Phu Quoc South Day and North Day Routes
Two full days by car, one for the south and one for the north, with three stops each.
Split Phu Quoc’s sights into a south day and a north day, with no more than three stops each. The island is long, and zigzagging between ends costs hours. Start early, put the stop that closes first at the start of the day and leave the evening for the beach.
Who is this route for?
It suits friends travelling together, and first-timers who want to see the main sights without spending the whole trip in a car. It also suits a family that has already done the beach days and wants two clear outings. For a calmer stay, see Phu Quoc slow itinerary for couples.
How big is the island?
Phu Quoc has a total area of 575 km21. That looks small, but roads are slow and the sights sit at opposite ends. Phu Quoc International Airport was put into operation on 2 December 20122. Ask your hotel about the airport transfer when you book.
We do not give drive times, because they depend on traffic and on where your hotel sits. Plan most of a morning for the long stretches and keep a spare half-day.
What is the route at a glance?
- Day A, the south: the cable car, a south-coast beach and a sunset stop.
- Day B, the north: a pepper farm, a quiet northern coast stop and the safari park.
- Between them: a beach or rest day.
Day A: the south route
Morning: the cable car first
Start with the cable car, because wind or maintenance can close it. An early closure leaves time for a backup. Go early, take water and a hat, and keep a backup stop nearby in case it is closed. Hours and last entry are not in our fact list, so ask your hotel to check the night before.
Midday: a south-coast beach and lunch
After the ride, head to a south-coast beach for a swim and lunch. The dry season runs roughly December to March, and the rainy season roughly April to November3. In the rainy months, this stop may be rough or closed, so be ready to eat and rest instead.
Late afternoon: a sunset stop
End the day at a sunset stop in the south. Arrange your ride back before the light goes, because cars are harder to find after dark. If the sky is cloudy, return to the hotel and rest.
Day B: the north route
Morning: a pepper farm
Begin at a pepper farm, which gives you an easy start. Walk through, learn how the spice is grown and buy a small bag if you like. Keep this stop short.
Midday: a quiet northern coast
Drive on to a northern coast stop. It is quieter than the south and good for photos. Take lunch with you or confirm in advance that a nearby place is open.
Afternoon: the safari park
Visit the safari park last, when you have the most energy to cover the grounds. Last entry times are not in our fact list, so check them the night before and arrive with time to spare. Our family itinerary explains the safari day in more detail.
What about the weather?
Vietnam is affected by 6 to 8 typhoons or tropical cyclones a year4. Check forecasts before you commit to either day, and swap the days if one coast looks wetter. Our weather by month guide helps with timing.
Where should we stay?
Choose an area, not a hotel name. A central west-coast base keeps both routes within reach, and a southern base shortens Day A. Compare rates yourself, because prices change by season. See the island profile for how the island is laid out.
How can we adjust it?
For a shorter trip, do the south day only and add a long beach day. For a longer trip, split each day in two and add a rest afternoon. If you are comparing destinations, read Phu Quoc, Nha Trang or Da Nang.
What should we book ahead?
- A car and driver for both days, with the stops agreed in writing.
- Cable car and park tickets, only after checking the closure rules.
- A hotel on the side of the island that suits your plan.
- A spare day for rain.
What will it cost?
Price it in lines: a car for two days, tickets, meals and tips. Prices change by season, so use today’s quotes in the travel-day checker and the trip budget builder. Then browse more itineraries.
If you share your dates, group size and where you are staying, we can check the order of the south and north days and the stops that suit the group.
Common questions
Can we see the whole island in two days?
You can see the main sights, but not everything. A south day and a north day, each with about three stops, is a realistic limit. If you add more, you will spend the time in the car. Leave the rest for another trip or for a rest day at the beach.
Should we hire a car and driver or rent a scooter?
A car with a driver is safer and more comfortable for a group, especially in rain or heat. Scooters are cheaper but riskier, and insurance can be a problem if you are not licensed for it. If you do rent, check the terms and wear a helmet.
How early should we leave?
Leave early in the morning, because the cable car and the parks can close or limit entry later in the day. We cannot give opening hours or last-entry times, so ask your hotel to check each stop the night before. Put the stop that closes earliest first.
What if it rains?
Swap the open-air stops for indoor ones, or move the day. The rainy season runs roughly April to November, and showers can be heavy. Keep one spare day in the plan. Cable cars may also close in strong wind, so always have a backup stop nearby.
Sources
- Phu Quoc has a total area of 575 km2. 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's rainy season runs roughly April to November and its dry season roughly December to March. Wikipedia
- Vietnam is affected by 6 to 8 typhoons or tropical cyclones per year. Wikipedia
Keep planning
If you share your dates, group size and where you are staying, we can check the order of the south and north days and the stops that suit the group.