Phu Quoc, Vietnam’s largest island, is a tropical paradise among the country’s top beach destinations, renowned for its white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and vibrant marine life. With over 150 kilometers of coastline and nearly two dozen beaches, each beach in Phu Quoc varies due to climate, geographical location, and infrastructure. As this insight is rarely shared by locals, choosing the best beach in Phu Quoc can be challenging for travelers to match their preferences.
This guide from Travel Sense Asia offers local tips on the best times to visit different coastal areas, the ideal beaches for families, couples, and friends, and the beaches with the clearest waters in Phu Quoc.
Main areas that have beaches in Phu Quoc
1. Beaches in South and Southeast Phu Quoc
Best Beaches: Sao Beach, Khem Beach
Geographical Features: South Phu Quoc features relatively flat terrain with fine white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and gentle waves. It boasts rich coral reefs, particularly around the An Thoi archipelago, ideal for snorkeling and coral exploration. Therefore, both locals and travelers agree that the southeastern coast boasts the best beach in Phu Quoc.
Tourism and Services: The region of South and Southeast Phu Quoc is home to numerous luxury resorts and 5-star hotels, such as Premier Village and JW Marriott, along with entertainment hubs like Sunset Town and the world’s longest sea-crossing cable car to Hon Thom Island. Tourism services, including restaurants, bars, and diving centers, are well-developed.
Source | Internet
2. Beaches in North Phu Quoc
Best Beaches: Ganh Dau, Rach Vem, Rach Tram
Geographical Features: North Phu Quoc has low hilly terrain interspersed with pristine beaches, less impacted by human activity compared to the south. The tropical rainforest of Phu Quoc National Park dominates the north, creating a unique landscape.
Tourism and Services: The area of North Phu Quoc has fewer resorts, restaurants, and luxury services, focusing instead on eco-tourism and authentic cultural experiences. Thus, for those who love peace and wilderness, the northern side of the island is home to the best beach in Phu Quoc.
Source | Internet
3. Beaches in West Phu Quoc
Best Beaches: Long Beach, Ong Lang Beach, Bai Dai
Geographical Features: The terrain of West Phu Quoc is flat, with long beaches featuring golden sand and gentle waves. Bordering the Gulf of Thailand, the sea here is shallow.
Tourism and Services: The west coast includes Duong Dong, the economic hub of Phu Quoc. Luxury resorts line Long Beach and Bai Dai, complemented by bustling entertainment, night market shopping, beachside bars, and vibrant services that attract crowds. Ong Lang Beach, north of Duong Dong, offers a quieter escape and clearer water, perfect for relaxation.
Source | Internet
4. Beaches in Northeast Phu Quoc
Geographical Features: The northeast of Phu Quoc includes beaches like Bai Thom, Ham Ninh, and traditional fishing villages. The terrain consists mainly of coastal plains mixed with low hills and mangrove forests near river estuaries. Beaches here are smaller, with fine sand mixed with pebbles and calm waves due to their sheltered position from the Gulf of Thailand.
Tourism and Services: The Northeast area may not have the best beach in Phu Quoc, but its charm lies in the local lifestyle. Ham Ninh fishing village is a highlight, offering an authentic glimpse into fishermen’s lives and fresh seafood. Accommodations are mostly guesthouses, homestays, and small-scale resorts, with fewer high-end entertainment options compared to other areas.
Source | Internet
Best time to visit the beach in Phu Quoc
Phu Quoc’s tropical climate splits into two seasons: the dry season (October to late April or early May) and the rainy season (May to October). Each season affects which coastal areas are best for beach activities due to wind patterns, wave conditions, and weather.
1. Dry season: Best time for the best beach in Phu Quoc
Time: October to Late April/Early May
Best Beaches: All beach areas
The dry season is Phu Quoc’s peak tourist period, offering sunny skies, minimal rainfall, and calm seas. All beaches are excellent during this time.
The northern beaches, especially Rach Vem, are particularly spectacular during this season due to the starfish season, where visitors can witness vibrant starfish scattered across the shallow waters. The eastern coast may have stronger waves, but it remains enjoyable and safe. Sheltered from the northeast monsoon, the west coast is ideal for swimming and sunset views.
2. Rainy season: Best time for cheaper prices in Phu Quoc
Time: May to October
Best Beaches: Southeast, Northwest
The rainy season brings occasional to prolonged showers and potential typhoons, particularly from July to September, which may cause flooding. However, fewer crowds and lower prices make it appealing for budget travelers.
The southeast coast’s wave-breaking geography ensures safer and more enjoyable conditions, even during showers or typhoon risks.
The west coast requires caution due to unpredictable waves. While Bai Dai and Ong Lang in the northwest are viable, southwest monsoon winds can create larger waves from July to September, altering shorelines and making swimming risky. Always check the local weather and avoid swimming on days with strong waves.
The north and east coasts should be avoided during the rainy season. Muddy dirt roads in the north make beaches hard to access, while the east coast’s exposure to winds results in wavy, murky waters, especially around Ham Ninh and Thom Beach.
Best beaches in Phu Quoc for different travelers
Phu Quoc’s beaches cater to diverse preferences. Below are recommendations for families, couples, and groups of friends, with reasons why each beach suits specific needs.
1. Best beach in Phu Quoc for families with children
Families need beaches with gentle waves, shallow waters, and minimal nightlife for safety and comfort. Top picks include:
Long Beach: Near Duong Dong, Long Beach offers shallow, calm waters ideal for kids, especially during the dry season. Its fine sand and gentle slope ensure safe wading, while resorts like InterContinental provide kids’ pools and activities. The northern end is quieter, away from bars, creating a peaceful family environment.
Sao Beach: Here is your family’s best beach in Phu Quoc. Renowned for its soft white sand and clear, shallow waters, Sao Beach is sheltered by two capes that minimize waves, making it perfect for children to swim and play. Local eateries offer affordable family dining, and public areas provide picnic space.
Bai Dai: It’s located in the upper northwest near entertainment hubs for kids like VinWonders, VinSafari, and Grand World. Besides, this nearly 10-km beach is 80% private, belonging to 5-star international hotels like Vinpearl, Radisson Blu, and Sheraton, perfect for upscale and quiet family vacations.
2. Best beach for couples in Phu Quoc
Couples seeking privacy, romantic settings, and Instagrammable cafes or bars will love:
Khem Beach (Bai Khem): Ranked among the world’s top 50 beaches, Khem Beach in the south features crescent-shaped white sand and turquoise waters. Its secluded vibe, enhanced by upscale resorts like JW Marriott and New World, is perfect for romantic escapes. For couples, Bai Khem is definitely the best beach in Phu Quoc.
Ong Lang Beach: On the west coast, Ong Lang is quieter than Long Beach, with golden sand and rocky outcrops forming intimate coves. Couples can enjoy sunset cocktails at Rory Bar or relax at eco-friendly resorts like Mango Bay, fostering private moments.
Source | Internet
3. Best beach in Phu Quoc for young travelers
Young travelers craving lively beach clubs and nightlife will enjoy:
Long Beach: With bars and night markets, Long Beach is vibrant. Sunset Sanato is a west-coast hotspot for beach parties, hosting DJ events and music festivals, ideal for groups seeking fun and socializing.
Ganh Dau: Perfect for relaxed gatherings, offering a serene setting for sharing moments.
Source | Internet
Coastal areas in Phu Quoc with estuaries (Less clear waters!)
West (Long Beach in Duong Dong): Located near the mouth of the Duong Dong River, the largest river in Phu Quoc, which flows through Duong Dong town. The river carries significant sediment, especially during the rainy season, making the water near the estuary murkier and less clear.
East Coast (e.g., Ham Ninh, Cay Sao): The east coast, particularly around Ham Ninh village, has estuaries and shallow, tidal waters influenced by the northeast monsoon. This results in wavy, less clear seas, especially in the dry season, making it better for exploring fishing villages than swimming.
Conclusion
Phu Quoc’s diverse beaches cater to every traveler, offering serene shores, romantic retreats, and lively coastal hubs. Whether you seek vibrant nightlife, tranquil eco-tourism, or family-friendly waters, the island’s coastline delivers unforgettable experiences. Seasonal variations enhance its charm, with each region showcasing unique natural beauty and cultural allure. For the clearest waters, steer clear of estuary zones and plan your visit to align with your preferred activities.
If you’re planning to go to Phu Quoc, Travel Sense Asia would be delighted to create a customized itinerary and make your Vietnam journey unforgettable. Simply share your preferences with us here, and we’ll take care of the rest.
