Phu Quoc: beaches, season and how to get to the island
Phu Quoc beaches, the best months, how to fly to the island and what to try. Seasons, Long Beach, Kim Beach and Cau, and the 30-day visa-free rule for arrivals by air.
Phu Quoc is the largest island of Vietnam. It lies in the Gulf of Thailand, about 45 km from the mainland city of Ha Tien and 15 km from the coast of Cambodia. According to Wikivoyage, the island is surrounded by some of the most beautiful beaches in Vietnam. This is also where the famous fish sauce nuoc mam is made.
What the island is like
The island is hilly and covered in forest, about 48 km long from south to north, with an area of 574 km². The permanent population is about 100,000. The soil is poor, so rice and fruit are not the main produce, but the island is famous for fish and seafood. It is one of the best options in the country for a beach holiday and good food by the sea.
Seasons
- High season, November to March. An average daytime temperature of about 31°C, the lowest humidity of the year and mostly clear skies.
- Shoulder season, April to May. Hotter, humidity of 80-85%, fewer tourists.
- Low season. More rain and storms, and some places are closed.
Beaches
There are many sandy beaches on the west coast of the island. The best known among tourists: Long Beach along a row of hotels, Kim Beach and Cau. If you want a quiet beach, ask at your hotel about the less visited bays. Choose accommodation near the evening markets if you want dinner close by.
Getting there
Phu Quoc international airport (PQC) receives flights from Ho Chi Minh City and other cities of Vietnam with Vietnam Airlines, VietJet and others. The flight from Ho Chi Minh City takes about an hour. Compare options in the HotTrip flight search.
According to Wikivoyage, people arriving on the island by air can get a 30-day visa free of charge, even if a visa is otherwise needed to enter Vietnam. Rules change, so check them before you fly.
For other beach destinations in Vietnam, see Nha Trang: areas, beaches and where to stay and Phan Thiet and Mui Ne.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to go to Phu Quoc?
From November to March, when it is dry and hot without heavy humidity.
Do I need a visa?
Entry conditions change, so check them on official resources before you travel. According to Wikivoyage, arrivals by air can get a free 30-day visa on the island.
Which beach should I choose?
Long Beach is convenient for its infrastructure, while the quiet bays in the south suit a calm holiday.
What should I try on the island?
Fresh seafood and the local fish sauce nuoc mam.
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