Wondering where to stay in Phu Quoc first time?
During our three-month trip through Vietnam, we spent over fifteen full days on this tropical island.
While most travelers only spend a few days in Phu Quoc, our longer stay allows us to give a well-informed and honest answer to the question of where to stay in Phu Quoc is best.
What’s immediately noticeable is that the entire island is undergoing a period of rapid development.
New resorts, hotels, and apartment complexes are springing up everywhere.
At the same time, this also means that in some places you’ll still encounter rubble, unfinished construction projects, and construction work.
This contrast is typical of Phu Quoc for the time being and is something to consider when choosing where to stay.
Fortunately, the island is surprisingly easy to explore. Grab, the Asian version of Uber, is widely available and makes getting around simple and affordable.
Whether you want to hop from beach to beach or dine out in a different neighborhood in the evening, transportation is rarely a problem.
The best areas to stay in Phu Quoc first time are Đường Bào, Dương Đông (especially near Truong Beach), Khem Beach, Ong Lang Beach, and Bai Dai.
If you prefer to have all amenities within easy reach, Dương Đông, Phu Quoc’s main town, is the place to be. Here you’ll find supermarkets, restaurants, the night market, and most practical amenities.
However, many travelers prefer to stay by the beach, where tranquility, sea views, and a relaxed holiday atmosphere prevail.
My personal favorite is Đường Bào, located just south of the airport. Here you’ll find many resorts, as well as the night market and a beautiful beach with some top beach clubs.
Truong Beach, located near the capital, Dương Đông, offers a more authentic beach and the island’s best nightlife. It doesn’t feel as resort-like as Dong Bao, and it’s more centrally located.
Khem Beach is an area with plenty of potential, boasting brand-new buildings. It has a resort-like feel, and the French architecture and wide roads create a unique atmosphere. Be aware, however, that there’s no sunset here, and the large development still has many vacant properties.
Ong Lang Beach is a budget-friendly spot just north of the capital. It’s relatively quiet, offers access to several small beaches, and is mainly dotted with boutique hotels and eco-resorts. For amenities, you’ll have to go to Dương Đông.
Finally, for the luxury traveler, there’s the option of staying in Bai Dai. Luxurious, quiet, and full of comfort, but a bit dull (except for the resort itself). Because it’s quite far from other popular spots, there’s not much to do in the evenings.
But it is beautiful!
| Name of the area | Particularly good for: |
|---|---|
| Đường Bào | My personal favorite, with excellent access to a lovely beach, evening market, great restaurants, and beach clubs. The nightlife, however, is a bit less vibrant. |
| Truong Beach | Centrally located near the island’s capital, with plenty of amenities within easy reach. The nightlife is great, and it has an authentic feel. |
| Khem Beach | A brand-new neighborhood with beautiful buildings and architecture, a large beach, and potential to become a top destination. Be aware, however, that in the afternoon you’ll have considerably less sun than on the beaches on the west side of the island. |
| Ong Lang Beach | Budget-friendly option with nice boutique hotels, eco-resorts and bungalows close to the center. |
| Dai Bai | Luxurious resort in the northern part of the island. Ideal for those seeking peace and quiet. Be aware, however, that there’s not much to do in the evenings, and you’ll be dependent on the resort’s facilities. |
Most complete holiday area on Phu Quoc for the average tourist
Đường Bào is often described as a resort area, but in practice, it feels more like a more developed residential and holiday area.
The most beautiful stretches of beach are indeed resort-owned, but that doesn’t mean you automatically have to pay a premium price for a stay here.
Behind these resorts, about a five-minute walk away, are a surprising number of affordable apartments and small-scale accommodations, popular with travelers seeking comfort without the resort price tag.
What makes Đường Bào so appealing is the combination of beach and practicality.
You can literally walk from your apartment to the beach, which is ideal for getting out of the sun, having a drink, or quickly using the restrooms.
In the immediate vicinity, you’ll find plenty of restaurants, cafes, supermarkets, and even bakeries, so you rarely have to walk far for daily necessities.
The beach itself is relatively quiet and wide.
Palm trees provide natural shade, and beach chairs and umbrellas are available for rent.
There are also plenty of water activities available, such as jet skiing, parasailing, and paddleboarding, without the beach losing its relaxed character.
Beach volleyball is always a lively sport in the late afternoon.
In the evening, the nearby night market brings a lively atmosphere.
Seafood lovers will especially enjoy themselves here, although you’ll also see many barbecues and food stalls clearly catering to Russian tourists.
Marinated pork skewers are grilled over charcoal.
The atmosphere in Đường Bào is predominantly family-friendly and popular with couples.
There are a few beach clubs for sunset drinks, but this isn’t the place for a more lively nightlife.
A slight drawback is the location. Because Đường Bào is located a bit further south, it’s further away from popular spots in the north of the island, such as Starfish Beach.
This makes the area particularly suitable for travellers who value peace and comfort over checking off sights every day.
Phu Quoc's wonderful beach life guarantees enjoyment. Enjoy the sun during the day, order your first cocktails at sunset, and party at the beach clubs in the evening with plenty of entertainment and shows.
Local, affordable, more vibrant, and close to the capital of Phu Quoc
Truong Beach, also known as Long Beach, has a distinctly different feel than Đường Bào.
This area has a more local and raw character, making it particularly attractive to travelers seeking a less polished Phu Quoc experience.
Restaurants and bars are scattered along the coast and throughout the district, rather than concentrated in a single tourist zone.
The nightlife here is noticeably better than in Đường Bào, although don’t expect large discos.
Think more of beach bars and cozy cafes where you can hang out in the evening.
This loose, disorganized structure actually contributes to the area’s charm.
In terms of accommodation, Truong Beach is generally more affordable and appeals primarily to backpackers and long-term travelers.
The beaches are less formal and offer less natural shade.
Some areas are reserved for hotel guests, while other sections are completely open and often feel sunnier and less comfortable.
What many travelers find a pleasant surprise is the color of the water.
At Truong Beach, the sea often looks bluer and clearer than at other parts of the island.
However, not every accommodation is directly on the beach, so you might need a short walk or a Grab ride.
A major advantage is the proximity to Dương Đông.
From Truong Beach, you can quickly reach the vibrant heart of the island, where you have access to shops, markets, transportation, and practical amenities.
This makes this area ideal for travelers seeking a balance between beach life, local life, and affordability.
Most travelers visit several beaches, so they travel halfway around the island anyway.
If you have a vibrant nightlife nearby at the end of the day (and you’re really looking for it), I recommend staying in this area.
The island boasts a variety of beaches, varying greatly in quality and size. Therefore, choose accommodation in one of the established areas and then venture from there to the more remote beaches.
French architecture, brand new buildings, luxury resorts for an ultimate holiday experience.
Khem Beach is one of Phu Quoc’s most talked-about beaches, known for its beautiful, soft sand and clear water, making it a dream destination for many.
While there is indeed increasing investment in infrastructure around Khem Beach, with improved roads and easy access from Dương Đông, the area is still a mix of developed and transitional areas, reflected in some vacant buildings and construction sites along the coast.
Unlike some other beaches known more as backpacker hotspots, Khem Beach immediately feels more luxurious, partly because the presence of resorts like the JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay clearly influences the landscape and gives the area a stylish and well-maintained character.
Around the beach, you’ll find a selection of restaurants, cafes, and lounges, often priced higher than elsewhere on the island, but offering quality and comfort. These include bakeries and coffee shops where you can relax and start or end your day with a sea view.
The beach itself is long and inviting, with soft, white sandbanks that many travelers praise as one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline on Phu Quoc.
It’s a popular spot among tourists because it offers ample shade under palm trees, the sea is generally calm, and the facilities for sunbeds and parasols are quite well-developed.
Many visitors rent sunbeds here for a reasonable fixed price, which makes the beach experience more comfortable and easy to combine with food or drinks at the nearby beach bars and restaurants.
However, there are some caveats.
Because Khem Beach is located in the southern region and not directly on the west side of the island, this means that the sunsets here occur behind you.
That may sound insignificant, but for sunbathers, this can mean that the sun is at its strongest around noon and early afternoon, and you have to “move” your sunbed or towel early to catch the sun. This can make the beach feel quite crowded at certain times of the day.
This contrasts with western beaches, where the sunlight falls beautifully towards evening, often creating a quieter and more atmospheric beach feel.
In short, choosing Khem Beach as your accommodation means choosing a relatively luxurious and comfortable beach experience, with good dining and drinking options within easy reach and a long stretch of coastline offering space for sunbathing, swimming, and relaxing.
The area has a lot of potential and, for many travelers, feels complete once you stay close to the beach, especially if you choose a resort or boutique accommodation right on the sand, which makes your stay even more complete.
A short taxi ride to the west coast is easily arranged, where you can watch the sunset and visit other highlights of the island.
But the same goes for the other way around.
If you want something luxurious, this area is definitely a good option. You can also find top-notch resorts at the Phu Quoc Marina Integrated Resort Complex.
Boutique hotels, eco-resorts and charming bungalows close to the center
Ong Lang Beach is located on the west coast of Phu Quoc, just north of Duong Dong, and is an excellent choice for travelers who want to avoid the crowds but still enjoy a comfortable stay.
This area has a small-scale and relaxed atmosphere, with a clear focus on nature, tranquility, and charming accommodations.
Don’t expect large resorts or a vibrant nightlife here, but rather boutique hotels, eco-resorts, and charming bungalows nestled among palm trees and tropical greenery.
Ong Lang Beach isn’t one long stretch of sand, but consists of several small bays.
This creates an intimate atmosphere and makes the area popular with couples and those seeking peace and quiet.
During the day, it’s all about relaxing: swimming, reading a book by the sea, or enjoying a massage at your hotel.
In the evening, you can visit a handful of excellent restaurants and beach bars where you can dine with a sea view at sunset.
The location is ideal.
Duong Dong and the famous night market are about a ten-minute drive away, making it easy to take day trips without being in the middle of the crowds.
Sights in the north of the island are also easily accessible.
Ong Lang Beach is especially suitable for travelers seeking comfort and tranquility, but without being completely isolated.
It’s an ideal balance between beach, nature, and accessibility.
That said, I do miss the nice beach clubs here, and the beaches aren’t as beautiful as those in the south.
My personal preference is for the resort-like locations on Phu Quoc, but that might be the opposite for you!
A wonderful, luxurious, carefree beach holiday, but at night it turns into a ghost town.
Bai Dai (also known as Long Beach North) is located in the northwest of Phu Quoc and is known for its wide, clean beaches and spacious resorts.
This is undoubtedly one of the most luxurious areas to stay on the island.
Here, everything revolves around comfort, space, and high-quality facilities.
Many accommodations are located directly on the beach and offer swimming pools, spas, private beaches, and several restaurants within the resort.
This area is ideal for travelers who want to relax without worrying about transportation or planning.
You’ll typically stay here more independently, with the resort being the focal point of your stay.
This makes Bai Dai particularly suitable for couples, honeymooners, and travelers who enjoy a little extra luxury.
Families also often choose this area because of its spacious layout and child-friendly facilities.
An important point to consider is the location.
Bai Dai is further away from Duong Dong and local eateries, so you’re less likely to stop off for a meal or wander around the village.
On the other hand, the beaches here are among the most beautiful in Phu Quoc, and it’s considerably quieter than the central part of the island.
Choose Bai Dai if you’re looking for a carefree beach holiday with plenty of comfort, privacy, and a resort-like atmosphere.
Note: Bai Dai is often associated with being a ghost town, especially at night.
This also applies to the resort towns in the south, although it’s much less so compared to Bai Dai.
Ultimately, there’s only one place on the island where you can experience something special at night, and that’s near the Dương Đông Night Market.