The 50-Kilometer Dilemma
Ten years ago, booking a hotel in Phu Quoc was easy: you stayed at a bungalow on Long Beach.
In 2026, Phu Quoc is a completely different beast. It has evolved into three distinct “micro-cities,” each separated by a 45-minute drive.
We see this mistake happen constantly: A couple books a villa in the North near the Safari, only to realize all the romantic sunset bars and the famous “Kiss Bridge” are an hour away in the South. They spend half their vacation in a Grab Taxi.
At Tonkin Travel, we categorize the island into three zones: The Family North, The Luxury Center, and The Design South. Here is how to find your zone.
Zone 1: The Center (Long Beach / Bai Truong)
The Vibe: Pure Luxury, Convenience & Sunsets.
This is the “safe bet” for 90% of luxury travelers. Located just 15 minutes from the airport, this stretch of coastline is home to the island’s heavy hitters.
Why Stay Here:
Logistics: You are in the middle. You can go North for the Safari (35 mins) or South for the Cable Car (25 mins) easily.
The Beach: Long Beach faces West, meaning you get a guaranteed sunset over the ocean every single night.
The Food: You are close to Duong Dong Town for the Night Market and local seafood restaurants (like Xin Chao or Crab House).
Long Beach sunset
The “Tonkin Travel” Top Picks:
The Regent Phu Quoc: Currently the #1 luxury resort on the island. Every suite has a pool. The service is flawless, and the “Taste of Land & Sea” brunch is legendary.
InterContinental Phu Quoc: Excellent for families who want luxury but need a dedicated Kids Club and Splash Pad.
Sailing Club Signature Resort: A villa-only property that feels younger, cooler, and is pet-friendly.
Who is this for? The traveler who wants to do it all—relax, eat out, and explore—without long drives.
Regent Phu Quoc
InterContinental Phu Quoc Long Beach Resort by IHG
Sailing club – Phu Quoc
Zone 2: The South (Khem Beach & Sunset Town)
The Vibe: Bill Bensley Design, Mediterranean Architecture & The “Kiss Bridge”.
The South has transformed into a surreal “European Village.” Sun Group has built a replica of an Italian coastal town (Sunset Town), complete with a Roman coliseum and the iconic Kiss Bridge.
Why Stay Here:
The Sand: Khem Beach (Bai Khem) has the whitest, softest sand on the island—far superior to the yellow sand of Long Beach.
The Architecture: It is visually stunning. The Kiss Bridge at sunset is the definitive Instagram photo of 2026.
The Cable Car: You are right next to the station for the Hon Thom Cable Car (the world’s longest 3-wire cable car), which takes you to the Aquatopia Water Park.
Khem beach – Phu Quoc
The “Tonkin Travel” Top Picks:
JW Marriott Emerald Bay: Designed by Bill Bensley as a fictional “Lamarck University.” It is whimsical, colorful, and utterly unique. The breakfast buffet is arguably the best in Vietnam.
New World Phu Quoc: An all-villa resort that offers incredible value for families.
Premier Village (The End of the World): Located at the very tip of the peninsula, this is the only resort where you can see both sunrise and sunset.
- Who is this for? Design lovers, honeymooners, and anyone obsessed with white sand beaches.
JWM Phu Quoc
New World Phu Quoc
Premier Villa Phu Quoc
Zone 3: The North (Dai Beach & Grand World)
The Vibe: Theme Parks, Safari & The “City That Never Sleeps”.
Dominated by the Vingroup conglomerate, the North is a massive entertainment complex.
Why Stay Here:
The Kids: You are minutes away from VinWonders (Theme Park), Vinpearl Safari (Vietnam’s largest open zoo), and Grand World (The “Venice of Vietnam” with gondola rides).
The Golf: Vinpearl Golf is here.
The Casino: The Corona Casino (the only one allowing Vietnamese entry, though mostly for foreigners) is here.
Dai Beach – Phu Quoc
The Warning: It is far. You are 50-60 minutes from the Airport and the South. Once you check in here, you rarely leave the complex.
The “Tonkin Travel” Top Picks:
Melia Vinpearl Phu Quoc: Solid 5-star standard with easy access to the parks.
Crowne Plaza Starbay: A more modern, quiet option if you want to be North but avoid the “theme park hotel” feel.
Who is this for? Families with children under 12 whose main priority is the Safari and Water Park.
Crown Plaza – Phu Quoc
Melia Vinpearl – Phu Quoc
Zone 4: The Hidden Gem (Ong Lang Beach)
The Vibe: Rustic, Eco-Chic & Old School.
Located between the Center and the North, Ong Lang is what Phu Quoc used to look like 15 years ago.
Why Stay Here: No high-rises. No theme parks. Just boutique bungalows hidden under palm trees and black volcanic rocks. It is quiet and romantic.
The “Tonkin Travel” Top Pick: The Shells Resort or Chen Sea Resort.
Who is this for? The “Anti-Resort” traveler who hates lobbies with chandeliers.
Ong Lang Beach – Phu Quoc
Comparison Table: At A Glance
| Feature | The Center (Long Beach) | The South (Khem Beach) | The North (Dai Beach) |
| Best For | Convenience & Ultra-Luxury | White Sand & Architecture | Families & Safari |
| Distance to Airport | 15 mins | 25-30 mins | 50-60 mins |
| Beach Quality | Good (Yellow Sand) | Excellent (White Sand) | Good (Yellow Sand) |
| Nightlife | Sailing Club / Night Market | Kiss Bridge / Sunset Town | Grand World (Venice) |
| Top Hotel | Regent Phu Quoc | JW Marriott | Melia Vinpearl |
The 2026 Verdict
If you are staying 3 nights: Stay in The Center (Regent/InterCon). You don’t want to waste time driving.
If you are staying 5+ nights: Split your stay. Do 2 nights in the South (JW Marriott) for the beach and design, then move to the Center or North depending on your activities.
