Most travel guides list the same things to do in Phu Quoc. They suggest riding the cable car, visiting VinWonders, walking through the night market, or relaxing on the beach. These options are popular for a reason. They are fun, easy to reach, and perfect for a quick getaway.
But there’s another side of the island. It’s the part locals return to when they want peace. A place where honey is sipped slowly in forest gardens, where temple bells ring at sunrise, and where seafood is chosen fresh from the sea, not a menu.
This blog shares 25 unique things to do in Phu Quoc. These are not the most famous, but they often become the most memorable. Some are simple joys. Others are experiences travelers usually miss. If you want to feel the island the way locals do, this list is for you.
Let’s begin.
25 best things to do in Phu Quoc that most tourists miss
1. Visit Phu Quoc Bee Farm and sip forest honey tea
If you’re looking for unique things to do in Phu Quoc, don’t skip this one.
- Location: Cua Can village, about 10 km north of Duong Dong town
- Entry fee: Free
- Best time to visit: Morning, especially between 8:00 and 10:30 AM when the bees are active
Phu Quoc Bee Farm is not just a place to buy honey. It’s a peaceful ecological garden designed to protect native bees and promote natural farming. Set deep within the quiet village of Cua Can, the farm offers visitors a chance to walk among forest flowers, learn about the life of stingless bees, and understand their crucial role in local biodiversity. Staff will explain how forest nectar turns into honey, and you can even sample it fresh from the hive.
The farm also includes a small café that serves drinks made from their own ingredients. Try the honey coffee or the iced herbal tea with forest lemongrass and ginger. You’ll sit in a breezy, shaded wooden hut surrounded by buzzing gardens. There’s also a small shop where you can buy honey, soap, or jam, all locally made and safe to carry on flights. It’s a relaxing stop that’s educational, family-friendly, and often overlooked by guidebooks.
Tip: Ask about their short beekeeping workshops if you visit during the dry season. It’s a fun way to see how local farmers work with nature instead of against it.
2. Catch the morning rush at Duong Dong market
If you’re looking for unique things to do in Phu Quoc, don’t skip this one.
- Location: Duong Dong town center
- Price: Free to enter; breakfast dishes range from 15,000 to 40,000 VND
Duong Dong Market is the busiest and most vibrant market on the island. As early as 5:00 AM, fishing boats dock right behind the building, and porters carry baskets of fresh crabs, squid, and prawns through the back entrance. Vendors shout over each other while arranging ice trays, herbs, fruit, and freshly made fish sauce. Locals move with purpose, haggling, loading, or simply catching up over breakfast. This is where the day truly begins.
The front area is packed with food carts serving island-style breakfasts. You’ll find sticky rice with pork floss, bánh mì layered with herbs and fried egg, or hot bowls of fish noodle soup served beside strong iced coffee. Most places don’t have signs, and seating is simply a plastic stool next to someone else’s. It’s fast, flavorful, and deeply local. For a complete picture of daily life, come back in the evening when the Phu Quoc night market swaps trade for slow walks, grilled seafood, and soft music.
Tip: Arrive by 6:00 AM for peak action. Head to the back pier to see restaurants picking seafood directly from fishermen. It’s one of the most photo-friendly spots for capturing daily life in motion.
3. Visit Rach Vem during starfish season
If you’re looking for unique things to do in Phu Quoc, don’t skip this one.
- Location: Rach Vem, Ganh Dau, North Phu Quoc
- Price: Free, but some seafood huts may charge for seating or food
Rạch Vẹm is often called Starfish Beach, and it lives up to the name. During the dry season from December to April, the shallow waters turn clear and calm, revealing hundreds of red starfish resting gently on the white sand. Wooden piers stretch from the shore to floating seafood huts, where you can sit with your feet above the sea, enjoy a simple meal, and watch the waves move quietly beneath you.
The beach is peaceful and locally loved, but the starfish are the highlight. They only appear during the right season and are sensitive to touch, so visitors are asked not to pick them up, even for photos. Their beauty lies in being left undisturbed.
Tip: Visit early in the morning for the clearest water and softest light. If you stay for lunch, try grilled sea urchin or a crab hotpot at one of the raft kitchens nearby.
4. Take a scenic motorbike ride to Ganh Dau Cape
If you’re looking for unique things to do in Phu Quoc, don’t skip this one.
- Location: From Duong Dong to Ganh Dau Cape
- Price: Free to ride; motorbike rental costs around 120,000–150,000 VND/day
The ride from Duong Dong to Ganh Dau Cape is one of the most peaceful journeys you can take on the island. The road is mostly smooth and takes you through quiet farming villages, pepper plantations, and patches of forest where the light filters in softly. As you ride north, the traffic fades and the sea appears through breaks in the trees. Local life unfolds gently along the way, from roadside vendors slicing fruit to children waving from doorways.
Ganh Dau Cape sits at the island’s northwestern tip, where a small beach meets calm waters and rocky outcrops. On clear days, you can see the Cambodian coastline in the distance. There’s no large crowd, just a handful of fishing boats, a breeze off the ocean, and space to breathe. It is not just about the destination, but about the journey and the stillness it offers along the way.
Tip: Start early and take your time. A full tank, sun protection, and offline maps will help you enjoy the ride at your own pace. There are small seafood spots near the cape if you want to stop for lunch with a view.
5. Drink honey coffee at a hidden jungle cafe in Cua Duong
If you’re looking for unique things to do in Phu Quoc, don’t skip this one.
- Location: Hills of Cua Duong, inland from Duong Dong
- Price: Drinks range from 30,000 to 60,000 VND
Tucked away in the hills of Cua Duong, hidden jungle cafés quietly welcome visitors who manage to find them. There are no signs or advertisements. Instead, you follow narrow dirt roads lined with pepper trees, ask a farmer, or spot a cluster of scooters resting in the shade. These cafés often double as family homes, with wooden stools set beneath mango trees or simple terraces overlooking thick greenery. Without Wi-Fi or crowds, the atmosphere encourages long, unhurried conversations and deep breaths of fresh mountain air.
What makes the experience even more special is the use of local ingredients. Many cafés serve honey coffee made with forest-sourced honey stirred into strong Vietnamese brew. The result is earthy, sweet, and smooth. You might also find house-made lime sodas, herbal teas, or coconut water served in the shell. Every drink reflects what grows nearby, and every visit feels personal.
Tip: Arrive in the early morning when the air is cool and the jungle is alive with birdsong. If the café is not on any map, just ask someone nearby. Chances are, they know exactly where to send you.
6. Make your own sauce at Bun Quay Kien Xay
If you’re looking for unique things to do in Phu Quoc, don’t skip this one.
- Location: Multiple Kien Xay branches in Duong Dong
- Price: 50,000–60,000 VND per bowl
Bún quậy, or “stirring noodles,” is more than just a meal. It is a hands-on experience that starts at the sauce counter. Before your noodles arrive, you mix your own dipping sauce using fish sauce, lime, chili, sugar, and freshly ground Phu Quoc pepper. There is no fixed recipe. You taste, adjust, and stir until it foams, creating a sauce that is completely your own.
When your bowl is ready, it comes with handmade shrimp and fish paste stirred directly into a hot, clear broth. The soup is light and naturally sweet from the seafood, but it is your sauce that brings out the full flavor. Locals love this dish for its freshness and personalization. Each visit feels familiar but never exactly the same.
Tip: Come between 9:00 and 11:00 in the morning or mid-afternoon to avoid the rush. Watch how locals mix their sauces, and do not be shy to experiment. Your perfect version might surprise you.
7. Try goi ca trich, Phu Quoc’s raw herring salad
If you’re looking for unique things to do in Phu Quoc, don’t skip this one.
- Location: Ra Khoi or Hanh Nhung food stalls in Duong Dong
- Price: 150,000 to 200,000 VND (for two people)
Gỏi cá trích is a dish that defines the taste of Phu Quoc. Made with raw herring sliced thin, it is lightly cured in lime juice and then tossed with shredded coconut, chili, onion, and fresh herbs. It is served with rice paper sheets, leafy greens, and a dipping sauce made from roasted peanuts, tamarind, and fish sauce. The ingredients sound simple, but when combined, the dish becomes something uniquely rich in texture and flavor.
You eat goi ca trich with your hands. Each bite is wrapped in rice paper like a spring roll, then dipped into the sauce before eating. The result is fresh, tangy, and deeply satisfying. Locals enjoy it slowly, with conversation and shared plates. The dish is often eaten outdoors, close to the sea, where the breeze and ocean view complete the experience.
Tip: This is a social dish, best enjoyed with company. If you are unsure how to wrap it, just ask someone nearby. Many locals are happy to guide you through the process.
8. Taste sim wine and walk the orchards at Sim Son or Bay Gao
If you’re looking for unique things to do in Phu Quoc, don’t skip this one.
- Location: Sim Son or Sim Bay Gao, near Duong To area
- Price: Free entry, wine tasting and purchases optional
Sim wine is a specialty of Phu Quoc made from the hồng sim berry, a type of wild rose myrtle that grows on the island’s red soil hills. These berries have a dark purple color and a naturally sweet aroma. Each spring, from March to May, the orchards bloom with soft lavender flowers that lightly scent the air and attract visitors who come to see and taste something truly local.
Wineries such as Sim Sơn and Sim Bảy Gáo are family-run and open to visitors. You can walk among the berry trees, tour small production areas where the berries are fermented and bottled, and enjoy free tastings of their signature wine. The drink is slightly sweet, lightly astringent, and pairs surprisingly well with seafood or grilled meats.
Aside from wine, many shops also sell sim syrup, herbal tea, jam, and dried berries. These products are often attractively packaged and make for unique gifts or souvenirs. The atmosphere is relaxed, with shaded courtyards and welcoming hosts who are happy to share the story behind each bottle.
Tip: Visit in spring for the best scenery. Most shops will safely pack bottles for air travel, and some offer tastings of both dry and aged varieties. If the orchard isn’t too busy, you might even be able to try making sim syrup yourself.
9. Pick live seafood and eat on a floating raft in Ganh Dau
If you’re looking for unique things to do in Phu Quoc, don’t skip this one.
- Location: Ganh Dau, North Phu Quoc
- Price: Around 100,000 to 200,000 VND per dish, depending on size and season
Gành Dầu is one of the few places in Phu Quoc where you can eat seafood straight from the ocean in the most literal sense. Floating raft restaurants sit just offshore and are reached by narrow bridges made of bamboo or wooden planks. Once there, you’ll see netted enclosures where live crab, shrimp, fish, and scallops swim in seawater. Instead of a menu, you simply point to your pick, agree on the price, and the chef prepares it right away. Most dishes are grilled with scallion oil, steamed, or stir-fried with garlic or tamarind.
The setting is rustic and open-air, with plastic chairs, tarpaulin shade, and views over the ocean toward Cambodia. It’s a slow, local experience where the sea breeze and simple cooking speak louder than any signboard. Some rafts even let you dip your feet into the water while waiting for your food. It’s not fancy, but it’s fresh, personal, and one of the most unforgettable meals you can have on the island.
Tip: Come before noon to beat the tour groups and get the best seafood selection. Wear flat shoes and bring cash, as card payments are rarely accepted. If unsure, just ask what’s freshest that day.
10. Dare to try tiet canh cua – raw crab blood pudding
If you’re looking for unique things to do in Phu Quoc, don’t skip this one.
- Location: Local seafood eateries in Ham Ninh fishing village or Ganh Dau
- Price: Varies depending on season and availability, often not listed on the menu
Tiết canh cua is one of Phu Quoc’s most daring local dishes. It is made by collecting fresh sea crab blood and letting it naturally congeal into a soft jelly, then mixing it with minced crab meat, lime juice, fish sauce, herbs, and crushed peanuts. The final result is served cold, eaten with rice crackers or raw greens. Its texture is smooth, its taste is a mix of briny, nutty, and sour, and the experience is intense even for many Vietnamese.
Because it uses raw ingredients, this dish is hard to find and best eaten only in trusted seafood places where freshness is guaranteed. Locals in Ham Ninh sometimes prepare it for early morning drinking gatherings or seafood feasts, but you often need to ask for it quietly, especially outside crab season. While it’s a unique cultural experience, it’s not for sensitive stomachs. Go with a local if you can, and try just a small bite first.
Tip: Always choose a place with high hygiene standards. Avoid this dish if you’re unsure about raw seafood or have food allergies.
11. Hike to Suoi Tranh waterfall and picnic like a local
If you’re looking for unique things to do in Phu Quoc, don’t skip this one.
- Location: About 10 kilometers southeast of Duong Dong town
- Entrance fee: Around 10,000 VND per person
Suối Tranh, or “Painting Stream,” is a gentle waterfall nestled in a shaded forest. From the entrance, a short and quiet walk leads you through leafy gardens and jungle paths, with wooden bridges and mossy rocks along the way. The waterfall itself is modest but beautiful, especially in the rainy season when the flow is stronger. It’s a favorite spot for locals looking to unwind in nature.
Many island families gather here on weekends to grill food, relax in hammocks, and let kids splash in the shallow pools. On quieter mornings, it feels like your own forest hideaway. There are some small food stalls near the entrance, but it’s better to bring snacks, water, and a picnic mat if you want to stay a while.
Tip: Go early in the day to enjoy cooler weather and avoid crowds. Wear proper shoes and bring insect repellent, especially during the rainy season from May to November.
12. Kayak along the peaceful Cua Can River mangroves
If you’re looking for unique things to do in Phu Quoc, don’t skip this one.
- Location: Cua Can River, about 12 kilometers north of Duong Dong
- Rental price: Around 100,000 to 150,000 VND per hour
The Cua Can River offers one of the calmest, most nature-filled kayaking routes on Phu Quoc. Its gentle flow takes you through a quiet world of mangroves, pepper farms, and local fishing life. The water is smooth and beginner-friendly, making it perfect for travelers who want a peaceful paddle rather than a workout. As you glide along, look for kingfishers, butterflies, or the occasional monitor lizard resting near the shore.
Most kayaks are rented near the village bridge. From there, you can head upstream into shaded mangrove tunnels or downstream toward the river mouth where freshwater meets the sea. This experience is less about reaching a destination and more about observing the island at its most natural and slow-paced. Early mornings are best for weather, reflections on the water, and a deeper sense of quiet.
Tip: Wear sun protection, bring water, and ask about combined kayak routes that include fishing villages or lunch stops nearby.
13. Climb Ham Ninh mountain for sunrise views
If you’re looking for unique things to do in Phu Quoc, don’t skip this one.
- Location: Ham Ninh Mountain, east of Duong Dong
- Guide price: Around 300,000 to 500,000 VND for a local guide
Ham Ninh Mountain, also known as Tiên Sơn Đỉnh, is one of the island’s highest and most rewarding viewpoints. The hike is relatively short but steep and rugged, usually taking 45 minutes to an hour depending on your pace. The trail winds through thick bamboo groves and slippery, moss-covered rocks, with no official signage along the way. This is why many travelers choose to hike with a local guide who can safely lead the way and point out lesser-known plants or viewpoints.
At the summit, the forest opens up to a sweeping view of the island waking up below. Morning mist drifts across treetops, the coastline catches the first golden light, and fishing boats drift quietly near the horizon. For some locals, this mountaintop is more than just a lookout. It is a peaceful, spiritual place to reconnect with the natural world.
Tip: Start your hike before 4:30 AM to catch sunrise at the top. Wear proper hiking shoes, bring water and insect repellent, and avoid going alone unless you’re experienced. Homestays in the Ham Ninh area can usually help arrange a guide.
14. Soak in a natural mud bath at Galina Wellness Spa
If you’re looking for unique things to do in Phu Quoc, don’t skip this one.
- Location: Tran Hung Dao Street, near Long Beach
- Price: Around 200,000 to 400,000 VND depending on the service
Galina Wellness Spa is one of the few places in Phu Quoc that offers natural mud baths in an open-air tropical garden. It’s a favorite with domestic tourists, but many international visitors still overlook it. The experience starts with a warm mineral mud soak, followed by herbal steam rooms or a massage session depending on what you book. The mud, sourced from Vietnam’s mineral-rich areas, is known to soften the skin and ease tired muscles after days under the sun.
The atmosphere is quiet and leafy, with private soaking tubs surrounded by trees and birdsong. Whether you choose a short 30-minute bath or a full afternoon of relaxation, it offers a soothing pause in your travel pace.
Tip: Late morning or late afternoon is the best time to visit. Avoid midday when it’s hottest, and bring swimwear if you want to fully enjoy the mud soak. Couples or small groups can ask for shared tubs.
15. Stand-up paddleboard into the sunset at Sunset Town
If you’re looking for unique things to do in Phu Quoc, don’t skip this one.
- Location: Sunset Town, South Phu Quoc
- Price: Around 200,000 to 400,000 VND per hour, depending on rental service
Sunset Town is famous for its colorful Mediterranean-inspired buildings and the iconic Kiss Bridge, but its calm, sheltered bay also makes it perfect for stand-up paddleboarding. In the dry season, especially between 4:30 and 6:00 PM, the sea becomes glassy and still. As you paddle along the shore, the sun begins to dip low, painting the sky in orange and violet. It is one of the most serene ways to see the island slow down.
For travelers who enjoy gentle adventure activities in Vietnam, this experience is both peaceful and photogenic. Some hotels like InterContinental and Premier Village offer rentals, or you can find smaller operators nearby. Whether you’re standing tall or just sitting on your board and floating, the moment stays with you.
Tip: Go out around 5:00 PM for the best light. Wear swimwear, pack a dry bag for your phone, and check out other adventure things to do in Vietnam if paddleboarding leaves you wanting more.
16. Watch sunrise and hear temple bells at Ho Quoc Pagoda
If you’re looking for unique things to do in Phu Quoc, don’t skip this one.
- Location: Ho Quoc Pagoda, on the way to Bai Sao Beach
- Price: Free entry
Ho Quoc Pagoda, also called Trúc Lâm Hộ Quốc, sits quietly on a hillside overlooking the sea in southeastern Phu Quoc. Built in traditional Zen style, the temple features tiled roofs, carved dragons along the staircases, and sweeping terraces that open toward the ocean. The site is large, but its energy is calm and centered, especially in the early morning when the sun begins to rise behind the mountains.
At dawn, you’ll hear the soft ringing of temple bells as monks begin their daily prayers. The light is golden, the air is cool, and the space feels sacred even to those who don’t follow Buddhism. From the main terrace, you can see the coastline stretching toward Bai Dam, while incense drifts gently on the sea breeze. It’s a place for stillness, reflection, and starting the day with quiet intention.
Tip: Visit before 6:30 AM for sunrise and morning rituals. Dress modestly, bring water, and be mindful during prayer times.
17. Join Cao Dai followers in afternoon prayer at Duong Dong temple
If you’re looking for unique things to do in Phu Quoc, don’t skip this one.
- Location: Duong Dong town center
- Price: Free entry
In the heart of Duong Dong town, a small Cao Dai temple quietly opens its doors each afternoon to local worshippers. Though modest in size, the temple glows with vibrant pinks, blues, and yellows, and the Divine Eye symbol watches over from above the altar. Cao Dai is a uniquely Vietnamese religion that blends elements of Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, Christianity, and ancestor worship into one peaceful spiritual tradition.
Arrive around 4:00 PM and you can observe the start of the daily prayer. Worshippers in white robes file in silently and begin a soft, rhythmic chant. There are no loudspeakers or announcements, just the natural flow of a local ceremony. Visitors are welcome to watch quietly from the back. It’s a rare moment of calm and connection in the middle of town.
Tip: Remove your shoes before entering, dress modestly, and avoid taking photos during prayer. If you are unsure how to behave, observe others or make a gentle gesture to a caretaker.
18. Visit Dinh Cau Shrine and hear the sea guardian legends
If you’re looking for unique things to do in Phu Quoc, don’t skip this one.
- Location: Dinh Cau Cape, Duong Dong town
- Price: Free entry
Dinh Cau Shrine is one of Phu Quoc’s most meaningful coastal landmarks, standing on a rocky outcrop where the Duong Dong River meets the sea. Built in the 17th century, it serves as a spiritual beacon for fishermen who come to pray before heading out into open waters. The shrine is dedicated to Thien Hau, the sea goddess, and to the memory of two island brothers who, according to legend, vanished in a storm while protecting their people.
To visit, you climb a short set of stone steps with the sound of waves and scent of incense rising around you. The shrine’s yellow and blue walls are weathered by time, and its small altars are filled with fruit, flowers, and seashell offerings. Sunset is a magical time to come. From the top, you can look out across the sea as fishing boats return home. A jetty beside the shrine stretches into the water, perfect for a slow walk with a coconut in hand and stories of the sea still lingering in the air.
Tip: Arrive before sunset to enjoy the breeze and golden hour views. There are vendors nearby selling snacks and drinks, making it a peaceful place to pause and reflect.
19. Join a local cooking class and make goi ca trich
If you’re looking for unique things to do in Phu Quoc, don’t skip this one.
- Location: Select homestays and restaurants such as The Spice House or Cassia Cottage
- Price: Around 600,000 to 900,000 VND per person, including all ingredients and lunch
Joining a cooking class in Phu Quoc is one of the best ways to connect with the island’s daily life. Most sessions begin with a morning visit to the market, where chefs guide you through how to choose fresh seafood, herbs, and tropical produce by sight and smell. Back in the kitchen, you’ll prepare several traditional dishes, with special attention given to gỏi cá trích, Phu Quoc’s signature raw herring salad. It’s made with lime-marinated fish, shredded coconut, herbs, and chili, and eaten by hand with rice paper and dipping sauce.
Instructors often share stories about island culture, fishing traditions, and why certain ingredients are used the way they are. The class ends with everyone gathering for a home-style meal, making the experience feel like a family lunch. Some places also include dessert, and many can adjust the menu for vegetarians if requested ahead of time. It’s hands-on, warm, and a great way to carry home more than just photos.
Tip: Morning sessions usually include the market visit. Wear comfortable shoes and book early. It’s one of the best things to do in Vietnam if you want to take home more than photos.
20. Meet Phu Quoc Ridgebacks at the island’s dog center
If you’re looking for unique things to do in Phu Quoc, don’t skip this one.
- Location: Near the old airport, southern Phu Quoc
- Price: A small donation is appreciated for maintenance and care
The Phu Quoc Ridgeback dog is one of Vietnam’s rarest native dog breeds and can only be found on the island that gave them their name. These dogs are easily recognized by the ridge of hair running along their spine, growing in the opposite direction to the rest of their coat. Originally bred to hunt wild animals in dense forests, they are known for their speed, intelligence, and fierce loyalty. Despite their historic role in local life, the breed remains largely unknown outside Vietnam.
At the dog conservation center near the old airport, you can learn about the breed’s origins, how they’re trained, and why they are so important to the island’s identity. Visitors can observe the dogs in open enclosures, and if you arrive at the right time, you may get to see them running obstacle courses or practicing commands. Staff are passionate about their work and happy to answer questions, making it a meaningful stop for animal lovers or anyone curious about Vietnam’s living heritage.
Tip: Call ahead or ask your hotel to check for scheduled demonstrations. Bring water and sun protection, as the area can get hot around midday.
21. Go night squid fishing and grill your catch onboard
If you’re looking for unique things to do in Phu Quoc, don’t skip this one.
- Location: Departures from Duong Dong or An Thoi harbor
- Price: Around 300,000 to 400,000 VND per person (includes dinner and equipment)
After the sun sets over Phu Quoc, small wooden boats set out under the stars for a traditional squid fishing trip. Locals have done this for generations, using simple rods and bright lights to attract squid toward the surface. As a traveler, you’ll sit on deck with a rod in hand, watching the water glow beneath you.
If you’re lucky, you’ll feel a gentle tug and pull up your catch. The crew will clean and grill it for you on the spot, seasoned simply with salt, pepper, and lime. Even if you don’t catch anything, the night breeze, gentle waves, and quiet atmosphere make this a calming and memorable experience.
Tip: Bring a light jacket, motion sickness bands if you’re sensitive to waves, and avoid wearing slippery shoes on deck.
22. Eat bun ken for breakfast
If you’re looking for unique things to do in Phu Quoc, don’t skip this one.
- Location: Bun Ken Ut Luom, 87 30/4 Street, Duong Dong
- Price: Around 25,000 to 30,000 VND per bowl
Bún kèn is one of the rarest and most distinctive noodle dishes in Vietnam, found almost exclusively on Phu Quoc. The name is thought to have Khmer or Cham origins, reflecting the island’s cultural mix. This breakfast specialty features finely minced mackerel cooked in coconut milk with turmeric, lemongrass, and a touch of garlic. The resulting sauce is thick and aromatic, ladled over soft rice vermicelli and topped with fresh herbs, shredded green papaya, crushed peanuts, and crispy shallots.
The flavor is rich but not heavy. It balances the natural sweetness of fish and coconut with earthy spices and fresh toppings. Most locals enjoy it as a fast, energizing start to the day, often seated on small plastic stools at busy sidewalk stalls that serve it up with speed and pride.
Tip: Arrive before 9:00 in the morning to avoid missing out, especially on weekends when it sells quickly. If you’re not used to spicy food, ask for less chili. And if you want to eat like a local, stand while slurping your first spoonful.
23. Experience all four night shows in Sunset Town in one evening
If you’re looking for unique things to do in Phu Quoc, don’t skip this one.
- Location: Sunset Town, southern Phu Quoc
- Price: A mix of free and paid shows (from 0 to 1,000,000 VND)
Sunset Town offers one of most immersive things to do in Phu Quoc at night. The area lights up with four different shows, each with its own style, story, and energy. Some are ticketed, while others are completely free, making this one of the best free things to do in Phu Quoc for an evening out. If you plan your evening well, you can see them all in one go.
The night begins at 5:45 PM with Viet Puppetry, a fresh take on traditional Vietnamese water puppetry. At 7:45 PM, Symphony of the Sea brings the ocean to life with jet-ski stunts, flyboarding, lasers, and live music. At 8:30 PM, the Rainbow Show draws a crowd with bold costumes and colorful drag performances in the central square. Finally, Kiss of the Sea begins at 9:00 PM, a grand theatrical production with fountains, fire effects, and dancers from around the world. This blend of open-air theater and cultural spectacle redefines Phu Quoc nightlife.
Tip: Arrive by 5:30 PM and wear comfortable shoes. Check schedules in advance with your hotel or the Sun World website, as showtimes may vary slightly by season.
24. Visit barrel house and meet a fish sauce master
If you’re looking for unique things to do in Phu Quoc, don’t skip this one.
- Location: Traditional fish sauce houses in Duong Dong or near Hung Vuong Street
- Price: Free to 30,000 VND, depending on whether the facility offers a tasting or guided tour
Phu Quoc’s fish sauce, or nước mắm, is considered the finest in Vietnam, but few travelers visit the places where it is still made by hand. A barrel house, known locally as nhà thùng, is where anchovies and salt are layered in giant wooden vats and left to ferment slowly over time. Each barrel holds up to 13 tons, and the smell inside is strong but clean, filled with the scent of aging brine and warm wood. The process is quiet and deeply traditional, and some facilities still operate under the care of families who have passed down their knowledge for generations.
If you meet a nước mắm master, they can explain how the layering, timing, and patience shape the flavor of the sauce. The first press is considered the purest, and high-quality sauce is never too dark or too salty. Tasting it directly at the source, with a simple piece of cucumber or cracker, offers a new understanding of Vietnamese food. It is not just a seasoning, but something full-bodied and deeply local.
Tip: Visit in the morning when the staff are more available. Bring a scarf or mask if you are sensitive to smells, and always ask before taking close-up photos. Showing interest often opens the door to great conversations.
25. Build your own Phu Quoc island loop by motorbike
If you’re looking for unique things to do in Phu Quoc, don’t skip this one.
- Location: Island-wide, starting from Duong Dong
- Price: Around 120,000 to 150,000 VND per day for motorbike rental
Riding a motorbike around Phu Quoc is one of the most flexible ways to explore the island. Most travelers start in Duong Dong, where rentals are easy to find. From there, you can head east to Ham Ninh for a seafood breakfast, continue south to swim at Bai Sao, and stop by the peaceful Ho Quoc Pagoda. Inland routes take you past pepper farms, waterfalls like Suoi Tranh, and small roadside cafés serving honey tea or coconut coffee.
There is no fixed loop, which means you can shape the day to fit your interests. The roads are mostly paved, and traffic outside of town is light. Whether you want to circle the island in half a day or stretch it out with beach stops and lazy meals, the experience is yours to design.
Tip: Download offline maps, wear a helmet, and fill your tank before leaving. Avoid riding after dark unless you’re familiar with the route. Homestays often offer guided rides if you prefer not to go solo.
Closing: Travel deeper, not just farther
Most people come to Phu Quoc for the beaches and theme parks. And that’s okay. But if you’ve made it this far, you’re probably looking for something else. Something quieter, closer, and more unusual. These 25 moments are not just things to do in Phu Quoc. They are how you feel the island, the way locals do.
If that kind of travel speaks to you, there are more places waiting. In central Vietnam, you might stumble upon forgotten bunkers, old rooftops, and sacred hills among the unusual things to do in Da Nang. Or explore alleyway shrines, midnight snacks, and riverside jazz in this guide to things to do in Ho Chi Minh City at night. Or wander through pine-scented roads, hidden cafes, and quiet lakes with unusual things to do in Da Lat.
At Jackfruit Adventure, we believe the best way to discover a place is to follow the slow roads and listen closely. That is why our cycling tours in Ho Chi Minh City are designed for those who want to live the local rhythm. We pause for morning incense, chat with vendors over iced coffee, and ride through streets where stories still linger. If you are curious enough to turn down the quiet street, we’ll be there to show you around.
