Top 10 Beaches in Phu Quoc — Complete Guide

Phu Quoc Island boasts over 150 kilometers of coastline with some of the most stunning beaches in Southeast Asia. From the famous sunset views of Long Beach to the pristine white sand of Sao Beach and the unique starfish-filled waters of Rach Vem, every beach on this island offers something special. As locals who have lived on Phu Quoc for years, we have explored every stretch of sand — here is our definitive guide to the 10 best beaches, with honest reviews, practical tips, and insider knowledge you will not find in generic travel guides.

1. Long Beach (Bai Truong) — The Sunset King

Distance from Phu Quoc Homestay: 5-minute walk

Best for: Swimming, sunsets, beach bars, daily access

Long Beach stretches an impressive 20 kilometers along the entire western coast of Phu Quoc, making it the longest and most popular beach on the island. The name says it all — this is a seemingly endless ribbon of golden sand facing west, which means every evening delivers a spectacular sunset over the Gulf of Thailand.

The northern section near Duong Dong (closest to our homestay) is the most accessible and offers the best mix of local character and tourist amenities. Here you will find beach bars serving cocktails at sunset, local seafood restaurants where you can dine with your feet in the sand, and plenty of space to lay out a towel without being surrounded by resort loungers. The water is calm and warm year-round, with a gentle sandy bottom that makes it ideal for swimming and safe for children.

The central section of Long Beach is dominated by large resorts — InterContinental, JW Marriott, Novotel — with their private beach areas. You can still walk along the waterline here, but the atmosphere is more manicured and less authentic. The southern section near the airport is quieter and less developed, offering a more secluded feel.

Our tip: For the best sunset experience, arrive at the beach around 5:00 PM, grab a drink from one of the beach bars near Dinh Cau temple, and watch the sky turn orange and purple as the sun dips into the sea. This never gets old, even for locals. After sunset, walk five minutes to the Night Market for a seafood dinner — the perfect end to a beach day.

2. Sao Beach (Bai Sao) — The Postcard Paradise

Distance from Phu Quoc Homestay: 30 minutes by motorbike

Best for: Photography, kayaking, turquoise water

If you have seen a stunning photo of Phu Quoc on Instagram or a travel blog, chances are it was taken at Sao Beach. This is the beach that put Phu Quoc on the international tourism map, and for good reason — the sand is finer and whiter than almost anywhere else in Vietnam, and the water is a shade of turquoise that looks digitally enhanced but is completely real.

Sao Beach faces east and is sheltered by hills on either side, creating a natural bay with calm, shallow water. This makes it excellent for kayaking, paddleboarding, and swimming. Several operators on the beach rent kayaks ($5-8 per hour) and paddleboards ($8-10 per hour). The clarity of the water means you can often see fish swimming beneath you even without snorkeling gear.

The beach has two main sections. The northern end is more developed with restaurants, bars, and swing-over-water photo spots that are popular on social media. The southern end is quieter, with fewer facilities but more space and a more natural feel. If you want the classic Sao Beach experience without crowds, visit early in the morning (before 9 AM) or late afternoon (after 3 PM) when the tour buses have departed.

Honest warning: Sao Beach can get very crowded between 10 AM and 2 PM when day-trip tours from the resorts arrive. The beach vendors can also be persistent. Despite this, the natural beauty of the location is undeniable and it remains a must-visit. The trick is timing — early morning visits reward you with near-empty beach and perfect light for photos.

Food: Several restaurants line the beach serving seafood and Vietnamese dishes. Prices are higher than in Duong Dong (expect to pay $5-10 for a meal compared to $2-3 in town) but the beachfront setting is worth the premium for a special lunch.

3. Starfish Beach (Bai Rach Vem) — The Unique Wonder

Distance from Phu Quoc Homestay: 40 minutes by motorbike

Best for: Nature lovers, families with kids, photography

Starfish Beach is unlike any other beach on the island — or in Southeast Asia, for that matter. The shallow, crystal-clear water is home to hundreds of live starfish that are visible on the sandy bottom, creating a natural aquarium that delights visitors of all ages. Children especially love wading in the knee-deep water and spotting the bright orange and red starfish scattered across the seafloor.

The beach is located on the remote northern tip of the island, which means it takes some effort to reach — about 40 minutes by motorbike from Duong Dong over roads that are decent but not perfect. The journey itself is scenic, passing through fishing villages, pepper farms, and thick tropical forest. When you arrive, the reward is a peaceful, uncrowded beach with a handful of rustic restaurants serving fresh coconut drinks, grilled seafood, and cold beer.

The best time to visit Starfish Beach is at low tide, when the water recedes to reveal large areas of shallow sand where starfish are most visible. Check the tide schedule before heading out — high tide means deeper water and fewer visible starfish. The dry season months (November through April) generally offer the clearest water and best visibility.

Important: Please do not take starfish out of the water or move them for photos. They are living creatures and removing them from water can harm or kill them. Observe and photograph them in their natural habitat — the photos are just as beautiful, and the starfish survive to delight the next visitor.

Getting there: Rent a motorbike from our homestay ($5/day) and follow the road north past Ganh Dau. The last few kilometers are on a dirt track — manageable on a scooter but take it slow. Alternatively, hire a car with driver ($40-50 for a half-day north island trip including multiple stops).

4. Ong Lang Beach — The Peaceful Retreat

Distance from Phu Quoc Homestay: 15 minutes by motorbike

Best for: Relaxation, couples, snorkeling from shore

Ong Lang Beach is what Long Beach was 15 years ago — a quiet, mostly undeveloped stretch of sand with clear water, rocky outcrops, and a genuine sense of tropical tranquility. Located about 8 kilometers north of Duong Dong, it takes just 15 minutes by motorbike to reach, yet feels like a world away from the bustling town center.

The beach is broken into several small coves separated by rocky headlands covered in tropical vegetation. These rocks create natural snorkeling spots where you can see small tropical fish, sea urchins, and colorful coral without needing a boat trip. Bring your own snorkeling gear or rent it from one of the small beach bars ($3-5 for the day).

Ong Lang has attracted a growing number of boutique resorts and guesthouses, but the overall atmosphere remains relaxed and low-key compared to Long Beach. There are a few beachfront restaurants where you can enjoy fresh seafood with your toes in the sand, and the sunsets here are just as spectacular as Long Beach — perhaps even better, because there are fewer people watching.

Our tip: Ong Lang is perfect for a half-day escape. Ride up in the morning, spend a few hours snorkeling and relaxing, have a seafood lunch at one of the beach restaurants, and be back in Duong Dong by mid-afternoon. If you fall in love with the quiet vibe (many people do), consider booking a few nights at one of the small guesthouses here as part of your Phu Quoc trip.

5. Khem Beach (Bai Khem) — The Hidden Gem

Distance from Phu Quoc Homestay: 35 minutes by motorbike

Best for: Quiet beach days, calm swimming, avoiding crowds

Khem Beach has long been one of Phu Quoc's best-kept secrets. Located on the southeastern coast between Sao Beach and An Thoi town, this crescent-shaped bay features soft white sand, shallow turquoise water, and far fewer visitors than its famous neighbor Sao Beach. For travelers who want the beauty of Sao Beach without the crowds, Khem Beach is the answer.

The water here is exceptionally calm, protected by the natural curve of the bay and the nearby islands of the An Thoi archipelago. This makes it one of the safest swimming beaches on the island, even for young children. The beach slopes very gently, so you can wade out 30-40 meters and still be only waist-deep — perfect for families.

Part of Khem Beach is now occupied by the Sun Premier Village resort, but a significant public section remains accessible. Look for the public access road (signed in Vietnamese) — it leads to the open section of the beach with a few basic food stalls and shade structures.

6. Ganh Dau Beach — The Northern Escape

Distance from Phu Quoc Homestay: 35 minutes by motorbike

Best for: Snorkeling, views of Cambodia, authentic local feel

Ganh Dau sits at the northwestern tip of Phu Quoc, and on clear days you can see the coast of Cambodia across the narrow strait. This is one of the most authentic, least touristy beaches on the island — a working fishing village where boats bob in the harbor and locals go about their daily lives largely unaffected by the tourism boom happening elsewhere on Phu Quoc.

The beach itself is small but charming, with calm water that offers decent snorkeling around the rocky points on either side. The real draw here is the atmosphere — sitting in a simple local restaurant with a cold beer, watching fishing boats come and go, while the Cambodian coast shimmers on the horizon. This is the Phu Quoc that existed before the resorts arrived, and it will not last forever as development pushes northward.

Combine with: A visit to Starfish Beach (15 minutes further north) and Phu Quoc National Park (entrance nearby) for a full-day northern island excursion. Pack water and snacks — facilities are basic in this area.

7. Vung Bau Beach — The Undiscovered Stretch

Distance from Phu Quoc Homestay: 20 minutes by motorbike

Best for: Solitude, long walks, sunset photography

Vung Bau is a long, wide beach between Ong Lang and Ganh Dau that somehow remains under the radar for most tourists. Perhaps it is because the access road is not well-signed, or because there are no big resorts here to attract day-trippers. Whatever the reason, if you want a beach largely to yourself — especially during weekdays or low season — Vung Bau delivers.

The sand is golden and firm, perfect for long walks along the waterline. The water can be slightly rougher than the more sheltered beaches, particularly during the wet season, so use judgment about swimming conditions. A couple of small beach shacks serve drinks and basic food, but do not expect the restaurant selection of Long Beach. Bring a towel, a book, and sunscreen, and prepare to be blissfully alone.

Best time: The dry season months (December through March) when the sea is calm and the sky is clear. During the wet season, the beach gets rougher and some access roads can be muddy.

8. Dai Beach (Bai Dai) — The Family Favorite

Distance from Phu Quoc Homestay: 25 minutes by motorbike

Best for: Families, calm water, VinWonders access

Dai Beach runs along the northern section of Phu Quoc's west coast, just below Ganh Dau and above Ong Lang. It is a wide, gently curving beach with shallow, calm water that makes it particularly popular with families with young children. The beach is closest to VinWonders theme park, so many families combine a morning at the beach with an afternoon at the park.

The sand here is soft and clean, and the water is shallow enough for wading and safe swimming. Several mid-range resorts line portions of the beach, but there are still public access points where you can set up for the day without resort fees. A handful of beach restaurants serve Vietnamese food and seafood at reasonable prices.

9. Thom Beach (Bai Thom) — The Eastern Secret

Distance from Phu Quoc Homestay: 30 minutes by motorbike

Best for: Adventure seekers, authentic experience, sunrise

While most of Phu Quoc's famous beaches face west (for sunsets), Thom Beach on the northeast coast offers something different — a wild, largely undeveloped shoreline that faces the sunrise. The beach is rougher and more natural than the polished west coast beaches, with fishing boats pulled up on the sand, nets drying in the sun, and local families going about their morning routines.

This is not a beach for sunbathing and cocktails — it is a beach for exploring, photographing, and experiencing the authentic side of Phu Quoc that most tourists never see. The road to Thom Beach passes through some of the island's most beautiful countryside — rolling hills covered in pepper plantations, cashew orchards, and dense tropical forest. The journey is half the experience.

Sunrise tip: If you are an early riser, make the 30-minute ride to Thom Beach for sunrise. The sky lights up in shades of pink and gold over the eastern sea, with fishing boats silhouetted against the light. You will likely be the only tourist there.

10. An Thoi Islands — The Snorkeling Paradise

Distance from Phu Quoc Homestay: 45 minutes by motorbike + boat

Best for: Snorkeling, diving, island hopping

Technically not a single beach but a cluster of 15 small islands off the southern tip of Phu Quoc, the An Thoi archipelago deserves a place on this list because it offers some of the most spectacular beach and snorkeling experiences in all of Vietnam. The water here is clearer than anywhere on the main island, with visibility often exceeding 15-20 meters, and the coral reefs are vibrant and teeming with tropical fish.

Most visitors experience the An Thoi islands on a full-day snorkeling tour, which can be booked through our homestay for $15-25 per person. Tours typically visit 3-4 islands with stops for snorkeling, swimming, and a seafood lunch on one of the islands. The boats are comfortable wooden vessels with shade covers, and snorkeling equipment is provided.

The most popular islands include Hon Thom (Pineapple Island, accessible by the famous cable car), Hon May Rut with its impossibly white sand beach, and Hon Gam Ghi with excellent snorkeling reefs. If you are a certified diver, several dive operators offer day trips to deeper sites around the archipelago where you can see larger marine life including rays and reef sharks.

Best time for snorkeling: November through April (dry season) when the water is calmest and visibility is at its best. Tours run year-round but may be cancelled during rough weather in the wet season.

Beach Comparison Table

Essential Beach Tips for Phu Quoc

What to Bring

Pack reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 50+), a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, a reusable water bottle (refill at our homestay for free), a quick-dry towel, and waterproof phone case if you plan to swim with your phone. For beaches with rocky areas (Ong Lang, Ganh Dau), water shoes or reef sandals are useful. If you plan to snorkel, bringing your own mask and snorkel means better fit and hygiene than rental equipment.

Beach Safety

Phu Quoc beaches are generally safe, but a few common-sense precautions will ensure you have a worry-free experience. Swim at beaches with calm water (Long Beach, Sao Beach, Khem Beach) rather than exposed east coast beaches during the wet season. Watch for jellyfish occasionally present from May to October — they are usually harmless box jellyfish that cause mild stings. Do not leave valuables unattended on the beach. Use sunscreen generously and reapply after swimming — the tropical sun is significantly stronger than you might expect, and sunburn can ruin a vacation faster than anything else.

Getting Around to Beaches

The best way to explore Phu Quoc's beaches is by motorbike. We offer automatic scooter rental at our homestay for $5 per day or $80 per month — the most flexible and affordable option. All the beaches on this list are reachable on a scooter. For families or those who prefer not to ride, the Grab app works on the island, or we can arrange a private car with driver ($40-60 per day for a full island tour).

Best Time for Beaches

The dry season from November through April offers the best beach conditions — calm seas, clear water, warm temperatures, and minimal rain. The absolute peak for beach weather is December through February. During the wet season (July through September), west coast beaches (Long Beach, Ong Lang) can have waves, and some northern beaches may be less accessible due to muddy roads. However, even in the wet season, mornings are often sunny and beaches are enjoyable.

Our Recommendation

If you only have time for three beaches during your Phu Quoc trip, we recommend: Long Beach for daily swimming and sunsets (it is right next to our homestay), Sao Beach for a picture-perfect half-day excursion, and either Starfish Beach or Ong Lang depending on whether you prefer unique nature experiences or quiet snorkeling.

For a longer stay, add a full-day An Thoi island snorkeling tour and a morning at the undiscovered Khem Beach. With a room at our homestay as your base in Duong Dong, every beach on this list is within easy riding distance. Check our seasonal pricing for the best rates during your preferred travel dates.