Where is Phu Quoc? 4+ Reasons Why Vietnam's Pearl Island Attracts Tourists

Phu Quoc is often referred to as the "pearl" of Vietnam, known for its pristine natural beauty and idyllic beaches. So, where is Phu Quoc, and what makes it so attractive, drawing millions of tourists every year? Let’s explore this breathtaking destination with Joytime!

1. Where is Phu Quoc Island? Geographic features of Phu Quoc 

Phu Quoc is the largest island in Vietnam, situated in the southwest region of the country, within the Gulf of Thailand. If you're wondering where is Phu Quoc Island located, the island’s geographical coordinates are between 9°53′ and 10°28′ North latitude and 103°49′ to 104°05′ East longitude. Such isolated settings and diverse natural beauty make it an ideal destination for explorers visiting Vietnam.

Phu Quoc belongs to Kien Giang province, Vietnam - Image source: Google Map

1.1. Geographical location

Phu Quoc, also known as Pearl Island, is close to the Cambodian border, approximately 14 nautical miles from Kampot Province. This proximity facilitates trade and tourism between the two countries.

Meanwhile, the distances from mainland Vietnam to Phu Quoc are:

• About 120 km (65 nautical miles) from Rach Gia City (Kien Giang)

• About 45 km (25 nautical miles) from Ha Tien City (Kien Giang)

Phu Quoc is divided into three main areas:

• Northern Phu Quoc - which are categorized by pristine forests and beautiful beaches like Ganh Dau, Bai Thom.

• Southern Phu Quoc - a home to luxury resorts, hotels, attractions, and famous beaches such as Bai Truong, Bai Khem, An Thoi, Ong Lang.

• Central Phu Quoc – Duong Dong town - the economic and administrative hub, featuring night markets, restaurants, hotels, and attractions.

Phu Quoc is completely separate from the mainland - Photo source: Pixabay

1.2. Characteristic terrain

Phu Quoc stands out with its unique shape, which resembles a fish wagging its tail in the Gulf of Thailand. The island’s terrain slopes from north to south and features diverse plains and hills, including over 99 mountains. Such varied terrain characteristics contribute to its majestic and untouched allure. Notably, the small islands of the An Thoi archipelago are separated from the main island by a deep strait of more than 60 meters, giving the impression of a precious gem concealed in the ocean.

From a geological perspective, Phu Quoc is formed from Cenozoic rocks and Mesozoic sediments, contributing to its unique and complex geological structure. The sea around Phu Quoc is generally shallow and ideal for water activities, averaging no more than 10 meters in depth. In contrast, the An Thoi islands have deeper waters, over 60 meters, perfect for maritime activities and exploring underwater life like coral reefs.

Phu Quoc is a familiar destination for domestic and foreign tourists - Photo source: Pixabay

1.3. Natural area

Phu Quoc covers an area of approximately 580 km² (574 square kilometers), almost the same size as Singapore (719 km²). This makes Phu Quoc the largest island in Vietnam, which offers a rich and diverse natural landscape.

1.4. Climate and Weather

Located in southern Vietnam, Phu Quoc experiences a tropical monsoon climate with two distinct seasons:

• Rainy season (May to October): This period brings heavy rainfall and high humidity, which can impact outdoor activities such as swimming, sunbathing, and beach sports.

• Dry season (November to April): The best time to visit falls within those months as it features sunny weather, little rain, and with a pleasant atmosphere. Visitors can fully enjoy beach activities and explore the island's renowned attractions.

Phu Quoc's weather is cool with two distinct seasons of the year - Photo source: Pixabay

2. 4 Reasons Why Phu Quoc Island is a Must-Visit Destination 

Phu Quoc attracts millions of tourists each year, with over 5.9 million visitors in 2024 alone (Source: Dan Tri Newspaper, December 24, 2024). Then, what makes Phu Quoc so irresistibly attractive?

2.1. A precious gem in the East Sea with a diverse ecosystem

The island's primary allure lies in its untouched beauty and numerous idyllic beaches stretching from north to south. The landscape is both majestic and picturesque, which captivate million tourists annually. In 2006, UNESCO recognized the Kien Giang Biosphere The island's primary allure for its rich ecosystems and well-worth-exploring natural attractions.

Visitors to Phu Quoc can immerse themselves in nature with activities like swimming in crystal-clear waters, hiking to conquer hills, relaxing by the natural streams, or staying in luxurious resorts.

Phu Quoc is famous for its beautiful beaches and fresh air - Photo source: Pixabay

2.2. A paradise for relaxation with countless interesting destinations

Phu Quoc boasts numerous famous destinations, each offering a unique experience. Popular beaches with fine white sand and crystal-clear waters include Bai Sao, Bai Khem, Bai Vong, and Ganh Dau. If you're curious how big is Phu Quoc, the island is home to both stunning natural landscapes and bustling economic centers like Duong Dong, Duong To, and An Thoi, where you can enjoy exciting dining and shopping experiences

Additionally, eco-tourism areas like Suoi Tranh and Suoi Da Ban offer peaceful, green spaces to relax and enjoy the tranquility. Each location on Phu Quoc provides unforgettable experiences, leaving visitors enchanted and reluctant to leave.

2.3. Delicious dishes with a culinary exploration journey

Visitors are impressed not only by Phu Quoc’s natural beauty but also by its distinctive and flavorful cuisine. Must-try dishes include:

• Goi Ca Trich: A fresh dish made from mackerel, served with herbs and special spices.

• Bun Ken: A unique combination of coconut milk and fresh seafood, offering a rich and aromatic flavor.

• Phu Quoc is also known for its delicious seafood, such as sea urchins, lobster, and blue crab, all freshly caught locally. Another highlight is Bun Quay, a traditional dish from central Vietnam, making Phu Quoc’s culinary offerings even more memorable, etc.

Phu Quoc is famous for fresh seafood caught directly from the sea - Photo source: Pixabay

2.4. Strongly developed infrastructure

With its booming tourism sector, Phu Quoc has made substantial investments in infrastructure to maximize convenience for visitors. The island now boasts around 1,800 luxurious and well-appointed hotels, resorts, and homestays to meet travelers' needs. But is Phu Quoc expensive? In reality, the island caters to a wide range of budgets, offering both high-end accommodations and more affordable options, making it accessible to many types of travelers.

Additionally, transportation between Phu Quoc and the mainland has improved significantly. Traveling from mainland Vietnam (Rach Gia or Ha Tien) to Phu Quoc is now easier than ever, particularly by high-speed boat, which takes just 1 to 2 hours and runs about five times a day.

Air travel is also a quick and convenient option, with flights from Ho Chi Minh City to Phu Quoc lasting only 45 minutes and with 4-5 flights a day. Thanks to these transport options. Together, the convenient infrastructure makes Phu Quoc an ideal year-round destination.

Phu Quoc has a strong urbanization rate, ensuring comfort for tourists who have the opportunity to visit - Photo source: Pixabay

3. FAQs

3.1. What is the best season to travel to Phu Quoc?

Phu Quoc has two main seasons: the dry season (November to April) and the rainy season (May to October). While the dry season offers warmth enough for outdoor activities such as swimming, sunbathing, and surfing, the rainy season is colder and wetter.

3.2. What should you consider when traveling to Phu Quoc?

• Check the weather for proper preparation before you visit Phu Quoc. Particularly, for the dry season, don’t forget sunscreen and protective clothing. 

• Book your flights, accommodations, and tours early, especially during peak season. 

• Bring light and comfortable clothing as you can rent a motorbike or take a taxi to get around. For larger groups, taxis are more ideal. 

• Never forget insect repellent and allergy medication if necessary. 

• Lastly, be sure to protect Phu Quoc’s natural beauty by not littering.

Phu Quoc with its strong attraction is increasingly asserting its position on Vietnam's tourism map - Photo source: Pixabay

3.3. How to get to Phu Quoc?

There are two popular ways to reach Phu Quoc:

• By plane: A quick and convenient option with flights from Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Da Nang, Can Tho, and more.

• By bus/motorbike/car and high-speed ferry: A more budget-friendly option. Consider taking a bus or motorbike for a scenic journey.

Where is Phu Quoc? Now you have all the necessary information for your next trips. Accordingly, Phu Quoc is a beautiful island located in the southwest of Vietnam, in the Gulf of Thailand, and is separated from the mainland. This area not only attracts tourists with its majestic natural beauty but also with its delicious cuisine and high-quality infrastructure.

Contact Joytime now for convenient tour services as Joytime offers all-inclusive Phu Quoc tours with optimal service quality, ensuring you have the most wonderful experiences! Get in touch for detailed consultation through the contact information below.