4 Best Motorbike Routes in Phu Quoc 2025 — Maps, Stops & Tips
Phu Quoc is a 50-kilometer island in the Gulf of Thailand — compact enough to explore on two wheels in a single day, yet diverse enough to fill a week of riding. Whether you have half a day or a full day to spare, we have mapped out four tried-and-tested routes that take you from jungle-clad northern headlands to the world's longest sea cable car in the south, from tranquil eastern fishing villages to the legendary Starfish Beach. Rent a scooter, fill the tank, and let the island do the rest.
Table of Contents
1. Route 1 — North: Starfish Beach Loop (60 km) 2. Route 2 — South: Cable Car & Sao Beach (50 km) 3. Route 3 — East: Quiet Coast (30 km) 4. Route 4 — Full Island Circuit (120 km) Routes Comparison Table General Riding Tips Cost Breakdown FAQ — 12 Common QuestionsPhu Quoc Island stretches 50 kilometers from north to south and 28 kilometers east to west, with a road network that is surprisingly well-maintained and easy to navigate. The main artery — road DT45 — runs along the western coast from Ganh Dau in the north through Duong Dong town to An Thoi in the south. Secondary roads branch off to eastern beaches, the national park, and scattered fishing villages. All roads in this guide are accessible on any motorbike in our fleet. You do not need an off-road vehicle or special tires.
The routes below are ordered from shortest to longest. We recommend starting with Route 1 or 2 if this is your first time riding on Phu Quoc, then attempting the full island loop (Route 4) once you feel comfortable with local traffic and road conditions. All distances are approximate round-trip measurements starting and ending in Duong Dong — the main town where most tourists stay.
Route 1 — North: Starfish Beach Loop
The northern route is the most scenic ride on Phu Quoc and our personal favorite for first-time visitors. Heading north from Duong Dong, you leave the tourist zone behind within 15 minutes and enter a landscape of dense tropical jungle, rolling hills covered in pepper plantations, and quiet fishing hamlets where life moves at a pace untouched by tourism. The route culminates at the legendary Starfish Beach — a shallow, crystal-clear bay where dozens of bright orange starfish rest on the white sandy bottom, visible from knee-deep water.
Stop-by-Stop Itinerary
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Duong Dong — Start (0 km)
Begin your ride in the morning, ideally between 7:00 and 8:00 AM to avoid the midday heat. Head north on road DT45 — the main highway along the western coast. The first 10 kilometers are the busiest with local traffic, but it thins out quickly as you pass the last hotels. -
Vinpearl Safari Phu Quoc — 18 km (30 min)
Vietnam's largest open-concept safari park and zoo, home to over 3,000 animals across 150 species from Africa, Asia, and the Americas. The park has a walkable open zoo section and a safari bus tour through animal enclosures. Allow 2–3 hours if you plan to visit. Entry: approximately 650,000 VND for adults. Even if you skip the park, the road approaching it passes through beautiful jungle scenery. -
Pepper Plantations — 22 km (35 min)
Phu Quoc produces some of the world's finest black, white, and red peppercorns. Several plantations along the northern road offer free walking tours — see the vines, learn about harvesting, and taste fresh pepper straight from the plant. Buying directly from the farm costs a fraction of tourist-shop prices: around 100,000–150,000 VND per kilogram for premium quality. -
Ganh Dau Fishing Village — 28 km (45 min)
A tiny, authentic fishing village at the northwestern tip of the island, largely unchanged by tourism. The harbor is filled with colorful wooden fishing boats, and the air carries the scent of drying fish and sea salt. Family-run restaurants serve incredibly fresh seafood at local prices — grilled fish, steamed clams, shrimp hot pot — for a fraction of what tourist restaurants charge in Duong Dong. This is one of the few places on Phu Quoc where traditional island life is still intact. -
Starfish Beach (Bai Rach Vem) — 30 km (50 min)
The crown jewel of northern Phu Quoc. Starfish Beach is a long, sheltered bay with water so calm and clear it resembles a swimming pool. The sandy bottom hosts hundreds of bright orange starfish, easily visible in knee-to-waist-deep shallows. Rustic bamboo restaurants line the shore, serving cold drinks and grilled seafood while you soak your feet in the water. Spend at least an hour here. Parking is free. Entry is free. Bring reef-safe sunscreen and do not touch or move the starfish — they are a protected species.
Practical Tips for Route 1
- Fuel: Fill up before leaving Duong Dong. There is one gas station near Ganh Dau, but availability can be inconsistent. A full tank covers the entire round trip comfortably.
- Sun protection: Large portions of the northern road have no shade. Apply SPF 50+ sunscreen before departing and bring a minimum 1-liter water bottle.
- Best time to go: November to April (dry season). May to October brings afternoon showers — start even earlier and plan to be back in Duong Dong by early afternoon.
Route 2 — South: Cable Car & Sao Beach
The southern route takes you to Phu Quoc's most iconic attractions: the world-record-holding Hon Thom cable car spanning 7.9 kilometers over the open sea, the postcard-perfect white sands of Sao Beach, and the bustling fishing port of An Thoi. This route has more developed infrastructure than the north, with more restaurants, shops, and tourist facilities along the way — making it the most popular day-trip choice for our customers.
Stop-by-Stop Itinerary
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An Thoi Port — 20 km south (35 min)
The southern tip of Phu Quoc is anchored by An Thoi, a working fishing port and gateway to the An Thoi archipelago — a chain of 18 small islands visible from shore. The harbor is a fascinating place to wander: fishing boats unloading their catch, vendors selling dried fish, the salty smell of the ocean everywhere. From An Thoi you can also catch ferries to smaller islands for snorkeling day trips. -
Hon Thom Cable Car — 22 km (40 min)
Officially recognized as the world's longest three-rope cable car over the sea at 7,899.9 meters, the Hon Thom Cable Car offers breathtaking panoramic views of turquoise waters and scattered islands below. The ride takes approximately 15 minutes each way. On the destination island (Hon Thom) you will find a water park, beach, and restaurants. Ticket: approximately 150,000 VND round trip. The cable car station is part of the Sun World complex. -
Sao Beach (Bai Sao) — 18 km from center (30 min)
Consistently ranked as Phu Quoc's most beautiful beach, Sao Beach features powdery white sand, turquoise water, and swaying coconut palms. The beach stretches 7 kilometers — the northern end tends to be cleaner and less crowded. Several beachfront restaurants serve food and drinks. Motorbike parking: 10,000 VND ($0.40). Plan to spend at least 1–2 hours here for swimming and relaxation. -
Ham Ninh Fishing Village — 15 km from center (25 min)
On the eastern coast, Ham Ninh is famous for fresh sea urchin — served raw with a squeeze of lime, a local delicacy. The village pier extends several hundred meters into the bay, lined with restaurants built on stilts over the water. Prices are much lower than tourist areas: a plate of sea urchin costs 50,000–100,000 VND, a full seafood meal for two runs 200,000–400,000 VND. Best visited in the late afternoon when the catch comes in.
Practical Tips for Route 2
- Fuel: There is a gas station in An Thoi town. Refuel there if you plan to continue to Ham Ninh via the eastern coastal road.
- Cable car: Budget at least 1.5–2 hours for the cable car and Hon Thom island — the views alone are worth the visit.
- Combining routes: Route 2 pairs perfectly with Route 3 (East Coast) since Ham Ninh is on the eastern side — you can return to Duong Dong via the eastern coastal road for a scenic variation.
Route 3 — East: Quiet Coast
The shortest and most relaxed route — perfect for a leisurely half-day exploration. The eastern coast of Phu Quoc is far less developed than the western tourist strip, offering a glimpse of the island before mass tourism arrived. Expect empty beaches, fishermen mending nets, roadside coffee shops where a Vietnamese iced coffee costs 15,000 VND ($0.60), and a pace of life that feels wonderfully slow. This is the route our photography-loving customers rave about.
What You Will See
- Ong Lang Beach — a beautiful, relatively uncrowded beach north of Duong Dong with soft sand and calm swimming waters. Several boutique resorts and beachside cafes dot the shoreline, but it never feels crowded even in peak season.
- Cua Can Beach & River — a unique spot where a jungle river meets the ocean, creating a dramatic estuary surrounded by mangroves and palm trees. The beach is wild and largely empty — perfect for solitude and photography.
- Fishing Villages — small communities along the eastern road where daily life revolves around the sea. Watch fishermen sort their morning catch, see traditional boat-building techniques, and buy dried squid or fish sauce directly from producers.
- Local Coffee Stops — roadside Vietnamese coffee shops where you can enjoy a ca phe sua da (iced coffee with condensed milk) for 15,000–20,000 VND while watching the world pass by at island speed.
Best for: Photographers, travelers who prefer authenticity over tourist attractions, couples seeking quiet beaches, and anyone wanting a gentle introduction to Phu Quoc riding before tackling longer routes.
Route 4 — Full Island Circuit
For experienced riders who want to see everything Phu Quoc has to offer in a single epic day, the full island loop combines highlights from all three routes above into one continuous circuit. Starting early in the morning and finishing at sunset, you will cover approximately 120 kilometers and visit every major attraction from Starfish Beach in the north to the cable car in the south. This is the route our most adventurous customers rave about in their reviews.
Suggested Full-Day Schedule
- 6:30 AM — Start from Duong Dong, head north on DT45 with a full tank of fuel
- 7:45 AM — Arrive at Starfish Beach. Swim, walk the shore, have breakfast at a bamboo restaurant
- 9:00 AM — Ride to Ganh Dau fishing village. Explore the harbor, sample local seafood snacks
- 9:45 AM — Stop at a pepper plantation for a free tour. Buy some fresh pepper as a souvenir
- 10:30 AM — Ride south along the western coast, stopping at Ong Lang Beach for a quick swim
- 12:00 PM — Lunch break in Duong Dong. Pho, banh mi, or fresh seafood. Rest for 45–60 minutes
- 1:00 PM — Refuel the bike. Head south toward An Thoi
- 2:00 PM — Hon Thom Cable Car. Ride across the sea and enjoy the views (or skip if short on time)
- 3:30 PM — Sao Beach. Swimming, relaxation, fresh coconut water from a beachside vendor
- 4:30 PM — Ham Ninh fishing village for fresh sea urchin and an early dinner
- 5:30 PM — Ride back via the eastern coast road toward Long Beach for sunset
- 6:00 PM — Sunset at Long Beach. Park the bike, walk the sand, watch the sun dip into the Gulf of Thailand
Essential Tips for the Full Loop
- Bike choice: Honda Vision 110 (lightest, most fuel-efficient) or Honda PCX 150 (most comfortable). Both handle the entire 120 km on one tank.
- Fuel strategy: Fill up before departure and refuel in Duong Dong during your lunch break. The Vision's 4.6L tank covers ~270 km, but refueling midday gives you peace of mind.
- Pack smart: Bring sunscreen, water (1.5L minimum), a raincoat, your phone charger, and a small towel. Wear closed-toe shoes or sturdy sandals — flip-flops are not suitable for all-day riding.
- Offline maps: Cell coverage can be spotty in the northern tip and some eastern stretches. Download Google Maps offline for Phu Quoc before departing.
- Weather: Check the forecast before committing to the full loop. If afternoon thunderstorms are predicted, consider doing Routes 1 and 2 on separate half-days instead.
Cost Breakdown
💰 Full Day Route 4 — Cost Breakdown
💰 Route 1 (North) — Half Day Cost
💰 Route 2 (South) — Half Day Cost
Routes Comparison
| Route | Distance | Duration | Difficulty | Best For | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Route 1 — North | 60 km | 4–5 h | Easy | Beginners, nature lovers | Starfish Beach, Ganh Dau, pepper farms, safari |
| Route 2 — South | 50 km | 4–5 h | Easy | First-timers, families | Cable car, Sao Beach, Ham Ninh, An Thoi |
| Route 3 — East | 30 km | 2–3 h | Easy | Photographers, slow travelers | Ong Lang, Cua Can river, fishing villages |
| Route 4 — Full Loop | 120 km | 8–10 h | Moderate | Experienced riders | Everything combined — all highlights in one day |
General Riding Tips for All Routes
Frequently Asked Questions
Route 2 (South — Cable Car & Sao Beach) is the most popular among our customers. It combines the world's longest sea cable car, the island's most photographed beach (Sao Beach), and the authentic Ham Ninh fishing village into one 50 km loop. It is suitable for all experience levels and has the best infrastructure along the way.
We recommend that beginners first complete Route 1 or Route 2 to get comfortable with Phu Quoc's roads and traffic before attempting the full 120 km loop. The full loop is rated "Moderate" not because the roads are dangerous, but because the 8–10 hour duration requires sustained concentration and stamina. If you are comfortable riding for 4–5 hours, you are ready for the full loop.
The full island circuit is approximately 120 kilometers and takes 8–10 hours including stops. If you skip the cable car and spend less time at each beach, you can complete the riding portion in 6–7 hours. Start no later than 7 AM to comfortably finish before sunset.
Absolutely — Starfish Beach (Bai Rach Vem) is one of the most unique beaches on Phu Quoc. The combination of crystal-clear shallow water, live starfish visible from the surface, and the total lack of development makes it feel completely different from the resort beaches in Duong Dong. Go early (before 10 AM) when the tour buses have not yet arrived.
Yes. Phu Quoc has much calmer traffic than the Vietnamese mainland. The main roads are wide, well-maintained, and clearly marked. The biggest risks are: riding after dark on unlit rural roads, and a few dirt sections during the rainy season (May–October) that can be slippery after heavy rain. Stick to daylight riding and take unpaved sections slowly and you will be fine.
The dry season (November to April) is ideal — clear skies, dry roads, and comfortable temperatures of 28–32°C. The wet season (May–October) brings afternoon showers, but mornings are usually clear and riding is still very enjoyable — just start early and plan to be back in town by 1–2 PM if rain is forecast. The busiest (and most expensive) time is December–February and the Vietnamese New Year (Tet) holiday.
During peak season (December–February) and Vietnamese holidays, booking 1–2 days in advance is recommended to guarantee availability of your preferred model. Outside peak season, same-day bookings are usually fine. Contact us via WhatsApp and we will confirm availability within minutes.
For the 120 km full island loop we recommend the Honda Vision 110 (most fuel-efficient, covers the full loop on one tank) or the Honda PCX 150 (most comfortable for long distances thanks to its larger seat and better suspension). Both are automatic, easy to ride, and handle all road conditions on the island.
Yes — this is essentially what Route 4 (Full Loop) does. You can also combine Route 2 (South) and Route 3 (East) into a single day since Ham Ninh village is on the eastern coast — simply ride back to Duong Dong via the eastern coastal road instead of retracing the southern highway. Route 1 (North) is best done as a dedicated half-day or full-day trip on its own.
No — the eastern coastal road (Route 3) is actually 100% paved and in excellent condition. It is the smoothest route of the four. The only unpaved sections on any of our routes are: the last 500 meters to Starfish Beach (Route 1) and the last 2–3 km to Sao Beach (Route 2).
Tropical rain on Phu Quoc usually passes within 30–60 minutes. Pull over at a roadside cafe or covered rest stop, order a Vietnamese iced coffee, and wait it out. Always carry a lightweight poncho (available at any market in Duong Dong for 30,000–50,000 VND). If you are caught in heavy rain, slow down significantly — roads can become slippery, especially on unpaved sections.
Gas stations (xang) are concentrated in Duong Dong town and An Thoi in the south. On the northern route there is one gas station near Ganh Dau — but it occasionally runs low on supply. On the eastern route there are very few options. Our advice: always fill up completely in Duong Dong before departing, and refuel again in An Thoi when riding the southern or full loop routes. Fuel costs approximately 25,000 VND per liter.
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