Recently, Lonely Planet — the global 'Backpacker's Bible' — published a guide for first-time visitors to explore Phú Quốc Island.

Lonely Planet describes Phú Quốc as a naturally blessed island, boasting 150km of beautiful coastline, rich seafood, and a heavily forested interior (with over half of the island being a national forest). It is also the only place in Việt Nam that offers a 30-day visa exemption for visitors of all nationalities.

In addition to suggesting ideal times and methods to visit Phú Quốc, Lonely Planet highlights the top experiences that visitors to Pearl Island should try, most of which are located in the southern part of the island.

Kiss Bridge - A new tourist symbol of Phú Quốc, recommended by Lonely Planet

Taking the cable car to Hòn Thơm

According to Lonely Planet, one of the most worthwhile experiences in Phú Quốc is taking the world's longest non-stop three-rope cable car to Hòn Thơm Island.

“The views over fishing boats and forested islands alone are worth the price of admission,” the author noted.

The journey covers nearly 8km and takes about 15-20 minutes. The cable car offers visitors a bird's-eye view of the crystal-clear blue sea waters of southern Phú Quốc, which change colors over time, dotted with the vibrant hues of hundreds of fishing boats anchored in the bay.

In a previous article about Phú Quốc, Lonely Planet mentioned this as a reasonably priced experience. For just VNĐ600,000, visitors can enjoy the cable car tour and have fun at the Aquatopia water park, which features slides and various adventure games, including the wooden roller coaster Mộc xà thịnh nộ in Exotica Village.

The cable car to Hòn Thơm offers a breath-taking panorama of Phú Quốc’s seascape

Other experiences available for an extra fee include 'walking' on the ocean floor to see coral and feed fish at Eco Beach Club. Visitors are taken by canoe to a raft in the middle of the sea and then wear astronaut-like oxygen helmets to begin their journey of discovery.

Touring three islands

As a tropical paradise, one of the top experiences in Phú Quốc is undoubtedly swimming, relaxing all day on the beach, or snorkelling. Lonely Planet suggests visitors take tours to visit two to three islands in the south, which offer a full range of experiences, including fishing, enjoying seafood, and snorkelling over coral beds.

“Other options include visiting more islands, going in smaller groups, or ending up on Pineapple Island (Hòn Thơm) and returning to the main island via cable car,” the author suggested.

Be transported to the 'Amalfi' at Sunset Town

'While it sounds completely kitschy (the façade of the cable car station looks like Rome’s Coliseum), the town is surprisingly well done,' Lonely Planet commented on Sunset Town, a new highlight in Phú Quốc.

Sunset Town recreates the beauty of the Amalfi Coast (Italy) but keeps its unique charm

Sunset Town recreates the beauty of the Amalfi Coast (Italy) but retains its unique charm. “The town is surprisingly well done, complete with pastel-colored houses, terracotta tile roofs, cobblestone lanes, and charming boutiques and cafes,” the author enthused.

Besides its surreal setting, this place attracts visitors as a unique entertainment complex, offering many exciting experiences, making it almost impossible for visitors to stay just one day.

Lonely Planet suggests visitors visit Kiss Bridge, watch nightly fireworks in the corners of Sunset Town, enjoy Vietnamese puppetry, and stroll through the seaside night market at Vui Phết to enjoy unique street performances. Visitors also shouldn’t miss the multimedia show 'Kiss of the Sea' with fireworks, impressive acrobatics, and light displays on falling water curtains.

The Kiss of the Sea multimedia show is one of the most impressive experiences in Phú Quốc with nightly artistic fireworks

Immersing in paradise beaches

“Phú Quốc has nearly two dozen beaches — some of the best in Việt Nam,” the author wrote. Phú Quốc’s beaches range from wild and secluded to picture-perfect stretches of powdery sand bordered by clear, turquoise waters. Among them, two of the best beaches are located in the island's southeast: Bãi Sao and Bãi Kem.

For those who enjoy a vibrant atmosphere, Bãi Sao is a good choice as it is home to restaurants and beach clubs, while Bãi Kem is quieter. Visitors are suggested to consider splurging for a few nights at one of the nicer hotels on this stunning ribbon of beach to make the most of the experience. Recommended hotels with distinct personalities include New World Phu Quoc Resort, Premier Residences Phu Quoc, or JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort.

Bãi Kem with its paradise-like beauty

Enjoying local specialties

Lonely Planet praises Phú Quốc for having a surprising number of specialties, particularly considering the island’s size. Visitors to Phú Quốc should not miss tasting Sim wine (a sweet liquor made from the fruit of the Rose Myrtle), and if time permits, visiting a Sim wine factory to see the production process.

Other unique experiences include visiting a pepper farm, a pearl farm, or Phú Quốc fish sauce factories. “Phú Quốc fish sauce is prized throughout Việt Nam,” the author stressed, adding that if you have time, you can drive through the national forest on the island’s northern end to sample local honey and enjoy a seafood lunch.