White sands, crystal blue waters and no one around, beaches in Phu Quoc are paradise.
Phu Quoc sits like a secret paradise in the Gulf of Thailand, technically part of Vietnam but floating closer to Cambodia.
This tropical island paradise remains somewhat under the radar compared to Vietnam’s mainland hotspots. I spent two weeks exploring its coastline and found beaches that rival any in Southeast Asia.
The island offers pristine stretches of sand, crystal-clear waters and a laid-back vibe that’s getting harder to find in this part of the world.
Best Beaches in Phu Quoc
Bai Sao Beach
Bai Sau, a long stretch of white sand beach with calm waters and a few beachfront restaurants and bars.
It’s on the western side of this island in Vietnam, which is known for the most beautiful beaches and turquoise waters.
Bai Sao ranks as the superstar beach on Phu Quoc for good reason. The name translates to “Star Beach,” and it’s home to many starfish but please do not touch them as it damages and can kill the star fish.
The water is clear enough you can take photos through the water.
The sand here feels like powdered sugar between your toes. It stays cool even during midday heat and maintains a bright white color that contrasts beautifully with the turquoise water.
The beach stretches for nearly two miles, giving you plenty of space to find your perfect spot.
Swimming conditions at Bai Sao stay ideal most of the year. The water remains shallow for about 100 feet offshore, making it perfect for wading. The gentle slope creates calm waters with minimal waves or currents.
During my visit, the water stayed clear enough to see my feet even when chest-deep.
Expect more people here than at other beaches on the island, but nothing close to the crowds of Thailand or Bali. Weekends bring local families while weekdays tend to attract more tourists. The vibe stays relaxed and unpretentious throughout.
Food:
Food options include several beachfront restaurants serving fresh seafood at reasonable prices. Try the grilled squid or the local fish steamed with lemongrass.
Most places offer beach chairs for free if you order food or drinks. A few vendors walk the beach selling fresh Vietnamese fruit and coconuts.
Amenities:
Amenities include basic changing rooms and outdoor showers at the larger restaurants. You can rent kayaks, paddleboards and inner tubes from several spots along the beach.
A few massage huts offer hour-long treatments for around $15.
Directions:
Getting there takes about 40 minutes from the main town of Duong Dong. You can rent a motorbike for around $6 per day or grab a taxi for about $15 each way.
The road winds through lush jungle and small villages before opening to reveal the stunning coastline.
Ong Lang Beach
Ong Lang offers a completely different experience with its rugged beauty and relaxed atmosphere.
The sand here comes in a golden hue with touches of black volcanic minerals mixed in. It feels coarser than Bai Sao but still comfortable for walking barefoot.
Large smooth rocks dot the coastline, creating picturesque scenes perfect for photos.
Swimming varies greatly depending on the tide. At high tide, the water reaches all the way to the tree line in some sections.
During low tide, pools form between exposed rocks, creating natural swimming areas. The water depth changes quickly offshore, so less confident swimmers should stay in the shallower areas.
Food options abound with Ong Lang offering the best beach dining on the island. Must of it is very formal but I recommend a nearby restaurant on the fishermen’s wharf called TÔM RANG ME.
Expect a mix of travelers, from backpackers to families to couples. The central sections get busier, while the northern and southern ends offer more seclusion.
The sunset views here rank among the best on the island, so plan to stay late at least one evening.
Food:
Try the local specialty called shrimp in tamarind sauce, or tôm rang me, which is a sweet and sour dish that’s both tangy and savory.
The plump and juicy shrimp are cooked in a sticky sauce made with tamarind, sugar, garlic, and chili, and served with rice and fresh herbs.
Amenities:
Amenities include clean bathrooms, beach loungers and umbrellas at most establishments. Some resorts offer yoga classes on the beach each morning. Several places rent snorkeling gear, though the visibility varies based on recent weather.
Directions:
Getting to Ong Lang takes just 15 minutes from Duong Dong town. You can easily grab a cheap taxi or make the short motorbike ride. The road remains well-maintained all the way to the beach.
Rach Vem Beach
Rach Vem represents Phu Quoc at its most authentic and undeveloped state.
The sand appears darker and coarser here, with sections of pebbles and shells mixed in. What Rach Vem lacks in perfect sand it makes up for in raw natural beauty and solitude.
Swimming remains challenging at Rach Vem. The shallow water extends far offshore, and the seabed features patches of seagrass.
Look for the areas where local fishing boats dock for the clearest water. During low tide, the water recedes dramatically, exposing large sections of the seabed.
Expect to share the beach with working fishermen and their families. You might see boats coming in with the daily catch or women sorting and drying squid on large bamboo mats.
Few tourists make it this far north, giving you plenty of space to explore. The beach offers excellent opportunities to observe local life unchanged by tourism.
Food:
Food options stay simple but delicious. A small floating village of fishermen maintains a few family-run restaurants on stilts over the water.
These serve whatever was caught that morning, often prepared simply with garlic, chili and fish sauce. Prices run lower than elsewhere on the island.
Amenities:
Amenities include almost nothing in terms of modern conveniences. No public bathrooms, no rental shops. But if you order a beer from a local store they usually have a bathroom in the back for customers.
There are also hammocks covered and tables if you want to laze around and listen to the waves.
The lack of development creates the main appeal for visitors seeking authenticity.
Directions:
Getting there requires more effort but rewards those who make the journey. Located on the northern coast, Rach Vem sits about 45 minutes from Duong Dong.
The last portion follows a dirt road, making a motorbike rental the best option. During rainy season, parts of the road can become difficult to navigate.
Tips for the Best Phu Quoc Beach Experience
- Visit during dry season from November to April for the best beach conditions and clearest water.
- Check tide tables before heading out, especially for Ong Lang and Rach Vem where tides dramatically affect swimming conditions.
- Pack reef-safe sunscreen as options on the island remain limited and often expensive.
- Bring cash as many smaller places still do not accept cards, particularly at Rach Vem.
- Learn basic Vietnamese phrases which will earn smiles and often better service.
- Rent a motorbike to explore multiple beaches in one day and discover hidden coves between the main beaches.
- Visit beaches early morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat and find the best light for photos.
- Stay hydrated with coconuts instead of bottled water to reduce plastic waste on the island.
- Respect local fishing activities and give space to boats and equipment you see on the beaches.
- Pack a small medical kit as pharmacies can be far from some beaches in Phu Quoc.
With these pristine beaches and local tips, your Phu Quoc adventure will showcase the best of Vietnam’s coastal beauty without the mainland crowds.
Each beach in Phu Quoc offers its own personality, from the postcard-perfect Bai Sao to the rugged authenticity of Rach Vem.
The island delivers exactly what most travelers seek but rarely find: unspoiled beaches, friendly locals and memories that last long after the sand washes away.