Whether you arrive in Phu Quoc by air or sea, there is a wide variety of transport options for getting around the island, from the back of a motorbike to being guided around the island with a driver in a 4WD vehicle, here’s a brief outline:
Boat services
Most top end resorts and various private tour operators provide services to the islands that are about 30 minutes by boat south of An Thoi Town.
Also, taking a brief tour along Duong Dong River can be an interesting way of experience life along the water ways. Some hotels can arrange for boat tours, otherwise consider asking a local boat owner. Further away in Cua Can River, local fishermen may be able to take you around the waterways of town and a little further along a lovely white sandy peninsula.
Bus
There is a basic bus service that runs every couple of hours between An Thoi and Duong Dong. When ferries arrive at An Thoi Port, there is usually a bus waiting to take visitors to Duong Dong, just look out for buses displaying “Huong Toan”.
Many of the top end resorts like Saigon Phu Quoc provide a shuttle service to and from the airport. Resort buses will be waiting at the airport for you if you have a booking in advance.
Car rental
Renting a self driven vehicle on Phu Quoc Island is not possible unless you have a Vietnamese driver’s licence and a permanent registered address on the island. The best option is to hire a car or 4WD with a driver/guide.
There are a number of private owners willing to offer their services which can be found at the airport on arrival. Alternatively www.seastarresort.com has a range of vehicles with drivers for rent. Prices start from around US$25 per day, increasing depending on the size of vehicle, distances travelled and rental periods.
Cycling
Most hotels offer bicycle rentals which start from US$1 per day, which can be a great way to adventure around the local area. If you plan on cycling further away, poor road conditions and unsealed dusty roads can make this a difficult experience. We recommend purchasing a face mask before you head off on these longer journeys and take plenty of water. The coastal strip surrounding Phu Quoc makes cycling relatively easy however the island heats up when you get move from the coast.
Motorbike rental
Renting a motorbike is one of the cheapest ways to discover Phu Quoc Island and motorbikes also provide the best access if you are adventuring out to the more remote beaches and dirt roads beyond the main towns.
Motorbikes can be rented at many of top end and mid range hotels, or you’ll find local owners outside the hotels and airport very keen to either rent their bikes or even adopt you and guide you around the island. Bikes rental rates will vary depending on the condition of the bike and your bargaining skills, here is guide to prices;
- Per hour, from around 30,000d
- Per day, from US$6-12 dollars a day (depending on the bike and your negotiation skills)
- Per week, around US$45-60, again depending if you can negotiate any discounts.
One thing to consider is that busy dirt roads that are yet to be sealed can get quite dusty, due to the increasing number of cars and trucks on the island. This is particularly the case on the roads leading from Duong Dong, like the road along Long beach south of Duong Dong Town, and the road to Ong Lang Beach heading north, so we recommend buying a mask in town before heading off on your adventure.
Note: since the end of 2007, it is now illegal to ride on a motorbike without wearing a helmet, so please ensure you request a helmet when renting a motobike. All operators are aware of the laws and will provide you with a helmet.
Motorbike taxis
Hiring a motorbike with driver is one of the easiest and quickest ways to travel short or one off distances around Phu Quoc between the main towns. If you arrive by plane, these motorbike drivers will likely find you before you find them, just find a friendly face, negotiate a little and off you go.
Guide to motorbike taxi rates;
- Short distances around town cost around 10,000d
- Longer distances cost around 20,000d to 40,000d per every 5kms traveled.
- From the Airport to Long Beach Resorts expect to pay around 20,000d to 40,000d, and slightly more if heading to Ong Lang Beach. Discounts could be negotiated if you hire for the whole day.
- All day rental starts at around 150,000d (US$10)
Remember if you’re travelling between towns like Duong Dong and An Thoi not all roads are sealed and can get quite dusty. These drivers can take you just about anywhere on Phu Quoc, so if you prefer a driver with local knowledge and experience of the road conditions, this is a good option.
Note: since the end of 2007, it is now illegal to ride on a motorbike without wearing a helmet, which is particularly recommended on Phu Quoc as road conditions in some parts of the island are still improving quite poor.
Taxi services
There are a limited number of metered taxis now operating on Phu Quoc, most of which operate from the airport. Rates are generally up to US$5 to US$10 from the airport to Long Beach resorts south of Duong Dong Town.
One taxi company that operates on the island providing air conditioned cars is www.seastarresort.com who can be contacted on Tel: 99 55 99.
Private taxis / drivers also operate from Phu Quoc Airport, and can provide a good service for a negotiable fee.
Walking/hiking
The centre of Duong Dong is only a couple hundred meters from the airport, just turn right outside the airport gates and you’ll hit the central market in around 10 minutes. So if you don’t have much luggage, this is definitely the cheapest option. There are also some local hotels across the road from the airport terminal.
The coast surrounding Phu Quoc is relatively flat and allows visitors some very scenic walking. The mountains on the island range from around 300-600 meters and provide far more strenuous trekking. The National Park in the northern part of Phu Quoc is as yet relatively undeveloped in terms of walking trails and forests can be quiet dense. There are plans to build a walking trail in future to Mount Chua (603m) the highest mountain on Phu Quoc Island.
Island maps
Pick up a copy of the "Phu Quoc Yellow Map" for 10,000d (US$0.70) when you arrive on the island. The yellow map is available from most hotels and at the airport. The Yellow map is particularly useful if you plan to jump onto a motorbike to explore the island. Alternatively visit of Getting Around - Maps page for an overview of the island.