Bãi Rạch Vẹm
Discover Rach Vem Beach on Phu Quoc Island, a shallow low tide beach located in the northern part of the island
Rạch Vẹm Beach
LEARN
Rach Vem Beach (Bai Rach Vem) is an exciting beach located along the northern coast of Phu Quoc and it is part of Ganh Dau commune. The beach consists of white sand overlooking turquoise water however this is not your typical beach as it is a part “working” tidal beach where fishermen and their families reside and part ‘made-for-tourism” beach where you will find plenty of seafood restaurants, some of which are literally floating on the ocean.
Rach Vem Village
There are two “Rach Vem Villages”, one which is a residential community and the other which is part of a growing ecotourism product and called Làng chài Rạch Vẹm.
Rach Vem Village, the authentic hamlet, is a small fishing village (800 meters wide and 4 km long) and this is the place to experience traditional village life as not much has changed in the past 10 years. There are about 160 household with approximately 1,000 people living here.
Getting There
Rach Vem is accessible by traveling down a relatively wide red dirt side road. The village is located between the “Nhum” and “Coc” canals and faces the sea where Cambodia can be seen in the distance. You can expect to see very basic houses built on stilts, chickens and ducks being farmed, stray dogs and cats running around, and children following you around. The locals do not speak English but are very friendly and helpful. The life here is simple and there is a certain charm that exists in the village.
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Rach Vem Beach
Rach Vem Village
What to see
- Khmer life:
Farms
Khmer Homes
Note: When talking to the locals, please do not mention about the Cambodia-Vietnam war or about Pol Pot’s regime as this is a sensitive issue up here.
What To Do
- Fishing: Besides taking pictures you can also ask a local fisherman to take you out fishing for a small fee.
- Làng Biển Sea Village: Just off Rach Vem beach there is a floating water sport center that has jet skis, boat, water jet packs, and even a on-water playground all of which you can use for a fee:
Where To Eat & Drink
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Local eateries: You can purchase snacks and local dishes off the main road leading into Rach Vem Village:
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Offshore restaurant:
Press play and tour on Phu Quoc Island
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Why we love Bai Rach Vem
Khmer Life
You can see how local Khmer communities live on the island. All the residents at Rach Vem Village are quite friendly and are more than willing to talk with you or pose for pictures.
Floating Restaurants
There is an offshore seafood restaurant located right above the sea. The restaurant’s small canoe taxi’s people to and from the restaurant from Rach Vem Beach.
Paradise Swing
One of the most romantic spots on the island and a top selfie spot is this simple wooden swing tied to a palm tree. The “Paradise Swing” can be found along the northern section of Bãi Sao Phú Quốc.
