Phu Quy Island, still maintaining its pristine and simple beauty, is gradually becoming a dream destination for sea-loving souls. If you are someone who enjoys free exploration, wants to plan your own itinerary, and fully enjoy the beauty of new lands, then a DIY trip to Phu Quy Island is the perfect choice. Let’s explore this “mermaid island” by Trieu Duong Bay and pocket the most detailed Phu Quy DIY travel experiences!
Phu Quy Island, also known as Cu Lao Thu, is a small island district of Binh Thuan province, located about 120km southeast of Phan Thiet city. This place stands out with its unspoiled, peaceful beauty, completely different from the bustling atmosphere of familiar beach tourist destinations. Phu Quy is like a hidden jade gem in the open sea, with smooth white sand beaches, clear blue water, and wild, charming natural scenery. If you have ever been fascinated by the peaceful fishing village in the Korean drama “Hometown Cha Cha Cha,” Phu Quy is the perfect real-life version, bringing a strangely relaxing and close feeling.
Phu Quy Island with its pristine and peaceful beauty belongs to Binh Thuan province
Phu Quy Island in Binh Thuan province is an ideal destination for those who love unspoiled beauty and free exploration (Source: Thu Hà)
This article will be the most complete Phu Quy DIY travel guide, helping you have a fulfilling and memorable trip:
1. Ideal Time for a DIY Phu Quy Island Trip
Phu Quy Island is located in the South Central Coast region, influenced by the tropical monsoon climate. The best time for a DIY trip to Phu Quy Island is from December to June, especially the period from April to June. At this time, Phu Quy’s weather is mildly sunny, the sea is calm and clear blue, very suitable for swimming, snorkeling, and island exploration.
If you want to experience Phu Quy in the most beautiful weather, plan your trip in the summer. However, this is also the peak tourist season, service prices may increase, and the number of tourists is also higher. If you prefer peace and quiet and want to save costs, you can consider going in the low season (July – November). Although the weather may not be as ideal as in the summer, you can still enjoy the unspoiled and simple beauty of Phu Quy. Remember to check the weather forecast before going to avoid rough seas, which can affect travel and sightseeing.
When is the best time to visit Phu Quy? Choose from April to June for a great experience
When should you travel to Phu Quy to fully enjoy the beauty of the island? (Source: Thu Hà)
2. Guide to Getting to Phu Quy Island on Your Own
To get to Phu Quy Island on your own, you need to go through the following stages of transportation:
2.1. Getting to Phan Thiet
From other provinces and cities, you need to travel to Phan Thiet city first.
- From Ho Chi Minh City: Buses or trains are popular and economical options. Travel time by bus is about 4-5 hours, and by train is about 3-4 hours. You can easily book bus or train tickets to Phan Thiet through online ticket booking applications or at major bus stations. Reputable bus operators such as Phuong Trang, Hanh Cafe, Lien Hung… have many trips to Phan Thiet every day with affordable fares, ranging from 155,000 – 250,000 VND/trip.
- From Hanoi and Northern provinces: Airplanes are the fastest means of transport to Phan Thiet. You can book flights to Tan Son Nhat Airport (Ho Chi Minh City) or Cam Ranh Airport (Nha Trang), then take a bus or train to Phan Thiet. From Tan Son Nhat Airport, you can take a bus at Mien Dong Bus Station or take a train from Saigon Railway Station. From Cam Ranh Airport, there are direct buses to Phan Thiet, saving you travel time.
2.2. Getting to Phan Thiet Port and Taking a Boat to Phu Quy Island
After arriving in Phan Thiet, you need to get to Phan Thiet Port to take a boat to Phu Quy Island. From the city center of Phan Thiet, you can easily take a taxi or motorbike taxi to the port.
There are many types of boats traveling from Phan Thiet to Phu Quy Island, including speedboats and regular boats.
- Speedboats: Superdong, Phu Quy Express are two popular speedboat companies, chosen by many tourists for their speed and good quality. Travel time by speedboat is about 2.5 – 3 hours. Speedboat ticket prices range from 350,000 – 400,000 VND/trip.
- Regular boats (Hung Phat boat): Regular boats have cheaper fares (about 250,000 – 350,000 VND/trip), but travel time is longer, about 4-5 hours. If you want to save costs and are not in a hurry, a regular boat is a suitable option.
Note: Boat schedules may change depending on the weather, especially during the rainy and storm season. Contact the boat companies directly or check their websites for the most accurate boat schedules. Book boat tickets in advance, especially during peak season or holidays, to ensure you have a seat and avoid sold-out situations. If you are prone to seasickness, take seasickness medicine about 30 minutes before boarding and choose a seat in the middle or front of the boat to minimize seasickness.
Transportation to Phu Quy Island for DIY travel
What is the most suitable means of transportation to Phu Quy Island for a DIY trip? (Source: Pin Tappy)
3. Getting Around Phu Quy Island on Your Own
Motorbikes are the most popular and convenient means of transport for exploring Phu Quy Island on your own. With a small island area and easy roads, motorbikes make it easy for you to get to every corner of the island, taking initiative in terms of time and itinerary. You can rent motorbikes directly at guesthouses, homestays, or motorbike rental shops on the island. Motorbike rental prices range from 100,000 – 150,000 VND/motorbike/day, depending on the type of motorbike.
Besides motorbikes, you can also travel by taxi or electric car, but the cost will be higher and not as free as motorbikes. Bicycles are also an interesting option if you want to explore the island slowly and exercise, but it will be quite tiring if you travel far or climb slopes.
Renting a motorbike is the ideal way to explore Phu Quy Island on your own
The most convenient means of transportation to explore Phu Quy Island on your own is a motorbike (Source: Phan Tuấn)
4. Accommodation on Phu Quy Island for DIY Travel: Homestays and Budget Guesthouses
Traveling to Phu Quy on your own, you will have many accommodation options to suit your budget and preferences. Unlike other famous tourist areas, Phu Quy mainly develops guesthouses, homestays, and a few small hotels. This is a great opportunity for you to experience life close to the local people, enjoy a peaceful space, and save costs.
Homestays and guesthouses in Phu Quy are usually affordable, ranging from 200,000 – 500,000 VND/room/night. Many homestays are located near the sea or in fishing villages, offering airy spaces and beautiful views. You can easily search and book rooms through online booking websites or contact the owners directly.
Some highly-rated homestay and guesthouse suggestions in Phu Quy:
- The Tranh Phu Quy Beach Villa: Beautiful beach villa with green space, close to nature, suitable for those who want privacy and relaxation.
- Co Sang Homestay: Cozy, friendly homestay, located in a residential area, helping you experience local life.
- La Isla Bonita: Homestay with unique Mediterranean style, with beautiful sea views, an ideal place to check-in and enjoy the sunset.
- An Phu Guesthouse, Chan Hotel, Thai Binh Hotel: Budget guesthouses and hotels, affordable, located in the center of the island, convenient for transportation and dining.
La Isla Bonita Phu Quy Homestay with unique style, a great accommodation choice for DIY travelers
Homestays on Phu Quy Island offer a close and economical experience for DIY travelers (Source: Hoàng Thùy Dương)
5. Explore Must-Visit Destinations When Traveling to Phu Quy Island on Your Own
Phu Quy owns countless natural beauties and attractive attractions, sure to captivate any visitor. Traveling to Phu Quy on your own, you can freely explore these places according to your own schedule and preferences:
5.1. Trieu Duong Bay
Trieu Duong Bay is known as the “sea paradise” of Phu Quy, with a long stretch of smooth white sand, clear turquoise sea water. This is an ideal place for swimming, relaxing, and watching beautiful sunrises or sunsets.
5.2. Bai Nho – Ganh Hang
Bai Nho is a small, pretty beach, surrounded by majestic cliffs, creating a private and romantic space. Ganh Hang is a unique scenic spot with towering cliffs, mysterious caves, and a beautiful natural infinity pool.
5.3. Cao Cat Mountain – Linh Son Pagoda
Cao Cat Mountain is the highest mountain in Phu Quy, where the ancient Linh Son Pagoda is located. From the top of the mountain, you can admire the panoramic view of Phu Quy Island and the vast ocean. Linh Son Pagoda is a sacred pagoda with unique architecture and a majestic statue of Buddha Quan Am.
5.4. Phu Quy Wind Farm
Phu Quy Wind Farm is a unique and impressive check-in point. Giant white wind turbines stand out against the blue sky, creating a scene that is both majestic and poetic.
5.5. Cam Mountain Lighthouse
Cam Mountain Lighthouse is one of the oldest and most beautiful lighthouses in Vietnam. From here, you can admire the panoramic view of Phu Quy Island and the vast East Sea. The road to the lighthouse is quite steep, but the scenery at the top of the mountain will definitely not disappoint you.
5.6. Hon Tranh Island
Hon Tranh is a small island located near Phu Quy, famous for its unspoiled beauty, clear blue water, and diverse coral reef ecosystem. You can rent a boat or canoe to get to Hon Tranh and participate in activities such as swimming, snorkeling, kayaking…
In addition, Phu Quy has many other attractive destinations such as Doc Phuot 27/4, Bai Ke Da Sac, Princess Ban Tranh Temple, Ho Vo Cuc… Take time to explore and enjoy the beauty of this island.
Trieu Duong Bay Phu Quy with paradise-like beauty is a must-visit destination
What to do in Phu Quy Island? Explore the most famous destinations now (Source: Nguyễn Thùy Trang)
Cao Cat Mountain Phu Quy with majestic scenery and ancient Linh Son Pagoda
Cao Cat Mountain with unique layered cliffs and sacred Linh Son Pagoda (Source: Check in Việt Nam)
6. Phu Quy DIY Food Experience: Delicious, Nutritious, and Affordable
Phu Quy cuisine is one of the factors attracting tourists. Fresh seafood, affordable prices are a big plus of the cuisine here. Traveling to Phu Quy on your own, you can easily find local eateries, seafood restaurants, or seafood markets to enjoy the island’s specialties.
Some Phu Quy specialties you should not miss:
- Green bone fish salad (Gỏi cá xương xanh): A famous salad with a sweet and sour, refreshing taste, rolled in rice paper and dipped in special fish sauce.
- Hoa Thuong grilled beef (Bò nướng Hòa Thướng): Fresh and delicious beef, grilled over charcoal, retaining its natural tenderness and sweetness.
- Fresh seafood: Shrimp, crab, squid, snails… are processed in various ways such as grilling, steaming, stir-frying, hot pot… at seafood restaurants or seafood rafts on the sea.
- Banh can, banh xeo: Rustic, familiar dishes, but with the unique flavor of the island region.
Some suggested dining addresses:
- Ong Gia Restaurant (Quán Ông Già): Popular local restaurant famous for fresh seafood dishes at reasonable prices.
- Hoa Thuong Hot Beef (Bò nóng Hòa Thướng): Place to enjoy Phu Quy grilled beef specialty.
- Anh Sang Seafood Raft (Bè cá Anh Sáng): Seafood raft on the sea, where you can hand-pick fresh seafood and request to be processed to your liking.
- Phu Quy Market (Chợ Phú Quý): Bustling market area where you can find all kinds of fresh seafood, local specialties, and enjoy street food snacks.
Phu Quy DIY cuisine with fresh and affordable seafood
What to eat in Phu Quy Island on your own? Explore delicious eateries and fresh seafood markets now (Source: Cát Phú Quý)
7. Suggested 3 Days 2 Nights DIY Phu Quy Island Itinerary
To have a complete DIY Phu Quy Island trip, you can refer to the following suggested itinerary:
Day 1:
- Morning: Arrive in Phan Thiet, move to the port and take a boat to Phu Quy. Arrive on the island, check in, rest, and rent a motorbike.
- Afternoon: Explore the North Island area: Cao Cat Mountain, Linh Son Pagoda, Phu Quy Wind Farm, Phu Quy Lighthouse.
- Evening: Have seafood dinner at Anh Sang seafood raft, stroll along the beach at night, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the island.
Day 2:
- Morning: Watch the sunrise over the sea, swim at Bai Nho – Ganh Hang, check-in at Ho Vo Cuc.
- Afternoon: Explore the South Island area: Trieu Duong Bay, Doc Phuot 27/4, Bai Ke Da Sac, Princess Ban Tranh Temple.
- Evening: Enjoy local cuisine at Ong Gia restaurant or seaside eateries, experience night squid fishing (if available).
Day 3:
- Morning: Wake up early to watch the sunrise, stroll around the fishing village, buy souvenirs at Phu Quy market.
- Noon: Have lunch and check out, move to the port and take a boat back to Phan Thiet.
- Afternoon: Arrive in Phan Thiet, you can spend time exploring the coastal city or move back to your starting point, ending your memorable 3 days 2 nights DIY Phu Quy Island trip.
Doc Phuot Phu Quy Island is a favorite destination for many young people
Doc Phuot Phu Quy Island with beautiful sea views is a must-visit destination (Source: Thảo Quyết Linh)
8. Important Notes for Your DIY Phu Quy Island Trip
To ensure your DIY Phu Quy Island trip is smooth and complete, you need to note a few things below:
- Prepare your health and seasickness medicine: The journey to Phu Quy is quite long and can cause seasickness, especially when taking a boat. Prepare seasickness medicine and maintain good health before your trip.
- Book boat tickets and rooms in advance: Especially during peak season, book boat tickets and accommodation in advance to ensure availability and good prices.
- Monitor the weather: Island weather can change erratically, so monitor the weather forecast before and during your trip to have appropriate plans.
- Prepare enough personal items: Sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, swimwear, camera, power bank… are essential items for a beach trip.
- Cash: Bring enough cash, as not everywhere on the island accepts card payments or transfers.
- Maintain environmental hygiene: Phu Quy is a pristine and beautiful island, let’s work together to maintain environmental hygiene, do not litter indiscriminately to protect the natural beauty of the island.
- Respect local culture: Learn about and respect the customs and habits of local people to have a meaningful and friendly trip.
Bai Nho Ganh Hang Phu Quy with pristine and fresh beauty
Bai Nho Ganh Hang is one of the most beautiful beaches on Phu Quy Island (Source: Cát Phú Quý)
With the detailed Phu Quy DIY travel experiences above, hopefully you will have a truly memorable trip filled with wonderful experiences on this beautiful island. Phu Quy is waiting for you to come explore and feel its unspoiled, simple, and charming beauty.