Insights from the test drive of Join UP!™’s new destination
Phu Quoc
Remember that starting this December, Join UP! is launching tours to Phu Quoc? And of course, you know us — we never launch sales to any resort without checking everything ourselves first. Even if it’s been named “World’s Best Natural Island Destination” three times¹, like Phu Quoc.
That’s why our team recently returned from a test drive around the island, and now we can say for sure — our travelers will find it comfortable, beautiful, and exciting. And as a bonus, we’re sharing a few more insights from the trip.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT PHU QUOC
Phu Quoc — nature and serenity
The island is very different from the mainland. On Phu Quoc, you won’t find the same variety of landscapes, historical landmarks, or cultural contrasts, but it’s quieter, with less traffic and noise, better tourist services, and an all-around beach relaxation vibe. And of course — the main feature of Phu Quoc, its advantage over popular island destinations in Asia — is its pristine nature, largely untouched by humans. Most of the territory is covered by tropical jungle, much of it protected as part of a national park. Even the beaches have kept their natural charm: clear water, soft white sand, without excessive development or tourist crowds.
New infrastructure
Tourism on Phu Quoc started developing only a little over 10 years ago. So the resort is still young, and the entire infrastructure is new — including the hotels. And there’s something for every taste. Don’t want to take risks and prefer something familiar and reliable? There’s a whole collection of iconic hotel chains for you. Our recommendation:
If you want something more authentic, choose local solo hotels:
| HOTEL | |
| Chen Sea Resort | BOOK NOW |
| Amarin Resort & Spa | BOOK NOW |
| Aquasun Hotel Phu Quoc | BOOK NOW |
| Avs Hotel Phu Quoc | BOOK NOW |
| Green Bay Phu Quoc Resort | BOOK NOW |
| M Village Tropical | BOOK NOW |
| New World Phu Quoc Resort | BOOK NOW |
| Premier Residences Phu Quoc Emerald Bay | BOOK NOW |
| Sea Sense Resort | BOOK NOW |
| The Palmy Hotel Resort & Spa | BOOK NOW |
| Thien Thanh Phu Quoc Resort | BOOK NOW |
Since the island is small, getting around is very easy. A trip to the farthest hotel from the airport takes no more than an hour and a half. Many resort hotels offer transfers to the island’s center, and northern resorts provide free shuttles to the VINWONDERS amusement park. You can also use local taxis — just install the app.
Night markets — a must-visit
Night markets are probably the best places on the island to feel the local vibe and taste exotic dishes. They usually come alive around 5 PM and stay bustling until nearly midnight, with food being prepared, sampled, sold, and haggled over. Everywhere you’ll smell fresh seafood, fried squid, spices, and sweet tropical fruits, while music plays — sometimes with live performances by local artists. Phu Quoc has several night markets, the most famous being:
- Dương Đông (Central Night Market) — the largest and most popular on the island, offering a huge selection of seafood and souvenirs.
- Ganh Dau (Grand World, Bai Dai) — combines a traditional night market with entertainment and energetic live performances.
- Bai Truong — an atmospheric market with street food, craft goods, and textiles. Quieter and more authentic than Duong Dong.
- Vuifest Night Market (Sunset Town) — a new, modern market with food trucks, creative dishes, and stylish shops.
What to buy?
- Black pepper. Thanks to its unique terroir², Phu Quoc pepper has a richer aroma and spicier taste than peppers grown in other regions.
- Coffee. Vietnam is the world’s second-largest coffee exporter after Brazil — 1.32 million tons in 2024³. However, 94% of local coffee is Robusta⁴, and this is what you can buy at local markets or in the popular KING KONG supermarket — a true shopping mecca on the island.
- Exotic fruits. Passion fruit, pitaya (dragon fruit), mango, rambutan, mangosteen, as well as watermelons and melons, which are also somewhat exotic for us in winter.
- Remember: Fruits from other countries are prohibited in the EU.
- Pearls. Phu Quoc is Vietnam’s pearl production hub. Many farms are cultivating both saltwater and freshwater pearls. They come in various colors: white, pink, silvery — but the most valuable are black.
Life hack: Gold and silver on the island are of relatively low quality, so we recommend purchasing pearls in Phu Quoc and crafting jewelry from them at home. When selecting pearls, ensure they feel cool and slightly rough to the touch.
TOP ACTIVITIES ON THE ISLAND
- Get a massage. Phu Quoc has plenty of massage salons — even at the markets! That’s exactly where we went. One of the most popular treatments is the foot massage, which locals consider not just a pleasant procedure but part of a wellness practice. Sessions last 30–45 minutes and cost up to $10, but the experience is incredible — highly recommended.
- Ride the world’s longest cable car. The cable car to Hon Thom Island is listed in the Guinness World Records as the longest over-sea cable car (almost 8 km). After a 15-minute ride over the water with stunning views, you arrive at Hon Thom with its Sun World amusement park. Visiting the park is already included in the cable car ticket price.
- Take a photo with a starfish. In winter, a huge number of starfish gather at Starfish Beach in the north of the island. It looks simply amazing. But when taking photos or Reels, remember — never remove the starfish from the water!
- Visit Sunset Town. This artificial city, built in 2023, is inspired by the architecture and landmarks of European capitals. Add nightly fireworks, street performances, a night market on the beach, the grand Kiss of the Sea show with acrobatics, lights, and water holograms, plus the Kiss Bridge — voted the most iconic tourist bridge in the world last year⁵. No wonder so many bloggers come here for photoshoots.
In short — it’s time to fly!
We offer direct flights to Phu Quoc from:
- Poland (Warsaw, Gdańsk)
- Romania (Bucharest)
- Baltic countries (Tallinn, Vilnius)
Book by September 30, 2025, to take advantage of Join UP!’s early booking benefits.
Discover your island of happiness, adventure, and relaxation with Join UP!
¹ According to World Travel Awards
² The combination of conditions affecting the product’s taste: climate, soil, sea air
⁵https://www.worldtravelawards.com/profile-46543-kiss-bridge-sun-paradise-land-phu-quoc