What to see in Phu Quoc

Phu Quoc's oldest fishing settlement, perched on stilts above the east-coast shallows. Wooden houses connected by jetties, fishing boats moored below, and fresh seafood cooked in simple riverside restaurants.

Supplementary historical exhibits at the Phu Quoc Prison site covering the island's broader history under French colonial rule and the Vietnam War. English-language placards. Free entry to exterior grounds; small fee for the main museum.

Primary rainforest covering about 31,000 hectares -- more than a third of the island. UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Trails through jungle, streams, and hills with diverse wildlife including macaques and monitor lizards.

Phu Quoc black pepper is one of Vietnam's most prized exports. Several working pepper farms open to visitors, particularly in the Kien Giang district. Short tours explain cultivation from flowering vine to dried corn.

A small but revered temple built atop a rock formation at the mouth of Duong Dong river, dedicated to the goddess Thien Hau who protects fishermen. Best visited at sunset. Surrounded by boats moored in the harbour.

A former French colonial, then American-backed prison from 1953 to 1975. One of Vietnam's most significant war memorials. Life-size dioramas, guard towers, and original cells document conditions for political prisoners.

Phu Quoc's main town and administrative centre. The old market, Dinh Cau temple, fish sauce factories, and the night market are all within walking distance. More authentic daily life here than on the resort strip.

Widely considered the most beautiful beach on Phu Quoc -- powdery white sand and vivid turquoise water in a sheltered bay on the southeast coast. A row of seafood shacks lines the shore. Best visited on weekdays.

A sandbank accessible by longtail boat from Rach Vem village. Historically famous for sea stars (starfish), now protected. The surrounding clear shallows and the remote village make it a worthwhile half-day trip.

A natural freshwater waterfall 10 km from Duong Dong, accessible via a short jungle walk. Swimming holes beneath the falls. Popular on weekends. Best flow from June to October during the wet season.

Phu Quoc has a long pearl farming tradition in the calm eastern bays. Several farms open to visitors show the cultivation process from seeding to harvest. Pearl jewellery sold on site at reasonable prices.

Paddle through mangrove channels and along the Cua Can river through jungle-fringed banks. Half-day tours available from Cua Can beach. Quiet and peaceful -- a stark contrast to the busier coastal attractions.

The most popular evening market on the island, running nightly along the riverfront near Dinh Cau temple. Grilled seafood, pho, bun quay (local noodles), and tropical fruit. Best from 18:00. Haggling expected at craft stalls.

Phu Quoc's famous fish sauce is one of Vietnam's most prized condiments -- made by layering anchovies with salt in large wooden barrels for 12-18 months. Short factory tours explain the process and offer tasting. Free entry.

The villages around Kien Giang and central Phu Quoc have small local markets selling fresh produce, dried seafood, and locally grown pepper. Visiting in the morning brings the most action. Cash only; no tourist prices.

A community of around 100 families living on floating houses in the north of the island. Reached by a dirt track and a short boat crossing. Residents farm pearl oysters and sea cucumber. One of Phu Quoc's most authentic sights.

The world's longest non-stop three-rope cable car -- 8 km connecting An Thoi to Hon Thom island. The 15-minute crossing offers aerial views of the An Thoi archipelago and the Gulf of Thailand. The cable car ticket includes access to the Hon Thom water park.

Several operators on Long Beach offer sunset sailing trips on traditional wooden boats or modern catamarans. Departures around 16:00 for the 1.5-hour cruise. Snacks and drinks included. The west-facing coast makes Phu Quoc's sunsets spectacular.

Large theme park on the An Thoi peninsula with roller coasters, a water park, the Aquatopia water world, and evening shows. Vietnam's largest entertainment complex. Full-day experience; shuttle from main resorts available.

North-coast beach near a small estuary where the Cua Can river meets the sea. Good for kayaking and exploring the mangrove channels inland. A handful of basic restaurants. Very local atmosphere.

Remote beach at the island's northwestern tip with views to Cambodia. Very few tourists and no resort development. The drive north through the national park is itself an attraction.

Tropical island accessible by the world's longest non-stop three-rope cable car from An Thoi. Beautiful beach on arrival, snorkel reefs offshore, the Sun World Hon Thom aquatic park, and jungle trails inland.

Phu Quoc's longest beach -- 20 km of west-facing sand ideal for sunsets. The main tourist strip with hotels, beach bars, and watersports. Calm water in dry season (November to April) but waves pick up in low season.

Small island near Ganh Dau with clear water and coral formations rarely visited by tour groups. Day trips from the north of the island offer a more exclusive snorkelling experience than the busy An Thoi routes.

Quiet beach north of Long Beach. Rocky outcrops and several boutique eco-resorts line the shore. Calmer and more natural-feeling than the main strip, popular with travellers seeking seclusion.

Small island in the An Thoi chain with healthy coral and frequent sightings of sea turtles, giant clams, and reef fish. Included in most snorkelling day-trip itineraries from An Thoi pier.

Secluded north-coast beach backed by casuarina pines. A few fishing boats and a simple seafood restaurant. The water is clear with some coral near the rocks. Rarely crowded even in peak season.

Main southern pier for high-speed ferries to the mainland (Ha Tien, Rach Gia) and the starting point for boat trips to the An Thoi archipelago. Also serves as the base for the Hon Thom cable car crossing.

East-coast pier with frequent car and passenger ferries to Ha Tien and Rach Gia on the mainland. The shortest sea crossing to the mainland from Phu Quoc. Most ferries take about 2 hours.

Modern international airport serving Phu Quoc, opened in 2012. Direct flights from Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and several international destinations. Car rental desks and taxi kiosks in arrivals hall.

A series of rock pools and cascades deep in the national park, reached by a 30-minute jungle hike. Far fewer visitors than Suoi Tranh. Water flow is best in September and October.

Open-plan safari park with free-roaming animals including giraffes, zebras, rhinos, and white tigers. Part of the large Vinpearl resort complex in the island's north. Guided safari vehicles and walk-through enclosures.