Home Plan Your Trip Best Experiences in Phu Quoc: The Ultimate Bucket List

Best Experiences in Phu Quoc: The Ultimate Bucket List

Discover the best experiences in Phu Quoc, Vietnam, from beautiful beaches to vibrant markets and unique fishing villages.

Palm‑lined Long Beach at Sailing Club Signature Resort Phu Quoc with white sand and a teal “Phu Quoc” sign.
A quiet stretch of Long Beach at Sailing Club Signature Resort Phu Quoc, framed by palms, soft sand and the teal island sign.

DISCLOSURE: All views expressed on this site are our own and do not represent the opinions of any entity whatsoever with which we have been, am now, or will be affiliated. Learn more.

Phú Quốc isn’t just about beautiful beaches. Yes, you’ll find turquoise water, powder‑soft sand and sunsets that make you wonder whether you should cancel your flight home. But look beyond the resort brochures, and you’ll discover an island with far more depth.

Fishing villages, pepper farms, floating restaurants, colourful markets, temples, coral reefs and unexpectedly good Vietnamese food all shape Phú Quốc’s character. And then there’s the world’s longest sea‑crossing cable car—an experience that feels part adventure, part spectacle.

We’ve travelled through Vietnam several times, from the energetic streets of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to the lantern‑lit lanes of Hoi An, imperial Hue, spectacular Ha Long Bay and the mountain landscapes of Sapa.

Phú Quốc will be different.

This time, we’re slowing down—swapping trains and bustling cities for fishing boats, beach walks and quiet corners of island life. We want to discover a gentler side of Vietnam, one that invites you to breathe a little deeper and move a little slower.

So what is on your Phú Quốc bucket list that deserves a place?

We’ve curated the island’s most popular and highly reviewed experiences, blended with the moments we believe have the greatest potential to become “we’ll remember this forever” highlights for 50+ couples like us. Some are spectacular. Others are delicious. Some are cultural. And some involve finding a beautiful stretch of sand and doing absolutely nothing. Zip! Nadda!

If that sounds like your kind of Phú Quốc, keep reading—as this is where your island journey begins.

Phú Quốc Bucket List at a Glance

DISCLOSURE: We were paying guests for this activity. All views, opinions and photos unless otherwise stated are our own and remain copyrighted to Suitcase Escapes. Learn more.

1Ride the Hon Thom Cable Car

Sunset Town in An Thới with views of the Hòn Thơm Cable Car stretching across the water in Phú Quốc, Vietnam.
Views over Sunset Town and the Hòn Thơm Cable Car, one of Phú Quốc’s most iconic island landmarks.

Hon Thom’s cable car makes the priority list if there is one Phú Quốc experience that screams bucket list.

The Hon Thom Cable Car stretches approximately 7.9 kilometres between An Thoi and Hon Thom. It crosses the sea rather than simply travelling over land. And that makes the journey itself part of the attraction.

Official Sun World information describes it as the world’s longest three-cable sea-crossing cable car. Tripadvisor currently lists it at 4.4/5 from around 900 reviews, placing it among Phú Quốc’s most prominent attractions.

From the cabins, you’ll see islands, fishing boats, turquoise water and the coastline unfolding beneath you. For us, this isn’t simply transport. It’s the experience.

Why it’s Bucket-list Worthy

The views. The scale. The novelty.

And, let’s be honest, the bragging rights.

This is box title
John's faceJOHN’S TRAVEL TIP

Combine the cable car with Hon Thom and the southern island rather than treating it as a standalone ride. Purchase the cable car round trip and the Kiss Bridge/Floating House combination tickets. Refer to bucket list #13 Explore Sunset Town & Kiss Bridge for more details.

2Snorkel the An Thoi Archipelago

Underwater snorkelling scene with a swimmer exploring clear tropical water and marine life.
A calm snorkelling moment capturing John beneath the surface, capturing the colours and clarity of tropical marine life.

Phú Quốc’s southern islands are where the island really gets interesting beneath the surface.

The An Thoi Archipelago is home to numerous small islands and reefs, making snorkelling and island-hopping Phú Quốc’s most popular experiences.

Current review numbers are impressive. Several small-group snorkelling experiences on Tripadvisor are currently scoring between 4.8 and 5.0, with some attracting hundreds of reviews.

This is exactly the sort of experience we’d choose over simply spending another day beside a resort pool.

You’ll travel by boat or speedboat, stop at reefs and islands, swim, snorkel and hopefully encounter plenty of tropical marine life.

For couples, it’s also one of those experiences that creates shared memories.

Why it’s Bucket-list Worthy

You’re not just looking at Phú Quốc.

You’re getting into the water and experiencing it.

This is box title
John's faceJOHN’S TRAVEL TIP

Look for smaller-group operators, 8-10 capacity, rather than automatically choosing the cheapest large-group boat. We’ve chosen to go snorkelling with OnBird on their Pro Snorkelling Tour by Speedboat. It doesn’t simply run a fixed island-hopping itinerary. Its official site says it monitors water conditions, currents, tides, lighting and underwater visibility and adjusts the experience accordingly. And OnBird is environmentally conscious, too!

3Eat Your Way Around Phú Quốc

A traveller savouring Vietnamese flavours at a small family‑run restaurant.
Rae enjoying authentic Vietnamese dishes prepared by a local family‑run kitchen.

We’d argue that no Phú Quốc bucket list is complete without Vietnamese food. Imagine: sweet, sour, salty, bitter and umami flavours that blend harmoniously and sing on your palate.

Vietnamese food isn’t about intensity — it’s about harmony. Most dishes contain at least three of these elements, and many contain all five.

This island has a strong food identity built around seafood, fishing and local produce. Think:

  • Fresh crab
  • Grilled squid
  • Local prawns
  • Bún quậy
  • Vietnamese street food
  • Fresh fish
  • Phú Quốc pepper
  • Fish sauce
  • Sim wine
  • Tropical fruit

Food tours are highly sought after in current Tripadvisor user reviews. One Phú Quốc street-food experience currently has a 5.0/5 rating from almost 100 reviews.

That’s exactly why John and I, as avid foodies, will always put food and drink so high on our bucket list. You don’t need a fancy restaurant. Some of our most memorable meals have been on plastic stools, served delicious Vietnamese street food somewhere completely unassuming. Think: crunchy fresh herb-infused salads, fragrant dipping sauces, and deep-fried crispy-crusted whole fish. Yummo!

Why it’s Bucket-list Worthy

Because food gives you something that a photograph can’t.

A taste of the destination.

This is box title
Rae's faceRAE’S TRAVEL TIP

Don’t limit your food experiences to resort restaurants. Leave room for markets, local eateries and street food. Whenever we land in a new country, we book a small-group food tour (with 8 maximum participants) to learn food intel on their culture, dining etiquette, and flavour profiles. Getting local food and restaurant recommendations after the tour wraps up is a bonus. For this trip, we’ve selected an evening Phú Quốc Street Food Tour by an operator with the same name. It includes an English-speaking, knowledgeable guide, five foodie stops, and combines food with stories about Phú Quốc’s fishing culture rather than simply walking around the night market.

Looking for the Perfect Food Tour?

Our Essential Food Tour Guide provides ten practical tips to help you choose an unforgettable culinary adventure.

4Watch the Sunset from Long Beach

Evening light over Long Beach in Phu Quoc as the sun sets across the shoreline.
A tranquil Phu Quoc sunset casting warm colours across Long Beach’s calm shoreline.

Some places have sunsets that are simply part of the daily rhythm. Long Beach, or Bãi Trường, is one of them. Located on the southeastern coast of Phú Quốc Island, it sits on the Island’s southern tip in An Thoi Ward and is about a 25 km drive (~30-45 minutes by road) from the Long Beach resort zone.

Stretching along Phú Quốc’s western coastline, the beach is well known for its sunset.

Tripadvisor currently lists Long Beach at 3.5/5 from more than 1,100 reviews, but its popularity and sunset appeal remain significant. This is where our Escapee Rating differs slightly from the raw attraction score. We’re rating the experience, not simply the beach infrastructure.

Find a comfortable seat, perhaps a beanbag at OCSEN Beach Bar & Club. Order a drink. Watch the sun drop towards the horizon with no itinerary required. Experience OCSEN’s nightly fire show afterwards, a bonus!

Why it’s Bucket-list Worthy

Because sometimes a bucket-list romantic moment with your partner costs nothing, other than a cocktail or two!

5Spend Time at Sao Beach

Palm‑lined Sao Beach in Phu Quoc with swings hanging from the trees along the shoreline.
Sao Beach’s long row of palms and playful swings create one of Phu Quoc’s most recognisable coastal scenes.

Sao Beach, or Bãi Sao, is probably Phú Quốc’s most famous beach located on the southeastern coast of Phú Quốc Island.

The photographs explain why.

White sand. palm‑framed swings. Turquoise water.

That classic tropical-island look.

It also has enormous traveller exposure, with more than 4,000 Tripadvisor reviews.

However, there’s an important catch.

Its current Tripadvisor rating is only 3.4/5, with reviews often reflecting crowds, development and expectations around its “pristine” reputation.

So we’d still put Sao Beach firmly on the bucket list.

Just don’t arrive expecting an untouched desert island.

Why it’s Bucket-list Worthy

It’s one of those places you’ll want to see for yourself. And because it’s the beach that looks like the brochure. Imagine: Flour‑white sand. Mint‑to‑turquoise water. Coconut palms leaning at cinematic angles, and a curved bay framed by green hills. If someone asks, “What does the classic Phú Quốc beach look like?” — this is the answer.

And it’s highly photogenic.

This is box title
Rae's faceRAE’S PHOTOGRAPHY TIP

Morning light, around 7:00 AM-9:00 AM, can be kinder than the midday sun. We plan to stick around for 60-90 minutes. After that, the crowds build, and the light becomes harsh. Explore the Phú Quốc Bucket List for Photographers below for extra inspiration.

6Visit a Phú Quốc Pepper Farm

Pepper vines growing on tall supports at a Phu Quoc pepper farm.
Pepper plants thriving on their vines at one of Phú Quốc’s well‑known pepper farms.

Phú Quốc pepper is legendary — aromatic, spicy, and prized by chefs worldwide. Pepper is part of Phú Quốc’s agricultural identity, and visiting a pepper farm will deepen your appreciation for the ingredient that appears in almost every local dish.

Away from the beaches, you’ll find plantations growing pepper vines alongside other tropical crops.

This is where Phú Quốc starts feeling less like a resort destination and more like a working island.

Some farm experiences are particularly well reviewed. For example, Pepper Farm Phú Quốc currently holds a 4.6/5 Tripadvisor rating from 174 reviews, with recent visitors highlighting the informative tours and variety of crops.

It’s a simple stop, but a memorable one, especially for food lovers.

Why it’s Bucket-list Worthy

It’s different.

It’s local.

And you get to see where something you may already have on your dining table actually begins.

This is box title
John's faceJOHN’S TRAVEL TIP

Combine a pepper farm with a northern island road trip. Pepper makes a great gift you can easily pack in your suitcase. A souvenir that keeps giving long after your trip is over.

7Discover Rach Vem & Starfish Beach

Clear shallows at Starfish Beach in Phu Quoc with red starfish resting on the sandy bottom near a wooden pier.
Starfish Beach’s shallow, glassy water reveals bright red starfish gathered near the pier in northern Phu Quoc.

Head north, and the landscape changes.

Rach Vem comprises fishing communities, floating restaurants and the famous Starfish Beach.

Tripadvisor currently lists Floating Village Rach Vem at 3.8/5, while Starfish Beach has a much larger review footprint of more than 3,600 reviews and currently sits at around 3.7/5 on the business listing.

Again, we’d treat the experience as more than a simple beach stop.

It’s about the journey north.

The village.

The floating restaurants.

The chance to see another side of island life.

Why it’s Bucket-list Worthy

Because Phú Quốc should be about more than resorts.

This is box title
Rae's faceRAE’S TRAVEL TIP

Starfish sightings and water conditions can vary. Treat the wildlife as wild, not guaranteed. Be kind to nature and don’t handle the starfish, as it causes severe environmental harm.

8Visit Ho Quoc Pagoda

Hộ Quốc Pagoda on Phu Quoc Island featuring its large temple complex and coastal hillside setting.
The serene Hộ Quốc Pagoda, one of Phú Quốc’s largest Buddhist temples, set against a peaceful coastal backdrop.

Perched on the southern coast, Ho Quoc Pagoda offers something very different from Phú Quốc’s beaches. It’s a Buddhist temple complex with impressive sea views.

Tripadvisor currently gives it 4.4/5 from around 470 reviews, placing it among the island’s better-reviewed established attractions.

It’s also an easy experience to combine with other southern-island stops.

Why it’s Bucket-list Worthy

For the combination of:

culture + architecture + scenery.

And that combination is hard to beat.

This is box title
Rae's faceRAE’S PHOTOGRAPHY TIP

The elevated position makes this one worth carrying the camera for, especially at sunrise. Find more shooting locations in our Phú Quốc Bucket List for Photographers.

9Explore Dương Đông Market & Dinh Cậu

Dried seafood displayed in trays and baskets at a traditional stall in Dương Đông Market, Phu Quoc.
A classic Dương Đông Market stall showcasing dried fish, anchovies and split‑dried seafood in metal trays.

Head toward Dương Đông if you want to experience the beating heart of Phú Quốc. The Dương Đông Market offers a glimpse of everyday island commerce, while nearby Dinh Cậu provides one of the island’s most recognisable cultural landmarks.

Dương Đông Market currently has a 3.5/5 Tripadvisor rating from more than 750 reviews, while Dinh Cậu Rock, Temple and Lighthouse has 4.1/5 from nearly 200 reviews.

Both Dương Đông Market and Dinh Cậu are in the heart of Dương Đông Ward, but their operational hours differ depending on whether you are looking for the morning seafood trade, the temple, or the night market.

Phú Quốc’s central market effectively runs in two distinct phases at different spots nearby:

  • The Traditional Daytime Wet Market (Chợ Dương Đông): Opens daily from 5:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
  • The Phú Quốc Night Market (formerly Dinh Cậu Night Market): Opens daily from around 5:00 PM to 11:30 PM.

We’d combine them rather than visit either individually.

Why it’s Bucket-list Worthy

This is where Phú Quốc feels less like a holiday resort.

And more like a place where people actually live.

This is box title
Rae's faceRAE’S PHOTOGRAPHY TIP

Peak hours are early morning between 6:00 AM and 7:00 AM, if you want to photograph the fishing boats unloading and locals buying the freshest seafood. The best time to visit the Din Cau Temple and Lighthouse is between 4:30 PM and 6:00 PM so you can catch the famous sunset over the Gulf of Thailand right before heading over to the night market for dinner. Because it is an active sacred site, remember to wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees if you plan to walk up into the shrine itself. Dive into our Phú Quốc Bucket List for Photographers for more island photo ideas.

10Discover Phú Quốc’s Fish Sauce Heritage

Wooden barrels storing anchovy fish sauce at a Hung Thinh facility on Phu Quoc Island.
Hung Thinh’s traditional wooden barrels used to age Phú Quốc’s famous anchovy fish sauce.

Fish sauce is one of the island’s most famous products, and isn’t simply something you’ll find on the restaurant table. Its flavour profile is highly complex and highly sought after by chefs worldwide. Think: rich anchovy umami, smooth sea salt, distinct natural sweetness with a smooth, warm, earthy finish.

Phú Quốc has a long-established fish-sauce industry.

Visiting a traditional producer provides insights into one of the ingredients that defines Vietnamese cooking.

Why it’s Bucket-list Worthy

Because travel isn’t only about seeing things.

It’s about understanding them.

And food culture is one of the easiest ways to experience a destination.

This is box title
John's faceJOHN’S TRAVEL TIP

Pair this with a pepper farm visit for a fascinating look at two of Phú Quốc’s best-known products. Purchase a bottle of this liquid gold to take home as a souvenir. For an authentic premium bottle of Phú Quốc fish sauce, look for the official PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) seal.

11Visit a Traditional Fishing Village

Traditional stilt houses and fishing boats along the waterfront in Ham Ninh Village on Phu Quoc Island.
Ham Ninh’s rustic stilt houses and moored boats capture the quiet, old‑world charm of this Phu Quoc fishing village.

Phú Quốc’s beaches may attract the headlines.

Fishing is part of the island’s history.

Ham Ninh is one of the best-known fishing villages for its seafood and traditional fishing life.

The experience isn’t about finding one spectacular monument.

It’s about slowing down.

Watching the boats.

Seeing the floating seafood restaurants.

And understanding where the island’s seafood culture comes from.

Why it’s Bucket-list Worthy

Because it’s a chance to see Phú Quốc’s working side and heartbeat.

12Visit Phú Quốc Prison History Museum

Barbed wire fencing at Phu Quoc Prison, the former Coconut Tree Prison on Phu Quoc Island.
Barbed wire surrounds Phú Quốc’s historic Coconut Tree Prison, a stark reminder of the site’s wartime past.

Not every bucket-list experience needs to be beautiful.

Some should make us stop and think.

Phú Quốc Prison History Museum (also known historically as the Coconut Tree Prison) provides an important insight into the island’s wartime history during the Vietnam War (referred to in Vietnam as the Resistance War Against America).

Tripadvisor currently lists it among the island’s most visited attractions, with around 1,700 reviews and a 3.9/5 rating.

It’s confronting in places.

But that is precisely why it belongs on a more thoughtful Phú Quốc itinerary.

Why it’s Bucket-list Worthy

Because understanding Vietnam means looking beyond its beaches and resorts.

13Explore Sunset Town & Kiss Bridge

Colourful buildings and coastal views in Sunset Town, Hoàng Hôn, on Phu Quoc’s southern coast.
Sunset Town’s pastel architecture and seaside setting create one of southern Phu Quoc’s most photogenic neighbourhoods.

Phú Quốc’s south has undergone enormous development, and Sunset Town differs greatly from the island’s traditional fishing villages.

Its colourful Mediterranean-inspired architecture creates a completely different visual experience.

Then there’s Kiss Bridge.

The current Tripadvisor listing gives Kiss Bridge 4.8/5, while business listings show a much larger review base and similarly strong rating.

It’s particularly photogenic around sunset.

Why it’s Bucket-list Worthy

For photographers, this is one of the island’s more interesting modern additions.

And if you’re already taking the Hon Thom Cable Car (#1 on our Phú Quốc bucket list), it’s easy to combine the two.

This is box title
Rae's faceRAE’S TRAVEL TIP

Don’t Miss Sunset Town’s Nightly Spectacle

Sunset Town puts on two nightly shows, and they’re far more impressive than most travellers expect. We’re planning to see Symphony of the Sea first, followed by Kiss of the Sea — and if tickets are available for your dates, book ahead. These shows draw big crowds, especially around weekends and holidays.

Symphony of the Sea is the island’s grand water‑theatre performance: a mix of music, dancers, projection mapping, lasers, fountains, and dramatic water‑sports choreography set right on the shoreline. It’s energetic, colourful, and designed to feel like a full sensory experience.

Kiss of the Sea follows as the second act. It is a more cinematic, story‑driven production that blends fire, water, light, and aerial elements with a nightly fireworks finale. It’s staged beside Kiss Bridge, which becomes part of the show’s visual backdrop.

If you’re already heading south for sunset photography, these two performances turn the evening into a full experience — and they’re a big part of why Sunset Town earns its spot on the bucket list.

14Explore Phú Quốc National Park

Slow loris perched on a tree branch in Phú Quốc National Park’s forest canopy.
A slow loris resting quietly among the branches in the dense forest of Phú Quốc National Park.

Away from Phú Quốc’s beaches is another hidden gem, but in plain sight.

It’s green. Tropical. And considerably wilder.

Phú Quốc National Park covers a substantial part of the island and offers opportunities for nature walks, forest scenery and wildlife experiences.

The current business listing has a 4.2/5 rating from more than 1,100 reviews.

Why it’s Bucket-list Worthy

Because it adds balance to your island experience.

Beach one day. Forest the next. That’s our idea of a good holiday.

This is box title
John's faceJOHN’S TRAVEL TIP

We highly recommend hiring a local guide if you want to experience the interior trails and wildlife. The park is home to incredible biodiversity, including silver langurs, slow lorises, hornbills, and macaque monkeys. However, they stay high in the canopy or deep in the brush. A skilled local guide knows exactly where to look, can identify distinct animal calls, and understands their seasonal migration patterns.

If you only want a casual nature experience without hiring anyone, you can visit Ganh Dau Trail (a flat, short, well-defined dirt track on the northwestern edge of the park) or hike up to Suoi Tranh Waterfall. These spots offer a safe taste of the forest scenery and can easily be done on your own in an hour or two.

15Visit a Pearl Farm

Golden and white South Sea cultured pearls displayed inside an oyster shell at a Phu Quoc pearl farm.
South Sea pearls in soft gold and white tones resting in an oyster shell during sorting at a Phu Quoc farm.

Phú Quốc is also known for pearl cultivation; the two most common premium saltwater varieties you will encounter are Akoya pearls and South Sea pearls.

A pearl farm visit offers a look at another important part of the island’s commercial identity.

You’ll learn how pearls are cultivated and processed and, naturally, have plenty of opportunities to browse the finished jewellery.

Why it’s Bucket-list Worthy

It’s distinctive to the island.

And perhaps more importantly, it gives you something interesting to bring home.

This is box title
Rae's faceRAE’S TRAVEL TIP

If you’re considering buying pearls, take your time and understand exactly what you’re purchasing. Avoid buying pearls from beach vendors, night market stalls, or roadside souvenir shops if you are looking for high-quality jewellery. While these are fun for cheap fashion accessories, they are rarely authentic Phú Quốc cultured pearls. For the real deal, stick directly to the official showrooms of the island’s major, established pearl cultivation farms.

16Spend a Day Island-Hopping

Aerial view of May Rut Island near Phu Quoc, showing clear water, green coastline, moored boats, and sandy coves.
May Rut Island’s bright turquoise water and lush coastline create one of Phu Quoc’s most photogenic offshore scenes.

If snorkelling is the headline act, island-hopping is the supporting cast.

The southern islands offer opportunities to combine:

  • Boat trips
  • Snorkelling
  • Beaches
  • Swimming
  • Seafood lunches
  • Photography
  • Relaxation

May Rut, Gam Ghi and other islands regularly appear in island-hopping itineraries.

May Rut Island currently has a 4.4/5 Tripadvisor rating, while Gam Ghi Island also scores 4.4/5, although review numbers are considerably smaller than those of the island’s major attractions.

Why it’s Bucket-list Worthy

Because one day can deliver several different versions of Phú Quốc.

17Take a Phú Quốc Sunset Cruise

Serenity catamaran from Regent Phu Quoc cruising across calm waters at sunset.
Regent Phu Quoc’s Serenity catamaran gliding through golden sunset light on the open water. Image courtesy of Regent Phu Quoc.

A romantic sunset deserves its own experience.

Rather than watching the sun disappear from the beach, head onto the water.

A sunset cruise can combine:

sea + sunset + drinks + dinner + photography.

And for couples, it’s difficult to argue with that combination.

Why it’s Bucket-list Worthy

Because some experiences are less about what you see and more about how the moment feels.

This is box title
John's faceJOHN’S TRAVEL TIP

A Phú Quốc Sunset Cruise

Regent Phú Quốc’s Serenity Champagne Sunset Cruise is the resort’s luxury catamaran experience. It includes two glasses of champagne, premium canapés, a fruit platter, and free‑flow soft drinks, juices, coffee, tea, and ice cream.

Priority is given to in‑house residents due to the small boat capacity. Reservations are mandatory for external guests.

If you’re visiting the resort as an outside guest for the cruise, consider pairing the trip with a sunset drink at Fu Bar (Regent’s rooftop cocktail bar) or dinner at Rice Market or Oku before or after you sail. This makes coordinating entry and transport through the main resort gates much easier.

18Take a Vietnamese Cooking Class

Hanoi Street Food Tour by Walking, Vietnam
Hanoi Street Food Tour by Walking, Vietnam

John and I love travel experiences that continue once you get home.

A cooking class does exactly that.

You’ll learn how Vietnamese ingredients are combined, the harmony of its five-flavour profiles, how local dishes are prepared, and, hopefully, pick up a few techniques you can recreate in your own kitchen.

Phú Quốcs food culture makes it particularly suitable for a cooking experience.

Why it’s Bucket-list Worthy

Because the best souvenir might be a recipe.

This is box title
Rae's faceRAE’S TRAVEL TIP

Our top pick is Troc’s Kitchen & Cooking Class. This cooking class is the premier culinary choice on Phú Quốc, led by globally trained Master Chef Troc, who brings 18 years of professional experience, including seven years with international cruise lines. Set on a breezy sea-view rooftop, this intimate class has a maximum of eight people to guarantee personalised, hands-on instruction and seamless dietary customisation. By handling the tedious prep work behind the scenes, the experience lets you focus entirely on mastering authentic Vietnamese dishes and traditional coffee. Book in advance to avoid disappointment.

The Phú Quốc Bucket List Experiences We’d Prioritise

A snorkeller exploring clear water and colourful marine life beneath the surface.
Rae goes snorkelling through calm, clear water and discovers the vibrant marine world below.

Don’t panic. You don’t need to do everything on our bucket list if you only have a few days to enjoy the island. Our Escapee Star Rating shortlisted priorities would be:

Don’t Miss

  • Ride the Hon Thom Cable Car.
  • Snorkel the An Thoi Archipelago.
  • Eat your way around Phú Quốc.
  • Watch the sunset on Long Beach.

Worth Making Time For

  • Sao Beach
  • A pepper farm
  • Rach Vem & Starfish Beach
  • Ho Quoc Pagoda

Add for a Deeper Island Experience

  • Duong Dong Market & Dinh Cau
  • Fish sauce heritage
  • A traditional fishing village
  • Phú Quốc Prison History Museum
  • Sunset Town & Kiss Bridge
  • Phú Quốc National Park
  • Pearl cultivation
  • Island-hopping
  • Sunset cruise
  • Vietnamese cooking class

Phú Quốc Bucket List for Photographers

Vietnamese fruit vendor cutting a fresh pineapple at a traditional market stall.
A market vendor expertly slices a pineapple, showcasing Vietnam’s vibrant fresh‑fruit culture.

If you’re travelling with a camera — or your phone — these are the experiences we’d put at the top of Phú Quốc’s photography list:

Best Sunrise

Ham Ninh Fishing Village

Boats, fishermen and soft morning light.

Best Beaches

  • Sao Beach
  • Long Beach
  • Rach Vem

Best View From Above

Hon Thom Cable Car

The cable car gives you an entirely different perspective of the island.

The Best Local Life

  • Duong Dong Market
  • Fishing villages
  • Floating restaurants

The Best Architecture

  • Kiss Bridge
  • Sunset Town

Best Countryside

  • Pepper farms
  • Phú Quốc National Park

And don’t forget the Vietnamese cuisine.

Some of our favourite travel photographs aren’t landscapes at all.

They’re plates of Vietnamese food, market stalls and the local people creating them.

Looking to Capture the Best Phú Quốc Photos?

If you’re planning a trip to Phú Quốc and want to make the most of your travel photography, subscribe to receive our curated shot list to help you capture the island at its most photogenic—from sun-washed beaches and vibrant markets to moody sunsets and quieter moments of island life.

Join the Suitcase Escapees VIP Community

Want the downloadable shot list? Want early access to itineraries, photography guides, and behind‑the‑scenes travel stories? You’re invited to join the Suitcase Escapees VIP Community.

Ultimate Photo Shot List
Ultimate Photo Shot List

Join for free and unlock your printable checklist!

We promise zero spam, travel gold. Read our Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Get the shot list. Get inspired. And get ready to capture your travels with more confidence, creativity, and joy.

This teaser will lead into our dedicated Phú Quốc Photography Guide, featuring our favourite photo locations, sunrise and sunset spots, and the images we’ll be looking to capture during our 10-night stay in Phú Quốc.

Once we return, we’ll expand the guide with our own photographs, practical location notes, recommended angles and compositions, and the photography tips we discover along the way.

For now, consider this your pre-trip photography shot list inspiration—and when the full guide is ready, you’ll find it linked directly from our Phú Quốc Bucket List.

Essential Phú Quốc Food Experiences You Shouldn’t Miss

Seafood in Ho Chi Minh City - XO Tours - Foodie Tour, Vietnam
Seafood in Ho Chi Minh City – XO Tours – Foodie Tour, Vietnam

A bucket list isn’t complete without a food list.

Keep an eye out for:

  • Bún quậy – a Phú Quốc speciality worth seeking out.
  • Fresh seafood – particularly crab, prawns, squid and local fish.
  • Phú Quốc pepper – one of the island’s signature agricultural products.
  • Fish sauce – an essential part of Vietnamese cooking.
  • Sim wine – made from the island’s rose myrtle fruit.
  • Fresh tropical fruit – particularly when you’re wandering markets.

And if you’re anything like us, you’ll probably discover a few favourites we haven’t mentioned.

That’s part of the fun.

How to Turn This Bucket List Into a Trip to Remember

Map of Phu Quoc, Vietnam
Map of Phu Quoc, Vietnam

The secret to enjoying Phú Quốc isn’t ticking off every item on a bucket list. It’s grouping moments geographically so your days feel effortless, your itinerary stays streamlined, and you spend more time experiencing the island—not travelling across it.

SOUTH ISLAND

  • Hon Thom Cable Car
  • Sunset Town
  • Kiss Bridge
  • Ho Quoc Pagoda
  • Sao Beach
  • An Thoi Archipelago

CENTRAL ISLAND

  • Duong Dong Market
  • Dinh Cau
  • Long Beach
  • Food experiences
  • Fish sauce heritage

NORTH ISLAND

  • Rach Vem
  • Starfish Beach
  • Pepper farms
  • Phú Quốc National Park
  • Fishing villages

That South, North and Central regional approach means fewer long drives and more time actually enjoying the island.

And that’s important for us.

We’re travelling for the experience.

Not to win a race against Google Maps.

Check out Couples 50+: How to Spend 10 Slow, Beautiful Days in Phu Quoc—a gentle, unhurried rhythm where adventure and rest carry equal weight, and where Phú Quốc’s island pace shapes how you’ll move, eat, explore and breathe.

Our Slow‑Travel Philosophy for a Meaningful Phú Quốc Experience

Two food tour guests playfully competing in a chopstick challenge during a fun moment together.
A light‑hearted chopstick competition between John and Rae whilst on a food tour—proof that a little couple rivalry adds flavour.

After decades of travelling the world, we’ve learned that a Phú Quốc bucket list doesn’t need to mean doing everything. It’s about choosing Phú Quốc moments that genuinely enrich your journey—those small, meaningful experiences that shape how a place feels. For us, that means a balance of:

One spectacular experience —

  • Example: Snorkelling the coral gardens of the An Thoi Archipelago or riding the Hon Thom Cable Car at golden hour.

One cultural experience —

  • Example: Visiting Ho Quoc Pagoda at sunrise or exploring the rhythms and flavours of Duong Dong Market.

One food experience —

  • Example: A beachfront seafood BBQ, a bowl of Phú Quốc’s famous bún quậy, or a quiet café serving island‑grown pepper and honey.

One nature experience —

  • Example: Wander on Bai Sao’s white‑sand shoreline, hike through Phú Quốc National Park, or watch fishermen return at dusk.

Plenty of time to enjoy where we are —

  • Example: Slow mornings, long swims, lazy afternoons by the pool, and no pressure to rush.

Room for spontaneity and serendipitous moments —

  • Example: A hidden beach you stumble upon, a sunset you didn’t plan for, or a conversation with a local that becomes the highlight of your day.

Phú Quốc seems almost designed for that style of slow travel. One morning might mean snorkelling in the clear waters of the An Thoi Archipelago. The afternoon could be spent beside our resort pool. Later, we’ll wander through Duong Dong Market. And then we’ll find somewhere to watch the sun disappear.

That’s our kind of Phú Quốc bucket list.

🇻🇳 Adding Phú Quốc to Your Ultimate Vietnam Bucket List

A couple sitting on the steps of Thái Bình Lâu in Huế’s Forbidden Purple City.
John and Rae take a quiet moment on the steps of Thái Bình Lâu, the Royal Reading Pavilion inside Huế’s Forbidden Purple City.

We’ve already experienced many of Vietnam’s famous highlights:

Phú Quốc offers something completely different compared with mainland Vietnam.

Island life ~ Seafood ~ Beaches ~ Coral reefs
Fishing villages ~ Sunsets ~ And a slower pace.

We’re looking forward to discovering whether Phú Quốc earns a permanent place on our Ultimate Vietnam Bucket List.

For now, John and I have carefully selected and star-rated the best experiences in Phú Quốc that we’d put at the very top of our bucket list.

Frequently Asked Questions About Phú Quốc

Frequently Asked Questions
John and Rae of Suitcase Escapes answer your frequently asked questions.

Phú Quốc Highlights & Must‑Dos

What is the number one thing to do in Phu Quoc?

The Hon Thom Cable Car is one of Phú Quốc’s most prominent attractions and currently holds a 4.4/5 Tripadvisor rating from around 900 reviews. For us, it belongs firmly on the island’s bucket list because the journey itself is the attraction.

Is Phú Quốc worth visiting for more than beaches?

Absolutely. Beyond Phú Quốc’s beaches, you can snorkel the An Thoi Archipelago, visit pepper farms, explore fishing villages, enjoy local food, visit temples and discover the island’s wartime history.

Is Sao Beach worth visiting?

Yes, but manage your expectations. Sao Beach is one of Phú Quốc’s most famous beaches and has thousands of traveller reviews, but its current Tripadvisor rating is only 3.4/5. We’d visit for the scenery and photography, appreciating it for what it is rather than expecting an untouched tropical paradise.

What is Phú Quốc famous for?

Phú Quốc is particularly associated with beaches, seafood, fish sauce, pepper, pearls, fishing and island life. Its southern An Thoi islands are also popular for snorkelling and boat trips.

Is the Hon Thom Cable Car really the world’s longest sea-crossing cable car?

The current Sun World description identifies the Hon Tom Cable Car as the world’s longest sea-crossing three-cable car, measuring approximately 7,899.9 metres. It is one of the island’s signature attractions.

Planning Your Trip to Phú Quốc

How many days do you need in Phú Quốc?

For a relaxed visit, we’d suggest at least five to seven full days in Phú Quốc. That gives you time for the south, north, beaches, food and a little downtime. With ten full days, you can explore considerably more slowly. Check out our Couples 50+: How to Spend 10 Slow, Beautiful Days in Phu Quoc.

What should couples do in Phú Quốc?

For couples, we’d look at a combination of:
– Snorkelling
– Sunset cruises
– Beach time
– Food experiences
– Cooking classes
– Spa and wellness
– Sunset Town
– Island-hopping
And, of course, watching at least one sunset together.

More Vietnam Travel Inspiration

Florist vendors in Hoi An displaying vibrant fresh‑flower arrangements in a lively market setting.
Hoi An’s florist vendors brighten the market with colourful blooms and fragrant, freshly arranged flowers.

Planning a wider Vietnam adventure?

Start with our Vietnam Travel Guide, where you’ll find our growing collection of Vietnam travel stories, itineraries, food guides, photography inspiration and practical planning advice.

And if you’re continuing your Vietnam journey beyond Phú Quốc, don’t miss our Ultimate Vietnam Bucket List — our guide to 25+ unforgettable experiences across the country, from the limestone karsts of Ha Long Bay and the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An to the mountain landscapes of Sapa and the tropical shores of Phú Quốc.

It brings together our Vietnam travel experiences across:

The Ultimate Phú Quốc Bucket List (Full Guide)

Phú Quốc doesn’t ask you to choose adventure over relaxation. You can balance both.

Snorkel in the morning, eat seafood for lunch, visit a temple in the afternoon and watch the sunset with a cocktail in your hand.

Spend the following day doing absolutely nothing.

And honestly, we’re rather looking forward to that second option. Phú Quốc feels like Vietnam at a gentler pace—an island that invites you to slow down, savour the small things and let the day unfold without a timetable. After everything we’ve already experienced on Vietnam’s mainland, swapping busy streets for warm water, quiet beaches and long, lazy afternoons sounds exactly like the slow-travel style we crave.

This bucket list is just the beginning. As we explore Phú Quốc, we’ll update this guide with first‑hand insights, real photos, and the experiences that genuinely earned their place on our list.

Your turn: What would you add to an Ultimate Phú Quốc Bucket List? Share your favourite spots, hidden gems or must‑try moments—we’d love to include reader suggestions as we build this guide.

Stick Around for a While

Need help planning the rest of your trip?

If you need help planning the rest of your trip to Vietnam, we've got you covered! Read our comprehensive Vietnam Travel Guide filled with captivating stories and practical tips.

DISCLOSURE: Some links below are affiliate links—at no extra cost to you, we earn a small commission when you book through them. Thanks for supporting our site! Learn more.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.