Phu Quoc, often referred to as the “Pearl Island,” has undergone a staggering transformation. Once a quiet getaway known primarily for fish sauce and pepper farms, it is now a world-class tourism hub that rivals the likes of Phuket or Bali. Nestled in the Gulf of Thailand, this Vietnamese gem offers a unique blend of rugged natural beauty and high-octane man-made wonder.
If you are planning a trip to this tropical paradise, you’ll find an island that truly never sleeps. From the powdery white sands of the south to the sprawling theme parks of the north, here are the seven best destinations to visit in Phu Quoc.
Sao Beach (Bai Sao)
Before the mega-resorts and record-breaking cable cars arrived, there was Sao Beach. Located on the southeastern coast, it remains the quintessential postcard image of Phu Quoc. The name “Sao” translates to “Star,” a nod to the thousands of sea stars that used to congregate in the shallows at sunset.
Sao Beach is famous for its “ice cream” sand—white, powdery, and remarkably fine. Unlike the golden sands of Long Beach, the shoreline here feels like velvet underfoot. The water is exceptionally calm and shallow, shimmering in shades of turquoise and pale blue, making it the safest spot for families and casual swimmers.
The Experience
- The Swings: You’ve likely seen the photos. Wooden swings tied to bent palm trees overhanging the water. It’s a bit of a cliché, but the view is undeniably stunning.
- Water Sports: While the beach is perfect for lounging, you can also rent kayaks or jet skis to explore the coastline.
- Dining: A string of open-air seafood restaurants lines the shore. While slightly more “tourist-priced,” there is nothing quite like eating grilled urchin with your toes in the sand.
Hon Thom Island & The Sun World Cable Car
Moving from natural beauty to engineering marvels, Hon Thom Island (Pineapple Island) is an essential stop. To get there, you’ll ride the Phu Quoc Cable Car, which holds the Guinness World Record for the longest non-stop three-way cable car in the world.
The 8-kilometer journey from An Thoi town to Hon Thom takes about 15–20 minutes. As you soar above the An Thoi archipelago, you get a bird’s-eye view of colorful fishing villages, emerald waters, and lush coral reefs. The 360-degree vista from the glass cabin is worth the ticket price alone.
Once you land on the island, you enter the Sun World Hon Thom complex.
- Aquatopia Water Park: Featuring over 20 sophisticated slides and themed zones, it is consistently rated as one of the best water parks in Asia.
- Exotica Village: For those who prefer dry land, this area features “Moc Xa Thinh No,” a massive wooden roller coaster that provides a terrifyingly fun rush through the jungle canopy.
- The Beach: A free shuttle takes you to a private beach on the island where the water is even clearer than on the mainland.
VinWonders Phu Quoc
Located in the northern district of Ganh Dau, VinWonders Phu Quoc is the largest theme park in Vietnam. It is divided into six distinct zones inspired by world civilizations and famous fairy tales.
- The Sea Shell Aquarium: Architecturally shaped like a giant turtle, this is one of the world’s largest aquariums. The “Deep Sea” tank, with its massive viewing pane, offers a hypnotic look at whale sharks and rays.
- Adventure World: This is for the adrenaline junkies. It houses “The Wrath of Zeus,” one of the fastest roller coasters in the world.
- Fantasy World: Perfect for younger children, this zone recreates the settings of Alice in Wonderland, Aladdin, and Vietnamese folklore.
Vinpearl Safari Phu Quoc
Just a stone’s throw from VinWonders is the Vinpearl Safari, Vietnam’s first and only open-air primate and wildlife conservation park. Unlike traditional zoos, the safari is designed to give animals space and dignity while offering humans a chance to see them in a semi-wild habitat.
The park is split into two main areas:
The Open Zoo: A beautifully landscaped walking trail where you can see everything from Bengal tigers to lemurs and colorful macaws.
The Safari Park: You board a specialized, protected bus to enter the lions’, rhinos’, and giraffes’ territory. It is a “human-in-cage” experience where the animals roam free around the vehicle.
The Giraffe Restaurant is a highlight—you can buy a plate of carrots and feed the giraffes while you eat your own lunch. It’s an intimate way to connect with wildlife that you won’t soon forget.
Grand World & The Quintessence of Vietnam
If the south has Sunset Town, the north has Grand World Phu Quoc. Known as the “Sleepless City,” this 24/7 entertainment complex is modeled after Venice, featuring a man-made canal where you can take gondola rides under moonlit bridges.
The Quintessence of Vietnam (Tinh Hoa Viet Nam)
The crown jewel of Grand World is the Quintessence of Vietnam show. This is a deep dive into Vietnamese culture and history, staged in a massive courtyard that transforms using hydraulic platforms.
- Scale: With over 300 performers, the show uses cutting-edge technology to recreate ancient citadels, traditional festivals, and historical battles.
- Detail: From the flying performers to the houses that literally rise out of the ground, it is a masterclass in stagecraft. Even if you don’t speak the language, the visual storytelling is profoundly moving.
While there, don’t miss the Bamboo Legend building next door—a stunning structure made of 42,000 bamboo canes without a single nail.
Phu Quoc Night Market (Duong Dong)
To experience the true soul (and stomach) of the island, you must visit the Phu Quoc Night Market in the main town of Duong Dong. While the other destinations on this list are polished and planned, the night market is a vibrant, chaotic, and delicious sensory overload.
A Culinary Adventure
The market is a seafood lover’s paradise. You’ll see tanks filled with live snapper, squid, mantis shrimp, and sea urchins. You pick your dinner, and they grill it on the spot with scallion oil and crushed peanuts.
- Must-Try Street Food: Look for “Chou Chou” peanuts (caramelized in dozens of flavors), coconut ice cream served in a shell, and the famous Phu Quoc grilled rice paper (Banh Trang Nuong).
- Shopping: This is the best place to buy local specialties like high-quality black pepper, Sim wine (made from rose myrtle berries), and cultured pearls.
Phu Quoc, Vietnam’s “Pearl Island,” has evolved into a world-class tourism hub by 2026, blending its rugged natural beauty with sophisticated Mediterranean-inspired architecture and cutting-edge entertainment. While the island offers dozens of pristine beaches, two specific destinations in the south have become the definitive must-visits for any modern itinerary: Sunset Town and the Kiss of the Sea multimedia spectacle.
Sunset Town Phu Quoc
Modeled after the romantic, cliffside villages of the Italian Amalfi Coast, Sunset Town is an architectural marvel located on the southwestern tip of Phu Quoc. This isn’t just a residential area; it is a sprawling cultural and entertainment complex designed to be “Insta-ready” at every turn.
As you wander through its winding, sun-drenched alleys, you’ll encounter pastel-colored shophouses, ornate fountains, and the iconic Central Village Clock Tower, which stands 75 meters tall and is inspired by St. Mark’s Campanile in Venice. The town is divided into three main zones: Sun Premier Village Primavera, Sun Grand City Hillside Residence, and The Center. For photographers and content creators, the Mediterranean vibe provides a surreal contrast to the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Thailand.
The crown jewel of Sunset Town is the Kiss Bridge (Cầu Hôn). This architectural landmark features two separate 400-meter-long walkways that extend toward the sea, meeting in the middle with a precise 30-centimeter gap. It is designed so that at sunset, the sun drops perfectly into the space between the two piers. It has quickly become the most popular spot on the island for romantic photography and “the kiss” that doesn’t quite touch, symbolizing a cosmic connection.
Kiss of the Sea: The Multimedia Spectacle
While Sunset Town provides the scenery, Kiss of the Sea provides the soul of the island’s nightlife. Perched on a massive 1,000-square-meter water stage—the largest of its kind globally—this multimedia show is a sensory overload produced by the world-renowned French firm ECA2.
The performance tells a grand, “cosmic love story” between a local Mediterranean man and a warrior from the galaxy, who join forces to protect the Earth. However, the true draw is the technology. The show integrates eight world-class performance technologies: high-pressure water jets, fire effects, lasers, 3D mapping, surround sound, and a rotating cast of over 60 international artists.
In 2026, the show has been updated with even more immersive 3D projection domes that make the audience feel as though they are traveling through space. The finale is particularly famous—a synchronized firework display that illuminates the entire Sunset Town skyline, reflecting off the ocean surface. Visitors typically spend their afternoon exploring the town’s Vui Fest Bazaar (a vibrant night market) and grabbing a seafood dinner on a terrace before heading to the 5,000-seat outdoor theater for the 9:00 PM performance