PHU QUOC

Hiking & Trekking

Trek & Hike Phu Quoc

Phu Quoc is heaven for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re looking for a challenging unmarked trail up the islands highest mountain or scenic hikes through the National Park you will find what you are looking for on Phu Quoc Island. All hiking adventures begin in the Phu Quoc National Park, which covers 50% of the island. Below are a few trails that we have identified which you can explore on your own or with a tour guide.

ABOUT

The Best Hikes In Phu Quoc

Best Hike: Ganh Dau Trail | Best Trek: Ham Ninh Mountain Trek | National Park Hikes

Phu Quoc District consists of 28 islands however hiking and trekking activities are limited to only 2 of those islands, namely the main island of Phu Quoc and the ecotourism island known as Hon Thom Island or Pineapple Island.

Setting Expectations

As the authors of this guide are avid outdoor enthusiasts who have traveled the world, they wanted to make sure that readers of this guide receive truthful information about what to expect when it comes to hiking on Phu Quoc. Phu Quoc is transforming into an island city of sorts and most of the lush areas are being replaced by resorts and mixed residential properties. Hiking and trekking opportunities are extremely limited. Some of the wild trails that we have discovered in the past have been transformed into organized, for-profit “trekking tours”. With that being said, there is only 1 hiking trail, mountain trekking trail, 1 motor vehicle trail area, and several eco-tourism walks. There are also several un-maintained trails that will take you inside the Phu Quoc National Park, however exploring these trails should be avoided until they are fully developed. We have encountered gun wielding poachers, giant potholes covered by moss, as well as ticks and other biting insects while exploring these trails.

Phu Quoc National Park Hiking & Trekking

At the moment a trail is being created in order for tourists to summit Mount Chua, Phu Quoc's highest mountain at 603 meters. Mt. Chua is located right in the middle of the Phu Quoc National Park. At the moment this area is a restricted zone until the viewing platform on Mount Chua has been completed.

However visitors can summit Mount Ham Ninh (also known as “Mount Heaven”), which is part of a mountain range running along the eastern coast of the island. At 400 meters, Mount Heaven is the 2nd highest mountain on Phu Quoc Island and trekking this mountain requires the assistance of a guided tour, but it is possible to hike on your own. This trek is perfect for the traveler looking to get off the beaten track and do a little mountain climbing at the same time. The local guide will show you up a secluded trail through dense virgin forest, leading to a bird's eye view of the eastern side of Phu Quoc. You will have to climb up a 10 meter high bamboo ladder in order to summit. The trek down the mountain is just as difficult as you will be taken down a different trail and depending on the guide, your trek may end up at a natural pool or a myrtle sim fruit garden.

Dangers & Annoyances

Hiking, trekking and any outdoor activity can be dangerous and has many potential hazards. It is up to each individual to know their limits, abilities and level of expertise before attempting any outdoor activity. Never attempt any of the suggested trails alone, regardless of your health or physical ability. Dangers include:

insect bites/bee swarms leading to an allegric reaction.
animal bites/attacks.
Muggings
Broken ankles due to rough terrains.

Press play and hike through the

www.PhuQuocIslandGuide.com's Trail Rating System

The following is an explanation of how we rate the trails found on Phu Quoc Island:

Easy: These paths will typically have elevation changes less than 10 m. Hikers will experience good trail conditions. Structures along the path may include bridges, stepping stones, boardwalks, steps and retaining walls. The Easy paths are very popular with hikers and are usually found to have many more structures to preserve the original footpath.
Moderate: These paths will have elevation changes of less than 30 m will occur and may occur on a more frequent basis. Hikers will experience structures such as bridges, stepping stones, boardwalks. Boardwalks may not cover all wet areas, steeper climbs may occur.

Difficult: These paths will typically have elevation changes up to 100m. Hikers may experience more rugged trail conditions but will definitely enjoy a true wilderness experience. Some structures may be present over large streams, wet areas, etc.
Strenuous: These paths will have major elevation changes over 150 m. These paths may have some structures and bridges. One of our Signature Paths – The Spout falls in this category.

Treks & Trails

Get off the beach and onto one of these trails.

Ganh dau Trail

Gành Dầu

TYPE: Forest
LENGTH: 1.5 km
TIME: 0.5 to 1.5 hr
RATING: Easy

Phu Quoc's most popular trail. A short hike that takes you to old growth trees and jungle. The hike is relatively easy and the trail can get crowded at times.

Ham Ninh Mountain Trek

Hàm Ninh

TYPE: Mountain Trek
LENGTH: 6 km
TIME: 1.0 – 3.0 hr
RATING: Moderate

The only real trekking that can be done in Phu Quoc with a nice view of the sea at the summit.

Rach Tram Jeep Trails

Rạch Tràm, Bai Thom

TYPE: Forest – Offroading
LENGTH: Varies
TIME: 1.5 hr
RATING: Easy

A remote trail located in the far north east corner of Phu Quoc Island, mainly used by 4×4 jeep tours, dirt bikes, and cyclists.

Da Ngon Waterfall Hike

Cửa Dương

TYPE: Forest
LENGTH: 3.0 km
TIME: 3.0 hr
RATING: Moderate

This hike takes you around the islands largest lake and to the waters that are part of the Da Ngon stream.

Dien Tien Mountain Hike

Dương Tơ

TYPE: Mountain Trek
LENGTH: 6 km
TIME: 1.0 – 3.0 hr
RATING: Moderate

The only real trekking that can be done in Phu Quoc with a nice view of the sea at the summit.

Starfish Beach Hike

Rach Vem, Ganh Dau

TYPE: Beach
LENGTH: Varies
TIME: 1.5 hr
RATING: Easy

Walk along Rach Vem Beach and reach this unique area where you will see hundreds of starfish.

Mount Chua Trek

Cửa Dương

TYPE: Mountain Trek
LENGTH: 2.0 km
TIME: 3.0 hr
RATING: Moderate

This trek takes you the summit of Mount Chua, Phu Quoc's highest point at 603 m.

Mui Ong Doi Hike

An Thoi

TYPE: Coastal Hike
LENGTH: 12 km
TIME: 5.0 hr
RATING: Moderate

A walk around the picturesque Ong Doi Cape.

Hon Thom Island Hike

Hon Thom

TYPE: Urban
LENGTH: Varies
TIME: 1.5 hr
RATING: Easy

Hike around Hon Thom Island, the second largest island in Phu Quoc.

Ecotourism Walks

Get off the beach and onto one of these unique walking trails.

Suoi Tranh Waterfall

Duong To

TYPE: Waterfall
LENGTH: 1.5 km
TIME: 1 hr to falls
RATING: Easy

Walk next to a picturesque stream along a cobble-stone like path which leads to Phu Quoc's best waterfall.

Suoi Da Ban Stream

Cua Duong

TYPE: Stream
LENGTH: 2 km
TIME: 1.0 to 2.0 hr
RATING: Moderate

Walk along flat granite boulders and discover the numerous small pools and waterfalls in a lush jungle setting.

Suoi Tien

Ham Ninh

TYPE: Stream
LENGTH: 4 km
TIME: 1.0 to 2.0 hr
RATING: Moderate

A gorgeous stream with a few waterfalls perfect for swimming and exploring nature. Also known as “Fairy Stream”.

Hon Mot Island

Bai Thom

TYPE: Island
LENGTH: 1 km loop
TIME: 1 hr
RATING: Easy

A nice walk over a man made bamboo bridge to a small island with great views of the National Park.

Mangrove Walk

Ganh Dau to Bai Thom

TYPE: Forest
LENGTH: Varies
TIME: 1.0 to 2.0 hr
RATING: Moderate

Walk through the unique mangrove ecosystems found in the northern coastal areas.

Rock Garden

Ham Ninh

TYPE: Natural Attraction
LENGTH: 500 m
TIME: 1 hr
RATING: Easy

Like a scene out of a Monet painting, this unique landscape will thrill everyone.

Phu Quoc National Park Hiking

The many trails that take you deep inside the islands national park.

The Phu Quoc National Park Trail is a narrow single lane trail located in Cua Duong commune, in the heart of the Phu Quoc National Park. The trek through this forest is relatively easy and it is best to hike this trail early in the morning. There are no large hills to climb over and the terrain is mostly flat however you must be careful of your footing as this trail is a wild trail and it is not maintained.

The Phu Quoc National Park Trail is a great trail to view plants and wildlife. Like with all things natural, please only take pictures and do not disturb the wildlife. Some of the wildlife you may encounter here are pit vipers, macaques, hornbills, a variety of insects amphibians and reptiles. The plant life here is remarkable. You will find a variety of secondary forest trees, fungi, palms, etc.

How To Get To The Phu Quoc National Park Trail

The Phu Quoc National Park Trail is located in between Cua Duong & Bai Thom communes and can be accessed directly from the Duong Dong – Bai Thom Highway (DT973) on the Cua Duong side or from the TL48 highway on the Bai Thom side – very close to the Da Chong Port. There is a road that intersects the aforementioned communes and will take you to the protected forest area.

*Unfortunately as of 2017, this trails is closed to the public. Currently a few “ecotourism” projects are underway and the entrances are guarded.

Other Trails

There are numerous trails located just off the Duong Dong – Bai Thom hwy. These trails are not maintained so please explore them at your own risk.