The Complete A-Z Guide to Southern Phu Quoc Island

Southern Phu Quoc island is the name travel lovers mention most whenever they plan a trip to the Pearl Island. On one side lies an unspoiled stretch of blue sea and white sand; on the other, a bustling pedestrian street with a nightly light show. So what makes this side of the island so irresistible to visitors? Join My Vietnam Tours as we explore southern Phu Quoc island in detail below, so you can plan a complete and memorable journey on this beautiful island.

Where Is Southern Phu Quoc Island?

Where is southern Phu Quoc island located? It sits in the southern part of the Pearl Island, stretching across An Thoi ward and the An Thoi archipelago – a cluster of 15 large and small islands – under Phu Quoc City, An Giang Province. While the northern side of the island leans toward secluded resorts tucked inside primary forest, the south is where local life blends with modern, Mediterranean-style entertainment complexes.

How far is southern Phu Quoc island from the north? About 55–60 km along the main road, roughly a 2-hour drive by motorbike or car. That’s the distance between the island’s two extremes, from the An Thoi area in the south to Ganh Dau and Dai Beach in the north. It isn’t a huge gap, but it’s enough for you to notice a clear difference between the two regions.

The biggest advantage of this area is that nearly every type of travel experience is packed into a single hub – accommodation, entertainment, shopping, and boat piers to nearby islets are all within easy reach.

>> See more: 20+ Best Phu Quoc Tourist Attractions Trending Right Now

Best Season to Visit Southern Phu Quoc Island

What’s the best season to visit southern Phu Quoc island? The dry season, from November to April of the following year, is the golden window. Average temperatures hover around 27-28°C, the sun shines bright, the sea stays calm, and the water is at its clearest all year – perfect for speedboat tours to nearby islets, coral diving, or catching an outdoor evening show.

From May to October is the rainy season, with the heaviest rain usually falling between August and October. Even so, thanks to being more sheltered from the wind than the Truong Beach area on the island’s west coast, the sea in this region stays relatively calm during this period. If you want to avoid the crowds and enjoy more affordable room rates, this season is still a solid option – just check the weather forecast closely before booking.

How to Get to Southern Phu Quoc Island

To reach Phu Quoc Island, you have several direct flight options from major cities such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Hai Phong, Vinh, Hue, and Nha Trang, operated by familiar airlines including Vietnam Airlines, Bamboo Airways, Vietjet Air, and Sun Air.

Once you’ve arrived, getting around southern Phu Quoc island is fairly easy thanks to an electric buggy system running from 8:30 AM to 11:00 PM daily. You can buy single tickets for 15,000 VND per ride, or charter a full 45-minute trip for around 300,000 VND if you’d rather set your own schedule. Conveniently, the stops are all located at lively spots such as the night market, the Hon Thom cable car station, and the outdoor stage, so you can move between attractions without much route planning.

A few fixed buggy routes in this area are also popular among visitors, including:

• Khem Beach – Sunset Town route: around 100,000 VND per vehicle, or 20,000 VND per person for groups of 5 or more.
• Premier Village (Ong Doi Cape) – Town Center route: around 250,000 VND per vehicle, or 50,000 VND per single ticket.
• If you’d rather explore at your own pace, you can also rent a self-drive motorbike for a reasonable 100,000-150,000 VND per day.

What’s in Southern Phu Quoc Island?

Southern Phu Quoc island has the highest concentration of attractions on the whole island – from blue seas and white sand beaches to historical sites, spiritual landmarks, and modern entertainment complexes.

Check-In Spots in Southern Phu Quoc Island

Sao Beach

Considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Phu Quoc, Sao Beach boasts a stretch of fine white sand more than 7 km long, framed by lush coconut palms. The water here is shallow and clear year-round with gentle waves, making it ideal for swimming, kayaking, or a quiet sunrise stroll.

Khem Beach

Khem Beach only opened to tourism recently but has quickly become one of the hottest spots in southern Phu Quoc island. Its long coastline, sand as fine as cream, and clear turquoise water create an irresistibly picturesque setting. Besides swimming, you can try surfing, kayaking, or simply hunt for a few unforgettable check-in photos.

Mong Tay Island

Nicknamed the “Vietnamese Maldives,” Mong Tay Island in southern Phu Quoc island has kept much of its untouched charm, thanks to a small population and limited tourism development. White sand, deep turquoise water, and jagged natural rock formations make it an ideal spot for anyone seeking a quiet corner to unwind, especially at sunrise.

Phu Quoc Prison

Located in Cay Dua hamlet, An Thoi ward, Phu Quoc Prison (also known as Cay Dua Prison) once held more than 32,000 revolutionary prisoners of war between 1967 and 1973, and today stands as a national historical relic.

Touring the reconstructed detention blocks and “tiger cages” will give you a deeper understanding of a painful yet remarkably resilient chapter of Vietnamese history. The site is open daily from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with free admission.

Truc Lam Zen Monastery (Ho Quoc Pagoda)

Ho Quoc Pagoda is built in Ly-Tran dynasty architectural style, featuring large ironwood columns, gracefully curved tiled roofs, and gilded lacquered horizontal boards and parallel sentences.

Backed by mountains and facing the sea, the pagoda offers a rare sense of serenity on an island best known for its sunny beaches. It’s also an important spiritual site for local residents, open to visitors daily from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

Hon Thom Cable Car

Stretching nearly 8,000 meters, this three-rope over-sea cable car connecting An Thoi with Hon Thom currently holds the world record for the longest over-sea cable car. Cabins operate from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, carrying you across deep blue water to the Sun World Hon Thom entertainment complex, home to Aquatopia Water Park and Exotica Village.

Reference ticket prices are around 750,000 VND for adults and 600,000 VND for children (free for children under 1m tall), which include both the cable car ride and access to the theme parks.

May Rut Island

About 10 km from An Thoi town, May Rut Island is rated by many diving enthusiasts as one of the best spots in Phu Quoc to see coral. The ecosystem here remains largely intact, with a diverse coral reef and water so clear you can see straight to the bottom.

Besides diving, you can go fishing, try water sports, or camp overnight to fully soak in the untouched atmosphere of this small island.

Dining Spots in Southern Phu Quoc Island

Dining options in southern Phu Quoc island range from casual to upscale, concentrated mainly around Sunset Town and An Thoi ward.

Mare

Located on the ground floor of La Festa Hotel in Sunset Town, An Thoi, Mare stands out for its Italian cuisine served in a Mediterranean-style setting. The restaurant is known for its handmade pasta and wood-fired pizza, with an outdoor space overlooking the pool that’s perfect for a romantic dinner. It’s open from 3:00 PM to 11:00 PM, with dishes priced from around 165,000 VND to 1,270,000 VND depending on the ingredients.

Sorrento Restaurant & Bar

If you love fresh seafood in an elegant setting, Sorrento Restaurant & Bar is a name you shouldn’t miss while you’re exploring the area. The restaurant is located at FB03-01 Sorrento Street, Sunset Town, right next to the An Thoi cable car station and the Kiss of the Sea outdoor stage, making it easy to pair dinner with an evening show.

The menu centers on lobster, slipper lobster, and sea bass, alongside a mix of Western and Asian dishes. It’s open from 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM, with prices ranging from about 200,000 VND to 1,000,000 VND.

An Thoi Phat Loc Seafood Restaurant

If you’re after casual, budget-friendly seafood, head to An Thoi Phat Loc Seafood Restaurant at 321B Nguyen Van Cu Street, An Thoi ward. You can pick your own live seafood straight from the tank before it’s cooked to order, in an airy space that suits groups of friends or families looking to eat well without overspending.

An Thoi Market

In the morning, take a stroll around An Thoi Market near the harbor to try bun ken, bun quay, and fish cake noodle soup – familiar breakfast dishes among the locals, priced at just a few tens of thousands of dong per bowl. It’s also a great place to pick up dried seafood as souvenirs.

Where to Stay in Southern Phu Quoc Island

Accommodation options in southern Phu Quoc island are diverse, ranging from high-end resorts to budget-friendly stays.

La Festa Phu Quoc, Curio Collection by Hilton

If you’d like to stay right in the heart of the pedestrian street for easy access at night, La Festa Phu Quoc is an ideal choice. Located in Sunset Town, An Thoi ward, the hotel offers suites and duplex rooms with views of the clock tower and the Kiss Bridge, just steps from the night market and the water-and-music stage. Reference rates start from around 3,700,000 VND per night, depending on the room category.

JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa

For travelers seeking a 5-star getaway in southern Phu Quoc island, JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa at Khem Beach, An Thoi ward, won’t disappoint.

Designed by renowned architect Bill Bensley around the concept of a fictional university campus, the resort features a private beach and a collection of award-winning restaurants. Reference rates start from around 7,000,000 VND per night, depending on the season and room type.

Premier Residences Phu Quoc Emerald Bay

Also located at Khem Beach, Premier Residences Phu Quoc Emerald Bay offers villas and residences right by the sea or perched on rocky cliffs, providing a private retreat for families or groups of friends looking to escape the noise. Reference rates start from around 7,000,000 VND per night.

Premier Village Phu Quoc Resort

If you love the idea of watching both sunrise and sunset from the same spot, Premier Village Phu Quoc Resort at Ong Doi Cape, An Thoi ward, is well worth considering. The villas here are surrounded by sea on two sides, offering a secluded space in nature, with reference rates ranging widely from 4,900,000 VND to 53,000,000 VND per night depending on the villa type.

During peak season, beachfront accommodations and central areas of this region tend to book out quickly. It’s a good idea to reserve your room 3-4 weeks in advance for better availability and rates.

Notes for Visiting Southern Phu Quoc Island

• The An Thoi archipelago includes several small islands that are either undeveloped for tourism or fall within restricted security zones, so it’s best to join a licensed tour rather than explore on your own.
• When visiting historical or religious sites such as Phu Quoc Prison or Ho Quoc Pagoda, dress modestly and follow the guidelines posted on site.
• Ferries and speedboats from Ha Tien and Rach Gia run on fixed schedules, so check the timetable in advance and arrive at the pier about 30 minutes early.
• Speedboat tours to nearby islets move quite fast and can easily cause seasickness, so take motion sickness medication about 30 minutes beforehand, avoid eating too much before departure, and sit near the middle of the boat.
• If you’re riding a motorbike along the forest-edge roads of southern Phu Quoc island, check your fuel level and keep a digital map handy, as many stretches are quiet with few road signs.

From unspoiled beaches and coral-diving adventures to a record-breaking over-sea cable car and a lively night-time pedestrian street, southern Phu Quoc island deserves a spot on the itinerary of any sea-and-island lover. If you’re still not sure how to plan your trip to southern Phu Quoc island Vietnam, My Vietnam Tours is always ready to help make your journey complete, down to the smallest detail.