Phu Quoc South Island Sightseeing Full-Day Group Tour

Phu Quoc South Island Sightseeing Full-Day Group Tour

Tour Overview

  • Duration: 8-9 hours (~8:00 AM-5:00 PM).
  • Starting Point: Hotel pickup in Duong Dong, Long Beach, An Thoi, or Sunset Town (via shared air-conditioned van).
  • Group Size: Typically 10-20 people, fostering a social, guided experience.
  • Inclusions: Shared transport, English-speaking guide, entrance fees, bottled water, lunch (Vietnamese seafood or vegetarian options at a beachside restaurant), and activities (e.g., pearl farm visit, coconut prison tour).
  • Best Time: Morning start for cooler weather and vibrant sites; ideal season: November-April (dry season) for clear skies and calm seas. Key sites like Sao Beach are accessible year-round.
  • Note: The South Island is more developed than the north, featuring tourist hubs like Sunset Town and An Thoi, with a mix of cultural and modern attractions.

Itinerary Highlights

This tour explores Phu Quoc’s southern region, showcasing its pristine beaches, historical landmarks, and modern developments, offering a contrast to the North Island’s rustic charm and the 3 Islands’ marine focus.

  1. Ho Quoc Pagoda
    • Location: Ong Doi Cape, near Duong To.
    • Highlights:
      • Visit Phu Quoc’s largest Buddhist temple, perched on a hill with sweeping views of the Gulf of Thailand.
      • Admire the dragon-adorned architecture, serene gardens, and nine-story tower, a symbol of spiritual tranquility.
    • Group Experience: Guides share Buddhist traditions and the pagoda’s history, leading the group for photos at scenic viewpoints.
    • Time Spent: ~45 minutes (8:30-9:15 AM).
    • Cultural Note: Dress modestly (cover shoulders, knees); maintain silence to respect worshippers.
    • Tip: Wear comfortable shoes for steps; stay with the guide for cultural insights.
  2. Phu Quoc Pearl Farm
    • Location: Near Long Beach, southern coast.
    • Highlights:
      • Tour a pearl farm to learn about oyster cultivation and pearl harvesting, a key Phu Quoc industry.
      • View live demonstrations and browse high-quality pearl jewelry in the showroom.
    • Group Experience: Guides explain pearl production, encouraging group Q&A with farmers. The showroom visit sparks shared interest in souvenirs.
    • Time Spent: ~45 minutes (9:45-10:30 AM).
    • Note: Politely decline purchases if uninterested; photography may be limited in work areas.
  3. Phu Quoc Prison (Coconut Tree Prison)
    • Location: An Thoi, southern tip.
    • Highlights:
      • Explore this historical site, a former French colonial and Vietnam War prison, known for its harrowing “tiger cage” cells and barbed-wire exhibits.
      • View life-sized mannequins and reconstructed torture scenes, offering insight into Vietnam’s wartime struggles.
    • Group Experience: Guides narrate the prison’s grim history, fostering group discussions on resilience. Time is allotted for reflection.
    • Time Spent: ~1 hour (11:00 AM-12:00 PM).
    • Cultural Note: A somber site; maintain respect. Suitable for ages 12+ due to intense displays.
    • Tip: Stay with the guide for context; exhibits can be emotionally heavy.
  4. Sao Beach (Bai Sao)
    • Location: Southeastern coast, near An Thoi.
    • Highlights:
      • Relax at Phu Quoc’s most famous beach, known for powdery white sand and turquoise waters framed by coconut palms.
      • Enjoy a beachside lunch (e.g., grilled squid, fish, vegetarian spring rolls, rice, fruit) at a local restaurant.
      • Swim or sunbathe during free time.
    • Group Experience: Guides coordinate lunch and share beach ecology tips. Free time encourages group photos or beach activities.
    • Time Spent: ~2 hours (12:30-2:30 PM, including lunch).
    • Note: Bring swimwear, towel, and water shoes (some rocky patches). Avoid littering to protect the beach.
  5. Sunset Town and An Thoi Archipelago Viewpoint
    • Location: Sunset Town, An Thoi.
    • Highlights:
      • Stroll through Sunset Town, a Mediterranean-inspired area with colorful buildings, reminiscent of the Venice-like canals you admired in Grand World. Explore the iconic Kiss Bridge, a pedestrian bridge symbolizing love.
      • Visit a nearby viewpoint for panoramic vistas of the An Thoi Archipelago, with fishing boats and distant islands.
    • Group Experience: Guides highlight Sunset Town’s architectural charm and the bridge’s design, leading the group for sunset-hued photos.
    • Time Spent: ~1.5 hours (3:00-4:30 PM).
    • Tip: Wear sunscreen; viewpoint may involve a short walk. Kiss Bridge is best for evening light.
  6. Return to Hotel
    • Highlights:
      • Drive back through southern Phu Quoc, passing fishing villages or resort areas.
      • Drop-off at hotels in Duong Dong, Long Beach, An Thoi, or Sunset Town.
    • Group Experience: Guides wrap up with reflections on the South Island’s diversity, encouraging feedback.
    • Time Spent: ~30-45 minutes (4:45-5:30 PM).
    • Note: Traffic may delay return; confirm drop-off point.

Sample Itinerary

4:45-5:30 PM: Return to hotel; drop-off.

8:00-8:30 AM: Pickup from hotel; transfer to Ho Quoc Pagoda.

8:30-9:15 AM: Ho Quoc Pagoda (temple, ocean views).

9:45-10:30 AM: Phu Quoc Pearl Farm (tour, showroom).

11:00 AM-12:00 PM: Phu Quoc Prison (historical tour).

12:30-2:30 PM: Sao Beach (lunch, swimming).

3:00-4:30 PM: Sunset Town (Kiss Bridge, An Thoi Archipelago viewpoint).