Most visitors to Phu Quoc stay around Duong Dong and Long Beach, leaving the island’s northern coast surprisingly peaceful. Here, Rach Vem village offers shallow water dotted with starfish, wooden jetties leading to floating seafood restaurants and a pace of life still shaped by fishing.
This guide covers what to expect at Rach Vem, how to visit responsibly and six other places worth adding to your Phu Quoc itinerary.
Rach Vem Village at a Glance
Rach Vem is a small fishing community on Phu Quoc’s north coast, about 25 km from Duong Dong, or roughly 40 minutes by car. It is a day-trip destination rather than a place to stay, with no resort hub on the beach itself. For road conditions and the starfish season month by month, see this Rach Vem Village Phu Quoc travel guide.
Starfish Beach
The shallow, sandy bay beside the village is known as Starfish Beach. Between November and April, calm and clear water makes it easy to spot orange and red starfish resting on the seabed, often just knee-deep.
Mornings bring the best light and fewer tour groups. The most important rule is simple: never lift starfish out of the water, step on them or move them for photos, as even brief exposure to air can harm or kill them.
Floating Seafood Restaurants
Rach Vem has the island’s largest cluster of floating restaurants. Some sit at the end of long wooden jetties, while others are anchored offshore and send a small boat to collect guests.
You choose live seafood from the cages, agree a price by weight, and your dish arrives a few minutes later. As a guide, a group of four can expect to spend around 1.4 million VND for a generous meal. Lobster is the priciest choice, while squid, crab and shellfish offer better value.
Practical Tips for Visiting Rach Vem
- Go in the dry season: the final stretch of road is gravel and red dirt, which turns muddy and slippery during the May to October rains.
- Agree boat fares upfront: confirm the price, return trip and waiting time before boarding any boat.
- Plan lunch early: many floating restaurants close between 5 pm and 6:30 pm.
- Bring essentials: facilities are limited, so carry cash, water, sunscreen and a hat.
- Do not swim off the rafts: they are working fish farms, and the water around them is not clean.
Other Places to Go in Phu Quoc
Still choosing your next place to go in Phu Quoc? Rach Vem pairs well with several nearby highlights in the north, plus a few classics elsewhere on the island.
Ham Rong Cape
Ham Rong Cape, also known as Dragon’s Jaw Cape, is a rocky headland in the Ganh Dau area. At low tide, the rocks form small tidal pools where starfish, small fish and snails gather. Arrive between 7 am and 10 am in the dry season, and bring water and sturdy shoes for the unpaved paths.
Ganh Dau Cape and Fishing Village
Ganh Dau Cape marks the north-western tip of the island. A small fishing village sits beside the shore, and on clear days you can make out the Cambodian coastline across the water, making it a peaceful sunset spot.
Bai Dai Beach
Bai Dai is a long, clean beach on the north-west coast. It is far less crowded than the beaches near Duong Dong and offers a calm, west-facing view at sunset.
VinWonders, Vinpearl Safari and Grand World
Families will find the island’s biggest attractions in the north too. VinWonders is a large theme and water park, Vinpearl Safari is Vietnam’s largest semi-wild animal park, and Grand World is a car-free district with shops, canals and evening shows.
Ham Ninh Fishing Village
On the east coast, about 15 minutes from the airport, Ham Ninh is famous for its crab and its own floating seafood restaurants. It is a convenient alternative when the road to Rach Vem is muddy after rain.
Sao Beach
In the island’s south-east, Sao Beach is known for powdery white sand and calm turquoise water from November to April. It is a long drive from the north, so combine it with other southern stops on a separate day.
A One-Day Route Around the North
If you have a single day to explore beyond Rach Vem village, this plan keeps driving time low and fits the restaurants’ opening hours:
| Time | Stop | Why |
| Morning | Starfish Beach at Rach Vem | Clearest water and fewest crowds |
| Midday | Floating restaurant lunch | Fresh seafood before kitchens close |
| Afternoon | Ham Rong Cape or Ganh Dau Cape | Tidal pools and fishing village scenery |
| Sunset | Bai Dai Beach | Quiet west-facing view |
| Evening | Grand World area | Dinner, shows and nightlife |
Where to Stay to Explore the North
Basing yourself on the northern coast saves the long daily drive from Long Beach. Corona Resort & Casino Phu Quoc on Bai Dai is only about 25 to 30 minutes by car from Rach Vem along road DT973, making it the closest cluster of upscale accommodation to the village.
Its four hotels cover a range of prices for families, groups of friends and couples, and the short drive makes it easy to reach Starfish Beach in the morning, when the water is calmest.
Rach Vem village shows a quieter side of Phu Quoc, where fishing boats, starfish and simple seafood meals set the rhythm of the day. Visit in the dry season, respect the marine life and pair it with the places above for a well-rounded trip. For a comfortable base close to the northern sights, take a look at the five-star resorts on Bai Dai.
