Covering more than half of the island, Phu Quoc National Park is a protected UNESCO Biosphere Reserve that represents the wild, natural heart of the island. For visitors, it offers a stark, green contrast to the coastal beaches, with opportunities for hiking, wildlife spotting, and exploring waterfalls. This guide provides a practical overview of the park’s key attractions, accessible trails, and essential tips for planning your visit.
A quick introduction about Phu Quoc National Park
Imagine a vast, lush forest stretching across the entire northern part of the island. That’s the Phu Quoc National Park. In 2010, it was recognized by UNESCO as a Biosphere Reserve, which is a very special status that means it’s a place of global importance for its rich and unique nature.
Phu Quoc National Park is absolutely huge, covering more than half of our entire island! It stretches all across the northern part of Phu Quoc, a vast green blanket over mountains and coastlines.
Inside this one park, you’ll find a whole world of nature—it’s a stunning mix of everything a tropical paradise should have: ancient forests with towering trees, high mountains to climb, gentle streams to discover, and even beautiful, refreshing waterfalls. It’s an incredible destination, but here is the absolute best part, something that always makes travellers from India smile: getting into the park is completely free! There’s no entrance fee, which gives you a wonderful opportunity to explore this natural beauty to your heart’s content. Getting there is part of the adventure, too.
When you step inside, the atmosphere completely changes. The air becomes cooler and fresher. The sounds of waves are replaced by the chorus of birds and cicadas. You’ll be surrounded by towering, centuries-old trees, tangled vines, and a sense of peaceful, ancient wilderness. It’s a completely different world from the beach resorts, and it shows you the true, unspoiled nature of our island.
From the main hub of Duong Dong Town, it’s a lovely drive by motorbike; you’ll just follow the main road north towards the Bai Thom junction, and the signs will guide you right to the entrance. The drive itself is beautiful as you’ll see the forest canopy begin to envelop you, and if you prefer not to drive, a taxi or Grab can take you there easily. It’s a truly unmissable and wonderfully accessible piece of our island’s wild heart.
READ MORE: How to get to Phu Quoc from Hanoi?
What can you actually do in Phu Quoc National Park?
This is the most important question! It’s not just about looking at trees. Here are the amazing activities you can enjoy, perfect for different types of travelers.
Easy hiking and Nature walks (Perfect for families)
You don’t need to be a serious trekker to experience the forest. There are gentle trails that are perfect for a family walk or a leisurely stroll.
The Ganh Dau Trail is our top recommendation for families and casual walkers. It’s a well-marked, relatively flat trail that takes you on a short loop through the forest. It’s not too long, maybe a 30-45 minute walk, and it gives you a fantastic feel for the jungle without being too strenuous. It’s a great way for children to see giant trees and listen to the sounds of nature.
Adventurous trekking (For the thrill-seekers)
For my friends who love a good challenge and want breathtaking views, the park offers more demanding hikes.
This park has thousands of orchid species, many kinds of medicinal plants such as multiflorous knotweed, mandarin, licorice, etc., and a lot of parasitic species like ferns or white cotton vines. There are also 30 species of mammals, 50 species of reptiles, and 200 species of birds. In which, there are 5 species of mammals, 9 species of reptiles and 4 species of birds which are listed in the Red Book of Vietnam. In addition, the marine ecosystem here is also rich with 20 species of soft coral, 100 species of hard coral, 62 species of seaweed, and many fishes.
Mount Chua Trail (Nui Chua) is the “rooftop” of Phu Quoc, the highest point on the island at 565 meters. The trek to the summit is more challenging and can take several hours. The path is steeper and less defined. We strongly recommend hiring a local guide for this trek. They know the safest routes and can point out interesting plants and animals. The reward? A spectacular panoramic view over the entire green canopy of the forest, stretching out to the blue sea. It’s truly unforgettable.
Visit the Suoi Tranh waterfall
This is one of the most popular and accessible spots on the edge of the national park. A short, beautiful 15-minute walk through the forest leads you to a gentle, cascading waterfall with natural rock pools at its base.
- The experience: You can dip your feet in the cool, refreshing water or even take a swim in the pools. It’s a wonderful place for a picnic and a great way to cool off on a warm day.
- Crucial tip: The beauty of Suoi Tranh depends heavily on the season.
- Rainy Season (May – October): This is the absolute best time to visit. The waterfall is full and powerful, and the surrounding forest is incredibly lush and green.
- Dry Season (November – April): Be aware that during these months, the waterfall can slow to a mere trickle or even be completely dry. It’s still a nice walk, but don’t expect a big cascade.
The scenic motorbike ride
One of the best ways to experience the feeling of the national park without a long hike is to simply drive through it. Rent a scooter and take the scenic road that runs along the northern edge of the park from Duong Dong town towards Ganh Dau beach. The road cuts right through the forest, and you’ll be surrounded by towering trees. You can stop whenever you like to take photos and breathe in the fresh forest air.
Best time to visit Phu Quoc National Park
Your experience will be slightly different depending on the season:
- Dry season (November – April): This is the ideal time for hiking and trekking. The trails are dry and safe, there are fewer mosquitoes, and the humidity is lower, making walking more comfortable.
- Rainy season (May – October): This is the best time for visiting the waterfalls and seeing the forest at its most vibrant and green. The jungle feels alive after the rain! Just be aware that hiking trails can be muddy and slippery.
READ MORE: When is the best time to visit Phu Quoc?
Essential tips for Indian travellers
Your safety and comfort are my top priority! Here are my personal tips for a great visit to the park.
Wear the right clothes
This is very important!
- Shoes: Wear comfortable, closed-toe walking shoes or trainers. Please do not wear flip-flops or sandals for hiking! The ground can be uneven.
- Clothes: Wear light, breathable cotton clothing. Long sleeves and long trousers are a very good idea to protect your skin from the sun and insect bites.
What to pack in your bag
- Water: Bring plenty of drinking water. It can get humid, and you need to stay hydrated.
- Insect repellent: A good mosquito repellent is your best friend in the jungle. Apply it before you start your walk.
- Sunscreen and a hat: Even under the trees, the sun can be strong.
- Snacks: A little something to keep your energy up is always a good idea.
- A small first-aid kit: Just for basics like antiseptic wipes and plasters.
READ MORE: Exploring May Rut Island – Phu Quoc’s hidden paradise
Hire a guide for serious hikes
We cannot stress this enough. If you plan to hike Mount Chua or go deep into the forest, please hire a local guide. They ensure your safety and enrich your experience immensely.
Is it safe for family and children?
Yes, absolutely! The shorter, marked trails like the Ganh Dau trail and the walk to Suoi Tranh waterfall are very family-friendly and a wonderful way to introduce children to nature. The more strenuous mountain treks are best for adults and older, experienced teens.
Respect our nature
Please help us keep our park beautiful. Carry out any rubbish you bring in, do not feed the wild animals, and stick to the marked trails.
READ MORE: Best Indian restaurants in Phu Quoc
Conclusion
A trip to the Phu Quoc National Park gives you a complete picture of our island. It shows you that beyond the beautiful beaches lies a wild, precious ecosystem full of life and adventure. It’s a chance to connect with nature, breathe the freshest air, and see a side of Phu Quoc that many visitors miss.
Whether you take a short family walk, a refreshing dip in a waterfall, or an adventurous trek to the summit, the green heart of our island is waiting to welcome you.