There are trips you take, and then there are trips that stay with you. Phu Quoc was the latter.
This is my complete Phu Quoc travel guide for Indians — everything you need to plan a luxury, cultural holiday on this stunning Vietnamese island.
I still remember the moment we walked through the gates of VinWonders with my daughter. The lights, the sounds, the sheer scale of it — her face said everything. I had always wanted to give her a Disney-like experience, and there it was, right in the middle of the South China Sea, on a Vietnamese island most Indians haven’t even heard of. That moment alone made the entire journey worth it.
We spent three days on this island — my husband, my daughter, and I — arriving in late September as part of a larger Southeast Asia trip through Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam. And honestly? Phu Quoc surprised us all.
Getting There from India
We flew into Phu Quoc as part of a longer Southeast Asia route — India to Laos, then Cambodia, then Vietnam. If you’re planning a direct trip, the easiest route is via Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) or Hanoi, both of which have frequent connections to Phu Quoc International Airport. IndiGo, Air India, and Vietnam Airlines offer good connections with one stop.
Tip: Book your regional flights within Southeast Asia separately — carriers like VietJet and AirAsia offer very affordable fares between cities.
Where We Stayed
Crowne Plaza Phu Quoc Starbay
Our home for the first part of the trip, the Crowne Plaza was everything we needed — beautifully designed, right on the beach, with a pool that seemed to merge into the sea. The service was warm and attentive, and the breakfast spread was generous enough to keep us fuelled for full days of exploring. GrandWorld is just minutes away.
Perfect for: Families and couples who want a reliable luxury experience without hunting for a hidden gem.
JM Boutique Hotel
A contrast to the Crowne Plaza — smaller, more intimate, pet friendly, with a personal touch that larger resorts often miss. JM Boutique is very close to the beach, also has a small very good restaurant. The staff remembered our names, our daughter’s preferences, and made us feel genuinely welcome. A lovely choice if you prefer character over corporate.
Explore all hotels in Phu Quoc – >
Day 1 — Arrival, VinWonders, Quintessence show
We arrived in the morning, checked in, and immediately headed to the Vinwonders. My daughter was very eager to see this.
VinWonders
VinWonders Phu Quoc is one of Vietnam’s largest and most exciting theme parks, offering a perfect blend of thrilling rides, family-friendly attractions, and immersive themed zones. From adrenaline-pumping roller coasters and interactive adventure areas to spectacular live performances, there is something for visitors of all ages. Don’t miss the enchanting fairy tale castles, the vibrant water park, and the impressive aquarium, which is among the largest in the region. Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or children, VinWonders promises a full day of fun, excitement, and unforgettable memories.
Grand World
Grand World is a must-visit destination in Phu Quoc, packed with attractions and entertainment. The scenic ride on the charming Venice-style canal taxis, explore the unique Teddy Bear Museum, admire the iconic Bamboo Legend structure, and soak in the lively atmosphere throughout the complex. As the sun sets, be sure to watch the spectacular Grand World Venice Show, a dazzling performance that combines music, lights, and culture for an unforgettable experience.
The Quintessence of Vietnam Show
On one of our evenings at GrandWorld, we attended the Quintessence of Vietnam show — a cultural performance that tells the story of Vietnamese life, traditions, and landscape through stunning choreography, costumes, and staging. It’s moving, beautiful, and genuinely unlike anything you’ll find in India. Highly recommended for anyone who loves culture and storytelling.
In the evening we visited the beach. Phu Quoc’s west-facing coastline means the sunsets here are extraordinary — the sky turns every shade of orange and pink you can imagine, reflected in calm, warm water.
Day 2 — Island Hopping with John Tours and MaryRut Island and Kiss of the Sea
This was the highlight of our trip.
We booked an island hopping tour with John Tours — a well-known local operator who takes small groups out to the surrounding islands. The tour included snorkelling, fresh seafood lunch on the boat, and stops at some of the most pristine beaches I’ve seen anywhere in the world.
Near one of the islands, I tried sea walking for the very first time. I don’t know how to swim — so stepping off that boat into the open sea was genuinely terrifying. But the moment I was underwater, surrounded by coral reef and quiet and colour, all the fear disappeared. It was one of the most extraordinary things I have ever done.
MaryRut Island deserves its own mention. The water here is so clear you can see the coral from the boat. We snorkelled for hours — my daughter, who had never snorkelled before, refused to get out. The marine life is beautiful, the crowds are minimal, and the whole experience feels like something out of a travel magazine.
Booking tip: John Tours is popular — book at least a day in advance. Your hotel concierge can usually arrange it or book it online.
Island Hopping Bookable through Klook
Seawalking – Bookable through Klook
Kiss of the Sea Show
In the evening, it started drizzling but we caught the Kiss of the Sea show — a spectacular water and light performance that genuinely left us speechless. The combination of acrobatics, water screens, and music is unlike anything I’ve seen in India. If you’re visiting with family, do not skip this.
Practical info:
- Kiss of the Sea: evening show, tickets Bookable through Klook
- Best sunset spot: Long Beach (Bãi Trường)
Day 3 — Aquatopia, the World’s Longest Cable Car and Hon Thom Island
Save your energy for Day 3.
We started with the Sun World Hon Thom Cable Car — at over 7.9 kilometres, it holds the record for the world’s longest non-stop three-rope cable car. The ride takes you over the open sea to Hon Thom (Pineapple Island), with views that are genuinely breathtaking. My husband, who is afraid of heights, gripped my hand the entire way — and still agreed it was worth it.
SunWorld and Aquatopia is where we spent the rest of the day. It is, without exaggeration, a world-class theme park. Rides, shows, an aquarium, a water park — the scale of it rivals anything in Southeast Asia. Watching my daughter experience it with pure joy is a memory I’ll carry for years.
Practical info:
- Combo tickets for cable car + SunWorld are available and offer better value
- Arrive early — the park gets busier through the afternoon
- The water park section is particularly wonderful for kids
Book SunWorld tickets on Klook →
The Food — Don’t Leave Without Eating This
Vietnamese food is extraordinary, and Phu Quoc has its own island spin on it.
Pho — the classic Vietnamese noodle soup — is something else here. Rich, fragrant broth, tender beef or chicken, fresh herbs. We had it for breakfast twice. Find a local spot away from the tourist strip for the real version.
Phu Quoc pepper is famous across Vietnam — the island’s black pepper is considered among the best in the world. Pick up a bag to bring home.
Night market, Duong Dong — a must-visit for street food. Grilled seafood, fresh spring rolls, tropical fruit. Budget around 200,000–300,000 VND per person for a full meal.
Is Phu Quoc Expensive?
Honest answer — yes, slightly more than mainland Vietnam. As a resort island with international hotels and world-class attractions, prices are higher than Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City.
That said, compared to similar luxury experiences in Thailand or the Maldives, Phu Quoc offers extraordinary value. The Crowne Plaza, VinWonders, island hopping, and nightly shows — we did it all without feeling like we were overspending.
Budget guide (approximate, per couple per day):
- Luxury hotel: ₹8,000–15,000
- Food: ₹1,500–3,000
- Activities: ₹3,000–6,000
- Total: ₹12,500–24,000 per day
Practical Information for Indian Travellers
Visa: Indian passport holders require a visa for Vietnam. Apply for an e-visa online at evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn — it’s straightforward and takes 3 business days.
Currency: Vietnamese Dong (VND). Carry cash for markets and local restaurants. Cards are accepted at hotels and major attractions.
Best time to visit: November to April is peak season with dry weather. We visited in late September — the tail end of the wet season — and had wonderful weather with occasional brief showers that never disrupted our plans.
Language: English is widely spoken in tourist areas. A few words of Vietnamese (xin chào = hello, cảm ơn = thank you) go a long way.
Getting around: Grab (Southeast Asia’s Uber) works on the island. Taxis are readily available from hotels.
Final Thoughts
Phu Quoc is one of those rare destinations that genuinely has something for everyone — luxury, nature, culture, adventure, family fun, and food. It doesn’t ask you to choose. In three days, we snorkelled crystal waters, rode the world’s longest cable car, watched our daughter laugh with pure joy at a theme park, and ate bowls of pho that I’m still thinking about.
If you’ve been considering Southeast Asia and wondering where to start — start here.
Have questions about planning your Phu Quoc trip? Write to me at hello@thewanderletters.com — I’d love to help.
All hotel and activity links in this post are affiliate links. If you book through them, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you — it helps keep The Wander Letters going. I only recommend places I’ve personally stayed and loved.
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