Phu Quoc North vs South by Motorbike: Which Side Suits You?
By Alex Nguyen · Updated September 2026 · 6 min read
Deciding between Phu Quoc north vs south shapes your entire trip — the two ends of the island offer completely different landscapes, attractions, and riding experiences. This guide breaks down what you will find in each area so you can decide where to stay, what to ride to, and how to make the most of your scooter days.
The North: Grand World, VinWonders, and Wild Coastline
The northern tip of Phu Quoc is home to the island's biggest entertainment cluster. VinWonders theme park and Vinpearl Safari sit side by side, giving families a full day of rides, shows, and wildlife viewing. Just down the road, Grand World offers a Venice-inspired canal district, weekend street performances, and evening light shows — an area that feels more like a city quarter than a beach resort.
Beyond the resort zone, the north becomes quieter and more rugged. Ganh Dau cape at the very tip gives sweeping views toward Cambodia on clear days. Riding up here on a scooter reveals patches of forest, red-clay tracks, and fishing hamlets that see few tourists. Rach Vem village and Starfish Beach are short detours north of the main road and are best reached on two wheels.
The South: Sao Beach, An Thoi, and the Cable Car
The south anchors itself around two landmarks: Bai Sao (Sao Beach) and the Hon Thom cable car station at An Thoi. Bai Sao is consistently rated among Vietnam's best beaches — fine white sand, gentle turquoise water, and a calm vibe that suits a lazy morning swim before riding onward. The beach is easy to reach on any automatic scooter from Duong Dong in about half an hour.
An Thoi harbour, at the island's southern tip, is the gateway to the An Thoi archipelago — a cluster of small islands where boat tours visit coral reefs and snorkelling spots. The cable car crossing to Hon Thom island starts here too, offering dramatic views over the sea. Book a bike in advance if you plan a full south-day combining Sao Beach, An Thoi, and a cable-car ride — it is a long, rewarding loop.
The Centre: Duong Dong and Long Beach as Your Base
Most visitors base themselves in Duong Dong, the main town, or along Long Beach (Bãi Trường) — the long west-coast strip just south of town. This central location puts you within reach of both ends of the island: a morning run to Sao Beach and an afternoon detour north to Grand World are both realistic in a single day.
Duong Dong itself rewards slow riding. Dinh Cau rock juts into the sea beside the fishing harbour, the night market fills with seafood stalls after dark, and the river mouth area has a lived-in energy that resort zones lack. If you are on the fence about north or south, staying central and doing day rides in both directions is the smartest strategy.
Distances and Riding Time: North vs South
The island is not large by Vietnamese standards, but the roads vary. From Duong Dong heading north toward VinWonders and Grand World, the ride takes roughly half an hour on the main road — smooth dual carriageway most of the way. The roads beyond toward Ganh Dau and Rach Vem narrow and become more adventurous.
Heading south from Duong Dong toward Sao Beach and An Thoi takes about the same time on the central highway, with a turn-off onto a quieter coastal road near the end. Both directions are manageable on a Honda Vision or Airblade; riders who want to explore dirt tracks in the north may prefer a Wave semi-automatic for added ground clearance. Check our bike options before you choose.
Which Side Should You Ride to First?
If your priority is beaches and nature, head south first. Sao Beach rewards an early start before the sun gets high, and the harbour area is active in the morning when fishing boats are still in. The cable car and island-hopping tours also tend to run from morning through midday.
If you want theme parks and grand-scale entertainment, plan your north ride for late afternoon into the evening — Grand World is most atmospheric after dark, and VinWonders has evening shows worth staying for. A common pattern: south one day, north the next, with a rest day on Long Beach in between. Multi-day rental rates make this very affordable.
Riding Safety Tips for Both Ends of the Island
Whichever direction you choose, the same safety principles apply. Wear a full-face helmet, carry water and sunscreen, and start early to avoid midday heat. The main north-south highway is well-maintained, but secondary roads — especially north of VinWonders — can be narrow and potholed. Ride at a pace that matches the road quality.
GoBike offers free 24/7 delivery to any hotel or the airport, starting from $4/day with no deposit. If you break down or have a question on the road, our WhatsApp line (+84 94 852 31 39) is always open. Check our safety guide and review delivery options before your ride day.
Frequently asked questions
Is Phu Quoc north or south better for beaches?
The south is better for classic white-sand beaches — Bai Sao (Sao Beach) is the island's most celebrated stretch of sand. The north has quieter, more rugged coastline including Starfish Beach and Ganh Dau cape, which suit riders who enjoy exploring off the beaten track.
How long does it take to ride from Duong Dong to the north (VinWonders/Grand World)?
The ride from Duong Dong town to VinWonders and Grand World takes roughly half an hour on the main highway. Road conditions are good on this stretch, so it is a relaxed ride even for beginners.
Can I visit both north and south Phu Quoc in one day by scooter?
You can cover highlights of both ends in one long day, but it is rushed. A better plan is to split it over two days — south in the morning of day one (Sao Beach, An Thoi), north on day two (Grand World, VinWonders, Ganh Dau). Multi-day rental makes this easy and cost-effective.
Where is Grand World on Phu Quoc — north or south?
Grand World is in the north of Phu Quoc, near VinWonders theme park and Vinpearl Safari. All three are clustered together on the northern part of the island, a short ride from each other.
Is the cable car in the north or south of Phu Quoc?
The Hon Thom cable car station is in the south of Phu Quoc, at An Thoi harbour. The cable car carries passengers over the sea to Hon Thom island, which is part of the An Thoi archipelago.