Ho Chi Minh CityThành phố Hồ Chí Minh
Vietnam's southern metropolis on the Saigon River, with colonial landmarks, Ben Thanh Market and Cho Lon, which since July 2025 also takes in the former Binh Duong and Ba Ria-Vung Tau provinces.
Phu Quoc
An island off Vietnam's south-west coast, now the Phu Quoc special zone of An Giang province, with beaches, an international airport and a visa exemption for foreigners who arrive directly.
Phú Quốc
When should I visit Phu Quoc?
Vietnam's tourism authority names November to April, the dry season, as the time to visit Phu Quoc, with rain from May to October. Its weather guide marks July to September as the stormy months.
How do I get to Phu Quoc?
- Phu Quoc International Airport (PQC) has direct flights from Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and abroad (vietnam.travel).
- Ho Chi Minh City to Phu Quoc is about 1 hour by air (Vietnam Airlines).
- Ferries run from Rach Gia and Ha Tien on the mainland (vietnam.travel).
Questions people ask
Do I need a visa for Phu Quoc?
Not if you fly in directly, or transit through another Vietnamese international airport without leaving it. Vietnam's foreign ministry lists a 30-day visa exemption for foreigners visiting Phu Quoc, valid on the island only. Travelling on to the mainland needs a visa or another exemption.
Is Phu Quoc still part of Kien Giang?
No. Kien Giang merged into An Giang province on 1 July 2025, and Phu Quoc became a special zone (đặc khu) of An Giang, formed from the former Duong Dong and An Thoi wards and six communes. The Tho Chau islands form a separate special zone.
Can I reach Phu Quoc by boat?
Yes. Ferries run to Phu Quoc from Rach Gia and Ha Tien on the mainland, according to Vietnam's tourism authority. Crossing times depend on the operator and the boat, so check its timetable. By air, Ho Chi Minh City to Phu Quoc takes about an hour.
Sources
Checked on by the Top Tours Vietnam editor. Rules and prices change: the sources below are where we checked them.
- vietnam.travel, Phu Quoc checked
- vietnam.travel, weather and climate in Vietnam checked
- Wikipedia, Phu Quoc (coordinates) checked
- Vietnam Airlines, flights from Ho Chi Minh City to Phu Quoc checked
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs, list of visa exemptions (Phu Quoc, 30 days) checked . Content dated 14 March 2025, before Phu Quoc became a special zone; no later change was found. Re-check before launch.
- Resolution 1654/NQ-UBTVQH15: An Giang communes and special zones checked
- Vietnam News, 12 June 2025: National Assembly resolution cutting provinces and cities from 63 to 34 checked
Nearby
Mekong DeltaĐồng bằng sông Cửu Long
The river delta south-west of Ho Chi Minh City, with orchards, canals and floating markets, seen on day trips to My Tho and Ben Tre or on overnight stays in Can Tho.