Last updated: May 2026
The Flight — Why It’s the Default Choice
Phu Quoc International Airport (PQC) opened its current terminal in 2012, handling 4–5 million passengers per year. It’s 6km from the main resort strip on Long Beach — a 15-minute taxi or Grab ride from most accommodation.
The three main carriers on the Saigon (SGN)–Phu Quoc (PQC) route:
VietJet Air — the cheapest option, multiple daily departures, frequent flash sales. Book via VietJet’s app or website. Early-morning and late-evening flights are generally cheaper than midday. Watch for fees: VietJet’s base fares often exclude hold luggage — add 20kg checked baggage for 100,000–200,000 VND extra (~$3.80–7.60) at booking. Don’t add it at the airport.
Bamboo Airways — slightly pricier than VietJet but more consistent on punctuality. Similar pricing structure. Good alternative if VietJet is sold out on your dates.
Vietnam Airlines — the full-service option, includes 23kg hold baggage, better legroom. Usually 20–40% more expensive than budget carriers but worth it if you’re carrying dive gear or significant luggage.
Flight time: 55 minutes. Add 60–90 minutes for check-in and boarding. Depart from Terminal 2 at Tan Son Nhat airport (international terminal) for VietJet and Vietnam Airlines. Check your airline’s specific terminal — Bamboo sometimes uses a different gate area.
ℹKnow Before You Go
Tan Son Nhat airport is notoriously congested. Arrive 90 minutes before domestic departure, not 45. In peak season (December–February) the airport is overwhelmed and security lines are long. Grab from District 1 to the domestic terminal takes 30–45 minutes in normal traffic, 60–90 minutes during rush hours (7–9am, 5–7pm). Leave buffer time.
The Ferry — When It Makes Sense
The ferry to Phu Quoc departs from two mainland ports: Rach Gia (Kiên Giang Province) and Ha Tien. Neither is close to Saigon.
Rach Gia: 260km from Saigon, 5–6 hours by FUTA bus. Fast ferry to Phu Quoc from Rach Gia: 2.5 hours, 180,000–250,000 VND (~$6.85–9.50). Operators: Superdong, Phu Quoc Express. Total journey from Saigon: 7.5–8.5 hours.
Ha Tien: 340km from Saigon, 6–7 hours by FUTA bus (longer route but passes through the Mekong Delta). Fast ferry to Phu Quoc from Ha Tien: 1 hour, 200,000–280,000 VND (~$7.60–10.60). Total journey from Saigon: 7–8 hours. Ha Tien is the better ferry port if you’re combining Phu Quoc with the western Mekong Delta circuit (Can Tho → Chau Doc → Ha Tien → Phu Quoc).
The Overland Route — Saigon → Mekong → Ha Tien → Phu Quoc
This is the correct way to reach Phu Quoc by land-and-sea if you want to see the Mekong Delta en route — and it’s genuinely a good circuit rather than just a long transit.
The sequence over 4–5 days:
Day 1: Saigon → Can Tho (3.5h bus, 130,000–160,000 VND). Evening at Ninh Kieu wharf.
Day 2: Can Tho → floating market dawn → Chau Doc (2.5h bus, 80,000–120,000 VND). Floating village and Sam Mountain afternoon.
Day 3: Chau Doc → Ha Tien (2h bus, 70,000–100,000 VND). Ha Tien afternoon exploration — the karst caves and Mui Nai beach.
Day 4: Ha Tien → Phu Quoc by fast ferry (1h, 200,000–280,000 VND). On the island by 10am.
The entire overland route from Saigon to Phu Quoc via the Mekong adds 3 days but includes the floating market, the Chau Doc floating village, Sam Mountain, and Ha Tien’s overlooked karst landscape. For a 3-week Vietnam itinerary, this is the better option over a direct flight. For a 10-day trip to Phu Quoc specifically, fly.
For the full Mekong Delta routing, see our Mekong Delta map guide.
At the Airport — What to Do When You Land
Phu Quoc airport arrivals: small terminal, fast bag reclaim (15–20 minutes), no immigration queues (domestic). Grab works at the airport — open the app while still inside the terminal, book a ride, and walk out to the pickup zone on the right side of the exit. Fare to Long Beach: 150,000–200,000 VND (~$5.70–7.60). Fare to Ong Lang or the north end of the island: 200,000–300,000 VND (~$7.60–11).
If you didn’t book Grab and the airport taxis approach you, the metered rate should be 150,000–250,000 VND to most Long Beach hotels. Confirm the meter is running before you start moving. Unmetered airport taxis quoting flat rates are always higher than Grab — skip them.
Motorbike rentals at the airport: a couple of operators outside the arrivals exit offer bike rental at 150,000–200,000 VND/day. Perfectly legitimate but you won’t need a motorbike for the transfer to your hotel — sort the rental once you’ve checked in and oriented yourself.
Getting Around Phu Quoc Once You’re There
Phu Quoc’s main road (Tran Hung Dao) runs north–south through the island and is well-paved. Most of the island is accessible by motorbike — rental shops everywhere on Long Beach at 150,000–200,000 VND/day. For the south coast beaches (Sao, Khem), a motorbike is essentially required — taxis exist but the cost round-trip to Sao Beach and back is 600,000–800,000 VND vs 300,000–400,000 VND for a day’s bike rental.
Grab operates on the island and is the best option for single trips where you don’t want to ride — airport, town, markets. For full-day beach exploration, rent the motorbike.
For everything to do once you’re on the island, see our Phu Quoc things to do guide.
The Ferry Experience — What It’s Actually Like
If you decide to take the ferry — either because you’re on the Mekong overland route or just want the slower option — here’s what the crossing is actually like.
The Superdong and Phu Quoc Express ferries are fast hydrofoils with air-conditioned cabins and assigned seats. The Rach Gia to Phu Quoc crossing takes 2.5 hours in calm conditions; the Ha Tien crossing takes 1 hour. Both operate multiple departures per day (check schedules online — they change seasonally). For a broader look at getting around Vietnam by bike, bus, and train, see our Vietnam transport guide.
The crossing from Rach Gia is open ocean for most of its length — not typically rough in dry season but can be uncomfortable in wet season (May–September) when Gulf of Thailand swells build. If you’re prone to motion sickness, take preventative medication before boarding.
The Ha Tien crossing is shorter and more sheltered. The water near Ha Tien is often calm even in moderate wind conditions — the bay geography helps. One hour on the water, the Phu Quoc coastline appears on the right as you enter the southern part of the island’s coast. The arrival at An Thoi pier on the south end of Phu Quoc is followed by a 30–45 minute taxi or Grab ride up the island to Long Beach.
Ferry booking: Superdong online at superdong.com.vn, or buy at the terminal on the day for most of the year. Peak season (December–February) book 1–2 days ahead to guarantee your preferred departure time.
Combining Phu Quoc With the Rest of Southern Vietnam
Phu Quoc fits into a southern Vietnam itinerary in two main ways:
As a standalone beach break from Saigon: Fly in, 5–7 days on the island, fly back. This is the package tour model and works fine. Total travel time each way: 2.5–3 hours. Best for: people who flew to Saigon specifically for a beach trip, families with young children, travelers combining Vietnam with Thailand or Cambodia and wanting a beach leg without the Phuket crowds.
As part of a southern Vietnam circuit: Saigon → Mekong Delta → Ha Tien → Phu Quoc ferry, then fly back to Saigon from Phu Quoc. This uses the island as a final destination rather than a side trip and avoids backtracking. The full circuit takes 2–3 weeks comfortably. The Phu Quoc domestic airport makes the return to Saigon (or onward to other Vietnamese cities) simple — you don’t need to ferry back to the mainland.
A note on exit routes from Phu Quoc: you can fly direct from PQC to Hanoi, Da Nang, or other major Vietnamese cities if Saigon isn’t your onward destination. Vietnam Airlines and VietJet both operate Phu Quoc → Hanoi routes. Check VietJet for direct Phu Quoc → Da Nang routes if you’re continuing north on a north-south Vietnam itinerary in reverse.
When to Book — Seasonal Pricing Logic
The price difference between early booking and last-minute booking on the SGN–PQC route is significant:
November–late December (shoulder and early peak): Book 2–3 weeks ahead for the best fares. 400,000–600,000 VND (~$15–23) one-way is achievable on VietJet with hold luggage included or paid separately.
Christmas and New Year (Dec 22 – Jan 3): The most expensive window of the year. Book 6–8 weeks ahead or accept paying 1,000,000–1,500,000 VND (~$38–57) one-way on any carrier. This is peak season for both domestic Vietnamese tourists and international travelers — the island is at maximum capacity and so are the flights.
February–March (post-Tet): Prices drop sharply after Tet ends, typically in the second week of February. Great value window — fares back to 350,000–500,000 VND range, island still good weather, noticeably fewer crowds than the December–January peak. If you’re flying from the north, check our Hanoi to Saigon guide for transport options before continuing south to Phu Quoc.
April–May (late dry season/start of wet): Budget fares available, some of the year’s lowest prices. The island is still worth visiting in April but May starts getting rough — check the weather carefully if booking May travel.
Phu Quoc in the Context of a Vietnam Itinerary
Phu Quoc is geographically isolated — it sits in the Gulf of Thailand off the western coast, 50km from the mainland. This means it doesn’t naturally slot into the standard north-south Vietnam spine (Hanoi → Hue → Da Nang → Hoi An → Saigon) unless you’re specifically routing through southern Vietnam first.
For travelers doing a north-to-south itinerary: Phu Quoc works as a final beach leg after Saigon. Fly from Saigon to PQC at the end of the trip, spend 5–7 days, then fly back to Saigon to connect home. This adds zero backtracking and gives the trip a natural wind-down before departure.
For travelers doing a Mekong-first southern itinerary: the Can Tho → Chau Doc → Ha Tien → Phu Quoc ferry route is the logical circuit, ending the trip on the island with a domestic flight back. This is a genuinely satisfying way to do southern Vietnam — the delta, the border region, and the island as three distinct environments in sequence.
For beach-only travelers: fly in, stay put, fly out. Phu Quoc is large enough for 7–10 days without repetition — multiple beaches, offshore islands, motorbike routes, night markets. No need to combine it with anything else.
What I Got Wrong Booking Phu Quoc Flights
I once booked a VietJet fare at 290,000 VND thinking I’d done well, then discovered at check-in that I’d selected “no hold luggage” and my 20kg bag cost 400,000 VND extra at the airport — more than the fare. The checked bag fee booked in advance would have been 120,000 VND. The difference was 280,000 VND (~$10.65) for the same bag, because I clicked through the booking too fast.
Budget airline booking rule: always check what’s included, always add hold luggage at booking if you need it, never add it at the airport.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the flight from Saigon to Phu Quoc?
55 minutes flight time. Include 90 minutes for airport arrival, check-in, and boarding, plus 20 minutes for baggage claim on arrival. Total door-to-door from central Saigon to a hotel on Long Beach: approximately 3–3.5 hours including the Grab ride to the airport and another from the airport on arrival.
Is there a ferry from Saigon to Phu Quoc?
No direct ferry. The ferry departs from Rach Gia (260km from Saigon, 5–6h bus) or Ha Tien (340km, 6–7h bus). The total journey from Saigon to Phu Quoc via ferry is 7.5–8.5 hours. Only worth it if you’re on the Mekong Delta overland route already or on an extremely tight budget. Otherwise, fly.
Which is better — flying or taking the ferry to Phu Quoc?
Flying for most travelers. The flight is 55 minutes and budget fares start at $13 one-way — the time savings versus 7+ hours by bus and ferry is significant for any trip under two weeks. The ferry makes sense only if you’re already in the western Mekong Delta (Can Tho, Chau Doc, Ha Tien) and continuing to Phu Quoc as part of an overland circuit. In that case the Ha Tien ferry is logical. Otherwise, the math on flying is clear.
What is the cheapest way to get to Phu Quoc from Saigon?
Bus to Rach Gia (100,000–150,000 VND) + fast ferry (180,000–250,000 VND) = total 280,000–400,000 VND (~$10–15). Compare that to a VietJet fare at 350,000–500,000 VND (~$13–19) and the difference is $3–5 each way. For most travellers, that $3–5 is worth not spending 8 hours on buses and boats. The ferry is cheaper; the flight is better value once you account for your time.
How do I get from Phu Quoc airport to Long Beach?
Grab: book inside the terminal, walk out to the pickup zone. Fare 150,000–200,000 VND (~$5.70–7.60), 15 minutes. Taxi: metered, similar price if the meter is running — confirm before moving. No bus service from the airport to the beach road. Do not accept flat-rate offers from drivers who approach you inside the terminal.
Can I bring a motorbike on the ferry to Phu Quoc?
Yes — both the Rach Gia and Ha Tien ferry operators accept motorbikes in the lower hold for an additional fee of approximately 100,000–200,000 VND (~$3.80–7.60) per bike. This is worth doing if you’re on a long motorbike trip through southern Vietnam and don’t want to rent a separate bike on the island. Book the bike slot when you buy your ticket — the cargo hold fills up on busy days. The bike is loaded separately and waiting for you at the Phu Quoc arrival pier when you disembark.
Is Phu Quoc worth it for a 3-day trip?
Yes — with focused planning. A 3-day trip from Saigon: fly in Friday evening, full day on the island Saturday (Sao Beach + Night Market), Sunday (north coast motorbike ride, fish sauce factory, Ganh Dau), fly back Sunday evening. That’s tight but covers the main experiences. Four or five nights is the comfortable version. A week is ideal if you’re combining beach time with snorkelling day trips to the southern islands and exploration of the island by motorbike.
Is Phu Quoc airport easy to navigate?
Very easy. Phu Quoc International Airport is small — one domestic terminal, arrivals and departures on the same level. Bag claim takes 15–20 minutes. Exit the terminal, open Grab for your ride. The only complication is during Christmas week when the terminal is at capacity — expect longer bag claim waits (30–45 minutes) and a queue for Grab pickup. Outside peak periods, it’s one of the smoothest domestic airport arrivals in Vietnam.
Are there direct international flights to Phu Quoc?
Yes — Phu Quoc International Airport has historically served direct international routes from South Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, and Russia at various points. The international schedule changes seasonally and by year — check your origin airport for current direct routes. If no direct flight exists from your departure city, the most common connection is through Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) or Hanoi, with a domestic onward connection to PQC. Singapore–Saigon–Phu Quoc is a standard international itinerary for Southeast Asia travelers.
What is there to do on the ferry journey?
Both the Rach Gia and Ha Tien ferries have air-conditioned indoor seating and basic snack service. The Ha Tien crossing (1 hour) is short enough to just sit and watch the water. The Rach Gia crossing (2.5 hours) has more time — bring headphones, snacks, and something to read. The outdoor deck on both boats is available when the sea is calm. In dry season (November–April) the deck crossing is pleasant; in wet season the combination of rough water and spray makes indoor seating preferable. Some travelers experience nausea on the longer Rach Gia crossing in wet-season swells — take medication preventively if you know you’re susceptible.
What is the best time to visit Phu Quoc?
November to April is the dry season and the correct window for a beach-focused trip. December to February is the peak period with the most reliable weather, best sea visibility for snorkelling and diving, and the lowest wind. The downside: it’s also the busiest and most expensive. March to April is the best value — good weather, significantly lower accommodation prices, and fewer tourists than the Christmas/New Year peak. May starts the wet season: rougher seas, reduced beach swimming, increased jellyfish risk. The island remains functional and beautiful in wet season, but it’s not a beach trip.
