Top 5 Must-Visit Fishing Villages on Phu Quoc Island

Phu Quoc is famous for its stunning beaches, and Ganh Dau Cape is one of the island's hidden gems. While spots like Sao Beach and Dai Beach are well-known, few people explore the more secluded Ganh Dau. Located in the northwest of the island, Ganh Dau remains untouched, offering tranquility far from the crowds. The journey to this beach takes you through lush forests and past the historic Nguyen Trung Truc Temple. Once you arrive, you’ll be mesmerized by the serene environment, with a crescent-shaped beach surrounded by lush trees, golden sand sparkling under the sun, and crystal-clear waters.

Ganh Dau Beach is quite far from the island’s center, but the effort is worth it. As you explore, you’ll find fishing boats dotting the coastline, and the natural beauty of the area feels timeless. Ganh Dau Cape is a unique place to admire natural rock formations shaped by the ocean, and visitors often take the opportunity to snap photos by the rocks. It’s also one of the few places on Phu Quoc where you can gaze across the water to Cambodia. Don’t forget to try the fresh seafood from the local market after a day of sightseeing and beach activities.

Address: Chuong Vic, Ganh Dau, Phu Quoc Island, Kien Giang.

When visiting Phu Quoc, you are filled with excitement and curiosity, eager to embark on lively journeys to its endless beaches, or perhaps you prefer a peaceful escape to a tranquil and untouched village, such as Rach Vem Fishing Village, a perfect choice for a relaxing experience.

Upon arrival at Rach Vem, you'll find numerous floating houses waiting for exploration. The farthest one is called 'Tinh Yeu' (Love), and as its name suggests, it offers a truly beautiful experience. This floating house is the furthest from the shore, ensuring crystal-clear and clean water. You'll take a 5-minute walk across a wooden bridge to reach the floating house, then another 5-minute boat ride to get there. Once you step onto the floating house, you can immerse yourself in nature, feeling the gentle sea breeze, admiring the clear blue sky, and watching schools of fish swimming beneath the surface.

Rach Vem presents a breathtaking fusion of nature and human life, where wild beauty meets tranquility. Exploring the fishing village, you'll be surrounded by vibrant hues of the sky, sea, and sand, tall coconut palms swaying in the breeze, boats resting on the shore, rooftops rising above the horizon, and floating houses drifting far out at sea. Rach Vem Fishing Village is a place where you can swim in crystal-clear waters, away from the crowds of other tourists, enjoy fresh seafood at reasonable prices, and discover the simple beauty of life on the island. Like other famous beaches on Phu Quoc, Rach Vem boasts clear, blue waters and cool, refreshing temperatures, with pristine white sand covered in seaweed, and coconut trees whose rustling sounds are carried by the wind.

At any moment, you can dive into the clear waters, swim with family and friends, and have fun. Waking up early to catch the sunrise or taking a peaceful walk along the beach at sunset will give you unforgettable moments at this village. It's the perfect time to appreciate the natural beauty and observe the daily routines of the locals, casting nets and pulling in fish and shrimp. You can even ask to join them on a boat ride to visit the floating fish farms, cast nets, or go fishing out at sea. When you're at Rach Vem, don't miss out on these unique experiences.

Rach Vem offers a breath of fresh air, providing a serene environment where you can refresh your mind, find inner peace, and forget about life's worries. This calm and peaceful atmosphere will make you fall in love with Rach Vem Fishing Village, even on your very first visit.

As its nickname 'Starfish Kingdom' suggests, Rach Vem is teeming with starfish. These creatures are found all around, sometimes hiding in the clear water, or resting on the white sandy beaches. Visitors can easily spot them and capture stunning photos to document their trip.

Beyond swimming and relaxation, the local seafood is a major draw for tourists. As a fishing village, the seafood here is always fresh, delicious, and reasonably priced. Visitors can enjoy Phu Quoc's specialties at local restaurants or eateries along the road.

Address: Rach Vem, Phu Quoc, Kiên Giang Province

Ham Ninh Fishing Village in Phu Quoc is located at the foot of Ham Ninh Mountain, in Ham Ninh commune, Phu Quoc district, Kiên Giang province. Nestled under the shade of humble houses, with the salty scent of the sea and the sound of wind rustling through coconut trees, it creates a harmonious symphony between nature and the sea. The locals primarily engage in fishing, gathering the ocean's bounty, and today the area is being developed for tourism.

To reach Ham Ninh, travel north-east from Duong Dong Town for just under 20 kilometers. The village, located at the foot of the towering Ham Ninh Mountain, is one of the newest destinations for visitors to Phu Quoc. The village has preserved its simple, untouched charm, remaining largely unaffected by the rise of tourism.

Although no one can say exactly when the village began, it is known that the people of Ham Ninh have been fishing for generations, building their homes on the shores of the island. The village has withstood the test of time, enduring numerous natural changes but still standing strong today.

Simply crossing the temporary bridge, you'll enter Ham Ninh Fishing Village to experience the peaceful life of the local fishermen. Here, you can watch the sunrise and sunset over the sea, and at night, enjoy the gentle breeze and moonlight. The village is full of familiar sights: nets drying in the sun, baskets being prepared, elderly residents watching children play, and the aroma of seafood meals evoking nostalgia for those who have left their hometown.

Despite being weathered by time, Ham Ninh still retains its traditional coastal culture. Visitors can explore the clear waters to see coral reefs, try pearl diving, or even fish with the locals. Immersing yourself in the simple and peaceful life of the village offers a beautiful glimpse into Phu Quoc's rural charm. You can also visit the Bai Vong pier or enjoy a swim at Ham Ninh Beach. The area is also home to the ancient, moss-covered Ham Ninh Mountain, which once housed the famous Mr. Dao Dún, a banana farmer who lived in a cave and offered bananas to travelers.

A visit to Ham Ninh Fishing Village in Phu Quoc isn't just about experiencing a peaceful lifestyle, away from the bustle of the outside world. It’s about savoring delicious seafood, with fresh catches hard to find in urban areas. Apart from the simple beauty of the landscape, the village is a great place to enjoy seafood. If you're visiting Phu Quoc, don't forget to try the crabs here, known for their sweetness and freshness.

The crabs here are always plump and tender, so much so that you can enjoy them without any seasoning. But if you add salt, pepper, and lime, the crabs become even more irresistible. Regardless of your taste preferences, it’s hard to turn down such a delightful dish.

Moreover, the seafood here is not only delicious but also affordable. You can buy seafood to take home as souvenirs. For example, crabs cost around 100,000 – 130,000 VND per kilogram. A meal for three people consisting of 0.8 kg of shrimp, 1 kg of crab, and a plate of grilled scallops with onion oil will only cost around 400,000 VND, half the price of what you'd pay at Dinh Cau Night Market.

In addition, there are many excellent eateries in Ham Ninh Fishing Village, Phu Quoc, with the famous dish of 'Mackerel Salad' being both flavorful and affordable, typically priced around 30,000 VND per plate, enough for two people.

The salty taste of the sea, the warmth of the local people, and the peaceful life, accompanied only by the sound of the waves and the wind whispering ancient tales, all contribute to the allure of Ham Ninh Fishing Village in Phu Quoc, a place where the sea and life coexist in harmony.

Address: Located in Ham Ninh Commune, Phu Quoc Island District.

If you ever find yourself in Phu Quoc, don't miss the chance to visit the fishing villages here, which still retain their pristine natural beauty, an essential part of the peaceful picture of Phu Quoc Island. A 30-minute boat ride from An Thoi port in the Hòn Thơm commune, Phu Quoc district, will take you to the charming Hon Thom fishing village, a coastal village with an area of 5.7 km². While small in size, it boasts incredible natural beauty, tourism potential, and aquaculture opportunities. The sight of locals leisurely weaving nets by their simple seaside homes will evoke a profound sense of peace.

Upon arriving at Hon Thom, make sure to visit the village center, where a small market offers fresh seafood and a couple of small shops bustle with activity. The island's inhabitants mainly rely on fishing and growing fruit trees on the mountain slopes. Hon Thom remains quite underdeveloped, with only two schools—a primary school and a secondary school. To attend high school, children must travel to the mainland. The classroom desks and chairs are often broken, and the village lacks paved roads, only having shaded dirt paths. The people here dream of a better future, hoping for a cultural center where the community can gather and thrive.

Take a peaceful stroll along the beach or head to the coral-rich beach, considered one of the most beautiful spots for swimming and snorkeling. The cool, crystal-clear waters allow you to spot schools of fish swimming gracefully around you, and the colorful coral reefs create a stunning, vibrant landscape. A trip to Hon Thom is truly worth it. You can also visit floating houses that farm rare marine species such as turtles, abalones, groupers, and sharks. Unlike the 3D movie theater experience, here you can see and interact with these fascinating creatures firsthand. Additionally, you can dive to explore the coral reefs, join local fishermen for a night of squid fishing, or try your hand at climbing the rocky cliffs and trekking through the forest to explore another untouched corner of the village. With its natural beauty—soft white sands, swaying coconut trees, and clear, cool waters—this destination will captivate every visitor.

Location: An Thoi Archipelago, Hon Thom Commune, Phu Quoc District, Kiên Giang Province.

Located in the far northern part of Phu Quoc Island, Rach Tram Fishing Village is almost completely isolated from the rest of the world. In the past, before the island’s transportation system was developed, the only way to reach Rach Tram quickly was by boat. If you tried to go by land, you’d get lost in a labyrinth of sandy and forest paths. While the roads are much clearer now, the area still isn’t for the faint of heart. If it rains, the path to Rach Tram becomes a muddy river, making it exhausting to navigate by foot or vehicle. However, this very difficulty in access has helped Rach Tram retain its unspoiled charm.

The village of Rach Tram stretches from the point of Ham Rong to the point of Trau Nam. To reach the village from the main road, you’ll have to pass along a path that runs along Mount Ong Chao, then depending on the weather, continue via a dirt road or along the coastline.

The first thing you'll notice when you arrive is the absolute tranquility—there are no tourists in sight. Rach Tram Fishing Village was once home to Cambodian refugees who crossed into Vietnam, as well as people from impoverished backgrounds seeking a better life. If you pay close attention, you’ll notice that many of the houses here don’t have doors, or if they do, they’re often left wide open. Why? Because the locals believe they have nothing to lose, and live together in harmony without fear of theft. Don’t be surprised if you see a television in front of a house, with the door wide open and no one around.

The beach at Rach Tram is not as clear as other places, as the sand is mixed with mud from the forests and rivers flowing into the sea. There are few fish farms here, and most villagers go out by boat to fish in the open ocean. Nevertheless, you can still buy seafood at a fraction of the price you’d pay in Rach Vem or Ham Ninh. From crabs to squid, oysters, and shrimp, you’ll find a wide variety of fresh seafood. After enjoying a hearty seafood meal, laying in a hammock while listening to the gentle sea breeze is truly blissful.

Location: Located in Ban Tho Commune, on the northern coastline of Phu Quoc.