Phu Quoc tours in 2026: island-hopping, prices and our pick
Twenty-one islands around Phu Quoc, the longest over-sea cable car on the planet, and squid you catch with your own hands — the tour menu here is far richer than it looks from a hotel window. Below: a full catalogue of tours with 2026 prices in VND (and ~USD), with English-speaking options and honest picks.
- An Thoi Port (An Thới): Start of the southern-island boat tours — Departures 08:00–08:30
- May Rut Island (Hòn Mây Rút): Clear water, shallow reefs — Snorkelling stop
- Hon Thom Island (Hòn Thơm): Big corals, tropical fish — Snorkelling + cable car
- Gam Ghi Island (Hòn Gầm Ghì): Starfish, chance to see turtles — Wild snorkelling spot
- Coconut Prison (Nhà tù Phú Quốc): Vietnam War museum — 07:30–17:00 | Free
- Ho Quoc Pagoda (Chùa Hộ Quốc): Largest Buddhist temple, 110 ha — 06:00–18:00 | Free
- Dinh Cau Temple (Đình Cầu): Cliff-top shrine-lighthouse by the port — Free, best sunset
- Ham Ninh Village (Hàm Ninh): Fishing village, crab by the pier — Jeep-tour stop
- Night squid fishing (Chợ đêm Dương Đông): Boats leave from Duong Dong port — 17:00–20:00 | from ~$17
- Hon Thom Cable Car (Cáp treo Hòn Thơm): Guinness record — 7.9 km over the sea — 690,000–750,000 VND (~$28–30)
- VinWonders (VinWonders Phú Quốc): Vietnam's largest theme park — 880,000 VND (~$35)
- Vinpearl Safari (Vinpearl Safari Phú Quốc): 3,000+ animals, 380 ha — 650,000 VND (~$26)
- Sunset Town (Sunset Town An Thới): Mediterranean style, Kiss of the Sea show — Free entry
- Grand World (Grand World Phú Quốc): Venetian canals, night market — 24/7, free entry
- Starfish Beach (Rạch Vẹm): Hundreds of live starfish in the shallows — Best at low tide, morning
- National Park (Vườn quốc gia Phú Quốc): 70% of the island, trekking — Free
Tour prices at a glance (2026)
| Tour | Price | Duration | Who for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southern islands (budget) | from 470,000 VND (~$18) | 6–8 h | Everyone |
| Southern islands (comfort) | from 910,000 VND (~$35) | 6–8 h | Couples, families |
| Island sightseeing tour | from 780,000 VND (~$30) | 4–8 h | Everyone |
| Jeep tour | ~$350 (1–4 people) | 6–8 h | Groups, photos |
| Night squid fishing | from 440,000 VND (~$17) | 3–4 h | Families, couples |
| Diving (1 dive) | from 2,080,000 VND (~$80) | 3–4 h | Beginners & pros |
| VinWonders | 880,000 VND (~$35) | full day | Families with kids |
| Cable car | 690,000–750,000 VND (~$28–30) | 1–2 h | Everyone |
| Cambodia (Angkor Wat) | from ~$450 | 2–3 days | Experienced travellers |
Rough conversion used throughout: 25,000 VND ≈ $1. Rates drift, so treat the dollar figures as ballpark.
Boat trips to the southern islands
The signature Phu Quoc experience, and the first thing to book. Twenty-one smaller islands are scattered around the coast, and most boat tours run to the southern An Thoi archipelago — the best coral reefs in the Gulf of Thailand and the clearest water, with visibility up to 15 metres.
Southern-island hop (3–4 islands)
The standard route: An Thoi port in the south → the islands of Minh Tay, May Rut and Him Bong. Each stop means snorkelling and a swim in turquoise lagoons. Lunch is served on the boat: a seafood barbecue, fresh fruit and drinks.
Three comfort levels:
| Option | Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | 470,000 VND (~$18) | Group of 30–50, basic lunch, wooden boat |
| Comfort | 910,000 VND (~$35) | Group of 10–15, seafood, modern boat |
| Speedboat | 1,170,000 VND (~$47) | Fast boat, more time on the islands |
Departures are early — usually 08:00–08:30 from An Thoi port, back by 15:00–16:00. Mask, snorkel, lunch and hotel transfer are included.
💬 "Great organisation, a fun guide, the boat in good shape. The sea was crystal clear, the corals beautiful, and the fish swim right up to your mask." — from a review, TripAdvisor, 2025
The 3-beach tour
A different format: not islands but the three best beaches in a day. The usual route is Bai Sao (white sand), Starfish Beach (Bai Rach Vem in the north) and Ong Lang beach (west coast, sunsets). From 780,000 VND (~$30), lunch included.
Starfish Beach (Bai Rach Vem)
In the north of Phu Quoc there is a beach where hundreds of live orange-and-red starfish rest in the shallows. It is a rare sight — few beaches in the world have it. Come early in the morning at low tide. Entry is free.
Island sightseeing tour
Half a day and you have covered Phu Quoc's main sights in an air-conditioned minivan with a guide (English-speaking guides are easy to book on GetYourGuide or Klook). Group price: from 780,000 VND (~$30); private from ~$350 for 1–4 people.
The standard route includes:
| Stop | What it is | Time | Entry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coconut Prison | Prison museum from the Vietnam War | 30–40 min | Free |
| Ho Quoc Pagoda | The island's largest Buddhist temple, 110 ha | 1–1.5 h | Free |
| Dinh Cau Temple | Cliff-top shrine by the sea — symbol of Duong Dong | 20 min | Free |
| Pepper farm | Plantations, tasting, buy fresh pepper | 20–30 min | Free |
| Pearl farm | How pearls are grown. Strands from ~$27 | 30–40 min | Free |
| Fish-sauce factory | Home of the best nuoc mam. Tour + tasting | 15–20 min | Free |
Most stops are free to visit — you pay for transport and the guide. At the pearl farm you don't have to buy anything, though the sellers are persistent. Pepper is a different matter: here it is genuinely good and a fraction of shop prices.
Skip the airport queue in 5–10 min
In winter, immigration lines run 60–90 min. With Fast Track you’re met at the aircraft and taken through the priority lane. Arrange it before you fly.
Telegram managerJeep tour of Phu Quoc
Military jeeps, red dirt tracks, remote beaches and views from mountain passes — this is not a minivan sightseeing loop but a proper adventure. One of the best ways to see the non-touristy Phu Quoc.
Price: ~$350 per jeep for 1–4 people. Split four ways, about $88 each. Duration 6–8 hours, lunch included.
The route usually covers:
- Wild beaches on the south and east coasts
- Mountain passes with panoramas over the Gulf of Thailand
- Buddhist shrines and village pagodas
- Ham Ninh fishing village — crab and seafood right at the pier
Night squid fishing
One of the most atmospheric tours on Phu Quoc, and one of the cheapest. Phu Quoc has always been a fishing island, and night squid fishing isn't a tourist gimmick — it is a real tradition.
A typical evening:
- 17:00 — depart from Duong Dong port
- 17:30–18:10 — sunset out in the open Gulf. Music, fresh fruit, drinks
- 18:10–19:30 — fishing. The crew switches on powerful lamps that draw the squid. It is easy — even kids of five manage it
- 19:30–20:00 — dinner on board from the catch: squid soup, fried squid, rice
💬 "Sunset from the boat is a beautiful sight. We didn't catch many squid, but the process is gripping. Dinner on board from the freshest seafood is a nice bonus." — a traveller on TripAdvisor, 2025
Diving and snorkelling
Phu Quoc is one of the cheapest places in the world to dive. Warm water year-round (26–30 °C), 10–15 metres of visibility, and the southern An Thoi islands deliver coral reefs, clownfish, starfish and even small reef sharks. Dive centres here run PADI courses in English (and other languages), and most gear and briefings are aimed at international divers.
Snorkelling
The easiest way in is as part of a southern-island boat trip (from 470,000 VND / ~$18). Mask and snorkel are provided free. A dedicated snorkelling tour runs 520,000–1,170,000 VND (~$21–47).
Best snorkelling spots on Phu Quoc:
- May Rut Island — clearest water, shallow reefs
- Hon Thom Island — big corals, lots of tropical fish
- Gam Ghi Island — starfish on the bottom, turtles if you are lucky
Diving for beginners
A first scuba dive costs from 2,080,000 VND (~$80). The instructor (English-speaking centres are the norm) runs a 30-minute briefing, then a dive to 5–8 metres off the southern islands. No prior experience needed; minimum age 10.
Dive courses
| Course | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Discover Scuba (intro) | 3 days, 6 dives | 7,800,000 VND (~$310) |
| PADI Open Water | 3 days, 6 dives | 9,100,000 VND (~$365) |
| Fun Dive (2 dives) | 1 day | 2,600,000 VND (~$105) |
The dive season is October to April, when the sea is calmer and visibility better. In the rainy season (May–September) many centres close.
Getting set up in Vietnam?
SIM, visas, transfers, tours — our manager sorts it out for you, in English.
Message the managerCable car, VinWonders and Safari
A full day of world-class fun, all in one place. Vinpearl has turned the south of Phu Quoc into an entertainment mega-complex.
Hon Thom cable car
7.9 kilometres over the sea — the longest non-stop over-water cable car in the world, a Guinness World Record. Fifteen minutes of gliding above the southern archipelago, turquoise water below. Cabins are enclosed and air-conditioned, holding 30 people.
Return ticket: 690,000–750,000 VND (~$28–30); the Aquatopia water park is included.
VinWonders (formerly Vinpearl Land)
Vietnam's largest theme park: six themed zones, a water park, VR rides, roller coasters, an aquarium tunnel, a mermaid show and an indoor ice rink. Ticket: 880,000 VND (~$35) adult, 680,000 VND (~$27) for children under 1.4 m.
Vinpearl Safari
Vietnam's largest safari park: 380 hectares, over 3,000 animals — tigers, rhinos, giraffes, elephants. Ticket: 650,000 VND (~$26). VinWonders + Safari combo: 1,350,000 VND (~$54).
Sunset Town and Grand World
Both zones are free to stroll. Sunset Town is a Mediterranean-style village with the Kiss Bridge and an evening show. Grand World is a 24/7 entertainment town with Venetian canals and the VUI-Fest night market.
Cambodia trips from Phu Quoc
Phu Quoc is Vietnam's closest point to Cambodia. Since late 2025 there have been direct flights between the island and Siem Reap: one hour in the air, tickets from about $60 one way.
| Format | Price | Included |
|---|---|---|
| 2 days / 1 night | from ~$450/person | Flights, 3–4★ hotel, guide, entry, lunch |
| 3 days / 2 nights | from ~$600/person | Extended program: Angkor Thom, Ta Prohm |
| DIY, 2 days | from ~$150–190 | Flights + hotel + $37/day entry + food |
What to know
- Passport: required, valid for at least 6 months
- Cambodia visa: visa-on-arrival, $30. Bring a 4×6 photo and cash dollars. Or apply for the official e-visa in advance
- Currency: Cambodia runs on US dollars — no need to change dong
Sunrise over Angkor Wat is in the top 10 sights worth seeing once in a lifetime. If you have 2–3 free days and the budget, this is the trip people talk about for years.
Where to book tours on Phu Quoc
| Platform | Language | From | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| GetYourGuide | English | $15 | Free cancellation up to 24 h, clear reviews |
| Klook | English | $10 | Popular across Asia, app-only discounts |
| Viator | English | $6 | Cheapest options, big catalogue |
| Local street agency | Basic English | $12 | Haggle; cash, no refund protection |
| Hotel desk | English | $25 | Convenient but 20–40% pricier |
Booking tips
- Book online 3–5 days ahead — cheaper than a hotel desk, with a refund guarantee
- In low season (May–October) discounts reach 30% across the board
- Combo tours (2–3 tours bundled) are 15–20% cheaper
- Children under 4–5 are usually free; 5–9 get 30–50% off
- At street agencies, haggle politely — a 10–15% discount is normal
What to see on your own (for free)
Not every Phu Quoc highlight needs a guide. Rent a scooter (150,000–200,000 VND / ~$6–8 a day) and loop the island yourself. Note: you legally need an International Driving Permit with the A category; police checks do happen.
Day 1 — south and centre
- Coconut Prison — Vietnam War prison museum. 30–40 minutes
- Fish-sauce factory — home of the world's best nuoc mam. 15–20 minutes
- Pepper farms — tasting and buying black pepper. 20–30 minutes
- Dinh Cau Temple — on a cliff by the sea, come at sunset
- Duong Dong night market — grilled seafood, dinner for two from 300,000 VND (~$12). More in Phu Quoc food
Day 2 — north
- Ho Quoc Pagoda — the largest Buddhist temple (110 ha). 1–1.5 hours
- Starfish Beach — in the north, best in the morning. 1–2 hours
- National park — 70% of the island. Trekking, a waterfall. 2–4 hours
- Sunset Town or Grand World — free walking zones, evening shows
Common tourist mistakes on tours
Booking everything through the hotel desk. A 20–40% markup for the same tour. Compare prices online (GetYourGuide, Klook) — over a week the gap can be $60–100 per person.
Taking the budget boat to the southern islands. You save ~$17, but it's 50 people on one boat, a scrum, and a weak lunch. Comfort class is worth every dong.
Stacking VinWonders and Safari in one day. By 15:00 your legs ache, the kids melt down, and you've skipped half the rides. Split them over two days.
Not booking ahead in high season. December to March is peak. Night fishing, diving and the best boat tours sell out 2–3 days out.
Forgetting sun protection. Six to eight hours on open water and you'll burn even on a cloudy day. SPF 50+, a hat, a rash guard.
Not haggling at street agencies. The first price is always 20–30% high. Bundle 2–3 tours and the discount should be bigger still.
Tour comparison table
| Tour | Price (~$) | Who for | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southern islands (comfort) | from $35 | Everyone | ★★★★★ |
| Cable car | $28–30 | Everyone | ★★★★★ |
| Cambodia | from $450 | Experienced | ★★★★★ |
| VinWonders | $35 | Families | ★★★★☆ |
| Night squid fishing | from $17 | Families, couples | ★★★★☆ |
| Diving | from $80 | Active | ★★★★☆ |
| Jeep tour | from $88/person | Groups | ★★★★☆ |
Our pick
For a first visit: southern islands (comfort) + cable car + night squid fishing. Three tours over three days, budget around $90 per person.
For families with kids: VinWonders + Safari (2-day combo) + night squid fishing. Budget around $95–110 per adult.
For active travellers: diving + southern islands by speedboat + jeep tour. Budget around $215 per person.
FAQ
How do I tell a good operator from a bad one?
Check three things: a licence, reviews on Google Maps or TripAdvisor (not on the operator's own site), and whether food, gear and insurance are in the price. A good operator gives you a guide's WhatsApp or Zalo and answers before the trip. Cash-only with no receipt is a red flag.
Can I arrange everything myself without an agency?
Partly. On your own: the cable car (ticket at sunworld.vn), VinWonders and Safari (vinpearl.com), a scooter loop, and the free sights. Better through an agency: the boat trips, night fishing, and diving. Going solo is 15–25% cheaper but needs basic English.
What if the tour is cancelled because of the weather?
On GetYourGuide and Klook you get a free reschedule or a full refund. Street agencies usually offer another day but no refund. The Hon Thom cable car closes in wind — the ticket stays valid for another date. Tip: in the rainy season (May–October) book the boat trips for the first days so you have room to rebook.
Which tours for a repeat visit?
Wreck diving off the An Thoi islands (for certified divers), kayaking in the mangroves of the Cua Can river, a waterfall trek in the national park (4–5 hours, guide required), spinning-rod fishing offshore (from 2,500,000 VND / ~$100 per boat), and a run north to Ganh Dau and the Cambodian border.
How do I avoid overpaying?
A hotel desk marks up 20–40%. Street agencies at the night market quote a "special price" 10–15% above online. Check the price on GetYourGuide or Klook, show the screenshot to the street agent, and they will beat it. For VinWonders and Safari, buy on vinpearl.com — cheaper than any middleman.
I get seasick — should I take a boat trip?
To the southern islands (30–40 minutes) the sea is calm in season (November–April) and it barely rocks. Speedboats are bumpier. A Dramamine tablet 30 minutes before departure, sit at the stern (less motion), watch the horizon. In the rainy season the swell is bigger.
Which tours can I combine in one day?
Good combos: morning at the Coconut Prison + pepper farm + Ho Quoc pagoda (all free, in the south, 3–4 hours by scooter). Cable car + Sunset Town + the Kiss of the Sea show (09:00–21:00). Starfish Beach in the morning + the northern lighthouse + Ganh Dau (a full day by scooter). Don't stack Safari and VinWonders in one day with kids — it is too much.
What is the minimum tour budget for a week for two?
A minimal set of three tours: a southern-island boat trip (~$40 for two), the cable car (~$56 for two), and night squid fishing (~$34 for two). Total: around $130. Plus the free stuff: a scooter loop (fuel only, ~$2), the Coconut Prison, pagodas, farms and Grand World. Add VinWonders and Safari and it is roughly another $110 for two.
Prices current as of July 2026. Prices and conditions can change — confirm before you go.