[Red River Tours] Sightseeing to the North in Phu Quoc

Traveling to Phu Quoc? The island is famous for its stunning beaches and vibrant nightlife, but its northern side offers a different adventure—wilder, more natural, and full of authentic sights. This 6-hour tour promises to take you through lush forests, traditional fishing villages, and quiet beaches, all with the comfort of a professional guide and great value for money.

What makes this experience stand out? For starters, we love the way it combines active pursuits like kayaking with cultural insights into local life. The delicious Vietnamese lunch and the chance to see untouched scenery really add to the overall vibe. On the downside, some travelers note that the itinerary can shift due to weather or conditions, so flexibility is key.

This tour is ideal for those who crave a break from beaches and want a taste of Phu Quoc’s natural, authentic side. If you enjoy gentle outdoor activities paired with cultural exploration, this trip could be a perfect fit.

Key Points

• Authentic Northern Phu Quoc experience with a focus on nature and local villages
• Active elements like kayaking on Cua Can River and boat trips to Starfish Beach
• Delicious traditional lunch included, offering good value for money
• Professional English-speaking guide enhances the experience and provides insights
• Flexible itinerary that may adapt based on weather or conditions
• Pickup inside Duong Dong included, with options for surcharge outside the area

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring Phu Quoc’s North: What You Can Expect

Phu Quoc’s north is a world away from the bustling southern beaches. Here, lush greenery, slow-paced fishing villages, and pristine beaches dominate the landscape. The tour captures this essence perfectly, combining scenic sights with cultural activities that make the experience memorable.

Morning Pickup and First Sights

Your day begins at 8:30 am with a hotel pickup within Duong Dong town, which is convenient and hassle-free. Once on board, the journey kicks off with a visit to the Silk Center, giving you a glimpse into local craftsmanship—an often-overlooked part of Vietnamese culture. It’s a brief stop, but one that offers insight into traditional industries.

Kayaking and Cultural Performances

The highlight of this tour is the Cua Can River activity. You’ll hop into either a kayak or a basket boat—both options are fun and manageable for most ages. Reviews note that the 60-minute session allows plenty of time to paddle along the gentle waters, observing fishermen at work. Experienced guides share stories about local fishing practices, adding value for curious travelers.

While paddling, you might experience traditional music performances or a basket boat dance, which are both charming ways to experience southern Vietnamese culture. Reviewers mention that these performances are lively and authentic, making the experience more immersive.

Visiting Pepper Gardens and Rach Vem Beach

Next, you’ll explore the pepper garden, a fragrant stop that offers an aromatic break from the forest. Here, you learn about the significance of pepper in Vietnamese cuisine and perhaps sample fresh spices.

Afterward, the tour takes you to Rach Vem Beach, a quiet stretch of sand perfect for relaxing or taking photos. Many visitors appreciate the peaceful atmosphere here—an ideal spot to unwind after morning activities.

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Lunch and Boat to Starfish Beach

A highlight for many is the lunch at a local restaurant, which features Vietnamese dishes that are hearty and flavorful. It’s a good opportunity to savor regional specialties and break up the outdoor activities.

Post-lunch, you’ll board a small boat to reach Ham Rong Cape. The boat ride offers charming views of the coastline and leads you to Starfish Beach, where you can see and possibly touch starfish in their natural habitat. According to reviews, the small boat transfer is smooth, and the beach itself provides a unique chance to enjoy unspoiled sea life.

Afternoon Relaxation and Return

The tour wraps up around 4:30 pm with a transfer back to your hotel. The day’s activities are well-paced, allowing you to enjoy each stop without feeling rushed. The flexible itinerary also means the schedule can shift slightly depending on weather or operational conditions, which travelers should keep in mind.

Practical Tips for Making the Most of the Tour

• Bring essentials like sunglasses, swimwear, a change of clothes, towel, and sunscreen. While water is provided, personal items like towels are not included.
• The tour is not recommended for travelers with high blood pressure or epilepsy, so check your health before booking.
• Tours operate with an English-speaking guide who provides ongoing commentary, which enhances understanding of the sights.
• The price of $64 offers good value considering the activities, lunch, and transportation included.
• Extra surcharges apply for pickups outside Duong Dong, so plan accordingly if you’re staying further afield.
• The tour duration of 6 hours is ideal for a full yet relaxed day, with most activities occurring in the morning and early afternoon.

Authentic Experiences and Local Insights

Guests have praised the professionalism of guides, with many noting that guides like “Mr. Minh” are friendly, knowledgeable, and eager to share local stories. Travelers also highlight the beautiful scenery, especially during the boat ride and kayaking, with comments such as “You’ll love the views of the coast and the peaceful rivers.”

The local performances add a lively, authentic touch, with some guests describing the basket boat dance as “surprisingly energetic and fun,” making it more than just a sightseeing stop. The pepper garden is more than a quick visit; it’s a fragrant immersion into a traditional Vietnamese crop.

The included lunch consistently receives praise for being tasty and filling, often described as “simple but delicious,” perfect for refueling after the morning’s activities.

Who Is This Tour Perfect For?

This experience is best suited for adventurous travelers who enjoy outdoor activities but also want cultural insights. It’s ideal for those who appreciate nature, local villages, and scenic boat rides, rather than just relaxing on a beach. Perfect if you want a balanced mix of activity, culture, and comfort in one half-day adventure.

It’s also suitable for families with children over a meter tall, thanks to the manageable activities and friendly guides. However, individuals with certain health conditions should check their compatibility before booking.

The Sum Up

For travelers seeking a genuinely immersive day that highlights the natural beauty and cultural richness of northern Phu Quoc, this tour offers excellent value. With kayaking, visits to local farms, and quiet beaches, you’ll get a well-rounded experience that balances active pursuits with moments of tranquility.

The tour’s affordability, combined with professional guiding and authentic sights, makes it a compelling choice for those looking to see more of what Phu Quoc has to offer beyond its famous beaches. It’s perfect for curious explorers eager to discover the island’s less traveled paths.

If you’re after a day of scenic views, cultural experiences, and a taste of local life, this tour could be a memorable highlight of your trip.

FAQ

Is pickup included in the tour price?
Yes, free pickup and drop-off are available inside Duong Dong town area. Surcharges apply for pickups outside this zone.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately six hours, starting around 8:30 am and returning by 4:30 pm, depending on conditions.

What should I bring?
Sunglasses, swimwear, a change of clothes, towel, and sunscreen are recommended, as you’ll be outdoors and near water.

Is there a guide during the trip?
Yes, an English-speaking professional guide accompanies you, offering insights and commentary throughout the day.

Are there any activity restrictions?
The tour isn’t recommended for those with high blood pressure, epilepsy, or other specific medical conditions.

What is included in the price?
Transportation within Duong Dong, lunch, a bottle of water, kayaking or SUP, small boat transfer to Starfish Beach, and tourism insurance are included.

Can I participate if I am traveling with young children?
Children over 1 meter tall can join, but kids under 10 must be accompanied by parents. Activities are generally gentle but check with the provider if unsure.

Are there extra costs I should be aware of?
Surcharges apply if your pickup point is outside Duong Dong, and a 20% surcharge applies on public Tet holidays.

What if the weather is bad?
The itinerary might be altered due to weather conditions, but the tour generally maintains the main visiting points, or rescheduling options are available.

This tour offers a thoughtful way to explore the natural and cultural gems of northern Phu Quoc, perfect for those wanting a meaningful, active day away from the beaches.

You can check availability for your dates here: