The Best Beaches in Phu Quoc: Ultimate Guide
In search of Phu Quoc’s best beaches? Ditch the guesswork.
Here’s my scoop on the best beaches in Phu Quoc, drawn up to give you clear choices for sunbathing, swimming, or diving into the island’s vibrant beach life.
1. Sao Beach: Phu Quoc's White Sand Paradise
Introducing Sao Beach, a breathtaking white sand paradise situated approximately 28 km from Duong Dong town. The beach is a perfect blend of clear blue water, a curved shoreline, and flanking stone capes.
Best time to visit
The ideal time to visit Sao Beach is between June and October, when the rain brings calm waves and maintains the water’s crystal clear appearance. However, the beach also offers a unique spectacle between November and March – starfish sightings! Yes, you heard it right. Sao Beach is a playground for starfish, especially during these months.
How to get there
You might be curious about how to get to this white sand paradise. There are two popular ways to travel to Sao Beach from Duong Dong Town. One is by renting a motorbike for 100,000 to 150,000 VND per day. The other option is to take a taxi, which costs around 360,000 VND one way, with possible discounts for return trips.
Best beach for:
Swimming
Sunbathing
Snorkeling
Scuba diving
Kayaking
2. Khem Beach: Private Relaxation
Known locally as ‘Kem Beach’ which translates to ‘ice cream’, this beach is a treat to the senses. It's great for relaxation for both couples and families.
What once was a local secret has now developed into an area dotted with exclusive resorts, providing a private beach experience in front of the resorts.
Best time to visit
The best time to fully enjoy the ambiance of Khem Beach is between May and October. These months offer the perfect weather and sea conditions for beach walks, refreshing dips in the sea, or simply lazing around, soaking in the tranquility.
How to get there
The beach is no longer public and you have to stay at either New World Phu Quoc Resort or JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa to access the beach.
Best beach for:
A peaceful atmosphere
Sandy beachfront
Tropical vibes
Crystal clear sea water
3. Ong Lang Beach: A Hidden Gem
On the western shores of Phu Quoc, you'll find Ong Lang Beach. This beach isn't (yet) built up with resorts, except for the massive Mövenpick Resort Waverly Phu Quoc.
It's got a mix of rocky beaches interspersed with soft gentle sandy shores and clear, calm, vivid-blue sea, set against a backdrop of coconut palms, casuarina trees, and tropical fruit orchards.
But the beauty doesn’t end with the daylight. As the sun starts to set, the beach transforms into hues of orange, pink, and purple, offering some of the best sunset views on Phu Quoc Island.
How to get there
Ong Lang Beach is conveniently situated just 8 km from Duong Dong, making it easily accessible. So whether you’re staying in the town or venturing out to explore the many coastal gems of Phu Quoc, you won’t be far from the action.
For public access, aim for the southern part of the beach as it's the nicest area.
Best beach for:
Swimming
Sunbathing
Long beach walks
Visiting beach bars
Sunset views
4. Vung Bau Beach: Nature Lover's Haven
Vung Bau Beach is a sanctuary for nature enthusiasts. Nestled in a small bay on the northwest coast of Phu Quoc island, the beach is an undiscovered retreat.
It's the perfect spot for those seeking a break from the hustle and bustle of city life.
How to get there
It's a little further from the town center, but you can book a taxi or private transport to get to the beach.
Alternatively, stay at the budget-friendly Vung Bau Resort, which offers simple accommodation right on the beachfront.
Best beach for:
Lush vegetation and palm trees
Swimming in the blue sea
Long beach walks
Diving
Kayaking
5. Starfish Beach: A Unique Sight
Starfish Beach on Phu Quoc is famed for its stunning sunset views and the sight of hundreds of starfish adorning its shores as dusk approaches.
Beyond starfish sightings, the beach is perfect for snorkelers and divers as it has vibrant coral reefs and rich marine life. If you decide to visit Starfish Beach, remember that the starfish are critically endangered and it is important to treat them with utmost care and respect to support their conservation efforts.
Best time to visit
The best months to see starfish at Starfish Beach on Phu Quoc Island are generally during the dry season, which spans from November to April. During these months, the weather is typically sunny with calm seas, providing optimal conditions for observing the starfish along the shoreline.
Best beach for:
Soft sandy beaches
Starfish sightings
Diving and snorkeling
6. Ganh Dau Cape: Natural Beauty & Fresh Seafood
Ganh Dau Cape, situated on the northern tip of Phu Quoc Island in Vietnam, offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Gulf of Thailand and Cambodia's coastline.
It's the perfect place to hang out in the tranquil surroundings, including pristine beaches and lush forests or enjoy activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and fishing.
The cape also has cultural significance with historical relics like the Nguyen Trung Truc Monument.
The local Ganh Dau Market offers a unique shopping experience nearby. It's a smaller, intimate marketplace compared to the island’s larger markets, you can purchase fresh seafood and host your own BBQ at the cape, combining fresh, local cuisine with a memorable outdoor activity. As the sun sets around 4-5 pm, the night market comes alive.
Best beach for:
Fresh seafood
Hiking and birdwatching
Fishing
Water sports
7. Cua Can Beach: A Lush Tropical Retreat
Cua Can Beach, characterized by its lengthy, curving sandbar with casuarina trees lining its shores has a super relaxed ambiance. Extending for over 3 kilometers, this beach provides the ideal setting to unwind, whether you're lounging on the sandbar, swimming in the sea, or simply enjoying the natural beauty.
Surrounded by lush mangrove forests and picturesque landscapes, the beach offers excellent opportunities for water activities like swimming and kayaking.
Best beach for:
Unwinding
Natural beauty
Swimming and sunbathing
A Quick Note on Plastic Waste
The issue of plastic rubbish on Phu Quoc Island poses a significant environmental challenge, threatening the island's beauty and fragile ecosystems. Despite efforts to manage waste, plastic pollution remains a pressing concern, with plastic bottles, bags, and other debris often found littering beaches and coastal areas.
This accumulation of plastic rubbish not only detracts from the island's natural beauty but also poses a grave threat to marine life and delicate ecosystems. Discarded plastics can entangle marine animals, suffocate coral reefs, and introduce toxins into the food chain, causing long-term harm to the island's biodiversity.
It's imperative for anyone visiting the island to recognize their role in preserving Phu Quoc's environment and to adopt conscious and responsible behaviors! This includes minimizing plastic usage, properly disposing of waste, and participating in beach clean-up efforts if you can.
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The Best Beaches in Phu Quoc Frequently Asked Questions
🏝️ Does Phu Quoc Island have good beaches?
Yes, Phu Quoc has some of the best beaches in Vietnam, with the added advantage of offering magnificent sunset views due to its west-facing location. Most beaches are public and the island is well worth visiting.
❓ What are the quietest beaches in Phu Quoc?
The quietest beach in Phu Quoc is probably Bai Khem, which is less crowded due to its private location within the two resort grounds.
🥇 What is the number 1 beach in Vietnam?
Determining the best beach in Vietnam is subjective. However, some popular choices among travelers include Bai Dai Beach in Phu Quoc, My Khe Beach in Da Nang, and An Bang Beach in Hoi An.
☀️ What is the best time to visit Phu Quoc Island?
The best time to visit Phu Quoc is during the dry season, which typically falls between November and April, offering sunny days and ideal conditions for beach activities and exploration.
The Best Beaches in Phu Quoc – Final Words
From the white sands of Sao Beach to the unique starfish sightings at Starfish Beach and the tranquility of Doi Moi Island, each beach has its own unique charm.
But remember, while enjoying these natural wonders, it’s important to travel sustainably and do your part in conserving the coral reefs and marine biodiversity.
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