Top 10 Beaches in Phu Quoc 2026 — 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. The surrounding waters sit inside the UNESCO Kien Giang Biosphere Reserve, which is why the coral, mangroves and fisheries are protected. 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. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a long-term guest at our homestay, this sunset never loses its magic.

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 completely safe for children of all ages.

The central section of Long Beach is dominated by large international resorts — InterContinental, JW Marriott, Novotel — with their private beach areas. You can still walk along the waterline here, as beach access cannot be legally blocked in Vietnam, but the atmosphere is more manicured and less authentic than the northern end. The southern section near the airport is quieter and less developed, offering a more secluded feel that appeals to travelers looking for solitude without riding far from town.

Our insider 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 ritual never gets old, even for locals who have watched thousands of sunsets here. After sunset, walk five minutes to the Night Market for a seafood dinner — the perfect end to a beach day. From November through April, the water is so clear you can see your feet in chest-deep water.

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. First-time visitors genuinely stop and stare when they crest the hill and see the bay spread below them.

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 leisurely 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 visibility can reach 5-8 meters right from the beach in the dry season.

The beach has two main sections. The northern end is more developed with restaurants, bars, and swing-over-water photo spots that are wildly popular on social media — be prepared for a queue if you want that iconic swing photo. 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 and the beach returns to something approaching paradise.

Honest warning about crowds: Sao Beach can get very crowded between 10 AM and 2 PM when day-trip tours from the resorts arrive en masse. On peak season weekdays in December and January, the beach can host hundreds of visitors simultaneously. 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 a near-empty beach, perfect light for photos, and the magical experience of having this paradise largely to yourself.

Food options: 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. The grilled seafood platters with rice at the mid-beach restaurants are particularly good — fresh fish, prawns, and squid delivered straight from the boats each morning.

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 sight of dozens of perfect starfish visible through glass-clear water is genuinely breathtaking, and the photos you will take here are unlike anything from any other destination.

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 final stretch involves a narrow lane through a fishing village. The journey itself is scenic, passing through fishing communities, 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 at local prices.

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. In the wet season, the water can be slightly murky after rain, but starfish are still present and visible on calm days.

Getting there: Rent a motorbike from our homestay ($5/day) and follow the road north through Ganh Dau village. The last few kilometers are on a narrower track — manageable on a scooter but take it slow, especially after rain when the surface can be slippery. Alternatively, hire a car with driver ($40-50 for a half-day north island trip including multiple stops at Ganh Dau, Starfish Beach, and the national park).

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. For guests staying at our homestay who want a quieter alternative to Long Beach for a half-day escape, Ong Lang is the first recommendation we make.

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, colorful coral formations, and occasionally octopuses without needing a boat trip. Bring your own snorkeling gear for the best fit and hygiene, or rent from one of the small beach bars ($3-5 for the day). The water clarity here is excellent — often better than Long Beach because there is less boat traffic.

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. The smaller scale of the coves means the sunset light bounces off the water differently, creating beautiful reflections in the rock pools.

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 (try the grilled barracuda if it is on the menu), and be back in Duong Dong by mid-afternoon. If you fall in love with the quiet vibe — and many guests do, extending their trips specifically to return here — consider booking a few nights at one of the small eco-guesthouses nestled into the hillside above the beach.

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 — and most visitors who discover it leave raving about it as their favorite beach on the island.

The water here is exceptionally calm, protected by the natural curve of the bay and the nearby islands of the An Thoi archipelago to the south. This combination of geography creates conditions that are among the safest for swimming on the entire island, even for young children. The beach slopes very gently into the water, so you can wade out 30-40 meters and still be only waist-deep. The sand itself is notably fine and white, more similar to Sao Beach than to the golden sand of Long Beach — without the tour bus circus.

Part of Khem Beach is now occupied by the Sun Premier Village resort, which has developed a significant section of the bay into a luxury property. However, a meaningful public section remains accessible at the northern end of the beach. Look for the public access road (signed in Vietnamese as "bai tam cong cong") — it leads to the open section of the beach with a few basic food stalls, coconut vendors, and shade structures built from bamboo and palm leaves. The stalls sell cold drinks, fresh coconut, and simple Vietnamese snacks at very reasonable prices.

The best strategy for Khem Beach is to combine it with a visit to Sao Beach on the same half-day: ride to Sao Beach first thing in the morning when it is quietest, then swing by Khem Beach on the way back for a more private afternoon swim. The two beaches are only about 10 minutes apart by motorbike, and together they make for an outstanding half-day trip from Duong Dong. Pack your own food and drinks if you want to maximize beach time, as options at the public section of Khem are limited.

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 — a genuinely surreal sight that reminds you just how close to the Cambodian border this island sits. 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 pace here is unhurried, the people are friendly, and the seafood is as fresh as it gets.

The beach itself is small but charming, with calm water ideal for swimming and snorkeling around the rocky points on either side. The snorkeling off the northern headland is particularly rewarding — relatively undisturbed coral, a good variety of reef fish, and none of the boat traffic that disturbs marine life at more popular spots. Visibility is best in the dry season (November-April) when the sea is calm and clear. Bring your own snorkeling gear as there are no rental shops here.

The real draw at Ganh Dau is the atmosphere and authenticity. Sitting in a simple local restaurant — plastic chairs, tin roof, fishing nets hanging to dry — with a cold beer and a plate of grilled squid, watching fishing boats come and go against a backdrop of Cambodian hills in the distance, is one of the defining Phu Quoc experiences. This is the island that existed before the resorts arrived, and it will not last forever as development pushes northward. Visit now while the magic holds.

Combine your visit with: A stop at Starfish Beach (15 minutes further along the track) and the entrance to Phu Quoc National Park nearby for a full-day northern island excursion. Pack water, sunscreen, and snacks — facilities are basic in this area and options diminish rapidly once you leave Ganh Dau village. The motorbike ride itself through the national park road is one of the most scenic on the island, particularly in the early morning when mist hangs in the forest canopy.

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 with their marketing. Perhaps it is simply that the crowds never discovered it. Whatever the reason, if you want a beach largely to yourself — especially during weekdays or in the shoulder season — Vung Bau consistently delivers the kind of solitude that most beach-lovers dream about but rarely find.

The sand is golden and firm, perfect for long walks along the waterline. The beach extends for nearly 2 kilometers without any significant development breaking the sightline — just sand, sea, and the silhouettes of distant islands on the horizon. The water can be slightly rougher than the more sheltered beaches, particularly during the wet season when the Gulf of Thailand shows its teeth, so exercise judgment about swimming conditions. A couple of small beach shacks serve ice-cold drinks and basic food (noodles, rice dishes), but do not expect the restaurant selection of Long Beach.

Vung Bau is exceptional for photography, particularly at sunset. The wide, open beach with its firm sand reflects the evening light beautifully, and the lack of development means your sunset shots will be clean and unobstructed. If you are traveling with a drone (check local regulations first), this is one of the best beaches on the island for aerial photography — the gradients of color from shallow turquoise to deep blue are stunning from above. Bring a towel, a book, and plenty of sunscreen, and prepare to be blissfully alone.

Best season: The dry season months (December through March) when the sea is calm and the sky is clear. During the wet season (July-September), the beach can get rough and some access tracks become muddy after heavy rain — check conditions before riding out. The access road from the main highway is a dirt track of about 1.5 kilometers, manageable on a scooter in dry conditions but challenging in wet weather.

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

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, situated above Ong Lang and below Vung Bau. It is a wide, gently curving beach with shallow, calm water that makes it particularly popular with families with young children. The geography here is ideal for small kids — a very gradual slope into the water, a sandy bottom with no rocks or coral to worry about, and waves that are almost non-existent during the dry season. Parents can sit in 40 centimeters of water while their children play freely in absolute safety.

Dai Beach is the closest major beach to VinWonders theme park, which sits on a peninsula at the island's northern tip. Many families combine a morning of beach time at Dai Beach with an afternoon at VinWonders — a perfect combination for families traveling with children who want both natural beauty and theme park fun. The park is easily visible from the beach on clear days, and shuttle buses run between the two.

The sand here is notably soft and clean, and the water takes on a beautiful pale blue-green color in the morning light. Several mid-range resorts line portions of the beach, but there are still multiple public access points where you can set up for the day without resort fees. A handful of beach restaurants serve Vietnamese food and fresh seafood at reasonable prices — considerably cheaper than the tourist-heavy restaurants at Sao Beach. The grilled corn and baguettes sold by vendors walking the beach are a Phu Quoc classic.

One thing to note: Dai Beach can experience more seaweed washing ashore than some other beaches, particularly after storms or during certain tide cycles. This varies by season and week — most of the time the beach is clean, but it pays to check current conditions before making a dedicated trip. Ask at our homestay for the latest beach reports before heading out.

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 fundamentally different — a wild, largely undeveloped shoreline that faces the open South China Sea and catches 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. There is not a cocktail menu or a sun lounger in sight — just the sea, the sky, and the fishing village.

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 fishing village of Thom is small and friendly, and the local residents are accustomed to the occasional adventurous tourist arriving by scooter. Basic refreshments are available from small stalls, and the fresh seafood at the village's single restaurant is among the cheapest and most genuine on the island.

The road to Thom Beach passes through some of Phu Quoc's most beautiful countryside — rolling hills covered in pepper plantations, cashew orchards heavy with fruit in season, and dense tropical forest that forms a canopy over sections of the road. The route goes through the national park, where wildlife sightings (birds, monitor lizards, macaques) are common in the early morning. The journey is genuinely half the experience, and most visitors report that the ride there is as memorable as the beach itself.

Sunrise tip for early risers: Make the 30-minute ride to Thom Beach to catch the sunrise over the eastern sea. The sky lights up in shades of pink and gold, with fishing boats silhouetted against the morning light as they head out for the day's catch. You will very likely be the only tourist there, watched by curious fishermen and a few stray dogs. Bring a thermos of coffee from the homestay — watching the sunrise here with a warm drink in hand is one of the most peaceful experiences Phu Quoc has to offer.

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. Snorkeling in An Thoi on a calm, clear dry season day is a genuinely world-class experience.

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 including snorkeling equipment, a seafood lunch, and multiple island stops. Tours typically visit 3-4 islands with long stops for snorkeling and swimming. The boats are comfortable wooden vessels with shade covers and benches, and the crews are experienced at finding the best snorkeling spots depending on the day's conditions.

The most popular islands include Hon Thom (Pineapple Island, accessible by the world's longest non-stop cable car — a spectacular 8-kilometer ride with views over the whole archipelago), Hon May Rut with its impossibly white sand beach and shallow coral gardens, and Hon Gam Ghi with excellent deeper reef snorkeling where schools of clownfish, angelfish, and parrotfish are almost guaranteed. 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, reef sharks, and sea turtles.

One island deserving special mention is Hon Roi, which has a small fishing village and a beach so tucked away that even experienced island-hopping tours rarely stop there. If you are booking a private boat rather than a group tour, ask specifically to include Hon Roi — the snorkeling off its eastern rocks is outstanding and the beach is usually deserted. Private boat charters for up to 8 people cost around $80-120 for a full day and are available through our homestay.

Best season 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 — June, July, and August can see strong swells that make the boat journey uncomfortable and snorkeling difficult. Always book through a reputable operator and check weather forecasts before committing to a tour date.

Beach Comparison Table

Essential Beach Tips for Phu Quoc

What to Bring

Pack reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 50+) — this is non-negotiable in the tropics, and reef-safe formulas protect both your skin and the coral ecosystems you will be swimming over. A wide-brimmed hat, quality sunglasses, a reusable water bottle (refill at our homestay for free), a quick-dry microfiber towel, and a waterproof phone case if you plan to swim with your phone are all essentials. For beaches with rocky areas (Ong Lang, Ganh Dau), water shoes or reef sandals prevent cuts on sharp coral. If you plan to snorkel, bringing your own mask and snorkel means better fit, better seal, and better hygiene than rental equipment — a quality travel snorkel set costs $15-25 and pays for itself on a week-long trip.

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, Dai Beach) rather than exposed east coast beaches during the wet season when currents can be unpredictable. Watch for jellyfish occasionally present from May to October — they are usually small box jellyfish that cause mild stings rather than dangerous ones, but avoid them if you see them. Never swim alone at remote beaches. Do not leave valuables unattended on the beach; most thieves target unattended bags while owners swim. Use sunscreen generously and reapply every 90 minutes and after every swim — the tropical sun at this latitude is significantly stronger than in Europe or North America, and severe sunburn on the first day can ruin the rest of your trip.

Getting Around to Beaches

The best way to explore Phu Quoc's beaches is by motorbike or scooter. We offer automatic scooter rental at our homestay for $5 per day or $80 per month — the most flexible and affordable option on the island. All the beaches on this list are reachable on a scooter with basic riding ability. The roads are improving year by year, and most major routes are now well-paved. For families or those who prefer not to ride, the Grab app (Southeast Asia's version of Uber) works reliably on the island, or we can arrange a private car with driver for $40-60 per day for a full island tour — excellent value when split between 3-4 people.

Best Time for Beaches

The dry season from November through April offers the best beach conditions — calm seas, clear water, warm temperatures (28-32°C), and minimal rain. The absolute peak for beach weather is December through February, when conditions are near-perfect and water visibility is at its annual maximum. During the wet season (July through September), west coast beaches including Long Beach and Ong Lang can have waves and occasionally strong currents, and some northern beach access roads may be muddy. However, even in the wet season, mornings are often sunny and beaches are enjoyable — rain typically comes in heavy afternoon showers that pass quickly, leaving the beach beautiful and crowd-free.

Responsible Beach Tourism

Phu Quoc's beaches face increasing pressure from tourism, and small individual actions make a meaningful difference. Carry out all rubbish you bring in — there are limited waste collection facilities at remote beaches. Use reef-safe sunscreen when swimming near coral. Do not touch, stand on, or collect coral, shells, or other marine life. Respect no-entry zones around protected marine areas near the An Thoi islands. If you see others mistreating marine life or leaving significant waste, a polite word can make a difference. These beaches are what make Phu Quoc special — their preservation depends on every visitor choosing to act thoughtfully.

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 — five minutes on foot), Sao Beach for a picture-perfect half-day excursion that you will photograph for years, and either Starfish Beach or Ong Lang depending on whether you prefer unique nature experiences or quiet snorkeling in uncrowded coves.

For a week-long stay, add a full-day An Thoi island snorkeling tour (the highlight of most guests' trips) and a morning at the undiscovered Khem Beach. The adventurous should add Thom Beach for the sunrise and Ganh Dau for the authentic fishing village atmosphere. With a room at our homestay as your base in Duong Dong, every beach on this list is within easy riding distance, and we keep a current map with up-to-date road conditions and tide schedules at the front desk.

For longer stays of two weeks or more, you will naturally develop your own rhythm — a morning beach, a lunch beach, a sunset beach — as you discover which stretches of sand speak to you personally. Many long-term guests settle on a beautiful routine: a morning swim at Long Beach just after sunrise, a mid-week adventure to one of the northern or southern beaches, and a weekly An Thoi snorkeling trip. It is hard to imagine a more peaceful way to spend a month. Check our seasonal pricing for the best rates during your preferred travel dates, and we will help plan your perfect beach itinerary from the moment you check in.