwater Walking at Namaste Coral Park
Diving with a breathing tube just to see corals is not enough; #teamKlook can 'zoom in' on these unique creatures by experiencing underwater walking at Namaste Coral Park. On the journey to the first coral conservation and development area in Phu Quoc, you will learn more about the colorful world within the ocean and grow to love the marine ecosystem even more.
Don't worry if your diving skills are still 'blurry', because tourists will be assisted by professional and enthusiastic trainers. Make a date with friends to admire countless tropical marine creatures at Ganh Ghì, Mong Tay, May Rut Trong, and May Rut Ngoài.
5. Enjoy Fresh Seafood on Floating Rafts
Phu Quoc specialties seem more authentic when enjoyed on floating rafts. Tourists can fish or choose to buy live seafood raised right on the rafts. While waiting for the restaurant to prepare the dishes, #teamKlook can take the opportunity to swim or capture some beautiful photos amidst the vast waves of Hon Roi, Hon Dam Trong, and Hon Thom. Enjoying delicious Phu Quoc seafood while admiring the sunset over the sea is a memorable experience for anyone.
6. Stroll Along the Famous Sao Beach
Phu Quoc's stunning beaches top the list of traveler favorites, and Sao Beach boasts a 7km coastline with fine white sand. This isn't your typical island sand; it perfectly complements the clear blue waters and lush coconut trees. It's not an exaggeration to say Sao Beach evokes thoughts of renowned island paradises like the Maldives or Bali.
Visiting Phu Quoc's Southern Island, #teamKlook must go starfish hunting. When the last rays of sunlight leave the island, thousands of starfish take over Sao Beach - creating a fascinating natural phenomenon and the origin of its name. The sea at Sao Beach is relatively calm, with gentle waves, soft sand, and few rocks, making it ideal for family travelers with young children.
7. Explore Pearl Farms
Pearls are not only beautiful but also carry messages about their owners. If white pearls symbolize happiness and peace, black pearls represent wishes for luck. Remember these messages when visiting pearl farms in Phu Quoc, #teamKlook. At the farms, tourists can observe the complete process of cultivation, care, and harvesting, as well as admire thousands of exquisite jewelry pieces made from pearls. Don't forget to take home some lucky souvenirs.
8. Indulge in Authentic Sim Wine
Sim wine is spicy even before tasting.
Longing before getting drunk
Which pier is shallow, which pier is deep?
Let me keep the intense wine in my heart.
(Excerpt from “Poems About Sim Wine”)
What is sim wine that it's mentioned in poetry? According to many foodie #teamKlook members, sim wine has a light bitterness, a sweet aftertaste, and a fruity aroma. This specialty of Phu Quoc is distilled from wild sim fruits, usually harvested from late December to late May of the following year. Not only exquisite, Phu Quoc sim wine also has medicinal properties, helping with digestive disorders, blood circulation, and heart health. If you have the chance to visit Phu Quoc's Southern Island, be sure to visit a sim wine distillery to witness the process of crafting these excellent bottles.
9. Exploring History at Coconut Tree Prison
Located in An Thoi town, southern Phu Quoc Island, Coconut Tree Prison (or Phu Quoc War Prison, Phu Quoc Prison, Phu Quoc Detention Center…) is an important historical site - a testament to the nation's heroic struggle and also a place that records the atrocities of fierce wars. Operating from 1967 to 1973, Coconut Tree Prison once held over 32,000 revolutionary soldiers, with more than 4,000 fallen martyrs and tens of thousands permanently disabled.
Phu Quoc Prison is divided into 12 main areas with dark dungeons, 'tiger cages' (a type of zinc-coated cage with sharp iron spikes, tube-shaped or small rectangular) and countless inhumane torture devices. It's only at Coconut Tree Prison Phu Quoc that visitors truly understand the physical and mental suffering that the Vietnamese people endured for freedom and independence.
10. Paying Homage to Ho Quoc Pagoda Phu Quoc
Phu Quoc is famous for its diverse nature exploration activities; hence, few know that the pearl island also has a distinctive spiritual destination. That is Ho Quoc Pagoda - also known as Truc Lam Ho Quoc Zen Monastery. Established in 2011, Ho Quoc Pagoda is built in the architectural style of the Ly and Tran dynasties with many solid wooden structures intricately carved. The variation in the length of the wooden bars is also what sets Ho Quoc Pagoda apart from other pagodas in the Truc Lam Zen Monastery system.
Nestled amidst picturesque landscapes, Ho Quoc Pagoda is surrounded by charming mountains and rivers, with fresh, cool air all year round. Upon arrival, you will be welcomed by a 3-meter-high jade Buddha statue, both majestic and graceful. Along the 70 stone steps leading to the main hall, visitors can admire the delicate relief of the phoenix dragon carved on a white elegant gypsum background; on both sides are statues of the 18 Arhats.
Explore famous tourist destinations in the southern part of Phu Quoc Island such as Sao Beach, Ho Quoc Pagoda, Coconut Tree Prison, sim wine factory, pearl farm in the South Phu Quoc Sightseeing Tour by Klook.
Latest Travel Experience Guide to South Phu Quoc Island
1. Directions to South Phu Quoc
First, to travel to Phu Quoc, tourists have various attractive options, as follows:
- By plane: Vietnam Airlines, Bamboo Airways, and Vietjet Air all offer direct flights to Phu Quoc from many departure points such as Hanoi, Haiphong, Thanh Hoa, Vinh, Hue, Da Nang, Nha Trang, Dalat, Buon Ma Thuot, and many more. With a bit of luck, you can find plane tickets for less than one million dong for both one-way and return trips.
- High-speed ferry: For first-time visitors to Phu Quoc, using a high-speed ferry may be a good choice to avoid seasickness. There are two routes to Phu Quoc, the journey from Rach Gia is about 120 km and takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes, while the journey from Ha Tien is shorter with a distance of about 50 km and takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes. You should depart from Ha Tien to shorten the sea travel time, and the ticket price is also cheaper.
(*) After arriving at the ferry terminal or airport, there will be many inviting services to take you to resorts and hotels. You can book shuttle services on Klook to save on transportation costs.
Once in Phu Quoc, tourists have two means of transportation to explore the islands in the southern part of Phu Quoc:
- Boat: To travel by boat, tourists can buy tickets at An Thoi port and then move to the island. The travel time is not long, only about 30 minutes. This is a fairly economical means to visit the islands in South Phu Quoc.
- Cable car: Besides boats, cable cars are also a great option to explore South Phu Quoc. Sitting on the cable car, you have the opportunity to admire the beautiful panorama of Phu Quoc within reach without any difficulty, this is truly an experience worth trying, isn't it?
2. Transportation on South Phu Quoc Island
The most common means of transportation on Phu Quoc Island are taxis and motorbikes. Usually, taxi companies and rental services offer half-day or full-day tours of the southern island, with prices ranging from 500,000 to 700,000 dong.
Additionally, you can also rent a motorbike for about 100,000 - 150,000 dong per day, excluding fuel costs. When renting a motorbike, tourists need to present their ID card or passport. Before departure, make sure to carefully check the brake system, turn signals, and lights of the bike to ensure safety.
Hotels and Resorts Near South Phu Quoc Island
1. Crowne Plaza Phu Quoc Starbay
- Address: 99 Tran Hung Dao Street, Ward 7, Phu Quoc, Kien Giang
- Price: from 2,357,000 VND/night
2. Premier Residences Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Managed By Accor
- Address: Khem Beach, An Thoi Town, Phu Quoc City, Kien Giang Province
- Price: 1,996,000 VND/night
3. Mường Thanh Luxury Phu Quoc Hotel
- Address: Group 3, Bao Road, Phu Quoc District, Kien Giang
- Price: 1,095,000 VND/night
4. Dusit Princess Moonrise Beach Resort
- Address: Tran Hung Dao, Group 2, Cua Lap Hamlet, Duong Dong Town, Phu Quoc, Kien Giang Province
- Price: 1,852,000 VND/night
5. JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa
- Address: Khem Beach, An Thoi, Phu Quoc
- Price: 7,187,000 VND/night
Phu Quoc's southern island is calling. Let's go, what are you waiting for? Don't forget to explore more Phu Quoc travel experiences on Klook's Blog.
There are many other amazing experiences in Phu Quoc such as Sim Wine Specialty, Phu Quoc Pearls, Phu Quoc Pepper Farm, VinWonders Phu Quoc, 19 Exciting Phu Quoc Travel Suggestions, 25 Famous Phu Quoc Travel Destinations Not to Miss,... and many more.
Are you ready for your trip to Phu Quoc's southern island?
