Latest A to Z Guide on How to Get to Sao Beach Phu Quoc

Sao Beach is one of the most famous beaches on the Pearl Island, located in Bai Sao Hamlet, An Thoi Ward, Phu Quoc City, Kien Giang Province, in the southeastern region of the island.

Geographically, Sao Beach is conveniently situated for travel from various points on the island:

• About 25 – 28 km from Duong Dong center.
• About 25 – 30 km from Phu Quoc International Airport.
• Only about 5 – 7 minutes by motorbike from Khem Beach (Bai Khem).

The main attraction of Sao Beach lies in its rare natural beauty. The beach boasts a stretch of fine white sand over 7 km long, curving gently like a crescent moon. The seawater here is shallow, clear, and calm, allowing you to see the bottom on clear days. Sheltered from the Southwest winds, this area usually experiences few large waves and remains quite tranquil even during the rainy season.

The name "Bai Sao" (Starfish Beach) originates from the image of thousands of starfish that used to densely appear on the sand around September and October every year. Although the quantity is no longer as abundant as before, it remains a unique characteristic that makes this beach special. With its stunning landscape and relaxing atmosphere, Sao Beach is a suitable destination for families, couples, nature lovers, as well as photography enthusiasts looking to explore Phu Quoc's beautiful coastlines.

Sao Beach can be visited year-round; however, each period offers a different experience. Choosing the right time will help you fully appreciate the beauty of this famous beach.

• The ideal period usually falls between June and October: Although this is the rainy season in Southern Vietnam, the Sao Beach area is less affected by Southwest winds, so the sea remains calm, the water clear blue, and the waves light, making it very favorable for swimming and relaxation.
• From November to April (dry season): The weather in Phu Quoc is pleasant with many beautiful sunny days. This time is suitable for capturing sunrise and sunset photos and participating in outdoor activities. However, visitors should monitor weather forecasts and avoid traveling on stormy days or rough sea conditions, which typically occur from late October to early November.

Pro tip: The best times of day to visit Sao Beach are early morning (6:00 AM – 9:00 AM) or late afternoon (3:00 PM – 6:00 PM). During these hours, the weather is cool, lighting is soft, and crowds are smaller, allowing you to enjoy a comfortable activity experience.

To reach Phu Quoc, visitors can choose to travel by plane or high-speed ferry, depending on their departure point, available time, and travel budget. Below are the two most popular and convenient options available today.

By Air 

Phu Quoc is served by Phu Quoc International Airport, directly connecting with major domestic cities.

• From Ho Chi Minh City: Flight time is about 45 – 60 minutes, round-trip ticket prices range from 1,300,000 – 3,500,000 VND.
• From Hanoi: Flight time is about 2 hours, round-trip ticket prices range from 2,500,000 – 4,500,000 VND.

Popular airlines operating these routes include Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, Bamboo Airways, and Vietravel Airlines.

By High-Speed Ferry 

In addition to air travel, visitors can take a high-speed ferry from the mainland to the island.

• From Ha Tien: Takes about 1 hour 10 minutes – 1 hour 30 minutes, ticket prices are around 230,000 – 300,000 VND/person.
• From Rach Gia: Takes about 2 – 2 hours 30 minutes, ticket prices are around 250,000 – 350,000 VND/person.

Popular ferry operators include Phu Quoc Express and Superdong. This option is suitable for travelers coming from the Mekong Delta provinces or those combining bus + ferry travel.

Overall, both options provide convenient access to Phu Quoc. Depending on your schedule and estimated budget, you can select the most suitable transport method for your trip.

Located in the southern region of Phu Quoc, visitors can easily travel to Sao Beach from the airport, town center, or ferry port by motorbike, taxi, or self-drive rental car. Below are the most popular and convenient routes.

From Phu Quoc International Airport to Sao Beach (approx. 30 – 45 minutes)

• From the airport exit, head straight towards the roundabout near the airport.
• Turn left onto Phu Quoc Highway (Xa lo Phu Quoc).
• Continue by turning right onto Nguyen Van Cu Street and go straight.
• When reaching the junction, turn towards Xuan Hien Resort or My Lan Hotel & Restaurant.
• Drive about 1 – 2 km further to see the sign directing to Sao Beach.

From Duong Dong Center to Sao Beach

• From the center of Duong Dong town, head towards the South Island via Tran Hung Dao Street.
• Continue turning onto National Route 46 and cross the bridge.
• Follow the directional signs to Long Beach Resort or My Lan Hotel, then follow the access road leading to Sao Beach.

From the Ferry Port

If arriving on the island via high-speed ferry at Bai Vong or Thanh Thoi, you can:

• Turn left onto Nguyen Van Cu Street.
• Then follow the same access road to Sao Beach as the route from the airport.

Travel Notes

Currently, most roads to Sao Beach are paved, wide, and relatively easy to drive. However, the final stretch near the beach has a steeper slope and a narrower road surface, so drive carefully, especially at night or when it rains.

To travel to Sao Beach from various areas on the island, visitors can choose from several transport modes depending on budget, group size, and travel needs. Here are the most popular options when visiting Phu Quoc:

• Taxi: about 300,000 – 500,000 VND/trip (4–7 seater). Comfortable, air-conditioned, suitable for families or small groups.
• Motorbike Taxi (Xe ôm): about 150,000 – 200.000 VND/person. Fast and economical, suitable for solo travelers.
• Motorbike Rental: 150,000 – 200,000 VND/day. Flexible itinerary, suitable for couples or groups of friends who enjoy exploring.
• Self-drive Car Rental: from 800,000 VND/day (4–7 seater). Comfortable, spacious for luggage, suitable for families with young children.
• Tour Bus/Shuttle: about 250,000 – 400,000 VND/person, includes itinerary and tour guide, suitable for first-time island visitors.

Cost-saving Tips:

• Book taxis via Grab or Be apps, or reputable taxi brands such as Mai Linh, Vinasun.
• Groups of 4–6 people should rent a 7-seater car for the whole day (~1–1.5 million VND) to save costs and travel more conveniently.

With its pristine beauty and characteristic emerald water, Sao Beach is always a favored stop for many tourists exploring the Pearl Island. By knowing the route, choosing suitable transport, and planning the ideal visiting time, you can easily reach Sao Beach and enjoy a completely relaxing day amidst nature. However, if you prefer to save planning time, travel conveniently, and combine visits to other highlights in the South of the island, choosing an all-inclusive Sao Beach tour is an optimal solution. Guided tours usually include round-trip transfers, a well-planned itinerary, a professional guide, and service support, making your trip more comfortable. You can check out the Phu Quoc Sao Beach tour package with Sovaba Travel for detailed itinerary advice, service booking support, and to explore Sao Beach in the most convenient way. This is also a great option for families, groups of friends, or first-time visitors to Phu Quoc who wish to fully experience the beauty of this famous beach.