Best things to do in Phu Quoc Island

Cool off and have fun at Vinpearl Land Phu Quoc. Explore the huge water park, then make the most of the fun-fair rides and arcade games. You’ll arrive at the amusement park on a hair-raising 1.8 mi (3km) long cable-car ride over the ocean, a feat of engineering that actually held the Guinness World Record when it was built. After a busy day on the rides, stop by the aquarium, home to over 300 species of rare and exotic sea creatures.

Refresh yourself under the cascades of Phu Quoc Waterfall after an energizing hike through thick tropical forest. Dip into the cool translucent ponds, shaded by the high trees and lavish bushes, and admire the soft-angled stones carved by the streams. Smell the aroma of wet moss in the air and listen to the sounds of nature echoing around you, while your mind, body, and soul revel in the tranquil ambiance. Bear in mind that the waterfall dries up during the dry season.

Enjoy a cocktail under a swaying coconut palm at Bai Tắm Sao. Located on the southeastern side of the island, the easily accessible beach boasts powdery white sands and clear turquoise waters. The beach has all the necessary facilities for leisure and fun, including bars, water sport operators, fishing boats, kayaks, powerboats, and food vendors. Due to weak currents and relatively shallow ocean bed, the coastline remains safe for children and non-swimmers. You can also go on a snorkeling adventure to observe starfish, sea urchins, and other marine life.

Observe a fisherman’s harbor village life from Dinh Cau Rock (Cua Temple), a temple and a lighthouse protecting boats at the mouth of the Duong Dong River. Perched on a rock at the estuary, the temple is dedicated to a sea goddess guarding the fishermen venturing into the open sea. The present-day structure built in 1937 features a picturesque shrine and a lighthouse tower with diagonal blue band around it. Climb a small 20 winding steps to reach a terrace under lush trees and watch fishing boats navigate the narrow river away from the coastal panorama with a sandy beach, palm trees and huts.

Also known as the coconut tree prison, Di Tích Nhà Tù Phú Quốc represents an embodiment of war crimes turned into a national heritage site. Originating in the Indochina War, the prison was divided into four areas that held over 14,000 prisoners--those who resisted French colonial rule between 1946 and 1954. It served the same purpose during the Vietnam War, except that the U.S. troops rebuilt the areas and separated them strictly for men, women, and elders with tight supervision. Exhibits display gruesome torture tools for crucifixion, boiling, and hammering teeth, as well as the infamous Catso tiger cage: a pitch-black cell, extremely hot during the day and cold during the night, which left prisoners blind and mentally unstable upon release. You can visit the prison with a tour guide service, or explore it freely on your own.