Travel

How to get Phu Quoc island?

Introduction: How to Get Phu Quoc island Beckons – A Journey to the Coastal Paradise

Phu Quoc, Vietnam’s pearl island, has long been a dream destination with its smooth white sandy beaches, clear blue waters, lush primeval forests, diverse cuisine, and world-class entertainment complexes. The allure of Phu Quoc continues to spread, inviting tourists from all over the country and internationally to explore and experience.

To ensure a complete and smooth journey to the “pearl island,” choosing the appropriate mode of transport plays an extremely important role. This guide is compiled to provide a comprehensive and detailed overview of all travel options to Phu Quoc, from convenient and fast air travel to exciting sea voyages. With updated and practical information, it is hoped that tourists will be able to easily plan their trip, ready to immerse themselves in the charming beauty of this paradise island.

  1. Flying to Phu Quoc: Reaching the Pearl Island from the Sky

Traveling by air is the most popular and convenient option to reach Phu Quoc, especially for tourists from afar or those wishing to save time. Phu Quoc International Airport (PQC) is the main air gateway, welcoming millions of visitors each year.[1]

  1. Airlines and Main Routes

The aviation market to Phu Quoc is currently very active with the participation of many domestic and international airlines, offering a variety of choices for passengers.

  • 1. Domestic Flights (From HCMC, Hanoi, Da Nang, Can Tho, and other major cities)
    Currently, most major cities in Vietnam have direct flights to Phu Quoc, operated by reputable airlines. The competition among airlines brings great benefits to passengers with many flight times and different price levels.
  • Vietnam Airlines: The national airline operates many routes from major cities such as HCMC, Hanoi, Da Nang, Can Tho to Phu Quoc with high frequency and full services.
  • Vietjet Air: This low-cost airline offers many budget flight options from HCMC, Hanoi, Da Nang, Hai Phong, and many other provinces.
  • Bamboo Airways: With its hybrid service positioning, Bamboo Airways also has routes from Hanoi, HCMC, Da Nang, Thanh Hoa, Hue to Phu Quoc.
  • Pacific Airlines: Currently undergoing restructuring and close cooperation with Vietnam Airlines, Pacific Airlines still maintains routes from HCMC and Hanoi to Phu Quoc.
  • Vietravel Airlines: This travel airline also contributes with flights from HCMC, Hanoi, and Da Nang.

Main departure cities include: Ho Chi Minh City [2, 9], Hanoi [2, 10], Da Nang [2, 5], Can Tho [2, 11], Hai Phong [2, 5], Vinh [2, 5], Hue [2, 5], Da Lat [2, 5], Nha Trang [2, 5], and Buon Ma Thuot.[3, 5] Having many direct flights from provinces makes it easy for tourists to reach Phu Quoc without transiting through major airports, saving time and travel costs. This reflects the important position of Phu Quoc as a national tourist center.

  • 2. International Flights (From Singapore, Bangkok, Seoul, etc.)
    Phu Quoc is increasingly asserting its position on the international tourism map with many direct flights from major cities in Asia.
  • From Southeast Asia: Popular routes include Singapore (Scoot, Vietnam Airlines, Malaysia Airlines), Bangkok (Thai Vietjet Air, AirAsia, Vietnam Airlines), Kuala Lumpur (Vietnam Airlines, AirAsia).
  • From Northeast Asia: Seoul (Korean Air, Vietjet Air, Jeju Air, Asiana Airlines) Busan (Jeju Air, Vietjet Air), Hong Kong (Hong Kong Airlines), Taipei (Vietjet Air) , Beijing (Air China, China Eastern Airlines – charter).

The strong development of direct international routes shows Phu Quoc’s strategic orientation in attracting foreign tourists, reducing dependence on connecting flights, and elevating the island to an independent international destination.Table 1: Domestic Airlines Operating Routes to Phu Quoc & Main Routes

Airline Main Departure Cities (HCMC, Hanoi, Da Nang, Can Tho, Hai Phong, Vinh, Da Lat, Nha Trang, Buon Ma Thuot) Typical Flight Frequency
Vietnam Airlines HCMC, Hanoi, Da Nang, Can Tho, Hai Phong, Vinh, Da Lat, Nha Trang, Buon Ma Thuot Multiple flights/day
Vietjet Air HCMC, Hanoi, Da Nang, Hai Phong, Vinh, Nha Trang, Buon Ma Thuot Multiple flights/day
Bamboo Airways HCMC, Hanoi, Da Nang, Can Tho, Hai Phong, Vinh, Da Lat, Nha Trang Daily/Multiple flights/day
Pacific Airlines HCMC, Hanoi Daily
Vietravel Airlines HCMC, Hanoi, Da Nang Daily/Seasonal


**Table 2: International Airlines Operating Routes to Phu Quoc & Main Routes**

 

Airline Main Departure Cities (Singapore, Bangkok, Seoul, Busan, Hong Kong, Beijing, Kuala Lumpur, Taipei) Typical Flight Frequency
Scoot Singapore Daily/Multiple flights/week
AirAsia Kuala Lumpur (connecting Bangkok) Daily
Thai Vietjet Air Bangkok Daily
Korean Air Seoul Daily
Jeju Air Seoul, Busan Daily/Multiple flights/week
China Eastern Airlines Beijing (charter) Seasonal/Periodic
Hong Kong Airlines Hong Kong Scheduled
Vietjet Air Seoul, Busan, Taipei Multiple flights/week

 

  1. Flight Duration and Typical Schedules

Direct flight times to Phu Quoc are relatively short, making the journey more comfortable for tourists.

  • From major domestic cities:
  • HCMC – Phu Quoc: Approximately 1 hour.
  • Hanoi – Phu Quoc: Approximately 2 hours 05 minutes to 2 hours 10 minutes.
  • Da Nang – Phu Quoc: Approximately 1 hour 35 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes.
  • Can Tho – Phu Quoc: Approximately 50 minutes to 1 hour 10 minutes.
  • From major international cities:
  • Singapore – Phu Quoc: Approximately 1 hour 44 minutes to 2 hours.
  • Bangkok – Phu Quoc: Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 20 minutes.
  • Seoul – Phu Quoc: Approximately 5 hours 10 minutes to 5 hours 48 minutes.

With short flight times from major domestic centers, Phu Quoc becomes an ideal destination for even short weekend getaways. For international tourists in the region, flight times are also very competitive, helping to strengthen Phu Quoc’s position as an attractive island destination. Flight schedules may vary depending on the airline and tourist season, so passengers should check information directly on the airline’s website or reputable booking platforms.[2, 6]

  1. Understanding Airfares: What You Need to Know

Airfares to Phu Quoc vary greatly, depending on factors such as airline, ticket class, booking time, and tourist season.

  • 1. Estimated Price Range (Economy, Business Class)
    Based on aggregated data, one-way Economy class airfares from domestic cities to Phu Quoc can range from about 739,000 VND to over 3,000,000 VND. Round-trip tickets usually range from 1,700,000 VND to over 5,000,000 VND. Low-cost airlines like Vietjet Air often have lower starting prices, possibly only a few hundred thousand dong for a one-way ticket if you can find promotional fares.Business Class will, of course, have significantly higher prices.
    For international routes, fares are also very diverse. For example, round-trip tickets from Singapore can be around 3,800,000 VND , from Bangkok around 2,300,000 VND, and from Seoul can be around 5,500,000 VND (KRW 520,600). It should be noted that these are only reference prices and may change. The presence of low-cost carriers (LCCs) has created a very price-sensitive air ticket market to Phu Quoc, offering many options for budget-conscious travelers. However, it is important to consider the total cost, including ancillary services, not just the basic fare.
  • 2. Seasonal Fluctuations and Tips for Booking Good Deals
    Airfares to Phu Quoc are usually higher during the peak tourist season, which is the dry season from November to April of the following year, as well as on holidays and Tet. Conversely, during the low season (rainy season from July to October, although May-June is an intermediate season with still quite good weather), ticket prices tend to decrease.
    To get the best ticket prices, tourists should:
  • Plan and book tickets early, ideally 2-3 months before the departure date, especially if traveling during peak season.
  • Prioritize choosing flights on weekdays (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday) and early morning or late evening flight times, as these are usually less crowded times.
  • Regularly monitor promotional programs from airlines and reputable online travel agencies.
  • Consider booking round-trip tickets as they often have better prices than buying two separate one-way tickets.
  • Use online price comparison tools to find the best prices from different airlines. Platforms like Traveloka, Skyscanner, Trip.com not only help with booking but are also useful tools for exploring and comparing prices, helping users make more informed decisions.

Applying these tips requires proactivity and a bit of patience but can help save a significant amount on your trip.

  1. Airline Baggage Regulations

Baggage regulations are an important factor to note to avoid incurring unnecessary costs at the airport. Each airline has its own policy, especially the difference between traditional and low-cost carriers.

  • 1. Vietnam Airlines:
  • Carry-on baggage: Typically, Economy class passengers are allowed 1 piece and 1 accessory with a total weight not exceeding 12kg. Premium Economy and Business class are allowed 2 pieces and 1 accessory, with a total weight not exceeding 18kg. The standard dimensions for the main piece are 56cm×36cm×23cm.
  • Checked baggage: Economy class is usually entitled to 1 free checked bag of 23kg. Premium Economy may get 1 piece of 32kg or 2 pieces of 23kg depending on the route and fare type. Business class is usually entitled to 1-2 free checked bags, each 32kg. The total dimensions (length + width + height) of each piece must not exceed 158cm.
  • 2. Vietjet Air:
  • Carry-on baggage: Each passenger is allowed 1 main piece not exceeding 7kg and 1 small personal bag (total weight of both not exceeding 7kg, except for SkyBoss/Deluxe tickets which may allow 10kg). Maximum dimensions for the main piece are 56cm×36cm×23cm.
  • Checked baggage: Basic Eco tickets usually do not include free checked baggage; passengers must purchase it additionally. Deluxe tickets may include 20kg. Common purchased baggage allowances are 15kg, 20kg, etc. The maximum weight per piece is 32kg.
  • 3. Bamboo Airways:
  • Carry-on baggage: Economy class is allowed 1 piece of 7kg. Business class is allowed 2 pieces, each 7kg (total 14kg).
  • Checked baggage: Depends on the fare class. Economy Saver Max/Smart may incur a fee. Economy Flex/Hot Deal may include 20kg. Business class usually gets 40kg. The maximum weight per piece is 32kg, and the total dimensions (length + width + height) must not exceed 203cm.
  • 4. Pacific Airlines:
  • Carry-on baggage: Usually 1 piece and 1 accessory, total weight 7kg.
  • Checked baggage: After restructuring and cooperation with Vietnam Airlines, Pacific Airlines’ services have been upgraded, including meals and free checked baggage similar to Vietnam Airlines. This is a significant change, moving Pacific Airlines from a traditional low-cost model closer to full service, providing more value to passengers, especially those needing checked baggage.
  • 5. Vietravel Airlines:
  • Carry-on baggage: Economy class usually gets 7kg. Optimal class may get 12kg.
  • Checked baggage: Usually not included in the cheapest fare; passengers need to purchase it additionally. Additional packages are available. The maximum weight per piece is 32kg.

The difference in baggage policies, especially for checked baggage, is an important cost and convenience factor that tourists need to consider when choosing an airline. Meanwhile, carry-on baggage regulations are somewhat more similar among airlines in terms of basic weight and dimensions.

Table 3: Comparison of Baggage Regulations of Domestic Airlines to Phu Quoc

Airline Carry-on Baggage (Weight, Pieces, Max Dimensions) Free Checked Baggage Economy Class (Specify if not included, or weight/pieces) Free Checked Baggage Business/Premium Class Policy for Purchasing Additional Checked Baggage (e.g., popular packages)
Vietnam Airlines 12kg (1 piece + 1 accessory, main piece 56×36×23 cm) 1 piece 23kg (depending on fare type) 1-2 pieces x 32kg Purchase by piece or kg depending on policy
Vietjet Air 7kg (1 main piece 56×36×23 cm + 1 small bag) Not included (Eco ticket), purchase additionally. Deluxe ticket may include 20kg. SkyBoss may have more Packages of 15kg, 20kg, 25kg, 30kg, 35kg, 40kg
Bamboo Airways 7kg (1 piece, Economy), 14kg (2 pieces x 7kg, Business) Depends on fare class (Saver Max/Smart: may be charged; Flex/Hot Deal: may be 20kg) 40kg Purchase by weight packages
Pacific Airlines 7kg (1 piece + 1 accessory). After restructuring, may follow VNA standards. After restructuring, included similar to VNA. Similar to VNA According to VNA policy
Vietravel Airlines 7kg (Economy), 12kg (Optimal) Not included (cheapest fare), purchase additionally. Packages of 5kg, 10kg,…40kg 

*Data sources: *

  1. Booking Flights: Official Platforms and Websites

To book flights to Phu Quoc, passengers have many options:

  • Official airline websites: This is the most accurate information channel for fares, flight schedules, and ticket conditions. Websites include: Vietnam Airlines (vietnamairlines.com) , Vietjet Air (vietjetair.com), Bamboo Airways (bambooairways.com) , Pacific Airlines (bookings are currently redirected to the Vietnam Airlines website) , Vietravel Airlines (vietravelairlines.com). Direct booking often provides proactivity in managing reservations and enjoying member benefits (if any).
  • Online travel agencies (OTAs) and price comparison websites: Platforms like Traveloka , Skyscanner, Trip.com , Vexere (flight segment) , Abay.vn  aggregate information from multiple airlines, making it easy for passengers to compare prices and schedules. The role of these platforms is not just booking but also powerful comparison tools, providing an overview of the market. However, passengers should carefully check ticket conditions, especially with low-cost carriers, regarding the possibility of changing or canceling tickets.

A smart strategy is to use OTAs to compare and get an overview, then consider booking directly on the airline’s website to ensure reliability and specific benefits.

  1. Traveling to Phu Quoc Island by Ferry: Experiencing the Journey on Water

Besides air travel, sea travel is an interesting option, offering a sea-viewing experience and often at a lower cost, especially suitable for tourists from the Southwestern provinces or those wanting to bring a lot of luggage, even personal vehicles.

  1. Main Ferry Routes and Operators

There are currently two main sea routes to Phu Quoc from the mainland: from Rach Gia and Ha Tien (Kien Giang), operated by reputable ferry companies.

  • 1. From Rach Gia to Phu Quoc (Superdong, Phu Quoc Express, Thanh Thoi Ferry)
    Rach Gia is one of the important gateways to Phu Quoc by sea.
  • Superdong: One of the oldest and most familiar ferry companies, Superdong operates high-speed passenger ferries with multiple trips daily.
  • Phu Quoc Express: Positions itself with higher quality service with modern twin-hull vessels, advertised as “5-star standard,” helping to reduce seasickness.
  • Thanh Thoi Ferry: This is the main choice for those who want to bring cars, trucks, or bulky goods. The ferry also carries passengers, but travel time will be longer than high-speed ferries.

These ferry companies serve different needs: high-speed ferries for passengers prioritizing speed and comfort, while ferries meet the demand for vehicle transport. The departure port is Rach Gia Port, and the destination in Phu Quoc is Bai Vong Port.

  • 2. From Ha Tien to Phu Quoc (Superdong, Phu Quoc Express, Thanh Thoi Ferry)
    Ha Tien has the advantage of a shorter distance to Phu Quoc compared to Rach Gia, so ferry travel time is also faster.
  • Superdong: Similar to the Rach Gia route, Superdong also operates high-speed ferries and car ferries from Ha Tien.
  • Phu Quoc Express: Also operates modern high-speed ferries on this route.
  • Thanh Thoi Ferry and Binh An Ha Tien Ferry: These are ferry options for transporting vehicles and passengers.

The departure port is Ha Tien Pier, and the destination is still Bai Vong Port in Phu Quoc.[63, 15, 46] Bai Vong Port being the main arrival point for both ferry routes from the mainland helps centralize logistics and on-island transportation for tourists.Table 4: Overview of Ferry Companies on the Rach Gia – Phu Quoc Route

Ferry Company Type of Vessel (High-speed ferry/Car ferry) Typical Sailing Frequency Estimated Travel Time Estimated Passenger Ticket Price (Economy, VIP) Motorbike/Car Transport & Estimated Price
Superdong High-speed ferry Multiple trips/day ~2.5 hours  ~324,000-350,000 VND  Motorbike: ~150,000-200,000 VND
Phu Quoc Express High-speed ferry (twin-hull) Multiple trips/day ~2 hours 10 mins – 2.5 hours  ECO: ~315,000-340,000 VND; VIP: ~500,000-540,000 VND Motorbike: ~150,000-250,000 VND
Thanh Thoi Ferry Car ferry Fewer trips than high-speed ferries ~3 hours  ~290,000 VND; VIP: ~400,000 VND Motorbike: ~140,000 VND; 4-seater car: ~1,400,000 VND


**Table 5: Overview of Ferry Companies on the Ha Tien – Phu Quoc Route**

Ferry Company Type of Vessel (High-speed ferry/Car ferry) Typical Sailing Frequency Estimated Travel Time Estimated Passenger Ticket Price (Economy, VIP) Motorbike/Car Transport & Estimated Price
Superdong High-speed ferry, Car ferry Multiple trips/day High-speed ferry: ~1 hr 15 mins – 1.3 hrs; Car ferry: ~2 hrs 45 mins  High-speed ferry: ~225,000-230,000 VND; Car ferry: ~185,000 VND  Motorbike: ~180,000 VND (high-speed ferry), ~80,000 VND (car ferry); Car (car ferry): ~800,000 VND
Phu Quoc Express High-speed ferry (twin-hull) Multiple trips/day ~1 hr 10 mins – 1.5 hrs ECO: ~216,000-250,000 VND; VIP: ~330,000-350,000 VND  Motorbike: ~150,000-200,000 VND
Thanh Thoi Ferry Car ferry Multiple trips/day ~2.5 – 3 hours ~185,000 VND; VIP: ~300,000 VND Motorbike: ~80,000 VND; 4-seater car: ~850,000 VND
Binh An Ferry Car ferry Scheduled ~3 hours ~185,000 VND  Transports vehicles, similar price to Thanh Thoi

 

  1. Ferry Schedules and Travel Times
  • Rach Gia – Phu Quoc Route:
  • Superdong: Travel time is approximately 2 hours 30 minutes.Multiple departures daily.
  • Phu Quoc Express: Travel time is approximately 2 hours 10 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes. Also multiple trips per day.
  • Thanh Thoi Ferry: Travel time is approximately 3 hours. Fewer trips compared to high-speed ferries.
  • Ha Tien – Phu Quoc Route: This route has significantly shorter sea travel time.
  • Superdong: High-speed ferry takes about 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 20 minutes. Superdong car ferry takes about 2 hours 45 minutes. Multiple daily trips for both types.
  • Phu Quoc Express: Travel time is about 1 hour 10 minutes to 1 hour 15 minutes. Some special vessels of the company are advertised to shorten the time to 45 minutes, but this information needs to be verified for stability and regularity.Multiple trips per day.
  • Thanh Thoi Ferry: Travel time is about 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours. Multiple trips per day.
  • Binh An Ha Tien Ferry: Travel time is about 3 hours.

Due to weather and tidal conditions that can affect schedules, passengers should reconfirm information with the ferry company or ticket agents before the departure date, especially during the rainy/stormy season.[59] Choosing Ha Tien as the departure point significantly shortens the sea travel time, which can be an important factor for those prone to seasickness.

  1. Ferry Ticket Prices: Passengers and Vehicles

Ferry ticket prices to Phu Quoc vary among companies, vessel types (high-speed or car ferry), and ticket classes (economy, VIP). Prices also vary by passenger type (adult, child, senior, disabled).

  • Rach Gia – Phu Quoc Route:
  • Superdong: Adult tickets around 324,000 – 350,000 VND. Discounts for children, seniors.[13, 14, 48] Motorbike transport fee around 150,000 – 200,000 VND.
  • Phu Quoc Express: Eco class tickets around 315,000 – 340,000 VND, VIP tickets around 500,000 – 540,000 VND. Discounts for children, seniors.Motorbike transport fee around 150,000 – 250,000 VND.
  • Thanh Thoi Ferry: Adult tickets around 290,000 VND, VIP tickets around 400,000 VND. Discount policies apply. Motorbike transport fee around 140,000 VND, 4-seater car around 1,400,000 VND.
  • Ha Tien – Phu Quoc Route:
  • Superdong: Adult high-speed ferry tickets around 225,000 – 230,000 VND. Car ferry passenger tickets around 185,000 VND. Discounts for priority groups. Motorbike transport fee for high-speed ferry around 180,000 VND, car ferry around 80,000 VND. 4-seater car transport fee by car ferry around 800,000 VND.
  • Phu Quoc Express: Eco class tickets around 216,000 – 250,000 VND, VIP tickets around 330,000 – 350,000 VND. Discounts apply. Motorbike transport fee around 150,000 – 200,000 VND.
  • Thanh Thoi Ferry: Adult tickets around 185,000 VND, VIP tickets around 300,000 VND. Discounts apply. Motorbike transport fee around 80,000 VND, 4-seater car around 850,000 VND. Binh An Ha Tien Ferry has similar prices.

Discount policies for seniors and disabled individuals usually apply only to Vietnamese citizens.[44, 13, 48] The diverse ticket pricing policies allow passengers to choose services that fit their budget and needs. For those wanting to bring cars, the transport cost is significant but can offer convenience and savings on car rental on the island, especially for large groups or families planning extensive exploration.

  1. Baggage Regulations and Vehicle Transport by Ferry
  • Free carry-on/checked baggage:
  • Phu Quoc Express: Usually allows 15kg of free baggage per passenger. Accompanying children may not have a separate baggage allowance.
  • Superdong: Each passenger is allowed to carry luggage under 10kg.
  • Thanh Thoi Ferry: Information on free passenger baggage is not clearly stated, mainly focusing on vehicle transport regulations. However, booking platforms like Klook mention a limit of 15kg or 20kg/piece for high-speed ferries in general, and fees may apply if exceeded.[36, 64, 65, 59]
  • Prohibited items on board include nationally banned goods, weapons, explosives, drugs, chemicals, foul-smelling goods, and live animals (unless specially permitted). Passengers are responsible for their own carry-on luggage.
  • Transporting motorbikes, cars:
  • Superdong (car ferry): Offers transport services for motorbikes and various types of cars.
  • Phu Quoc Express (high-speed ferry): Mainly accepts motorbikes with limited quantity. Transporting cars by this company’s high-speed ferry is less common and needs specific checking.
  • Thanh Thoi Ferry and Binh An Ha Tien Ferry: These are units specializing in transporting various types of vehicles from motorbikes, cars to large trucks. The ability to transport personal vehicles is a major advantage of car ferries, meeting the needs of many tourists and businesses.

Overall, baggage regulations on ferries and car ferries are often more flexible than on low-cost airlines. However, understanding these regulations, especially when needing to transport vehicles, will make the journey smoother.

  1. Booking Ferry Tickets: Official Channels and Reputable Agents

To book ferry tickets to Phu Quoc, passengers can choose the following channels:

  • Official websites of ferry companies:
  • Superdong: online.superdong.com.vn
  • Phu Quoc Express: pqe.vn or phuquocexpressboat.com
  • Thanh Thoi Ferry: thanhthoi.vn
  • Hotlines of ferry companies: Many companies provide hotlines for booking and consultation.
  • Reputable Online Travel Agencies (OTAs): Baolau.com , Klook.com are also convenient platforms to compare schedules, prices, and book tickets online.
  • Direct ticket offices at ports or representative offices: All ferry companies have ticket offices at ports and some major cities.

Online ferry ticket booking is increasingly popular due to its convenience. Passengers should book tickets early, especially during peak season or if needing to transport vehicles (cars, trucks) due to limited space. When booking, provide full personal information (full name, ID/Passport number) and vehicle information (if any).[36, 64]

III. Traveling to Mainland Ferry Terminals: Your Overland Journey

For tourists choosing to take a ferry to Phu Quoc, traveling