Getting Around Phu Quoc by Car: Private Driver vs Self-Drive

Phu Quoc is about 50 km from north to south, and many of its best beaches, pagodas and villages sit far apart, so how you get around shapes your whole trip. This guide compares the main ways to explore the island by car — a private car with a driver, a self-drive rental, Grab or a taxi — with typical prices, rental packages and day routes, so you can choose what suits your group and budget. Planning your days on the island? Browse more ideas from Joytime.

1. Discover Phu Quoc with comfort and flexibility

Discover Phu Quoc with comfort and flexibility

Phu Quoc, Vietnam’s largest island, is a tropical gem filled with white sandy beaches, lush forests, and vibrant local culture. Whether you’re planning a relaxing beach getaway, a food tour, or an adventure through the island’s natural wonders, transportation plays a key role in shaping your experience.

Getting around is not always simple. Public buses mainly serve the north of the island, Grab cars can be scarce near remote beaches, and taxi fares add up quickly over a full day of sightseeing. That is why most visitors explore by car, either with a hired driver or behind the wheel themselves. The sections below explain how each option works and what it costs.

2. Ways to get around Phu Quoc by car: options compared

The table below compares the most common ways to explore Phu Quoc. Prices are typical 2026 market rates for reference and change with the season, vehicle and distance.

2.1. Private car with driver

Private car with driver in Phu Quoc

Choosing a private car in Phu Quoc gives travelers complete freedom and flexibility. You can start your journey whenever you want, stop at scenic viewpoints, and spend more time at your favorite destinations. Here are some major benefits:

• Full control over your Itinerary: With a Phu Quoc car hire service, you’re not tied to fixed tour schedules. You decide where to go, how long to stay, and which route to take. This flexibility is ideal for travelers who want to explore both popular attractions and hidden gems.

• Comfort and privacy: A Phu Quoc private car ensures that you and your group can travel in comfort. Vehicles are air-conditioned, well-maintained, and driven by professional local drivers who know the island’s routes and tourist spots well. It’s the perfect way to travel privately with family or friends.

• Cost-effective for groups: While taxis or ride-hailing apps can be expensive for multiple trips, a private car rental Phu Quoc allows you to rent by the day or by the hour, often at a better overall value — especially if you’re traveling as a group.

• Reliable and professional service: Most Phu Quoc car rental companies offer English-speaking drivers, transparent pricing, and insurance for passengers. You can rest assured that your trip will be safe, smooth, and enjoyable.

Most companies sell private cars by the hour block rather than by distance alone. Market prices run from about 600,000–1,000,000 VND for a half day to 1,000,000–1,800,000 VND for a full day, depending on the vehicle. Joytime’s private car rental in Phu Quoc starts from 1,127,000 VND, with 4, 8 and 12-hour packages and 4-seat, 7-seat or 16-seat vehicles.

2.2. Self-drive car rental

Renting a car without a driver is possible but much less common for visitors. Local guides quote about 600,000–900,000 VND per day for a 4-seat car and 900,000–1,300,000 VND for a 7-seat car, plus a deposit and sometimes a delivery fee to the airport or your resort. To drive legally, foreigners need a valid home licence together with an international driving permit (IDP) issued under the 1968 Vienna Convention, and police can ask for both plus your passport. Some countries, including the US, issue IDPs under a different convention, so check before you plan to drive. Inspect and photograph the car at pick-up, and confirm the fuel level, mileage limit and who is responsible if anything goes wrong.

2.3. Grab, Xanh SM and taxis

Ride-hailing apps and metered taxis are good for short hops and one-way trips. Grab and Xanh SM cost roughly 13,000–14,000 VND per km, and Mai Linh or Vinasun taxis about 13,600–15,100 VND per km. A one-way ride from Duong Dong to Sao Beach costs about 250,000–350,000 VND, so a day with several stops can cost as much as hiring a car. Cars are also harder to find for the return trip from remote beaches, so ask your driver to wait or book the way back in advance.

2.4. Scooter rental

Scooters are the cheapest way to get around, at about 100,000–200,000 VND per day plus fuel. You need a licence for any engine above 50cc, and many travel insurance policies do not cover riders without one. Scooters suit confident riders with light luggage, but a car is safer for families, longer distances and the rainy season.

3. How to choose a private car package in Phu Quoc

Choosing a private car package in Phu Quoc

If you hire a car with a driver, the package you choose decides how far and how long you can travel. Plan your route first, then pick the duration and vehicle size that fit it.

3.1. Rental duration and mileage

Packages usually combine a time limit with a mileage limit. Joytime offers three:

• 4-hour package (up to 60 km): enough for a half-day loop around Duong Dong or the east coast.

• 8-hour package (up to 90 km): a full day covering one end of the island, such as the south or the north.

• 12-hour package (up to 120 km): a long day that combines several areas, or a day trip plus a sunset dinner.

3.2. Vehicle size

Choose the vehicle by the number of passengers and bags:

3.3. What is included and what costs extra

Joytime packages include passenger insurance and complimentary bottled water. Entrance tickets, meals and personal expenses are not included. Extra hours, extra kilometres and service outside 7:00 AM–10:00 PM are charged separately, and are often paid to the driver in cash, so confirm the exact rates when you book. If you are only moving between hotels in different parts of the island, a Phu Quoc inter-point transfer from 368,000 VND is cheaper than a full package. See all Phu Quoc transport services for more options.

4. Popular routes to explore Phu Quoc by car

Popular places to visit by car in Phu Quoc

Traveling by private car allows you to discover both famous landmarks and hidden local gems at your own pace. Here are some must-visit spots:

• Sao Beach: Widely known as one of Phu Quoc’s most stunning beaches, with soft white sand and crystal-clear turquoise water.

• Ham Ninh Fishing Village: A quiet coastal village where you can experience the charm of local life and enjoy freshly caught seafood.

• Ho Quoc Pagoda: A magnificent seaside temple offering breathtaking ocean views and a peaceful atmosphere.

• Phu Quoc Pepper Farm: Discover how the island’s world-famous pepper is cultivated and taste its distinctive flavor.

• Suoi Tranh Waterfall: A serene natural hideaway surrounded by lush tropical greenery, ideal for relaxation and photos.

• Dinh Cau Temple and Night Market: The perfect place to shop for souvenirs, try local dishes, and feel the vibrant nightlife of the island.

With a Phu Quoc car charter, you can easily visit several of these attractions in a single day without feeling rushed, enjoying a smooth and flexible journey around the island.

4.1. Half-day route: east coast

Start at Ho Quoc Pagoda on the east coast, continue to Tranh Stream (Suoi Tranh) for a short forest walk, and finish at Ham Ninh Fishing Village for a seafood lunch on the pier. This loop fits a 4-hour package from Duong Dong or Long Beach.

4.2. Full-day route: south of the island

Visit a pepper farm in the morning, then drive south to Sao Beach to swim, stop at the Phu Quoc Prison museum, and end the day near An Thoi for the Hon Thom cable car or sunset. Sao Beach and An Thoi are both about 25–30 km from Duong Dong, so an 8-hour package works well.

4.3. Full-day route: north of the island

Grand World, VinWonders and the safari park are about 25 km north of Duong Dong, around 35–45 minutes by road. A driver can drop you off, wait or come back at a set time, then take you to Dinh Cau Night Market in the evening.

5. Tips for getting around Phu Quoc by car

To make the most of your Phu Quoc car rental experience, here are a few tips:

• Book in advance: Especially during peak travel seasons (November to April), vehicles can be fully booked quickly.

• Check Inclusions: Always confirm the number of kilometers and hours included in your rental package.

• Confirm pickup location: Whether at the airport or your hotel, make sure the pickup point and time are clearly communicated.

• Inspect the car: Before departure, check the vehicle’s condition and ensure all amenities (AC, seatbelts, etc.) are working properly.

• Keep contact information: Save the driver’s phone number or the company hotline for easy coordination.

• Carry the right documents: if you drive yourself, bring your home licence, an international driving permit and your passport.

• Check your insurance: make sure your travel insurance covers the vehicle you plan to use, especially scooters.

• Plan the way back: Grab and taxis are scarce at remote beaches in the evening, so arrange your return before you go.

6. FAQs about getting around Phu Quoc by car

FAQs about getting around Phu Quoc by car

6.1. How much does it cost to hire a car with a driver in Phu Quoc?

Expect about 600,000–1,000,000 VND for a half day and 1,000,000–1,800,000 VND for a full day, depending on the vehicle size and distance. Joytime’s private car with driver starts from 1,127,000 VND. Extra hours and kilometres beyond the package cost more.

6.2. Can tourists drive a car in Phu Quoc?

Yes, if you hold a valid home licence and an international driving permit issued under the 1968 Vienna Convention. Carry both with your passport. If your country issues a different type of permit, hire a car with a driver instead.

6.3. Is Grab available everywhere in Phu Quoc?

Grab and Xanh SM work well around Duong Dong, Long Beach, the airport and the main resort areas. In remote places such as Sao Beach or Ham Ninh, cars can take a long time to arrive, so plan your return trip in advance.

6.4. How long does it take to drive across Phu Quoc?

The island is about 50 km long. Driving from the far north to the south takes around 1–1.5 hours one way, while most beaches and attractions are 15–60 minutes from Duong Dong.

6.5. Can I design my own route with a private car in Phu Quoc?

Yes, of course! When booking a private car in Phu Quoc, you can fully customize your itinerary. Select your preferred attractions, decide how long you’d like to stay at each stop, and enjoy a flexible, personalized journey around the island.

The best way to get around Phu Quoc depends on your group, your route and how much driving you want to do. Grab and taxis cover short trips, a self-drive rental suits experienced drivers, and a car with a driver lets everyone sit back and enjoy the island. Whichever you choose, Joytime can help you plan the ride so you see more of Phu Quoc on your own schedule.