Which area to stay in Phu Quoc?
By Carles Barcelo. Updated October 27, 2023
With 150km of coastline to explore, more than half of the island protected by UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and rich history of fishing and agriculture, Phu Quoc is not to be missed. Located in the Gulf of Thailand and the biggest island in Vietnam, you can arrive either by plane or by train.
In the Duong Dong, support local fishermen and learn about the traditions that go into the making of some of the most important dishes on the island. Once you’ve had your fill, head further north to escape the crowds and discover the wild landscape of the secluded beachfront in Cua Can. Ganh Dau is another great destination for a more peaceful beach getaway, while Ong Lang is a livelier option better suited for families.
The East and South of Phu Quoc are also family-friendly, with impressive stretches of coastline and countless activities to try. Long Beach is a great choice for its first-rate facilities, as well as for more variety in restaurants, beyond seafood. An Thoi, meanwhile, promises more urban comforts coupled with the untouched wilderness of nearby islands, which have the best opportunities for diving. With only 5 out of 15 islands inhabited, An Thoi is a great place to stay for the best of both worlds.If you are interested in where to stay in Phu Quoc, you can also be interested in where to stay in Ho Chi Minh or in where to stay in Phnom Penh.
Best places to stay in Phu Quoc
Duong Dong
Street Food / Night Market / Beaches
Duong Dong, the capital of Phu Quoc and only 10 km from Phu Quoc International Airport, is a bustling town that is known as the ideal place to stay for foodies. Duong Dong Market is the largest on the island, selling a selection of fresh seafood throughout the day, and speciality dishes, such as fish porridge in the morning. Tours are also available to visit the facilities where the fish sauce, a local delicacy, is made.
Accommodation here is suitable for all budgets, with a range of hotels and resorts. Alongside this, it is a convenient location for day trips to nearby famous attractions, such as the Ham Ninh fishing village, which is a 30-minute drive away. You can travel either by motorbike, the preferred means of transport on the island, or take a private car or taxi. Other popular spots such as Dinh Cau Temple, and Dinh Cau Beach, can be reached on foot.
Ganh Dau
Beaches / Luxury Hotels / All-Inclusive
Ganh Dau, though remote, is rich in nature and a great place to stay for outdoor enthusiasts or those in want of some quiet. Nestled between the sea and two mountains, typical accommodation is mostly resorts or beachfront hotels. The beach itself stretches on for 0.5km, offering spectacular views of the Cambodian coast, just northwest of the cape. Swim or snorkel in the calm water to try and spot the various species of tropical fish among the coral reefs or curl up with a book and sunbathe on the golden sand.
For a day of hiking along scenic trails in Phu Quoc’s National Park, home to over 470 plant species, head back along the striking red dirt road towards Duong Dong. This is one of the most sparsely populated areas on the island, with vast expanses of pepper farms lining the way. Despite this, expect a warm welcome from the locals, who are known for their hospitality.
Long Beach
Beaches / Lively / Restaurants
Long Beach, in the northwest of the island, is a touristic hub with a variety of accommodation, from luxury resorts to mid-range hotels. The Tranh River Estuary divides the 15km coastline into two distinct areas: South Long Beach and North Long Beach. For those wanting modern facilities and premium services such as upscale bars, and five-star restaurants, South Long Beach is the ideal place to stay. North Long Beach, alternatively, is more touristic, and the better option for smaller budgets.
There are a variety of activities to try here, from swimming, kayaking, and even cycling on the beach, making it a great location for families. During the day, beach massage services and fresh fruit are also available. For those not staying at a beach-side resort, public access to the beach is via the village. Food-wise, choose from a wide selection of restaurants, including international cuisine, or buy seafood from the local fishermen.
Ong Lang
Beaches / Water Sports / Sunsets
Ong Lang is the perfect location for families to stay. This hidden gem is only a 10-minute drive from Duong Dong and boasts a huge range of activities, for all ages. The beach here is still untouched by heavy tourism, and the reefs are teeming with life, inhabited by a variety of fish, snails, and coral. Swimming, diving, and kayaking are all popular water sports. Tour guides also offer the opportunity to head out with the locals to do some fishing.
Out of the water, families can head to a go-kart racing track, as well as try their hands at other beach games such as volleyball or football. In terms of accommodation, there are a lot of options here, including spas, resorts, and even villas. The same applies to restaurants, with numerous beachfront eateries where you can sample local dishes.
An Thoi
Beaches / Diving
Near the southern tip of Phu Quoc, An Thoi is a gateway to an archipelago and the best place to stay for diving. As the 2nd largest urban centre on the island, and a 20-minute drive from Phu Quoc International Airport, An Thoi is also an exceptionally convenient and comfortable location to stay in. Visitors aren’t short of amenities or services, with affordable hotels, taxis, banks, and even a medical clinic.
Choose to spend either half a day or an entire day exploring some of the 15 islands by chartering a boat. The water here is deep and clear, making it ideal for diving to try and catch sight of some of the local marine life, including scorpion fish and bamboo sharks. Hon Thom is one of the busiest islands, but an excellent choice for families who can visit the amusement park, Sun World.
Cua Can
Beaches / Unspoiled / Quiet
As it is a little difficult to get there, Cua Can is a great place to visit to get a taste of traditional Vietnamese life, untouched by mass tourism. Located on the west coast, the picturesque village is 10km from Duong Dong. Once there, car access is restricted, so you can only get around on foot, and in some parts, by motorbike. With very little development here, accommodation is limited to nearby beach resorts.
This picturesque village can be explored by boat, or by kayak, with the option to paddle from the source of the Cua Can and stop at the seaport to take in the views of the undisturbed forested sandbar. Back on land, take a stroll past traditional stilt houses, crossing the typical wooden footbridges, and then stop at one of the few small bars in the local area for a bite to eat.
Our recommended hotels in Phu Quoc
Use the interactive map to navigate through our recommended hotels in Phu QuocNote: Hotel prices can change daily due to promotions, seasons, and demand. Our $ - $$$$ scale shows the overall cost range rather than exact prices.
