The short answer
Phu Quoc National Park: what visitors should know first
Worth a half day if you want something other than beaches. The park covers roughly 70 percent of the island, but access is patchy and most visitors see it from a road or a guided trip. Check with your hotel which entrances and trails are open before you commit to a long drive.
History and context
The story behind Phu Quoc National Park
The park was set up in 2001 by Decision 91/2001/QD-TTg on 8 June 2001. It took in the former Northern Phu Quoc Islands Preservation Zone. It is managed by the provincial people's committee of An Giang, following the 2025 provincial mergers.
Useful facts
Phu Quoc National Park facts at a glance
- Location
- Northern and interior Phu Quoc
- Experience type
- Forest and coast reserve
- Established
- 2001
- Area
- About 314 sq km of land and sea
- Good for
- Scenery drives, short forest walks
Why it matters
Why Phu Quoc National Park is worth your time
The park was established in 2001 by a government decision that upgraded the Northern Phu Quoc Islands Preservation Zone to national park status. It covers about 314 square kilometres of land and sea, which the Wikipedia article says is around 70 percent of the island. Within it are strictly protected areas, a biological restoration area and a small administrative zone.
For a visitor this matters because it explains why large parts of Phu Quoc remain forested while resort development concentrates on the west and south coasts. The park also protects marine habitat, including seagrass that supports the dugong, a species the article specifically mentions. Respecting trail rules and not leaving litter is the practical way to support that protection.
Highlights
What not to miss
- 01
See the island beyond the beaches
Large stretches of the island are protected forest, which gives Phu Quoc a quieter, greener side.
- 02
Pair with Ganh Dau
The north coast around Ganh Dau combines pepper farms, seafood and a quiet shoreline.
- 03
Go early
Morning light and cooler air make forest stops far more pleasant.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
Treat the park as a drive-and-stop day rather than a single gate. The park includes the Northern Phu Quoc Islands Preservation Zone, Ham Rong mountain, Ganh Dau and Cua Can, so the experience is spread over several parts of the island. Ask your hotel to suggest a driver who knows which stretches are in good condition, because some roads in the north-east have been described as rough and badly maintained.
Plan the day around shade and water. Start early, when the forest is cooler and the light is soft, and keep walks short. Pair it with a lunch of fresh seafood on the north coast and a stop at a pepper farm in Ganh Dau or Cua Duong, both areas known for pepper cultivation.
If you want a wildlife focus, speak to a licensed local guide before you go. Do not expect big animals; the value is in the green cover, the views and the sense that the island is more than a resort strip. In the rainy season the forest looks its best but tracks may be closed or slippery, so be flexible.
Plan with confidence
Small decisions that make the visit easier.
- Ask your hotel which roads and entrances are open before you set out
- Hire a car and driver rather than a scooter on unpaved roads
- Carry drinking water and insect repellent
- Check the rainy-season track conditions
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- Northern and interior Phu Quoc, including the Ganh Dau and Ham Rong areas
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Best time
- Dry season, December to March; avoid heavy rain when tracks turn to mud
- Walking level
- Moderate
- Senior comfort
- Roads in the north can be rough and some are unpaved, so a car with a driver is far kinder than a scooter. Forest walks have uneven ground and little seating, and the humidity is tiring for older visitors. Choose a short, flat route and carry water.
- Tickets and access
- Entry and trail rules vary by area and change; ask your hotel or tour operator what is open and whether any fee applies on the day, and do not rely on a fixed price.
Best for
Plan it with
Plan the practical part
Hotels near Phu Quoc National Park
Staying close keeps journeys short — useful for early starts and for anyone who tires quickly.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Prices are live on the partner site.
Travelling with parents?
Roads in the north can be rough and some are unpaved, so a car with a driver is far kinder than a scooter. Forest walks have uneven ground and little seating, and the humidity is tiring for older visitors. Choose a short, flat route and carry water.
Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.
See concierge supportFAQs
Is the national park the whole island?
No, but it covers roughly 70 percent of it according to Wikipedia. Resorts, towns and farmland make up the rest.
Can older parents visit?
Yes, in short stages from a vehicle. Avoid long trail walks in heat and rain.
What is the best time to go?
The drier months from December to March are the most comfortable for tracks and views.
Sources and further reading
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.
