Khem Beach, Phu Quoc – white sand, calm water and a more polished beach atmosphere
Khem Beach is located in the south of Phu Quoc, near An Thoi, and is often mentioned as one of the island’s most beautiful beaches. The setting is easy to like: soft white sand, a curved bay with calm water, and palm trees that give parts of the beach natural shade. Compared to some other areas on the island, it has a more relaxed but slightly upscale feel, where you can comfortably spend a full day swimming, eating, and enjoying the view.
At the same time, Khem Beach is not a hidden or undeveloped beach anymore. Parts of the bay are shaped by resorts, beach bars, and restaurants, which changes the overall atmosphere. For many travelers, this actually makes it easier and more enjoyable, with better facilities and a more complete beach experience. It’s best seen as a scenic and comfortable beach with some development, rather than an untouched paradise. If you’re looking for a beautiful beach that is easy to visit and spend time at, Khem Beach fits well, but if you prefer something remote and off the grid, other parts of Phu Quoc may suit you better.
What to expect at Khem Beach
1. What the beach looks like
Khem Beach stands out for its bright white sand, which is softer and finer than many other beaches on Phu Quoc. The bay has a gentle curved shape, framed by palm trees and low hills, giving it a sheltered and scenic feel. In some areas, the palms provide natural shade, which makes it more comfortable to spend longer on the beach without always needing a sunbed.
The overall setting feels more polished compared to some rougher or less developed beaches on the island. The water is usually calm and can look very attractive, with shades of light blue or green depending on the light. However, it’s not always crystal clear. Water clarity can change depending on weather, season, and sea conditions, so it’s better to expect nice, calm water rather than perfect tropical transparency every day.
2. Swimming and relaxing on the beach
Khem Beach is one of the better beaches in Phu Quoc for swimming. The bay is relatively sheltered, and the water often stays calm with a gentle, shallow entry, which makes it suitable for a wide range of travelers, including families with kids. It’s also a beach where people tend to stay for hours, not just stop briefly for photos.
Most days, swimming and relaxing here is very enjoyable, and many visitors rate it highly for exactly that reason. At the same time, it’s not guaranteed to be perfect every day. Some reviews mention less ideal conditions when there is rubbish in the water or when the sea looks less clear. In general, it’s a pleasant and easy beach to enjoy, but with some natural variation depending on the day.
3. Beach clubs, sunbeds and the overall atmosphere
One of the defining features of Khem Beach is the presence of beach bars and clubs along parts of the shoreline. These create a more lively but still relaxed atmosphere, where you can easily order drinks, sit on a lounger, and spend the day by the sea. It feels more organized and comfortable than many quieter beaches on the island.
Sunbeds are widely available, but they are usually not free. Prices are higher than at simpler beaches, and in some places you may need to order food or drinks to use them. This gives the beach a more stylish and convenient feel, but also means it doesn’t have the same raw, untouched atmosphere as more remote spots.
4. Is Khem Beach public or private?
Khem Beach is not fully private, but it can feel that way in certain areas. Large parts of the bay are connected to resorts or beach clubs, which creates a more managed environment. This can make some visitors unsure about access at first.
In reality, non-guests can still visit and use the beach. There are public access points, and you can usually use facilities if you buy something from a beach bar or restaurant. However, it’s not the kind of beach where you have endless open space with no structure around you. If you’re looking for a completely free, empty beach with no commercial setup, this is probably not the best choice.
5. Food, drinks and facilities
Compared to many beaches in Phu Quoc, Khem Beach is relatively well-equipped. There are several restaurants, beach bars, and places to get drinks or seafood, making it easy to spend a full day here without needing to leave.
Facilities are more developed than at quieter beaches, and parking is generally straightforward based on visitor experiences. This makes Khem Beach one of the easier beaches for comfort and convenience. The trade-off is that prices are not the cheapest, especially around beach clubs and more upscale areas.
6. Is it crowded?
Khem Beach can feel quite relaxed early in the morning, especially if you arrive before most visitors. As the day goes on, it usually becomes busier, particularly during high season or weekends.
It’s not always overcrowded, but it’s definitely not a hidden beach anymore. Some visitors describe it as one of the busier attractive beaches on the island, especially compared to more remote spots in the north. That said, many still find it enjoyable, especially if they choose the right time of day.
7. Cleanliness and current reality
Cleanliness at Khem Beach is generally rated positively. Many visitors mention that the beach is well maintained, and in some cases, staff are actively cleaning the area during the day.
However, conditions are not perfect all the time. Like many beaches in Phu Quoc, rubbish and plastic can appear, especially when sea currents bring it in. This means the experience can vary depending on the day. Overall, it’s often clean and pleasant, but it’s better to go with realistic expectations rather than expecting a flawless, picture-perfect beach every time.
How to get to Khem Beach
Khem Beach is located in the south of Phu Quoc, near An Thoi, and is relatively easy to reach compared to more remote beaches on the island. The roads are generally in good condition, and most travelers can get there without much difficulty, whether you go by scooter, taxi, or private car.
From Duong Dong
From Duong Dong, the main town on Phu Quoc, Khem Beach is about 25 km to the south. The drive usually takes around 40–45 minutes, depending on traffic and your exact route. The road is straightforward, passing through a mix of local areas and more developed southern parts of the island.
From Phu Quoc Airport
From Phu Quoc International Airport, Khem Beach is closer, at around 15–18 km. The journey typically takes about 25–30 minutes. This makes it a convenient beach to visit shortly after arrival or before departure, especially if you are staying in the southern part of the island.
By scooter, taxi or car
Renting a scooter is one of the most common ways to reach Khem Beach and gives you flexibility to explore nearby areas as well. The route is manageable for most riders, as the roads are mostly paved and easy to follow.
If you prefer not to drive yourself, taxis and ride-hailing apps are widely available on Phu Quoc and offer a simple and comfortable option. A private car with driver is another good choice if you plan to visit multiple places in the south on the same day.
Parking and access
Parking is available close to the beach, usually within a short walking distance. In most cases, there may be a small parking fee for scooters or cars.
Access to the beach itself is relatively easy, but depending on where you enter, you may arrive through areas connected to beach bars or resorts. From there, you can walk onto the sand and choose where to spend your time.
Staying at Khem Beach
What staying at Khem Beach is like
Khem Beach is one of the more attractive areas to stay in southern Phu Quoc if your focus is a beach holiday. The atmosphere is more polished and resort-oriented, with a strong focus on relaxing by the sea rather than exploring local town life. Compared to Duong Dong, it feels more scenic and quieter, with direct access to one of the island’s better beaches.
Most of the experience here revolves around resorts, beach bars, and spending time by the water. It’s a good choice if you want a comfortable and easy beach stay, but less suitable if you’re looking for a lively area with lots of local restaurants, markets, and nightlife within walking distance.
Accommodation options at Khem Beach
Accommodation at Khem Beach is mainly focused on higher-end resorts, which dominate much of the bay. These offer direct beach access, well-maintained surroundings, and a more complete holiday setup with pools, restaurants, and services on-site.
There are a few smaller or more mid-range options in the wider area, but overall this is not a budget-friendly part of Phu Quoc. If you are looking for cheaper accommodation with more variety, areas like Duong Dong or Long Beach are usually a better fit.
Who should (and shouldn’t) stay here
Khem Beach works very well for couples, honeymooners, and travelers who want a scenic and relaxed beach stay. It’s also a good option for families, especially because the water is often calm and the environment is easy and comfortable. If you don’t mind paying more for a nicer beach setting, it can be one of the better places to stay on the island.
On the other hand, budget travelers, people looking for nightlife, or those who prefer a more local and less developed atmosphere may find it less suitable. It’s also not the most central base for exploring all of Phu Quoc. Khem Beach works best if your priority is beach time and southern attractions, rather than using it as a base to travel around the entire island.
Practical information for visiting Khem Beach
Best time to visit
Khem Beach is one of the few beaches in Phu Quoc that can still be enjoyable during parts of the rainy season. Because the bay is relatively sheltered, the sea is often calmer here compared to more exposed west-coast beaches, where waves and debris can be more of an issue.
That said, the dry season is still the safest choice if you want reliable sunshine and the best overall beach conditions. Like anywhere on the island, conditions can vary, and even a good beach like Khem can look less appealing on certain days depending on weather and sea conditions. It’s better to think of it as generally good, rather than perfect year-round.
For a more detailed look at the best time to visit Phu Quoc, including a month to month weather overview and seasonal travel tips, read our complete guide to visiting Phu Quoc throughout the year.
Best time of day
Early morning is the best time to visit if you want a quieter atmosphere and a more relaxed start to the day. The light is softer, temperatures are more comfortable, and it’s easier to find a good spot before the beach fills up.
From late morning into the afternoon, it becomes busier, especially during peak season. Sunrise can be nice here, with calm water and fewer people, but this is mainly a daytime beach. If you are specifically looking for a strong sunset experience, the west coast of Phu Quoc is generally better.
What to bring
Bring the basics for a comfortable beach day. Sunscreen is essential, as the sun gets strong quickly. It’s also a good idea to bring water, especially if you don’t plan to sit at a beach bar the whole time.
Cash is useful for parking, drinks, or renting sunbeds. If you’re not using a beach club setup, bring your own towel. Swimwear, a hat, and light clothing will make your visit more comfortable. Water shoes are usually not necessary here, as the sand and entry into the sea are generally soft.
Costs to expect
Khem Beach is not the cheapest beach on the island. You may need to pay a small fee for parking, depending on where you enter. Sunbeds are widely available but usually come at a cost, and prices are higher than at simpler beaches.
At some beach bars or clubs, you may need to order food or drinks to use loungers. Overall, expect slightly higher prices compared to more local or less developed beaches, especially in the more polished areas.
Things to be aware of
Khem Beach is no longer a hidden spot. Parts of the beach feel more commercial, with beach clubs, resorts, and managed areas shaping the overall experience.
Rubbish can affect the beach on some days, depending on sea conditions, even though efforts are made to keep it clean. Prices are also higher than at more basic beaches on the island. With realistic expectations, it’s still a very enjoyable place, but it’s better to visit for the scenery and comfort rather than expecting a quiet, untouched tropical escape.
What to combine nearby
Khem Beach is well located for exploring the southern part of Phu Quoc, making it easy to combine with other attractions in the same area.
Nearby options include Sao Beach for another well-known stretch of sand, Phu Quoc Prison for a historical stop, and Ho Quoc Pagoda for views and a more peaceful setting.
You can also visit Sunset Town and the Kiss Bridge for a different atmosphere in the evening, or head towards the Hon Thom cable car area if you plan to explore the nearby islands. This part of the island works well for a full day of sightseeing combined with beach time.
Is Khem Beach worth visiting?
Khem Beach is worth visiting for many travelers and is often one of the safest choices if you want a beautiful and easy beach day in Phu Quoc. The soft white sand, calm bay, and overall setting make it one of the more enjoyable beaches on the island. It’s not just about looks either, it’s a place where you can actually spend time, swim comfortably, sit at a beach bar, and relax for a few hours without needing to plan much. Many visitors rate it highly for exactly this mix of scenery and convenience.
At the same time, it’s important to be realistic. Khem Beach is not untouched, and parts of it feel quite developed with resorts and beach clubs shaping the atmosphere. Prices are higher than at simpler beaches, it can get busy, and conditions are not perfect every day, especially when rubbish or water clarity becomes an issue. Still, if you go with the right expectations, Khem Beach delivers what most people are looking for: a scenic, comfortable, and enjoyable beach experience. It may not be a hidden paradise, but for many travelers, that is exactly why it works so well.
You can also read our full guide to the best beaches in Phu Quoc to find the right beach for your trip.
