Getting around Phu Quoc: Which option should you use?
There are several ways to get around Phu Quoc, but they work very differently depending on your plans. What works well for a short ride in town can be a bad choice for a full day of exploring the island. Choosing the right option can save you time, money, and a lot of hassle.
1. Grab (ride-hailing apps)
Grab is a ride-hailing app that works similar to Uber, where you book a car through your phone and see the price before confirming. It is available in Phu Quoc, mainly around Duong Dong and the main tourist areas.
When to use:
- Short A to B rides
- Going to restaurants, the night market, or nearby beaches
- When you want clear pricing upfront
When NOT to use:
- Visiting remote beaches or the north of the island (hard to find a ride back)
- Full-day sightseeing
- Late at night outside the main areas
2. Traditional taxis
Traditional taxis are widely available across Phu Quoc and are easy to use. They run on a meter and can be found at the airport, hotels, and along main roads, or arranged by your accommodation.
When to use:
- When Grab is not available
- Airport transfers
- If you prefer a simple, no-app option
When NOT to use:
- When Grab is cheaper (which is often the case)
- For full-day exploring, as costs can add up quickly
3. Private car rental with driver
This means renting a car with a driver for a set number of hours or a full day. It is one of the most practical ways to explore Phu Quoc if you want flexibility.
When to use:
- Exploring the north and south in one day
- Visiting remote beaches or less developed areas
- If you want a flexible itinerary with stops along the way
When NOT to use:
- Short rides around town
- If you are traveling on a tight budget
Grab in Phu Quoc – How it works
Yes, there is Grab in Phu Quoc, and for many travelers it is the easiest way to get around. However, it does not work the same as in big cities like Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi, and availability can be limited depending on where you are.
Is there Grab in Phu Quoc?
Grab is available in Phu Quoc, mainly in and around Duong Dong and other main tourist areas like Long Beach. In these areas, it usually works well for short rides.
Outside of these zones, especially in the north or more remote beaches, Grab becomes much less reliable. You might get a ride there, but finding one to go back can be difficult.
Types of Grab services
The main option in Phu Quoc is GrabCar, which is a regular car with air conditioning and works similar to a taxi.
GrabBike (motorbike taxi) exists, but it is much less common than in big cities. You will see it occasionally, but you should not rely on it as your main option.
Prices and what to expect
Grab is usually slightly cheaper than traditional taxis, especially for short distances. One of the biggest advantages is that you see the price before booking, so there is no discussion or confusion.
Prices are not fixed and can change depending on demand. During busy times like evenings, weekends, or when it rains, prices can go up. Even then, it is often still reasonable compared to taxis.
Availability and limitations
Grab works best in central areas, but there are clear limitations.
It can be hard to find a Grab in:
- the north coast
- remote beaches
- smaller roads away from main tourist zones
- late evening outside Duong Dong
This is one of the most important things to understand. Getting to a place is often easier than getting back.
Payment options
Cash is still the most common way to pay for Grab in Phu Quoc. While the app supports card payments, it does not always work smoothly for international cards.
It is a good idea to have some small cash with you, even if you prefer paying digitally.
Practical tips for using Grab
- Always double-check the license plate and driver before getting in
- Take a screenshot of the ride details, especially if you are in a less busy area
- Do not rely on Grab for return transport from remote beaches or attractions
- Make sure you have mobile data, as the app needs internet to work
Used in the right situation, Grab is one of the easiest and most transparent ways to get around Phu Quoc. Just do not assume it works everywhere on the island.
Taxis in Phu Quoc – Costs & reliable companies
Taxis in Phu Quoc are widely available and generally reliable, especially in tourist areas and around the airport. They are easy to use and a good backup when Grab is not available. That said, choosing the right company and knowing how pricing works will make a big difference in your experience.
Taxi costs in Phu Quoc
Taxi prices in Phu Quoc are quite standard across companies.
- Starting fare: around 10,000 to 15,000 VND
- Price per km: around 13,000 to 18,000 VND
- Airport surcharge: sometimes added (usually small, around 10,000–20,000 VND)
To give you a better idea of real costs:
- Airport → Duong Dong: roughly 120,000 – 180,000 VND
- Duong Dong → Ong Lang: roughly 150,000 – 220,000 VND
- Duong Dong → An Thoi (south): roughly 300,000 – 450,000 VND
Prices depend on traffic, exact distance, and vehicle type, but these ranges are realistic for planning your budget.
Most reliable taxi companies in Phu Quoc
You do not need to remember 10 different companies. A few well-known ones are enough.
- Mai Linh Taxi
One of the most recognizable taxi brands in Vietnam (green cars). Reliable, widely available, and a safe choice for first-time visitors. - Vinasun Taxi
Another strong national brand. Known for professional drivers and well-maintained cars. Often slightly more consistent in service. - Green SM Taxi
Electric taxis using VinFast cars. Clean, quiet, and modern. Good option if you prefer newer vehicles and app-based booking. - Nam Thang Taxi
A large local company with good coverage across the island. Often easier to find outside the main tourist zones.
All of these are generally safe choices. If you are unsure, your hotel can also arrange a trusted taxi for you.
How taxis work in Phu Quoc
Most taxis in Phu Quoc use a meter, and this is how you should pay in normal situations. The meter should start at the base fare when the ride begins.
In some cases, especially for longer distances or trips to more remote areas, drivers may suggest a fixed price instead of using the meter. This is not uncommon, but you should always agree on the price clearly before starting the ride.
You can get a taxi in several ways:
- Ask your hotel or resort to call one
- Call a company directly
- Flag one down on the street (easy in busy areas)
Practical tips for using taxis
A few simple tips can help you avoid small issues and keep things smooth.
- Always check that the meter starts at 0 when the ride begins
- Stick to known companies instead of random cars
- If you go to a remote beach or quiet area, ask the driver to wait for you
→ many drivers are happy to do this and may even prefer it - For longer trips, confirm an estimated price in advance
- Carry small cash, as drivers may not always have change
These small things make a big difference, especially outside the main tourist zones.
Taxi vs Grab – which is better?
Both work well, but they are better in different situations.
- Grab is usually cheaper and shows the price upfront
- Taxis are more widely available, especially outside central areas
In practice:
- Use Grab when it is available and convenient
- Use taxis when Grab is not working or when you need more flexibility
Most travelers end up using a mix of both during their stay in Phu Quoc.
Renting a car in Phu Quoc – What to expect
Renting a car in Phu Quoc is the most comfortable and flexible way to explore the island, especially if you plan to visit multiple places in one day. It is not the cheapest option upfront, but for longer distances or full-day trips, it often makes more sense than using taxis all the time.
How car rental works in Phu Quoc
Car rental in Phu Quoc almost always includes a driver. Self-driving is technically possible, but in reality it is very uncommon and not recommended for most travelers.
Instead, you book a car with a driver for a set number of hours or a full day. The driver will take you wherever you want to go, wait at each stop, and follow your planned route.
Costs of car rental with driver
Prices depend on the type of car, how long you rent it, and how far you plan to go.
Typical price ranges:
- Half day (4–5 hours): around 600,000 – 1,000,000 VND
- Full day (8–10 hours): around 1,000,000 – 1,800,000 VND
Larger cars for groups will cost more.
While this may seem expensive at first, it often works out cheaper than taking multiple taxi rides across the island, especially if you are visiting both the north and south or stopping at several places along the way.
What the driver does (and does not do)
The driver’s main role is to provide transport, not to act as a tour guide.
- The driver will follow your route and wait while you visit places
- Some drivers speak basic English, others very little
- Occasionally, you may get a driver who gives tips or explains things, but this is not something you should expect
Because of this, it is important to have a clear plan of where you want to go.
When renting a car makes the most sense
Car rental is a very practical option in certain situations.
- Exploring the north and south of the island in one day
- Visiting remote beaches or less developed areas
- Traveling as a family or group
- Wanting to stop whenever you like without worrying about transport
It is especially useful in places where Grab and taxis are harder to find for the return trip.
Downsides of car rental
There are a few things to be aware of before choosing this option.
- Higher upfront cost compared to single taxi or Grab rides
- You need to plan your route in advance
- Less spontaneous than using Grab for short trips
For many travelers, it is not necessary for every day, but it can be the best option for one or two days of exploring the island more deeply.
Practical tips for getting around Phu Quoc
Getting around Phu Quoc is relatively easy, but the island is bigger and more spread out than many travelers expect. A bit of planning will help you avoid long travel times, unnecessary costs, and situations where it is hard to get back.
Distances on Phu Quoc are bigger than they look
On a map, Phu Quoc may not seem very large, but distances can take longer than expected.
Driving from the north to the south can easily take 1 to 1.5 hours one way. If you plan to visit multiple areas in one day without thinking about distance, you may spend more time in the car than actually enjoying the places.
Good planning really matters here.
Main areas and travel logic
Understanding how the island is divided helps a lot when planning your transport.
- Duong Dong is the central hub with most hotels, restaurants, and transport options
- The north is quieter, more remote, and less developed
- The south has many attractions like the cable car, island tours, and larger resorts
If you stay in Duong Dong, you are in a good position to explore both directions, but visiting north and south in one day requires time and planning.
Roads and driving conditions
Main roads in Phu Quoc are generally in good condition and easy to drive on. The main north-south road is smooth and straightforward.
However, once you leave the main roads, conditions can change:
- smaller roads can be bumpy or partly unpaved
- access roads to beaches are sometimes rough or confusing
- signage is not always clear
This is especially relevant if you plan to explore more remote areas.
Public transport (brief reality check)
Public buses do exist in Phu Quoc, but they are not very useful for most travelers.
Routes are limited, schedules are not always convenient, and they do not go to many of the places tourists want to visit. For most trips, taxis, Grab, or a private car are much more practical.
Smart planning tips
A few simple choices can make your trip much smoother.
- Combine locations that are close to each other instead of crossing the island multiple times
- Do not rely on finding transport in remote areas, especially for the return trip
- Choose your transport based on your plan for the day, not just the lowest price
Phu Quoc is easy to explore when you understand how the island works. A bit of planning will help you avoid the most common mistakes travelers make.
