7 Best Things to Do in North Phu Quoc (2026 Local Guide)

North Phu Quoc at a Glance

If you’re looking for a quieter, more authentic side of Phu Quoc, the north of the island is well worth exploring. Unlike the busy resorts in the south, North Phu Quoc is known for peaceful beaches, traditional fishing villages, floating seafood restaurants, mangrove forests, and some of the island’s most beautiful natural scenery.

Highlights include:

• ⭐ Starfish Beach
• 🦀 Rạch Vẹm Fishing Village
• 🌿 Phu Quoc National Park
• 🌅 Gành Dầu Cape
• 🛶 River Kayaking
• 🌶️ Pepper Farms
• 🐝 Bee Farm
• ☀️ Best Time to Visit North Phú Quốc

Visit Starfish Beach

One of the most iconic attractions in Phú Quốc, Starfish Beach is famous for its shallow crystal-clear waters, peaceful surroundings, and vibrant red starfish. During the dry season (November–April), calm seas and excellent visibility create the perfect conditions for swimming, photography, and spotting starfish in their natural habitat.

Most visitors spend 1–2 hours enjoying the beach before continuing to other attractions in North Phú Quốc. Because the water remains shallow for a long distance, it’s also a great destination for families with children.

The easiest way to reach the best areas of Starfish Beach is by taking a short 10-minute boat ride from Rạch Vẹm Fishing Village, avoiding the long walk and giving you access to the clearest water where starfish are most commonly found.

At Nhà Trên Biển – Joy Adventures, we offer convenient boat transfers to Starfish Beach, with the option to combine your visit with fresh seafood at our floating restaurant or one of our local experience packages, making it easy to enjoy everything the area has to offer in a single trip. Contact us on whatsapp: +84 703 397 404 to book your boat to Starfish Beach!

💡 Local Tip

Visit in the morning during the dry season for the calmest water, the best visibility, and fewer crowds. Remember that the starfish are wild animals—please admire them where they naturally rest and never remove them from the water.

Want to know more? Check out our detailed guides on how to get to Starfish Beach, the best time to visit, and how to visit responsibly.

Explore Rạch Vẹm Fishing Village

Long before Rạch Vẹm became known for its famous Starfish Beach, it was a quiet fishing village where local families made their living from the sea. Today, around 180 households still call the village home, with many continuing traditional fishing while also welcoming visitors to experience their way of life through floating seafood restaurants and local boat services.

A visit to Rạch Vẹm offers a glimpse into a slower side of Phú Quốc. Wander through the village, watch colorful fishing boats return with the day’s catch, stroll along the wooden piers stretching out over the water, and enjoy some of the freshest seafood on the island while surrounded by peaceful ocean views.

At Nhà Trên Biển – Joy Adventures, we’re proud to be part of this local community. From our floating restaurant, you can enjoy freshly prepared seafood, take a boat to Starfish Beach, or simply relax above the water and experience the unique atmosphere that has made Rạch Vẹm one of North Phú Quốc’s most memorable destinations. Contact us via Whatsapp: +84 703 397 404 and we’ll help you plan the perfect day in Rạch Vẹm Fishing Village.

💡 Local Tip

Don’t rush your visit. Many travelers come only for Starfish Beach and leave within an hour, but spending a little extra time exploring the village and enjoying lunch on a floating restaurant is what turns a quick stop into one of the highlights of a trip to North Phú Quốc.

Explore Phú Quốc National Park

Covering more than half of the island, Phú Quốc National Park is a paradise for nature lovers and one of the best places to experience the island beyond its beaches. Recognized as part of the UNESCO-listed Kiên Giang Biosphere Reserve, the park is home to lush tropical rainforest, scenic viewpoints, waterfalls, and a wide variety of native plants and wildlife.

Whether you’re hiking through jungle trails, riding a scooter along quiet forest roads, or simply enjoying the peaceful surroundings, the national park offers a completely different side of Phú Quốc. It’s the perfect escape for anyone looking to experience the island’s natural beauty away from the busy tourist areas.

The park is located just a short drive from Rạch Vẹm Fishing Village, making it easy to combine a morning exploring the rainforest with an afternoon at Starfish Beach and fresh seafood on a floating restaurant.

💡 Local Tip

Many visitors rush straight to Starfish Beach and miss the national park altogether. If you’re spending a full day in North Phú Quốc, combine both attractions for a perfect mix of rainforest, coastline, and local culture.

Visit Gành Dầu Cape

Located on the northwestern tip of Phú Quốc, Gành Dầu Cape is one of the island’s most scenic viewpoints. Known for its rocky coastline, calm beaches, and panoramic sea views, it’s the perfect place to relax and enjoy a quieter side of the island away from the larger tourist attractions.

On a clear day, you can even see the coastline of Cambodia across the sea, making Gành Dầu one of the few places in Phú Quốc where you can enjoy views of another country. The area is especially beautiful in the late afternoon, when the setting sun creates stunning colours over the Gulf of Thailand.

While the beach itself is peaceful and great for a short stop, many visitors combine Gành Dầu with nearby attractions such as Phú Quốc National Park, Rạch Vẹm Fishing Village, and Starfish Beach, making it an ideal addition to a full day exploring North Phú Quốc.

💡 Local Tip

Visit Gành Dầu in the late afternoon for the best lighting and cooler temperatures. If you’re exploring North Phú Quốc by scooter or taxi, it’s the perfect final stop before heading back after a day of visiting the national park, Starfish Beach, and Rạch Vẹm Fishing Village..

Kayak the Cửa Cạn River

If you’re looking for a peaceful escape into nature, Cửa Cạn River is one of the best places in Phú Quốc to explore by kayak. Winding through lush mangrove forests before meeting the sea, the river offers calm waters, beautiful scenery, and the chance to experience one of the island’s most untouched natural environments.

For something a little different, you can also try a traditional Vietnamese basket boat. These round bamboo boats have been used by local fishermen for generations and offer a fun way to experience the river while learning about local fishing traditions. Some tours even include activities such as net fishing demonstrations, tropical fruit tasting, and traditional folk music.

For this experience, we highly recommend Basket Boat Tour & Kayak Tour (Dynasty Phu Quoc). Their guided tours on the Cửa Cạn River are highly rated by visitors and are a fantastic way to discover a quieter side of North Phú Quốc, whether you choose a relaxing kayak trip or the unique experience of riding in a traditional basket boat.

💡 Local Tip

Cửa Cạn River is only a short drive from Rạch Vẹm Fishing Village, making it easy to combine a morning kayaking or basket boating with an afternoon at Starfish Beach and lunch at a floating seafood restaurant for a perfect day exploring North Phú Quốc.

Visit a Traditional Pepper Farm

Phú Quốc is famous not only for its beautiful beaches but also for its world-renowned pepper, prized for its rich aroma and bold flavour. Visiting a pepper farm is a great way to learn about one of the island’s most important local products while experiencing the quieter countryside of North Phú Quốc.

We highly recommend Pepper Farm – Phu Quoc Countryside, a family-run farm located on the way to Rạch Vẹm and Starfish Beach. Here, you can stroll through rows of pepper vines, learn how different varieties of pepper are grown and processed, and sample locally produced black, white, and red pepper. The farm also has a small café and shop where you can purchase authentic Phú Quốc pepper and other locally made products.

💡 Local Tip

Since it’s located along the route to Starfish Beach, this is the perfect first stop before continuing north. Spend 30–45 minutes exploring the farm, then head to Rạch Vẹm Fishing Village for a boat trip to Starfish Beach and a fresh seafood lunch on a floating restaurant. It’s one of the best day itineraries for exploring North Phú Quốc.

Visit Phú Quốc Bee Farm

For a peaceful break from the beaches, Phú Quốc Bee Farm is a hidden gem that’s well worth a visit. Surrounded by tropical gardens, this eco-friendly farm offers visitors the chance to learn about beekeeping, discover the important role bees play in the local ecosystem, and taste delicious 100% pure Phú Quốc honey.

Take a stroll through the beautiful gardens, enjoy a refreshing drink or homemade cake at the café, and browse a selection of locally produced honey and natural products. It’s a relaxing stop that’s suitable for families, couples, and anyone looking to experience a different side of the island.

We highly recommend Phú Quốc Bee Farm as one of the best countryside attractions in North Phú Quốc. Conveniently located on the way to Rạch Vẹm Fishing Village and Starfish Beach, it’s easy to include in your itinerary without making a detour.

💡 Local Tip

Try one of their fresh honey drinks or desserts while relaxing in the gardens. It’s the perfect stop before continuing north to Starfish Beach or after spending the morning exploring Phú Quốc National Park.

Best Time to Visit North Phú Quốc

North Phú Quốc is a fantastic destination year-round, but the experience can vary depending on the season and weather. Whether you’re planning to visit Starfish Beach, explore Rạch Vẹm Fishing Village, hike through Phú Quốc National Park, or relax at a floating seafood restaurant, choosing the right time can make your trip even more enjoyable.

🌴 Dry Season (November – April) ⭐ Best Time to Visit

The dry season is widely considered the best time to explore North Phú Quốc. Calm seas, sunny weather, and excellent visibility make it ideal for visiting Starfish Beach, taking a boat trip, kayaking on the Cửa Cạn River, and enjoying lunch on a floating restaurant.

This is also the busiest time of year, so it’s a good idea to arrive early, especially during holidays and weekends.

🌦️ Rainy Season (May – October)

The rainy season brings lush green landscapes and fewer crowds, making North Phú Quốc feel even more peaceful. While short tropical showers are common, they often pass quickly, leaving plenty of time to explore.

Activities such as visiting Phú Quốc National Park, Pepper Farm – Phu Quoc Countryside, Phú Quốc Bee Farm, and enjoying fresh seafood at a floating restaurant can still be enjoyed throughout the season. Boat trips to Starfish Beach also operate when sea conditions are safe, although water clarity may vary depending on the weather.

💡 Local Tip

If your schedule is flexible, aim to visit between November and April for the very best conditions. However, don’t rule out the rainy season—many visitors are surprised by how much there is to do in North Phú Quốc, even on days with occasional showers.

Want to know the best month for visiting Starfish Beach? Read our detailed guide: Best Time to Visit Starfish Beach, where we cover weather, sea conditions, and what to expect throughout the year or contact us via Whatsapp: +84 703 397 404