Vietnam is a place people tend to go to for the vibrant streets of Hanoi, the historic charm of Hoi An, and the breathtaking landscapes of Ha Long Bay. However, how many know of Phu Quoc? Located off Vietnam’s southwestern coast, this island destination combines tropical beaches, lush scenery, local culture, and a growing tourism scene, which we’ll be spotlighting.
Getting to Know Phu Quoc Through Its Local Industries
One thing you’ll quickly notice when exploring Phu Quoc is that there is no shortage of places to see the ocean. But the sea here is more than just a backdrop for the island’s beaches — it has long been connected to the lives and livelihoods of local communities. One place where this connection comes to life is the Ngoc Hien Pearl Farm.
The farm offers a look at one of the industries Phu Quoc is known for, taking visitors through how pearls are cultivated, harvested, and processed. Its museum also gives a glimpse into the history and development of pearl farming on the island.
With displays featuring oysters, pearls, and jewellery, visitors can follow the journey from the waters where pearls begin to the finished products they eventually become.
In addition to the pearl farm, there is a selection of other farms to explore the different industries highlighted in Phu Quoc. On a smaller scale, to learn more about what’s produced in Phu Quoc, you may be interested in checking out their peppercorn and fish oil production facilities. But if that doesn’t fit your itinerary, there are plenty of other options to explore.
Experiences to Discover
If you want a memorable experience, consider checking out the Hon Thom Cable Car, which connects Phu Quoc’s southern An Thoi area with Hon Thom Island. Stretching 7,899.9 metres across the sea, it is recognised by Guinness World Records as the world’s longest three-rope cable car, with the journey taking around 15 minutes each way.
Along the way, the cabins pass over the sea and several smaller islands, giving passengers a different perspective of Phu Quoc’s southern coastline. Once on Hon Thom, visitors can also explore attractions including Aquatopia Water Park and Exotica Park.
The cable car currently operates from around 9:30 am to 5:00 pm, although operating times can change, so it is worth checking the official schedule before planning your visit.
Entertainment-wise, there is no shortage of places to go around Phu Quoc, but if you’re looking for a show, one location lets you see a variety in a single night.
In the evening, Sunset Town in South Phu Quoc comes alive with several large-scale performances, each offering a different take on water, music and visual effects. Starting at 7:45 pm, Symphony of the Sea combines open-water action with world-champion jet skiers, flyboard acrobatics, synchronised lighting and fireworks.
At 9:00 pm, Kiss of the Sea takes over with a multimedia performance featuring fire, water, lasers and projections across a large water screen, followed by fireworks.
For those heading further north to Grand World, Colours of Venice & Water Music Show begins at 9:30 pm at Love Lake, bringing together floating stages, music, special effects and theatrical storytelling. With shows running into the evening, visitors can take in different performances depending on their itinerary and interests.
Dining Options to Explore
For dining options, there is a range to choose from depending on what kind of dining experience you’re looking for. If you are with family, you can head over to Mango Buffet Restaurant on Hon Thom Island, where the lunch buffet offers a mix of Vietnamese, Asian and Western dishes, including grilled seafood, noodles, salads and tropical fruits.
Located within Hon Thom Nature Park, the restaurant is accessible by cable car before a short walk from Hon Thom Station, and is open from 11:00 am to 2:30 pm.
Alternatively, if you are missing a taste of home, you can head over to Mina Nasi Kandar Halal in Phu Quoc’s main town. Opened in July 2026, it is the first Malaysian restaurant in Phu Quoc and the first nasi kandar restaurant in Vietnam.
The menu features familiar Malaysian favourites such as nasi kandar, nasi lemak, roti canai and teh tarik, alongside a selection of Vietnamese dishes. The restaurant is open daily from 8 am to 10 pm, making it an option for anything from breakfast to dinner.
For something close to town and the shops, you can head to La Festa Phu Quoc, Curio Collection by Hilton, in Sunset Town, Phu Quoc, Vietnam. The hotel features eight distinct on-site dining and drinks venues, offering a variety of cuisines including Mediterranean, Italian, Cantonese, and local Vietnamese flavours.
With options ranging from casual dining to drinks and social experiences, it’s a convenient spot to enjoy a range of culinary choices while exploring the area.
Where to Stay
On the note of La Festa and its variety of eateries, there is also a variety of places you can choose to stay in, depending on the kind of holiday you have in mind. If you like being right in the heart of the action, La Festa Phu Quoc, Curio Collection by Hilton puts you in Sunset Town, surrounded by its colourful, Amalfi-inspired streets and attractions such as Kiss Bridge and the Kiss of the Sea show.
With direct beach access, an infinity pool, eight restaurants and bars, and rooms designed with Mediterranean touches, it makes it easy to combine sightseeing, dining and resort time in one stay.
If you are travelling with family or a group and want a little more space and privacy, Premier Village Phu Quoc Resort offers an entirely different experience. Tucked away at Ong Doi Cape on the southern tip of the island, the resort is surrounded by the sea on both sides and features spacious private-pool villas, including beachfront and ocean-view options. You can settle into your own villa, take a dip in your private pool, wander down to the beaches, or simply slow things down and enjoy the tropical surroundings.
For something with a little more character and a touch of theatrical luxury, consider JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa. Set along Khem Beach, this beachfront resort was designed by renowned architect Bill Bensley around the imaginative concept of a 19th-century French university, so you will find playful academic-inspired details woven throughout the property.
Beyond the striking design, you can spend your days by the beach and pools, explore its restaurants and bars, or unwind at the Spa by JW. It is also about 10 minutes from Sunset Town, making it possible to enjoy the resort’s quieter beachfront setting while still venturing out to the island’s southern attractions.
So, if your idea of a holiday involves more than simply finding a beach and settling in for the day, Phu Quoc gives you plenty of reasons to venture out. From discovering how its famous pearls are produced to taking in island views from above, sampling different cuisines and ending the evening with a spectacular show, there is no shortage of ways to fill your itinerary.
