1. About Phu Quoc
Phu Quoc, often called Pearl Island, is Vietnam’s largest island and a tropical paradise blessed with more than 150 kilometers of coastline. Its beaches are diverse: some stretch endlessly with golden sand and calm waves, others remain hidden with untouched charm, while offshore islands boast coral reefs teeming with life. Over the past decade, Phu Quoc has gained international recognition, with Kem Beach named among the world’s top 50 most beautiful beaches and Long Beach listed by CNN as one of the planet’s finest coastlines. The island’s shores are not only defined by their natural beauty but also by the world-class resorts, entertainment complexes, and authentic fishing villages that surround them.
Yet a question many travelers still ask is: which side has the better beaches in Phu Quoc? To answer this, we need to explore the island’s three main regions—South, Central, and North—each offering its own style of coastline, from luxury retreats and lively hubs to tranquil bays and rustic escapes.
2. Southern Phu Quoc
2.1 Kem Beach
Kem Beach has become the ultimate proof that the better beaches in Phu Quoc belong to the South. Named among the top 50 most beautiful beaches in the world, it captivates visitors with powdery white sand and turquoise water curving in a natural bay. The beach itself remains pristine, lined with coconut palms and gentle waves perfect for swimming or paddleboarding.
A crescent of silky white sand and turquoise water at Kem Beach (Photo: Collected)
What elevates Kem Beach beyond its natural beauty is the complete leisure ecosystem that surrounds it. Resorts like JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay, New World Phu Quoc Resort, and Premier Residences Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort bring world-class hospitality, while the stylish beachfront venues such as Draft Beer and other modern restaurants add vibrant nightlife and international dining. Just a short ride away, Sunset Town unfolds with colorful Mediterranean-style streets, the iconic Kiss Bridge, and La Festa Phu Quoc – Curio Collection by Hilton. Every evening, spectacles such as Kiss of the Sea and Symphony of the Sea light up the coastline, while VUI-Fest Bazaar turns the town into a festive seaside market.
This rare harmony of untouched nature and luxury leisure makes Kem Beach not only one of the best beaches in Asia but also solid proof that the South holds the better beaches in Phu Quoc.
2.2 Sao Beach
Sao Beach is another southern highlight that proves why this region holds the better beaches in Phu Quoc. Spanning 7 kilometers, its snow-white sand and crystal-clear water create a postcard-perfect scene that has long drawn international praise. The bay remains calm in the dry season, ideal for swimming, snorkeling, or simply relaxing on loungers under the tropical sun.
Around the beach, local seafood restaurants and water sport operators bring energy to the setting. From parasailing to jet skiing, visitors can balance relaxation with adventure before settling down to taste fresh dishes by the sea. The blend of untouched beauty and lively activities makes Sao Beach a southern icon, cementing the South’s reputation as the region with the island’s finest coastlines.
Sao Beach – postcard scenery and lively water sports in southern Phu Quoc (Photo: Collected)
2.3 Trao Beach
Trao Beach on Hon Thom Island is lined with tall coconut palms and soft golden sand. Its crystal-clear waters reveal the seabed below, inviting quiet swims and sunbathing. But just beyond this peaceful shoreline lies the vibrant Sun World Hon Thom complex, accessed by the world’s longest three-wire cable – Hon Thom Cable Car. Sun World Hon Thom is the entire entertainment complex, where visitors from all ages can try the famous roller coaster Angry Wooden Snake – the first and only wooden coaster in Vietnam, explore Exotica Village and many other games.
Trao Beach – the hidden gem with golden sands and palm-lined shores (Photo: Collected)
Here, visitors discover Aquatopia Water Park with over 20 outdoor slides, and a wide range of water sports. The island is also preparing for the arrival of Rixos Phu Quoc, an ultra-luxury international resort brand. Few places in Asia combine such pristine island scenery with cutting-edge entertainment, solidifying Trao Beach at Hon Thom, Southern side as one of the better beaches in Phu Quoc.
2.4 Ong Doi Cape
Ong Doi Cape, stands uniquely in Phu Quoc as the only place where visitors can watch both sunrise and sunset from the same beach. Its golden sand and emerald waters are backed by rugged cliffs, creating a landscape that feels dramatic and serene at once.
Ong Doi Cape – The only place to catch both sunrise and sunset (Photo: Collected)
Atop these cliffs, Premier Village Phu Quoc Resort offers cliffside villas with infinity pools and sweeping sea views. Guests enjoy private coves, spa treatments, and fine dining, all within steps of untouched beaches. The combination of raw coastal beauty and refined resort luxury makes Ong Doi Cape a destination that encapsulates why the South is home to the better beaches in Phu Quoc.
2.5 An Thoi Archipelago
Just off the southern coast lies the An Thoi Archipelago, a cluster of small islands that together showcase Phu Quoc’s wildest beauty. Hon Mong Tay, often called the “mini Maldives,” features golden sand and swaying palms. Hon Gam Ghi is celebrated for its coral reefs, making it a snorkeler’s dream, while Hon May Rut offers rustic wooden huts, hammocks by the shore, and fresh seafood grilled right on the beach.
Coconut-shaded shores with crystal-clear water at Trao Beach (Photo: Collected)
Day tours bring travelers here for island-hopping, snorkeling, and beachside dining, with simple facilities ensuring comfort without disturbing the natural charm. This archipelago represents the purest side of Southern Phu Quoc, where untouched beauty meets light, authentic hospitality. Together, these islands confirm that the South is where travelers truly find the better beaches in Phu Quoc.
3. Central Phu Quoc
3.1 Truong Beach
Stretching more than 20 kilometers along the western shore, Truong Beach is the longest beach in Phu Quoc. Its golden sand glows at dusk, when the horizon melts into shades of orange and purple, creating some of the island’s most spectacular sunsets. Calm waves and wide open stretches make it ideal for long walks, swimming, and enjoying beachside cocktails.
Truong Beach – a golden shoreline stretching endlessly into sunset skies (Photo: Collected)
Around Truong Beach lies a mix of modern resorts and local life. International names have established beachfront hotels, like InterContinental Phu Quoc Long Beach Resort offers modern beachfront luxury with facilities like INK 360, the island’s highest rooftop bar, family programs, and a dedicated kids club. Just next door, Regent Phu Quoc redefines ultra-luxury with all-suites and all-villas accommodations, private pools, while smaller boutique stays and beach bars cater to casual travelers. Seafood restaurants and cocktail lounges bring energy to the shore, especially at sunset. Though vibrant and accessible, Truong Beach lacks the global accolades of Kem or Sao in the South, showing that while the Central coast is lively, it does not surpass the South in defining the better beaches in Phu Quoc.
3.2 Ong Lang Beach
Located just north of Duong Dong, Ong Lang Beach is smaller and quieter, offering a rustic escape. Golden sand slopes gently into calm, clear water, making it popular for swimming and snorkeling. At dusk, the beach becomes a romantic spot as the sun sets over the horizon, painting the sky in warm colors.
Ong Lang Beach – rustic golden sand and intimate sunset views (Photo: Collected)
Nearby, boutique resorts and eco-friendly lodges cater to couples and families who prefer intimacy over large complexes. Small restaurants and bars create a laid-back atmosphere, perfect for evenings by the sea. Ong Lang represents the central coast’s quieter side, yet its facilities remain modest compared to the all-encompassing ecosystem of the South.
3.3 Dinh Cau Beach
Right in Duong Dong town, Dinh Cau Beach blends natural scenery with cultural landmarks. Fishing boats anchor offshore, while soft sand and gentle waves provide space for a quick swim or seaside stroll. The beach is framed by Dinh Cau Temple, a historic site perched on rocky outcrops, offering panoramic views of the sea.
Dinh Cau Beach – where fishing boats and a seaside temple shape the town’s character (Photo: Collected)
Surrounding the beach, Duong Dong bustles with night markets, street food stalls, and cafés. It is the best place to experience the island’s rhythm of daily life, from fishermen returning at dawn to families gathering at dusk. However, as a town beach, Dinh Cau lacks the pristine beauty and resort ecosystem of the South. It remains a cultural highlight rather than a showcase of the better beaches in Phu Quoc.
4. Northern Phu Quoc
4.1 Vung Bau Beach
Vung Bau Beach curves in a natural crescent, its golden sand backed by lush forest and calm, shallow waters. It is quieter than most beaches, making it a favored escape for those seeking peace and seclusion.
Vung Bau Beach – a quiet crescent bay now home to oceanfront golfing (Photo: Collected)
Adding to its uniqueness, the area is home to the Eschuri Vung Bau Golf Course, an 18-hole championship course designed with the theme “from forest to sea.” Here, players swing between fairways framed by ocean views and tropical greenery. The combination of natural calm and sporting excellence makes Vũng Bầu a distinct northern destination. Still, in terms of global prestige, it does not rival Kem or Trào in the South, showing again that the better beaches in Phu Quoc are concentrated in the southern region.
4.2 Long Beach
Long Beach on the northern coast stretches for nearly 15 kilometers, lined with golden sand and calm turquoise water. Palm groves shade the shore, and the breeze is gentle, making it one of the most relaxing beaches on the island. CNN once listed Long Beach among the world’s most beautiful beaches, giving it international recognition.
Long Beach with golden sands stretching into calm turquoise waters (Photo: Collected)
Resorts such as Fusion Resort Phu Quoc, Radisson Blu Resort Phu Quoc, and Wyndham Grand Phu Quoc now occupy parts of this coastline, offering high-end stays with golf courses, spas, and family-friendly amenities. Yet despite this development, the beach maintains a quieter feel than the southern icons. While Long Beach is impressive, it lacks the full ecosystem of entertainment, dining, and cultural hubs that surround beaches like Kem and Sao, reinforcing the South’s dominance in defining the better beaches in Phu Quoc.
5. Conclusion
Each part of Phu Quoc offers its own flavor of coastline. The North is rustic and tranquil, with Bãi Dài listed among the world’s most beautiful. The Central coast around Dương Đông blends long stretches of sand with luxury icons.
Yet when travelers ask where to find the better beaches in Phu Quoc, the answer lies in the South. Here, natural wonders like Kem Beach and Sao Beach have earned international acclaim, while dramatic spots like Ong Doi Cape and serene shores like Trao Beach on Hon Thom showcase pristine beauty paired with world-class leisure. Offshore, the An Thoi Archipelago dazzles with turquoise lagoons and coral reefs, completing the South’s unmatched portfolio.
It is this harmony of untouched scenery and a complete ecosystem of luxury resorts, entertainment complexes, and cultural hubs that sets Southern Phu Quoc apart. For travelers seeking the island’s most iconic coastlines, the South is where nature and modern leisure converge—proving beyond doubt that it holds the better beaches in Phu Quoc.
