What to Bring on a Phu Quoc Island Tour

For a Phu Quoc island tour, bring your passport, light clothes, sturdy sandals, bottled water, high-SPF sunscreen and some dong in small bills. Pack fish sauce in checked baggage only, and bring a power bank and a waterproof bag for boat days. Most of this list is simple to pack for a day out.

Do I need my passport on a tour?

Yes, bring your passport, because you need it to register a local SIM card. Keep it with you on the day.

Operators and local sources report that the 30-day visa-free exemption applies to every nationality flying into Phu Quoc from abroad, and that the exemption ends at the island. A common requirement is that your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned stay. Confirm the current rule with your airline or embassy, because the rules can change.

Keep the passport in a safe place at the hotel, and carry a clear photo or copy for your own records. Show the original only when an official or the registration process asks for it.

What should I pack in my bag?

Choose lightweight, breathable clothes and sturdy footwear. The best fabrics for the heat are cotton and linen, and they dry faster after a swim or a rain shower.

Use this checklist for your bag:

• Lightweight, breathable tops and trousers in cotton or linen
• Sturdy sandals or walking shoes for sandy beaches and forest trails
• A wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses for outdoor stops
• A swimsuit and a towel for beach time

Walking shoes are important on forest trails, and sandals are fine for beach stops. If you plan to walk a lot, choose one pair that works on both. A pair with a closed toe protects your feet on stony paths, while a light pair of sandals is easier in a hot car.

Fish sauce is a popular gift, but it needs care. Pack it in sealed plastic bottles inside a taped box, and place it in checked baggage only, because the liquids rules mean it cannot go in your carry-on. One national airline allows at most 3 litres or 3 kg per passenger, so check your airline before you buy more.

How much sun protection and water do I need?

Drink bottled water, and use a high-SPF sunscreen, because UV exposure is strong on beaches and outdoor areas. Bring enough water for the whole day, not just the first hour.

Some hotels provide bottled water free, but you still need to carry some for trips away from the hotel. Mosquitoes are common in the evenings and during hikes, so pack an insect repellent. A wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses add protection during outdoor activities.

Plan water for each stop, and buy bottled water before the trip rather than from a roadside seller. Keep a bottle in your bag at all times on a boat trip.

How should I carry cash and pay?

The simplest way to get money is to withdraw dong from an ATM, and the best places are busy and well lit. Bank branches, the airport and malls are the safest choices.

ATM skimming devices are becoming more common in remote areas of the island, so avoid quiet machines. Operators and local sources report that prices and payments are in dong, even where a dollar price is shown, so carry small bills for markets and small stops. Changing money at unlicensed places, such as gold shops, is not allowed, even where it is offered.

Keep your cash split between two places in your bag, so one loss does not leave you without money for the day. Small bills are useful for markets, drinks and small tips, so ask for them when you withdraw. Check the change you receive at each stop, and keep the small notes for the day rather than the largest ones.

What phone and camera gear should I bring?

A power bank is the one item to pack for a day out. It keeps your phone running for navigation and photos.

For snorkelling or boat tours, a waterproof bag protects your electronics from water. Keep your camera and phone in the bag when you are on the water, and take them out only on land. If you buy a local SIM, you will need your passport to register it.

Charge your power bank and phone before each day out, and keep a cable in your bag. Keep the camera in the waterproof bag whenever you are near water, and bring a spare memory card if you plan many photos at a sunset or a boat stop.

What about travel insurance?

Travel insurance is highly recommended, because it can cover medical emergencies, flight cancellations and lost luggage. Read the policy before you travel, and check whether active activities such as diving or ATVs need separate cover. Confirm the current rule with your insurer before you book any activity.

Keep a copy of your policy number and an emergency contact in your phone, and check whether your plan covers the activities you want to do.

What to do next

Read Phu Quoc Island Tour Rules: Shells and Etiquette before you go, so you know what is allowed at each stop. If you plan a long day, see Phu Quoc Full Island Day Tour: Price and Stops. For families with young children, Phu Quoc Tours With Young Kids: Best Options covers the extra items to pack. Then message us on WhatsApp for any question about your quote.