Top 5 Must Visit Places When Exploring Phu Quoc by Bicycle
Introducing Phu Quoc
Phu Quoc is the largest island in Vietnam, covering an area of approximately 589 square kilometers. Located in the Gulf of Thailand, it enjoys a tropical monsoon climate, characterized by two distinct seasons. The dry season, from November to April, is ideal for outdoor activities like cycling, with comfortable temperatures and plenty of sunshine. The wet season, from May to October.
The island is home to a diverse population, with a significant number of ethnic groups, including the Ethnic people, Chinese people, and Khmer people. The friendly and hospitable locals welcome visitors with open arms, making Phu Quoc a warm and inviting destination. The island’s culture is a blend of Vietnamese traditions and influences from the Khmer and Chinese communities. You can explore the island’s rich heritage by visiting temples, pagodas, and local markets.
Phu Quoc, the beautiful pearl island of Vietnam, is not only famous for its stunning beaches but also a fantastic destination for bicycle enthusiasts. Exploring this gem of an island on a bicycle offers a unique experience, allowing you to discover places you shouldn’t miss. Below is a list of the “Top 5 Must-Visit Places When Exploring Phu Quoc by Bicycle.”
1.Khem Beach.
Khem Beach is located in the southern part of Phu Quoc and is renowned for its fine white sand and crystal-clear waters. The distance from Duong Dong town center to Khem Beach is 30 kilometers, which takes approximately 2 hours by bicycle. However, in return, this place allows you to avoid crowded areas and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the sea. Take a break and relax on the beach while indulging in delicious seafood specialties at seaside restaurants.
Estimated departure times from the town center to Khem Beach:
Morning: 6 AM – 12 PM
Afternoon: 1 PM – 6 PM
Evening: Not recommended due to the lack of lighting on the road.
Tips: It’s best to visit Khem Beach from May to October (rainy season).
2. Phu Quoc National Park:
If you are a nature lover and want to explore the diverse flora and fauna on Phu Quoc Island, Phu Quoc National Park is the perfect destination. This will help you avoid the blazing sun and discover hidden forest trails. The national park covers an area of 314 square kilometers, preserving the island’s unique biodiversity. The best biking route to explore the national forest starts from the Rạch Vẹm entrance gate to Gành Dầu. This stretch is approximately 20 kilometers long, with lush greenery, some steep slopes, and rocky terrain, suitable for those who enjoy adventure. To tackle this route, you’ll need a mountain bike and an experienced English-speaking guide. Fortunately, Hornbill Adventures provides everything you need for this journey.
Hornbill Adventures’ scheduled departure times:
Morning: 8 AM – 12 PM
Afternoon: 1 PM – 5 PM
Evening: Not recommended due to the lack of lighting on the road.
Tips: Remember to bring motion sickness medication, sunscreen, a camera, and comfortable clothing
and footwear.”
3. Rach Vem Village:
Rạch Vẹm is also a traditional fishing village. You can visit these fishing villages to learn about the lives and livelihoods of the local people. This is a great opportunity to gain deeper insights into the traditional fishing industry and engage in conversations with fishermen about their lives at sea. If you’re lucky, you may witness fishing boats returning after a day’s work and learn about how they catch fish and sustain their livelihoods. This area is home to a significant population of red starfish concentrated here from November to May (dry season).
Rạch Vẹm is a fantastic destination on Phu Quoc Island that you shouldn’t miss when exploring by bicycle. This area is located about 4 kilometers by sea from Cambodia. The distance from Duong Dong town center to Rạch Vẹm is 22 kilometers, so cycling here will take approximately 2 hours. Join Hornbill Adventures to experience the Cửa Cạn – Rạch Vẹm route and explore the nature and the local people’s way of life in this area.
Hornbill Adventures’ scheduled departure times:
Morning: 8 AM – 12 PM
Afternoon: 1 PM – 5 PM
Evening: Not recommended due to the lack of lighting on the road.
Tips: You should bring motion sickness medication, sunscreen, a camera, comfortable clothing, and footwear.
4. Dinh Cau Temple
Dinh Cậu in Phu Quoc is a famous historical and tourist destination on the Pearl Island of Phu Quoc, Kiên Giang Province, Vietnam. Dinh Cậu has a long history and is a significant landmark on the island. Despite undergoing various changes and renovations in the past, it still retains its charm and historical value.
Dinh Cậu was constructed in the 17th century when only a few people lived on the island. At that time, a severe storm struck, endangering many fishermen at sea, but miraculously, they were saved and brought to shore at this rocky promontory. Therefore, the local residents built Dinh Cậu, which was later renovated in 1997. Dinh Cậu has gone through different stages of change and restoration, yet it remains an essential part of Phu Quoc’s history.
Dinh Cậu is situated at the mouth of the Dương Đông River, flowing into the sea. This location holds great significance for the island’s fishermen. Before setting out to fish, fishermen come to Dinh Cậu to pray for safety and a bountiful catch. It is one of the main spots to observe and engage in the morning activities of the fishermen when they return after a long night at sea with fresh seafood.
In the evening, Dinh Cậu also attracts many local residents and tourists. During this time, you can enjoy the beautiful sunset over the sea and participate in entertainment and shopping activities in the surrounding area. It is also a suitable time to try local dishes and purchase handmade products and souvenirs.
The area around Dinh Cậu is where you can explore the rich local cuisine by bicycle. There are many local eateries nearby where you can taste fresh seafood and traditional dishes of Phu Quoc, such as Bún Quậy, Bánh Mì, spring rolls, yogurt, and more. Let Hornbill Adventures accompany you in experiencing the local life and cuisine here.
Hornbill Adventures’ scheduled departure time:
Evening: 6 PM – 9 PM
Tips: You should come with an empty stomach, a camera, comfortable clothing, and footwear.
5. Cua Can River:
The name of Cửa Cạn commune originates from the geographical features of the area. Here, there is a river that flows into the sea. “Cửa” here means the river’s mouth leading to the sea, and “Cạn” refers to the condition of sand deposited from the sea in this area, causing the river mouth to become shallow. During the dry season, people can walk from one side of the river to the other, especially when the water level is low.
From Duong Dong town to Cửa Cạn commune, it’s about 10 kilometers. Along the Cửa Cạn River, there are many local houses on both sides of the river offering boat rental services. You can experience it yourself by renting a kayak to paddle along the river. If you go kayaking in the afternoon, you can admire the beautiful sunset.
Along the Cửa Cạn River, there is a place of local worship called Đình ông Nguyễn Trung Trực. It is a shrine dedicated to honoring the famous national hero Nguyễn Trung Trực, who courageously fought against French colonialists in the 19th century. The shrine was built in Cửa Cạn to commemorate and honor his contributions. This is one of the important historical destinations and tourist attractions in Cửa Cạn commune and Phu Quoc Island in general.
When exploring Phu Quoc by bicycle, make sure you have enough drinking water, rain gear (if needed), and know how to protect yourself from the sun. Be sure to adhere to traffic safety rules and enjoy this exciting journey on the beautiful pearl island of Vietnam, which offers not only natural beauty but also a rich cultural tapestry and warm hospitality.
When exploring Phu Quoc, it’s advisable to choose a reputable tour provider like Hornbill Adventures for a unique and outstanding experience. Let Hornbill Adventures serve you!
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