1. Explore The Hidden Beaches of Phu Quoc

Beyond the well-known stretches of sand, Phu Quoc harbors secret coastal gems that remain blissfully untouched by crowds. These pristine beaches offer nature lovers the perfect escape, where soft waves meet empty shores and crystal-clear waters stretch endlessly toward the horizon.

Long Beach captivates visitors with its powdery white sand extending for miles along the western coast. Vung Bau Beach enchants with its calm turquoise waters and completely untouched shoreline. Meanwhile, Dai Beach rewards sunset seekers with spectacular evening views in complete tranquility. Unlike the island's busier swimming spots, these hidden treasures provide empty shores, pristine waters, and an atmosphere of deep relaxation.

Sunbathing on soft sand becomes pure bliss here, while swimming in clear waters offers refreshing relief from tropical heat. Pack a seaside picnic, bring your camera for stunning nature photography, or try snorkeling to discover colorful coral reefs just offshore. These untouched beaches create the perfect setting for reconnecting with nature and finding your own slice of paradise.

Long Beach is an ideal spot to unwind and connect with nature (Source: Pexels)

2. Discover The Vibrant Local Night Markets

When darkness falls across Phu Quoc, the island transforms into a culinary wonderland where sizzling seafood fills the air and local culture comes alive. These Phu Quoc night markets pulse with energy as vendors prepare fresh catches and families gather around steaming bowls of noodles.

Duong Dong Night Market reigns as the island's largest and most famous evening destination, where endless seafood stalls serve everything from grilled squid to steaming crab. Grand World Night Market offers a more modern experience, blending shopping with cultural performances in an entertainment complex setting. At Sunset Town Night Market, VUI-Fest creates a festival atmosphere with live music, street food vendors, and beachfront dining under the stars.

If you're looking to make the most of your visit, be sure to explore our in-depth guide to Duong Dong Night Market, packed with useful tips, must-try foods, and everything you need to know for an unforgettable experience.

Phu Quoc’s night markets offer a lively atmosphere full of color and are the perfect place to experience the vibrant rhythm of local life (Source: Sun World Hon Thom)

3. Enjoy Authentic Phu Quoc Cuisine

Phu Quoc is not only famous for its stunning natural beauty but also celebrated as a culinary paradise of the southern sea. The island boasts a rich collection of local specialties, highlighting the freshness of coastal ingredients and a cooking style deeply rooted in regional traditions, featuring fish sauce, seafood, and forest mushrooms. Phu Quoc cuisine stands out for its bold flavors and freshness, using homegrown ingredients in dishes that beautifully reflect the island’s coastal culture and way of life.

When visiting this island gem, make sure to try these iconic local dishes:

• “Goi ca trich” (herring salad): A light, refreshing starter featuring sliced raw herring, lime juice, coconut, and wild herbs that create a vibrant and aromatic flavor profile.
• “Bun quay” (stirred vermicelli noodles): A Phu Quoc-only noodle dish made with hand-ground shrimp and fish paste, served in a hot broth and paired with a DIY dipping sauce for a zesty kick.
• “Ghe Ham Ninh” (Ham Ninh flower crab): Caught fresh from Ham Ninh Fishing Village, these crabs have sweet, firm meat and are best enjoyed steamed or boiled with salt-pepper-lime dip.
• “Nam tram” (melaleuca mushrooms): A wild mushroom native to the island, often used in soups or stir-fries, known for its slightly bitter first bite and a lingering sweet aftertaste.
• “Banh kheo”, “banh tet mat cat” (kheo cake & palm leaf sticky rice cake): Traditional sweet treats wrapped in palm leaves or shaped into delicate forms, featuring mildly sweet, nutty, and chewy flavors of glutinous rice.

Discover more culinary treasures and unique island products in our comprehensive guide on what to buy in Phu Quoc.

Phu Quoc cuisine stands out with its fresh flavors, rich taste, and distinctive coastal preparation style (Source: Sun World Hon Thom)

4. Take A Cable Car Ride to Hon Thom Island

Soaring above the crystal-clear waters of southern Phu Quoc, the world’s longest sea-crossing cable car offers one of Southeast Asia’s most unforgettable travel moments. Spanning from An Thoi to Hon Thom Island, this remarkable feat of engineering carries passengers on a 20-minute ride through the sky, unveiling panoramic views that feel almost surreal. As the gondola glides over 100 meters above sea level, the An Thoi archipelago appears like scattered emeralds in a sapphire sea, while tiny fishing boats drift far below, barely visible from this stunning vantage point.

At the end of the journey, Hon Thom Island welcomes travelers with the vibrant Sun World Hon Thom Nature Park. Here, visitors can dive into adrenaline-pumping rides at the amusement park or splash into tropical fun with over 30 water attractions. The seamless blend of breathtaking aerial travel and island excitement transforms this cable car experience into more than just a ride; it becomes a true highlight of any Phu Quoc adventure.

Discover everything you need to know for a seamless and unforgettable trip in our in-depth Hon Thom Island guide, from how to get there and what to do to the best spots for sightseeing, adventure, and local food.

To ensure a comfortable journey and enjoy the stunning views of Phu Quoc from above, take the cable car to Sun World Hon Thom (Source: Internet)

5. Dive or Snorkel Around The An Thoi Archipelago

Beneath the clear waters of the An Thoi Archipelago lies a vibrant marine world where each dive feels like stepping into a real-life aquarium. Located off the southern coast of Phu Quoc, this area is renowned for its pristine coral reefs and rich biodiversity, making it one of Vietnam’s top spots for underwater exploration.

Among the archipelago’s highlights, three islands stand out for their unique underwater features: Hon Dam Ngang dazzles with its rainbow-colored soft corals and tropical fish darting between dramatic rock formations. Hon May Rut offers exceptional underwater clarity and striking geological structures that resemble natural sculptures. Hon Gam Ghi is often referred to as a “living coral garden”, where marine life thrives abundantly in an untouched ecosystem. Visitors can choose from snorkeling or scuba diving, which requires certified instructors and provides access to deeper, more thrilling parts of the reef.

The best time to dive or snorkel around An Thoi Islands is during the dry season, from November to April, when the sea is calm and visibility peaks. For the safest and most convenient experience, full-day tour packages are highly recommended. These usually include boat transfers, professional guides, lunch, and all the necessary gear for your ocean adventure.

The An Thoi Archipelago attracts visitors with its pristine beauty, crystal-clear waters, and rich marine biodiversity (Source: Pexels)

6. Visit The Symbol of Love and Unity – Kiss Bridge

Tucked within the captivating Sunset Town on southern Phu Quoc, Kiss Bridge has swiftly risen to fame as the island’s most romantic icon and a must-visit for photography lovers. This architectural marvel features two graceful bridge segments that curve toward one another, stopping just short of meeting, an evocative symbol of love, longing, and the beauty of connection across distance.

As daylight fades, the magic of golden hour bathes the entire scene in warm amber hues, turning the bridge into a breathtaking silhouette against the sea. The narrow gap where the two sides nearly touch becomes the ultimate photo spot, ideal for heartfelt snapshots and proposals, while a leisurely walk along its elegant paths offers the perfect setting for romantic evenings and family moments alike.

For the most enchanting experience, plan your visit between 5:00 PM and 6:00 PM, when the setting sun creates the bridge’s signature glow. Pair your stroll with nearby attractions in Sunset Town, such as the spectacular Kiss The Stars show, stylish seaside cafes offering tropical cocktails, and bold Mediterranean-inspired architecture that turns this area into an unforgettable night-time destination.

Kiss Bridge is designed to be both a breakwater and an impressive tourist symbol (Source: Sun World Hon Thom)

7. See Authentic Local Life at Ham Ninh Fishing Village

Ham Ninh Fishing Village offers visitors a genuine glimpse into island culture, far from the glitz of resort areas and tourist attractions. Floating houses line the peaceful shoreline while weathered fishing boats bob gently in calm waters. Local residents go about their daily routines, mending nets in the afternoon sun, trading fresh catches right on the beach, and maintaining the rhythm of life that revolves around the sea's generous offerings.

Ham Ninh crab has achieved legendary status among food lovers for its exceptionally sweet, firm meat served at prices that reflect the village's down-to-earth character. Early morning walks along the fishing pier reveal stunning sunrise views while the village awakens to another day of maritime tradition. Browse stalls selling fresh seafood or purchase local dried goods that make authentic and flavorful souvenirs of your island experience.

Immerse yourself in the rustic charm and everyday life of locals through our comprehensive guide to Ham Ninh Fishing Village, featuring must-see spots, local eats, cultural highlights, and practical travel tips for a meaningful visit.

Ham Ninh Fishing Village preserves a rustic charm and offers a genuine glimpse into the everyday life of Phu Quoc’s fishermen (Source: Pexels)

8. Get A Taste of Tradition at Phu Quoc’s Pepper Farms

The distinctive aroma of Phu Quoc's world-renowned black pepper fills the air at family-run farms scattered across the island's interior. These agricultural treasures represent generations of farming expertise passed down through families who have perfected the art of cultivating Vietnam's finest peppercorns. Particularly around Cua Duong and Cua Lap areas, pepper farms showcase traditional growing methods that take advantage of Phu Quoc's unique climate and soil conditions.

Phu Quoc countryside pepper farm tours reveal the complete journey from vine to table, including traditional harvesting techniques and sun-drying processes that develop the pepper's characteristic, intense flavor. Walking among the lush green pepper vines creates perfect photo opportunities while farm owners share stories about their family traditions. Tasting sessions allow visitors to compare different varieties – black pepper, red pepper, green pickled pepper, and the popular lime pepper salt blend that locals use on everything from fresh fruit to grilled seafood.

Opt for light, breathable clothes and bring a hat and sunscreen, since most of the activities are outdoors (Source: Sun World Hon Thom)

9. Explore Vietnam’s Wartime Legacy at Phu Quoc Prison

Phu Quoc Prison stands as one of the island’s most profound historical landmarks, bearing witness to Vietnam’s painful yet heroic wartime legacy. During the height of conflict, this facility held over 40,000 revolutionary prisoners under extremely harsh and inhumane conditions, serving as a stark reminder of the sacrifices made in the fight for national independence.

The prison complex is remarkably well-preserved, with life-sized reconstructions that authentically depict solitary confinement cells, tiger cages, and interrogation rooms. Mannequins and recreated torture scenes provide powerful visual narratives of prisoner suffering, while memorial spaces and war documentation exhibits offer deeper historical context and honor the resilience of those who endured.

For a more meaningful visit, guests are encouraged to join a guided tour or use an audio guide to gain insight into the prison’s role in Vietnam’s struggle. However, due to the intense and graphic nature of the displays, Phu Quoc Prison may not be suitable for young children or visitors sensitive to wartime imagery.

Phu Quoc Prison Museum is a significant historical landmark offering a deeper look into Vietnam’s wartime past and national resilience

10. Catch The Unreal Sunset at Dinh Cau Temple

Perched atop rugged rocks extending into the Gulf of Thailand, Dinh Cau Temple is both a spiritual landmark for Phu Quoc’s fishing community and one of the island’s most enchanting sunset viewpoints. Steeped in tradition, this seaside shrine embodies the islanders’ prayers for safety and good fortune before venturing into the open sea.

Stone pathways stretch out into the surf, guiding visitors toward the temple where incense smoke mingles with salty sea breeze, creating an atmosphere that’s at once mystical and grounding. As dusk approaches, the temple’s surroundings become bathed in golden light, offering a peaceful and contemplative ambiance.

Visitors often come to light incense and offer prayers for peace or a smooth journey ahead, embracing a cherished local custom. And just as the day draws to a close, the temple courtyard transforms into a front-row seat to nature’s masterpiece, where the sun dips into the horizon in vibrant shades of orange, pink, and gold, an unforgettable fusion of spiritual calm and coastal beauty.

Dinh Cau Temple is a must-visit spiritual site tied to Phu Quoc’s fishing heritage

From hidden beaches and vibrant night markets to cultural sites and underwater adventures, these things to do in Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam showcase the island's incredible diversity. Whether you're seeking relaxation, adventure, cultural experiences, or culinary discoveries, Phu Quoc offers something special for every type of traveler.

For more fascinating insights about Vietnamese destinations and travel information, explore Vietnam Airlines' travel guides.