Phu Quoc is heaven for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re looking for a challenging unmarked trail up the islands highest mountain or scenic hikes through the National Park you will find what you are looking for on Phu Quoc Island. All hiking adventures begin in the Phu Quoc National Park, which covers 50% of the island. Below are a few trails that we have identified which you can explore on your own or with a tour guide.
The Best Hikes In Phu Quoc
Best Hike: Ganh Dau Trail | **Best Trek:**Ham Ninh Mountain Trek | National Park Hikes
The Phu Quoc Special Zone is made up of many islands however hiking and trekking activities are limited to only 2 of those islands, namely the main island of Phu Quoc and the ecotourism island known as Hon Thom Island or Pineapple Island.
Setting Expectations
As the authors of this guide are avid outdoor enthusiasts who have traveled the world, they wanted to make sure that readers of this guide receive truthful information about what to expect when it comes to hiking on Phu Quoc. Phu Quoc is transforming into an island city of sorts and most of the lush areas are being replaced by resorts and mixed residential properties. Hiking and trekking opportunities are extremely limited. Some of the wild trails that we have discovered in the past have been transformed into organized, for-profit “trekking tours”. With that being said, there is only 1 hiking trail, mountain trekking trail, 1 motor vehicle trail area, and several eco-tourism walks. There are also several un-maintained trails that will take you inside the Phu Quoc National Park, however exploring these trails should be avoided until they are fully developed. We have encountered gun wielding poachers, giant potholes covered by moss, as well as ticks and other biting insects while exploring these trails.
Phu Quoc National Park Hiking & Trekking
Mount Chua, Phu Quoc’s highest mountain at 603 metres, is in the middle of Phu Quoc National Park. When we last checked, the summit area was restricted and there was no public trail to the top. Ask at the national park office before you set out, and do not enter restricted zones.
However visitors can summit Mount Ham Ninh (also known as “Mount Heaven”), which is part of a mountain range running along the eastern coast of the island. At 400 meters, Mount Heaven is the 2nd highest mountain on Phu Quoc Island and trekking this mountain requires the assistance of a guided tour, but it is possible to hike on your own. This trek is perfect for the traveler looking to get off the beaten track and do a little mountain climbing at the same time. The local guide will show you up a secluded trail through dense virgin forest, leading to a bird’s eye view of the eastern side of Phu Quoc. You will have to climb up a 10 meter high bamboo ladder in order to summit. The trek down the mountain is just as difficult as you will be taken down a different trail and depending on the guide, your trek may end up at a natural pool or a myrtle sim fruit garden.
Dangers & Annoyances
Hiking, trekking and any outdoor activity can be dangerous and has many potential hazards. It is up to each individual to know their limits, abilities and level of expertise before attempting any outdoor activity. Never attempt any of the suggested trails alone, regardless of your health or physical ability. Dangers include:
- Insect bites and bee swarms, which can cause allergic reactions.
- animal bites/attacks.
- Theft of bags left in parked vehicles
- Broken ankles due to rough terrains.
How we rate the trails
- Easy: mostly flat, a well-trodden or paved path. Fine for families.
- Moderate: some climbs and rough footing; allow extra time and wear proper shoes.
- Difficult: steep, unmarked or overgrown sections; go with a guide or someone who knows the route.
Treks & Trails
Get off the beach and onto one of these trails.
Ganh dau Trail
Gành Dầu
TYPE: Forest LENGTH: 1.5 km TIME: 0.5 to 1.5 hr RATING: Easy
Phu Quoc’s most popular trail. A short hike that takes you to old growth trees and jungle. The hike is relatively easy and the trail can get crowded at times.
Ham Ninh Mountain Trek
Hàm Ninh
TYPE: Mountain Trek LENGTH: 6 km TIME: 1.0 – 3.0 hr RATING: Moderate
The only real trekking that can be done in Phu Quoc with a nice view of the sea at the summit.
Rach Tram Jeep Trails
Rạch Tràm, Bai Thom
TYPE: Forest – Offroading LENGTH: Varies TIME: 1.5 hr RATING: Easy
A remote trail located in the far north east corner of Phu Quoc Island, mainly used by 4×4 jeep tours, dirt bikes, and cyclists.
Da Ngon Waterfall Hike
Cửa Dương
TYPE: Forest LENGTH: 3.0 km TIME: 3.0 hr RATING: Moderate
This hike takes you around the islands largest lake and to the waters that are part of the Da Ngon stream.
Dien Tien Mountain Hike
Dương Tơ
TYPE: Mountain Trek LENGTH: 6 km TIME: 1.0 – 3.0 hr RATING: Moderate
The only real trekking that can be done in Phu Quoc with a nice view of the sea at the summit.
Starfish Beach Hike
Rach Vem, Ganh Dau
TYPE: Beach LENGTH: Varies TIME: 1.5 hr RATING: Easy
Walk along Rach Vem Beach and reach this unique area where you will see hundreds of starfish.
Ecotourism Walks
Get off the beach and onto one of these unique walking trails.
Suoi Tranh Waterfall
Duong To
TYPE: Waterfall LENGTH: 1.5 km TIME: 1 hr to falls RATING: Easy
Walk next to a picturesque stream along a cobble-stone like path which leads to Phu Quoc’s best waterfall.
Suoi Da Ban Stream
Cua Duong
TYPE: Stream LENGTH: 2 km TIME: 1.0 to 2.0 hr RATING: Moderate
Walk along flat granite boulders and discover the numerous small pools and waterfalls in a lush jungle setting.
Suoi Tien
Ham Ninh
TYPE: Stream LENGTH: 4 km TIME: 1.0 to 2.0 hr RATING: Moderate
A gorgeous stream with a few waterfalls perfect for swimming and exploring nature. Also known as “Fairy Stream”.
Hon Mot Island
Bai Thom
TYPE: Island LENGTH: 1 km loop TIME: 1 hr RATING: Easy
A nice walk over a man made bamboo bridge to a small island with great views of the National Park. More on the islet, and where to eat nearby: Hon Mot.
Mangrove Walk
Ganh Dau to Bai Thom
TYPE: Forest LENGTH: Varies TIME: 1.0 to 2.0 hr RATING: Moderate
Walk through the unique mangrove ecosystems found in the northern coastal areas.
Rock Garden
Ham Ninh
TYPE: Natural Attraction LENGTH: 500 m TIME: 1 hr RATING: Easy
Like a scene out of a Monet painting, this unique landscape will thrill everyone.
Phu Quoc National Park Hiking
The many trails that take you deep inside the islands national park.
The Phu Quoc National Park Trail is a narrow single lane trail located in Cua Duong commune, in the heart of the Phu Quoc National Park. The trek through this forest is relatively easy and it is best to hike this trail early in the morning. There are no large hills to climb over and the terrain is mostly flat however you must be careful of your footing as this trail is a wild trail and it is not maintained. For the rest of the area, see Cua Duong.
The Phu Quoc National Park Trail is a great trail to view plants and wildlife. Like with all things natural, please only take pictures and do not disturb the wildlife. Some of the wildlife you may encounter here are pit vipers, macaques, hornbills, a variety of insects amphibians and reptiles. The plant life here is remarkable. You will find a variety of secondary forest trees, fungi, palms, etc.
How To Get To The Phu Quoc National Park Trail
The Phu Quoc National Park Trail is located in between Cua Duong & Bai Thom communes and can be accessed directly from the Duong Dong – Bai Thom Highway (DT973) on the Cua Duong side or from the TL48 highway on the Bai Thom side – very close to the Da Chong Port. There is a road that intersects the aforementioned communes and will take you to the protected forest area.
When we last checked, this trail was closed to the public — ask at the national park office before you go.
Other Trails
There are numerous trails located just off the Duong Dong – Bai Thom hwy. These trails are not maintained so please explore them at your own risk.
For the park itself, see our Phu Quoc National Park guide. For the easiest of these walks, the waterfalls are best in the rainy season, roughly late June to November.
