Phu Quoc travel experience and itinerary for Lunar New Year

1. Overview of Phu Quoc Lunar New Year Tourism

In recent years, Phu Quoc Lunar New Year tourism has become a trend chosen by many families, couples, and groups of friends for their early year holidays. Not only outstanding with blue seas – fine sand – golden sun, the Pearl Island also brings a vibrant festive atmosphere, many special spring activities, and an increasingly complete tourism service system. Thanks to the harmonious combination of resort, entertainment, and cultural experiences, Phu Quoc well meets the demand for “spring travel combined with relaxation” during the traditional Tết holiday.

1.1. Why Phu Quoc is an ideal destination for Tet holiday

Phu Quoc possesses great advantages in climate, landscape, and tourism infrastructure, making it very suitable for long Tet holidays. While many northern localities often experience cold weather and drizzle, Phu Quoc enjoys a pleasant temperature, favorable for outdoor activities such as swimming, island tours, beach strolls, or checking in beautiful scenery.

Phu Quoc is one of the most vibrant tourist destinations during the Lunar New Year (Source: Collected)

Besides, Phu Quoc hosts many large-scale entertainment and resort complexes, meeting diverse needs from families with young children, young groups of friends to middle-aged tourists seeking gentle relaxation. Visitors can combine visiting amusement parks, safari, experiencing the sea-crossing cable car, exploring pristine beaches, or relaxing at high-class resorts within the same trip.

Especially, traveling to Phu Quoc during Tet also signifies welcoming the new year in a relaxing natural setting, helping to recharge energy after a busy year of work. This is also why many people choose Phu Quoc as a place to "kickstart their travel" for the whole year.

1.2. Phu Quoc Weather during the Lunar New Year

The Lunar New Year usually falls around late January to mid-February of the solar calendar, coinciding with the most beautiful period of the year in Phu Quoc. The weather at this time belongs to the dry season, with little rain, mild sunshine, and not too high humidity, making it ideal for beach activities and outdoor sightseeing.

Phu Quoc weather during Tet is very pleasant, suitable for outdoor activities (Source: Collected)

The average temperature ranges from about 25–30°C, not too hot, cool in the evenings, convenient for strolling through night markets, watching art performances, or participating in outdoor events. Sea waves during this time are usually calm, with good visibility, suitable for activities such as snorkeling, boat tours to small islands, or experiencing the sea-crossing cable car.

Thanks to favorable weather conditions, Phu Quoc Lunar New Year travel itineraries are less interrupted by rain and wind, allowing tourists to be more proactive in arranging sightseeing, entertainment, and relaxation.

1.3. Tet Atmosphere and Early Spring Activities on the Island

Not only attractive for its beautiful scenery and climate, Phu Quoc during Tet also brings a bustling festive atmosphere, full of spring. At tourist areas, entertainment centers, hotels, and resorts, spaces are often decorated with apricot blossoms, peach blossoms, Tet miniatures, combined with spring greeting programs, art performances, lion-dragon dances, creating a feeling that is both traditional and modern.

Tourists can also combine spring travel – visiting pagodas at the beginning of the year at some spiritual sites on the island to pray for peace and luck for the new year. Alongside are entertainment activities, shopping, and enjoying Tet cuisine at night markets and tourist streets, making the trip not only for relaxation but also rich in cultural experiences.

Notably, many areas organize countdown events, fireworks displays, New Year's Eve art programs, or events in the early days of the year, attracting a large number of tourists. It is the combination of a vibrant festive atmosphere and a relaxing island sea space that creates a unique attraction for Phu Quoc Lunar New Year travel compared to many other destinations.

2. Suitable Time to Visit Phu Quoc During Tet

Choosing the right time is an important factor to make the Phu Quoc Lunar New Year travel trip more comfortable and complete. Depending on your time, budget, and desired experience (quiet relaxation or immersing yourself in the festive atmosphere), tourists can consider traveling before Tet, during Tet, or after Tet, as each period has its own advantages and disadvantages.

2.1. Visiting Phu Quoc Before Tet: Avoid Crowds, Pleasant Costs

The period from the 20th to the 28th of the twelfth lunar month is considered an ideal choice for those who want to enjoy a peaceful atmosphere and save costs. At this time, the number of tourists is not too high, airfare and hotel prices have not yet peaked, making it easy to find promotional combo packages.

Tourists traveling before Tet can still clearly feel the spring atmosphere on the island with tourist areas and hotels starting to decorate for Tet, and bustling markets preparing for the new year. This is a suitable time for groups of guests who enjoy relaxation, gentle sightseeing, and do not want to be crowded at popular attractions.

2.2. Visiting Phu Quoc During Tet: Vibrant, Many Festival Activities

The period from the 30th of Tet to the 4th – 5th of the lunar new year is the peak season for Phu Quoc Lunar New Year travel. At this time, the festive atmosphere is most vibrant with many performances, spring greeting events, cultural and entertainment activities at tourist areas and hotels.

Phu Quoc welcomes a large number of domestic and international tourists during the Lunar New Year (Source: Collected)

The advantage of traveling during Tet is that tourists can experience the bustling New Year atmosphere on the pearl island, suitable for families and groups of friends who want to combine relaxation and entertainment. However, the disadvantages are the large crowds, some attractions may be overloaded, service prices are usually high, and booking quite early is necessary to ensure accommodation and entrance tickets.

For those who choose to travel during Tet, making a detailed itinerary and booking services early are important factors to avoid inconvenience during the trip.

2.3. Traveling to Phu Quoc After Tet: More Relaxing, More Comfortable Experience

From around the 6th to the 15th day of the first lunar month, the number of tourists gradually decreases, the tourist space becomes more spacious, but entertainment activities and services are still fully maintained. This is a suitable time for tourists who want to enjoy their post-Tet holiday, avoid the pressure of crowds while still retaining the early spring atmosphere.

Airfare and hotel prices after Tet usually “cool down” compared to the peak season, making it easier to choose room categories and flight times. Island tours, sea activities, and attractions also require less queuing, allowing for a more comfortable and proactive experience.

For those with flexible holiday schedules, traveling to Phu Quoc after Tet is a good balance between cost, good weather, and quality of experience.

3. Must-Visit Destinations During Tet in Phu Quoc

3.1. Duong Dong Town Center

3.1.1. Bach Dang Park

Bach Dang Park is located along the Duong Dong River, a familiar public space for locals and tourists visiting the town center. During Tet, this area is often decorated with flowers and spring miniatures, creating a space for walking, taking photos, and relaxing, very suitable for families and groups of friends.

Early morning or cool afternoon is the ideal time to stroll along the river, watch boats, and feel the peaceful pace of life in Phu Quoc in the early days of the year. This is a gentle stop, helping to balance the itinerary with other vibrant sightseeing activities in Duong Dong town center.

3.1.2. Dinh Cau – Dinh Ba

Dinh Cau – Dinh Ba is a familiar spiritual destination for the people of Phu Quoc and tourists at the beginning of each year. Many people visit this place to pray for peace, luck, and prosperity for the new year, creating a very characteristic spring-traveling atmosphere during Tet.

Cau Temple is a famous spiritual destination in the center of Duong Dong (Source: Collected)

Besides the spiritual aspect, the Cau Temple area also has a beautiful location for watching the sunset over the sea. Visitors can combine sightseeing, photography, and enjoying the natural scenery right in the town center.

3.1.3. Duong Dong Central Beach

Duong Dong beach is an ideal space for strolling, sightseeing, and gentle relaxation during Tet. In the morning, this area is suitable for watching the sunrise and breathing in the fresh air before starting the sightseeing itinerary.

In the afternoon and evening, the beach becomes cool, suitable for walking, watching the sunset, and resting at the seaside cafes. This is a suitable choice for tourists who want to enjoy a slow pace of life right in the center of the island.

3.2. North Island

3.2.1. VinWonders Phu Quoc

VinWonders Phu Quoc is a large-scale theme park with many game areas, indoor and outdoor entertainment zones, suitable for both children and adults. During Tet, the park often has spring-themed decorations and New Year's activities, creating a festive atmosphere.

The dry, sunny weather during Tet makes participating in outdoor games more convenient. This is a suitable destination for families or groups of friends who want to have a complete day of fun.

3.2.2. Rach Vem Fishing Village

Rach Vem fishing village is famous for its peaceful atmosphere, shallow beach, and the simple daily life of the local people. During Tet, this place retains its rustic charm, very suitable for tourists seeking a gentle experience away from crowded areas.

Beautiful sunset scenery at Rach Vem fishing village (Source: Collected)

Visitors can enjoy fresh seafood at seaside eateries, walk along the beach, and take photos with the natural scenery. This is a stopover that helps balance the Phu Quoc Lunar New Year Tet travel itinerary between entertainment and relaxation.

3.2.3. Ganh Dau Cape

Ganh Dau Cape is the northernmost point of the island, notable for its wide sea view and still quite wild natural scenery. From here, visitors can gaze into the distance, admire the horizon, and enjoy the quiet space in the early days of the year.

This area is suitable for light sightseeing, photography, and relaxation. Combining Ganh Dau in the North Island itinerary helps make the trip more diverse in experiences, not just limited to large entertainment areas.

3.3. South Island

3.3.1. Sunset Town 

Sunset Town is the tourist focal point of South Phu Quoc Island with architecture deeply imbued with Mediterranean style, squares, slopes, and unique virtual check-in spots. During the Lunar New Year Tet, this place is brilliantly decorated, bustling with lights, spring miniatures, and art spaces, creating a festive atmosphere as soon as you enter the entertainment center.

Spectacular fireworks displays welcoming the new year in Sunset Town (Source: Collected)

Not only a beautiful photo spot, Sunset Town also becomes a hub for New Year's Eve and early New Year celebrations with many special activities such as artistic performances, live music, outdoor food courts, and grand fireworks displays taking place throughout the transition from the old year to the new year. The scene of fireworks accompanied by lively music creates a vibrant spring atmosphere, attracting a large number of visitors from evening until midnight.

3.3.2. Sun World Hon Thom

Sun World Hon Thom offers a long sea-crossing cable car experience, connecting the mainland to Hon Thom Island, allowing visitors to admire the panoramic view of the sea and islands from above. During Tet, good weather makes the cable car journey more convenient and safer.

Tourists enjoy the cable car experience to Sun World Hon Thom (Source: Compiled)

At Sun World Hon Thom, visitors can combine sightseeing, swimming, and playing at the water park, suitable for groups of friends and families with young children. This is one of the experiences chosen by many tourists during the Phu Quoc Lunar New Year holiday.

3.3.3. Sao Beach and Khem Beach

Sao Beach and Khem Beach are both famous for their fine white sand and clear blue water, very suitable for relaxation and photography. During Tet, the dry weather allows tourists to easily enjoy the fresh and peaceful sea space.

These two beaches are suitable for those who want to spend time relaxing and resting after days of exciting activities. Combining visits to Sao Beach and Khem Beach in the same morning helps optimize the itinerary in the South Island area.

3.3.4. Ho Quoc Pagoda

Ho Quoc Pagoda is a prominent spiritual destination in the South Island, often visited by tourists in the early days of the year to pray for peace and luck. The pagoda's spacious grounds, located on a mountainside overlooking the sea, create a sense of purity and tranquility.

Combining a visit to the pagoda during the Phu Quoc Lunar New Year trip adds spiritual meaning to the journey. This is also a suitable stop for the whole family, especially for tourists traveling for the early spring pilgrimage.

4. Suggested 3-day 2-night Phu Quoc Lunar New Year Itinerary

With a short timeframe but still wanting to combine relaxation, sightseeing, and experiencing the Tet atmosphere on the island, a 3-day 2-night Phu Quoc Lunar New Year trip is a suitable choice for families, groups of friends, or couples. The itinerary below prioritizes highlights, ease of movement, and avoids being too rushed during the peak season.

Day 1: Arrive in Phu Quoc – Duong Dong Town Center – Early Year Pilgrimage

After arriving at Phu Quoc Airport and checking into the hotel, visitors can take time to rest, have lunch, and get acquainted with the island's pace of life. In the afternoon, it is advisable to start the journey in Duong Dong town center with gentle attractions such as the riverside park, the central beach, or seaside cafes to relax after the journey.

The evening is the ideal time to feel the Tet atmosphere in Phu Quoc through activities like strolling, dining, and early year pilgrimages. Visitors can combine a visit to Dinh Cau – Dinh Ba to pray for peace, then enjoy local cuisine on the central streets and soak in the bustling atmosphere of the seaside town in the early spring days.

Day 2: Explore South Island – Beautiful Beaches – Entertainment & Sunset Viewing

The second day should be dedicated to exploring Phu Quoc's South Island, which hosts many prominent attractions and characteristic landscapes of the pearl island. In the morning, visitors can visit Ho Quoc Pagoda for an early year pilgrimage, then move to Sao Beach or Khem Beach for swimming, relaxation, and photography amidst the blue sea – white sand scenery.

Spectacular fireworks displays attract tourists to Sunset Town (Source: Collected)

In the afternoon, continue the journey with the Sun World Hon Thom cable car experience to admire the panoramic view of the islands from above and play at Hon Thom area. When returning to the mainland, visitors should visit Sunset Town to stroll, check in the Mediterranean architecture, and watch Symphony of the Sea – one of the most beloved moments when traveling to Phu Quoc during Tet.

In the evening, the South Island area often has entertainment activities, art performances, and outdoor culinary spaces, which are very suitable for ending the day of sightseeing with a vibrant festive atmosphere.

Day 3: North Island or Shopping – Return

On the last day, depending on the flight schedule, visitors can choose to quickly visit the North Island or spend time shopping for specialties as gifts. If going to the North Island, you can visit VinWonders Phu Quoc for a short play in some outstanding game areas, suitable for families with young children.

In case you want a lighter itinerary, visitors can return to Duong Dong center to buy fish sauce, dried seafood, pearls, and local specialties before going to the airport. Arranging the last day not too densely helps ensure health and proactive time during the peak Tet season.

5. Experience traveling to Phu Quoc for Lunar Tet to make the trip complete

Traveling to Phu Quoc during Lunar Tet offers many attractive experiences but also comes with crowded conditions and high service prices. Thorough preparation and prior knowledge of some important experiences will help the trip go smoothly, saving time and costs.

5.1. Book flights and hotels as early as possible

Tet is the peak tourist season in Phu Quoc, flight tickets and hotel rooms often run out quickly, especially for good time slots and hotels near the beach. Visitors should book services at least a few weeks in advance, even 1-2 months, to have more choices and reasonable prices.

Travelers should book flights early to get their desired tickets (Source: Collected)

Additionally, consider prioritizing flight + hotel combo packages to save costs and simplify service booking. Proactively booking early also helps avoid rescheduling or accepting high prices close to Tet.

5.2. Plan a reasonable itinerary, avoid concentrating on "hot" spots during peak hours

During Tet, popular attractions like Hon Thom Cable Car, amusement parks, or major check-in areas are often very crowded during peak hours. To limit queuing and crowding, travelers should go early in the day or choose less crowded times.

Besides, it's advisable to alternate between crowded attractions and natural, local spots to make the itinerary less stressful. Reasonable time allocation helps the Phu Quoc Lunar Tet holiday trip be lively enough yet still relaxing.

5.3. Proactively arrange transportation on the island

During Tet, the demand for renting motorbikes, taxis, and tour cars increases, especially during morning and evening hours. Travelers should book vehicles in advance or rent a full-day package to avoid being caught off guard and incurring high costs.

If traveling in groups or with family, renting a private car with a driver will help you move more comfortably and save time. For those accustomed to riding motorbikes, it's advisable to thoroughly check the vehicle's condition and carry all necessary documents while driving.

With the advantages of beautiful weather, attractive island scenery, and an increasingly complete tourism service system, Phu Quoc Lunar Tet tourism is a suitable choice for many types of travelers, from families, couples, to groups of young friends. Not only does it offer a relaxing resort space, but the pearl island also brings a vibrant festive atmosphere, early year spring travel activities, and many special entertainment experiences.