Motorcycle Touring Phu Quoc Island

Motorcycle Touring Phu Quoc Island with mr.hotsia

Phu Quoc Island, Kiên Giang Province, Vietnam, is an island that I, mr.hotsia, must say I was very impressed with the full-day motorcycle trip around the island. This place is not only an island with beautiful sandy beaches and clear sea water but also full of local lifestyles and an abundance of fresh seafood that is truly amazing.

Renting a motorcycle on Phu Quoc Island is very easy. I recommend renting directly from your hotel for convenience and to avoid any issues. The prices I found in January 2012 were about 100,000 VND (around 150 THB) for a manual transmission bike and 150,000 VND for an automatic, which is very affordable for the freedom to ride all day without time restrictions.

One important reminder I, mr.hotsia, want to warn travelers about is that in Vietnam, including Phu Quoc Island, they drive on the right side, which is different from Thailand. You need to be very careful, especially on unfinished roads with dusty sections. This actually makes the motorcycle trip more fun because it adds challenge and lets you fully experience the local atmosphere.

Routes and Memorable Stops

I started riding from Duong Dong town, the heart of Phu Quoc Island, following coastal roads and the main route around the island. Whenever I found a beautiful beach, I stopped to take photos and relax. This feeling can't be found when traveling by car or bus because motorcycles bring you closer to nature and the sound of the sea.

A highlight that impressed me enough to share was when I met locals catching squid by the beach. I bought fresh squid from them and asked if they could fry it for us right there. The fried squid was crispy outside, tender inside, fresh, and had a strong sea aroma. They kindly gave me rice as a simple lunch by the sea. Here, you truly experience the local lifestyle and genuine friendliness of the people.

Atmosphere and Road Conditions on the Island

The main roads on Phu Quoc Island are still not fully developed, with many single-lane sections. Taxis here drive quite fast, so you must be cautious when riding a motorcycle. For me, mr.hotsia, this is the fun and challenge that makes this trip memorable.

The motorcycle fuel system here is self-service at gas stations. I call this the “driver’s test” because you have to manage refueling appropriately. At night, just refill the tank as usual. I recommend returning the bike in the late afternoon or before dark to avoid issues like theft, as there is no insurance like in big cities.

Fresh Seafood on Phu Quoc Island

Phu Quoc Island is famous for fresh and very affordable seafood, including shellfish, squid, shrimp, and various fish. You can enjoy a wide variety of dishes, especially if you visit the seafood street or Night Plaza, where over 20 seafood restaurants open from evening until midnight.Read more about Phu Quoc seafood

My favorite dish is hot pot or seafood stew with fish, squid, shrimp, glass noodles, and fresh vegetables. It has a mild, delicious flavor and costs about 150 THB per set. Don’t forget to try the grilled eggplant, which is said to be fragrant, sweet, and helps balance the richness. If possible, find a good Dalat wine to pair with your seafood for an elevated taste experience.

Connecting Local Life and Surrounding Towns

For those interested in other places in Kiên Giang Province, I have traveled to Rach Gia, a port city and economic center of the province. You can take a ferry from Phu Quoc Island to Rach Gia. There, I tried local dishes like "Giem Tam" (grilled pork rice) and delicious crab noodles.Read more about Rach Gia city

Not far from Phu Quoc Island is Ha Tien, a border town adjacent to Cambodia. I have tasted authentic Vietnamese seafood there, with many kinds of shellfish and signature dishes to choose from.Read about Ha Tien seafoodandHa Tien Vietnamese Cuisinewhich together provide a complete picture of traveling in Kiên Giang Province.

Summary of the Phu Quoc Island Experience

For me, mr.hotsia, motorcycle touring Phu Quoc Island is a genuine experience that brings you closer to nature and community life more than other modes of transport. You get to enjoy the beauty of the sea, the freshness of seafood, and the warmth of the locals all in one worthwhile day. It’s perfect for those who like a chill trip without rush, stopping wherever you want.

If you are planning to travel to southern Vietnam and want to experience authentic nature, I highly recommend Phu Quoc Island as one of your top choices. Don’t forget to prepare for motorcycle riding, wear a helmet, and stay safe. This is another trip I, mr.hotsia, want everyone to try for themselves.