North or South Island Tour on Phu Quoc: Which?
Editorial team · Checked 5 November 2026

In short
The south suits first-time visitors and short stays, while the north suits couples and families who want resort amenities. Doing both halves in one day takes about 10 hours, so choose one half unless you have a full day to spare.
Choose the south for a first visit, a short stay or easy access to restaurants and services. Choose the north for a quieter stay, for couples on honeymoon, or for families who want resort amenities without leaving the property. Doing both halves in one day covers the highlights in about 10 hours, which is a long day.
What are the main sights in each half?
The south tour visits six well-known spots, and a combined day covers the highlights of both halves. The south tour starts at 9:00 am from the Coi Nguon Museum in Duong Dong.
Sights on the south route include Mui Ganh Dau Beach, where you can see across the water to Cambodia, and Rach Vem fishing village, where the tour includes a 2-hour stop. The Ho Quoc pagoda visit lasts about an hour, with explanations of its significance. For the north, ask each operator which sights are on the route, because the north is quieter and the list varies.
Ask the operator to list the stops in order, with the time you spend at each. A clear list helps you decide whether the route fits your energy level and your schedule, and it makes it easier to compare two quotes.
How far apart are the north and the south?
The two halves are roughly 50 km apart, a 60 to 90 minute drive on one main road, DT45. The difference is most noticeable when you plan dinner or the night market in Duong Dong, which takes 30 to 60 minutes each way from the northern resorts.
| Factor | South | North |
|---|---|---|
| Character | Easy access to restaurants and services | Quieter, with rougher roads |
| Taxis | Plentiful | Scarcer |
| Ride-hailing apps | Available | Sometimes available, less reliable |
| Airport | 10 to 15 minutes from most southern hotels | Longer trip, ask your hotel |
| Evenings | Services are close by | Northern resorts often wind down early |
| Best for | First-time visitors and short stays | Couples on honeymoon and families seeking resort amenities |
If your plan includes both halves across several days, allow a full day for the drive and the stops when you move from one part to the other. Plan the drive for daylight, because the north roads can be bumpy and the trip can take longer in traffic.
Which half suits families and couples?
The north suits couples on honeymoon and families who want resort amenities without leaving the property. Some guests in northern resorts never leave their resort, which the source describes as fine for a short stay.
The south suits families who want restaurants, services and easy trips out in the evening. If you have young children, ask each operator whether the route includes long stretches of driving, and plan a rest stop.
Couples who want a quiet base may enjoy the north, while couples who want to explore restaurants and shops each evening will find the south easier. Families should compare the ride times for their children before they choose.
Can I do both halves in one day?
Yes, a combined north and south tour covers the highlights in about 10 hours, but a day that long needs energy. The tour is private, so only your group and guide take part, and you set the rhythm with the guide.
Before you book, check these points:
- Is pickup free from your hotel area? One operator offers free pickup from the resort area and Ong Lang, and other points are on request.
- Does the tour need a deposit? One south tour requires a deposit, with free cancellation up to 1 day in advance.
- Does the schedule leave time for lunch and the 2-hour stop at the fishing village?
Ask the operator to confirm the timetable in writing, so you know when the day ends and how you return to your hotel.
If the combined day feels too long, pick the half that best fits your interests and do the other half on a separate day, if your stay allows it.
Doing both halves in one day suits travellers who want to see more and can handle long drives. For a relaxed visit, one half and a second day on the other side usually feels better, if your stay allows it.
What is the cost difference?
There is no single cost for either half, because prices depend on date, operator, group size and the length of the day. The price for a half-day route can differ from a full-day route, and the north and south tours are priced on their own terms.
Compare quotes on the same date and group size, with the same inclusions. Ask whether entrance fees, lunch and water are included. Confirm the figure on WhatsApp before you pay, and keep the written quote.
Ask whether a north or south quote includes the return trip to your hotel, and whether a dinner stop in Duong Dong is part of the route or an extra. These details can change the total more than the headline price.
What to do next
If you have chosen the north, read North Island Tour Phu Quoc: Price and Route. For the south, see South Island Tour Phu Quoc: Price and Route. If you want to cover both halves in one tour, compare Phu Quoc Full Island Day Tour: Price and Stops. Then message us on WhatsApp with your dates, and we confirm the route and exact price in the chat before you pay.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better for a first-time visitor, north or south?
Is the north or the south better for couples and families?
How long does it take to drive between north and south?
Can I see both halves in one day?
Does cost differ between a north and a south tour?
Are taxis and ride-hailing apps easy to use in both halves?
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