Phu Quoc North or South: Where to Base
The island is bigger than it looks, so pick one side and let the other wait.
For a short stay, pick one side of Phu Quoc and stay there. The south is closer to the airport and the main town, while the north is quieter and further from everything. The island is large and the drives are long, so choose by how often you want to leave your resort.
Which side suits which traveller?
- Short stay, young children, easy meals: south or the west coast near the main town.
- Quiet beaches and nature: north.
- Budget couples who plan to go out a lot: south, near the town.
- Resort days only, no plans to roam: either, with a pool.
How do the two sides compare?
| Question | South and main town | North |
|---|---|---|
| Airport and town | Closest | A long drive |
| Quiet | Livelier | Quietest |
| Eating out | Widest choice | Mostly at the resort |
| Day outings | Shorter rides | Long rides |
| Best for | Families, short stays | Slow stays, nature |
How big is the island?
Phu Quoc has a total area of 575 km21. That is why the north and south feel like different trips. The airport opened on 2 December 20123. The distance between your hotel and the places you want to visit matters more than the hotel’s star rating.
What is the south like?
It is the practical side: closer to the airport, the main town, markets and a wider range of restaurants. Beaches here are livelier. If you travel with children or elders and want food and pharmacies close, the south is the easier base.
What is the north like?
It is the quiet side, with fewer restaurants and a longer ride to town. You gain calm and space. You lose spontaneity, because dinner means eating at the resort or arranging a car. It suits couples who want nothing to do.
When should you go?
Phu Quoc’s rainy season runs roughly April to November, and its dry season roughly December to March2. In the wet months, boat trips and beach days can be cut short. Plan a resort with a pool and an indoor option, and avoid booking a base far from your plans.
How do you get there from Malaysia?
Phu Quoc is listed with AirAsia and Sun PhuQuoc Airways flying to Kuala Lumpur International, and Berjaya Air to Kuala Lumpur-Subang4. Check current schedules on the airline sites, and ask the hotel what the ride from the airport costs.
What should you check before booking?
- The ride from the airport to your resort, in writing.
- Whether meals are served on site, and at what hours.
- The pool, with a shallow area for children.
- What a car and driver cost for the day.
For other beach options, read Da Nang vs Phu Quoc or island beach or city beach. Travelling with children? See planning Phu Quoc with children, then read the Phu Quoc island profile. More advice is in Hotels and places to stay.
Tell us your nights, who is travelling and what you want from the beach, and we will say whether to base in the north, the south or the main town.
Common questions
Should I split my Phu Quoc stay between north and south?
Only if you have five nights or more. The drive between the two sides is long, and each hotel change costs half a day. For a short stay, pick one side and take day outings from there. A split helps if you want the quietest beaches and the busiest town in one trip.
Which side is better for young children?
Choose the side that matches your plan. Resorts on the west coast near the main town keep restaurants and pharmacies close, which helps with children. Quiet beaches are lovely but far from shops. Whichever you choose, check the pool, the shallow area and whether meals are served at the resort.
Is Phu Quoc good in the rainy season?
It is less reliable. The rainy season runs roughly April to November, and the dry season December to March. Rain can interrupt boat trips and beach days. If you travel in the wet months, choose a resort with a pool and indoor options, and keep a flexible day.
How do I get around Phu Quoc without a car?
Use Grab, taxis, a hotel shuttle or a booked driver. Distances are greater than the map suggests, so ask the hotel what a ride to the main town and the airport costs before booking. For families, a driver for the day is easier than several short rides.
Sources
- Phu Quoc has a total area of 575 km2. Wikipedia
- Phu Quoc's rainy season runs roughly April to November and its dry season roughly December to March. Wikipedia
- Phu Quoc International Airport was put into operation on 2 December 2012 and is 10 km from the previous Duong Dong airport. Wikipedia. Article gives 15 Dec 2012 for the inaugural flight.
- Phu Quoc is listed with AirAsia and Sun PhuQuoc Airways flying to Kuala Lumpur International, and Berjaya Air to Kuala Lumpur-Subang. Wikipedia
Keep planning
Tell us your nights, who is travelling and what you want from the beach, and we will say whether to base in the north, the south or the main town.