What to do in Rach Vem Phu Quoc? Guide to exploring the North Island

Rach Vem fishing village is located in Ganh Dau commune, North Phu Quoc island, Kien Giang province. Unlike the bustling atmosphere of Duong Dong town, Rach Vem is an ancient village with around 180 households living mainly by fishing.

Small wooden houses standing close together, long wooden bridges extending out to the sea, and aquaculture rafts create a space steeped in ocean vibes. As tourism developed, local residents cleverly combined fishing with tourism services, bringing an authentic and intimate experience to visitors.

To fully enjoy the beauty of the "starfish kingdom", you should plan your trip during the dry season (from October to March of the following year).

• Weather: Clear blue skies, brilliant golden sunshine, and calm sea surfaces.
• Highlight: This is when the sea water is at its clearest, allowing you to easily observe bright red starfish clearly visible against the fine white sand.
• Note: You can stay here until late afternoon to watch the sunset, but you should head back to the center before it gets completely dark as the North Island roads are quite far and have limited streetlights.

The perfect combination of favorable weather and geography during the dry season is the key for you to capture the purest beauty of the 'starfish kingdom' in the north of the island.

To answer the question "What to do in Rach Vem?", let's take a look at activities infused with the ocean breeze that you can hardly find anywhere else on the Pearl Island:

3.1. Check-in with the "Starfish Kingdom"

This is the signature highlight of Rach Vem. During peak season, red starfish appear densely along the shore. Their vibrant orange-red color stands out under cool water, creating photos worth a million likes.

3.2. Stroll along wooden bridges and floating houses

The system of long wooden bridges connecting the shore to floating raft houses in the middle of the sea is an iconic symbol here. Strolling on the bridge, you will feel the salty sea breeze and gaze at the vast panorama of sea and sky. At the raft houses, you can relax on floating platforms, swim, or go snorkeling to explore the fascinating marine ecosystem.

3.3. Experience a day as a fisherman

If you want to better understand the local culture, you can join fishermen heading out to sea to cast nets and haul fish early in the morning. The hospitality and sincerity of Rach Vem fishermen will surely leave warm memories in your heart.

3.4. Enjoy a fresh seafood feast

Seafood in Rach Vem is famous for being: Fresh – Delicious – Affordable. As a direct fishing and farming spot, dishes always retain their natural sweetness.

• Must-try dishes: Herring salad, grilled noble scallop/pen shell muscle, garlic sautéed mantis shrimp, steamed blue crab.
• Atmosphere: Enjoying seafood right on a breezy floating raft house is an unforgettable culinary experience.

The perfect blend of sparkling photo spots, rustic local cultural experiences, and rich seafood flavors is the reason why Rach Vem has become a "must-visit" destination on every traveler's journey to explore the North Island.

There are 3 main routes to reach the fishing village depending on your starting point:

• From Duong Dong center (about 21km): Drive along DT973 road to the Suoi Cai – Ganh Dau intersection, then turn left and go straight.
• From VinWonders Phu Quoc (about 21km): Head back toward Duong Dong, near Cua Can Bridge turn left onto Suoi Cai – Ganh Dau road, and follow the signs.
• From Thanh Thoi Ferry Terminal (about 29km): Turn right onto Duong Dong – Bai Thom road, drive to Suoi Cai intersection then turn right and go straight.

No matter where you start from, the journey to Rach Vem will treat you to lush green natural scenery and the fresh air characteristic of North Phu Quoc Island.

Rach Vem is beautiful but also very fragile. To be a responsible traveler, you need to pay special attention to the starfish protection rule of "5 DONTs":

• Do not lift starfish out of the water: Starfish breathe through their tube feet and skin; lifting them out of the water even for a few seconds can cause heat shock and death.
• Do not grab, handle, or step on them: Their nervous system is very sensitive.
• Do not arrange starfish into shapes for photos: Let them rest naturally under water.
• Do not touch the underside of starfish: This is their most sensitive area.
• Do not litter: Keep the water crystal clear so starfish have the best environment to survive.

Because the beauty of Rach Vem is only truly complete when the starfish are freely vibrant under the cool water, let's protect this precious 'gift' together through the smallest actions.

Rach Vem is a reminder that nature is most marvelous when cherished and properly preserved. Hopefully with the detailed instructions above, you will have a complete journey of exploring the North Island - a place where you not only capture beautiful photos but also find a magical connection between your soul and the vast ocean. Set off to feel a very different Phu Quoc, where a rustic and heartfelt Rach Vem awaits you.