3-day 2-night itinerary to experience Southern Phu Quoc Island during Tet

1. Overview of South Phu Quoc Island during Tet

1.1. Ideal Weather for Spring Travel

The period of Tet Nguyen Dan (late January to mid-February) is the period with the most beautiful weather of the year in the area of South Phu Quoc Island during Tet. Average daytime temperatures range from about 26–30°C, with light sunshine, low humidity, and almost no rain. Mornings and late afternoons are cool, making it very suitable for outdoor sightseeing, walking for check-ins, and participating in sea activities.

The temperature in Phu Quoc during Tet is very pleasant for tourists to visit and experience (Source: Collected)

The sea during this period is usually quite calm, with clear blue water, creating favorable conditions for activities such as swimming, snorkeling to see coral, and traveling by canoe between small islands. Thanks to the stable weather throughout the day, tourists can arrange a packed schedule yet still feel comfortable, from daytime sightseeing to enjoying shows and strolling along the beach at night without being interrupted by weather factors.

1.2. Unique Festive Atmosphere

During South Phu Quoc during Tet, major tourist areas and central streets are colorfully decorated with spring miniatures, flower gates, lanterns, and check-in spots themed around the New Year. The space is imbued with the spirit of spring, creating a festive and bustling atmosphere, suitable for tourists to capture colorful moments at the beginning of the year.

A prominent highlight is the series of evening shows and events that take place continuously throughout the Tet holiday. Programs such as water projection shows, light performances combined with artistic fireworks, or outdoor stage shows are often increased in frequency to accommodate the large number of guests during the holiday. Before and after the main show times, many areas also organize street performances, entertainment, music, and interactive activities, keeping the evening atmosphere in the South Island vibrant and full of festive emotions.

Lively festival atmosphere in South Phu Quoc Island (Source: Collected)

Concurrently, visitors can also combine early year spring travel experiences at coastal spiritual sites, visiting and praying for peace and good luck for the new year. The combination of modern festivals, large-scale entertainment, and traditional cultural aspects creates a very unique Tet atmosphere, making the journey to explore the South Island distinct from ordinary island destinations.

2. Suggested 3-day 2-night itinerary to explore South Phu Quoc Island during Tet

2.1. Day 1: Kem Beach – Ho Quoc Pagoda – Sunset viewing by the coast

After arriving in Phu Quoc and checking into accommodation in the An Thoi or Bai Truong area, visitors can begin their trip with the peaceful seaside ambiance at Kem Beach. This beach is famous for its fine white sand and clear blue waters, very suitable for gentle relaxation on the first day, swimming, and taking early spring photos in a spacious setting.

Tourists experience sunbathing and strolling at Kem Beach (Bai Kem) (Source: Collected)

In the afternoon, move to Ho Quoc Pagoda (Chua Ho Quoc) to welcome spring, pray for peace at the beginning of the year, and admire the panoramic sea view from the pagoda grounds located on the mountainside. Towards the end of the day, tourists return to the coastal area in the Southwest of the island to watch the sunset, stroll leisurely, and have dinner at local seafood restaurants, enjoying a gentle, relaxing vacation rhythm characteristic of South Phu Quoc Island (Nam dao Phu Quoc) during Tet.

2.2. Day 2: Ham Ninh Fishing Village (Lang chai Ham Ninh) – Local Experiences – Sunset Town (Thi tran Hoang Hon) – Watch Evening Show

In the morning, tourists should depart early for Ham Ninh fishing village (Lang chai Ham Ninh) to feel the simple life of the coastal people and watch the sunrise on the wooden pier. This is the best time to take photos, stroll along the beach, and enjoy breakfast with fresh seafood dishes such as steamed crab, bun ken, fish cake noodle soup in the peaceful atmosphere of the fishing village at the beginning of the year. After visiting, you can stop by to buy dried seafood or local specialties as gifts.

Leaving Ham Ninh, the journey continues with local experience spots such as Phu Quoc pepper gardens, traditional fish sauce production facilities, or beekeeping farms to learn about the production process of specialties and buy characteristic products of the pearl island. These stops are not too far from each other, convenient to travel and suitable to combine during lunchtime before returning to the hotel for a short rest.

Sunset Town treats visitors to spectacular fireworks displays for the New Year (Source: Collected)

Afternoon – Evening, visitors travel to Sunset Town – the most vibrant festival center on the South of Phu Quoc Island during Tet. From around 5 PM, visitors can stroll through the streets, check-in at the Kiss of the Love Bridge, the Clock Tower, and the seaside steps, and wait for the moment the sun sets over the sea, creating a very romantic scene. After having dinner at seaside restaurants, visitors can continue to enjoy art shows combined with fireworks like Kiss of the Sea or Symphony of the Sea, then stroll through the Vui Phet night market to enjoy street food and soak in the bustling festive atmosphere before ending the day's tour.

2.3. Day 3: Rach Vem – Starfish Check-in – Shopping for Specialties Before Returning

The last day is dedicated to exploring the North, but still within convenient travel routes from the South of Phu Quoc Island during Tet. Visitors depart early for Rach Vem – a place famous for its beaches with many starfish during the dry season. Here, you can take photos, stroll along the beach, and relax at stilt houses along the shore with a still quite pristine natural landscape.

Rach Vem is one of the most beautiful starfish viewing spots in Phu Quoc (Source: Collected)

On the way back to the center, tourists can visit traditional markets or specialty shops to buy pepper, fish sauce, dried seafood, and specialty snacks as New Year gifts. Afterwards, return to the hotel, pack luggage, and head to the airport, concluding the 3-day, 2-night spring trip with diverse experiences ranging from islands, culture, to local cuisine.

3. Phu Quoc cuisine and specialties to enjoy during Tet

3.1. Ham Ninh Crab

Ham Ninh crab is famous for its firm meat, sweet and refreshing taste, and requires almost no elaborate preparation. During Tet, crabs are caught daily and simply steamed to preserve their sea flavor, making them a popular choice for tourists for the first meal of the year, symbolizing a fresh and abundant start.

Tourists can enjoy the crab directly at Ham Ninh fishing village or at seafood restaurants along the South Island coast. Besides steamed crab, many places also serve crab stir-fried with tamarind and crab stir-fried with garlic, suitable for families or groups of friends traveling during Tet.

3.2. Bun ken

Bun ken is a signature dish unique to Phu Quoc, with a broth made from ground fish, coconut milk, lemongrass, and local spices, creating a light, fragrant, and rich flavor. A bowl of bun is usually served with fresh herbs, shredded papaya, and chili fish sauce, making it very suitable to enjoy in the morning during spring travel days.

Bun ken is a must-try specialty when visiting Phu Quoc (Source: Collected)

During Tet, many Bun ken eateries in Duong Dong and the An Thoi residential area are still open to serve tourists. This is a dish that is both filling and helps tourists clearly experience the local cuisine during their early-year exploration of Phu Quoc.

3.3. Grilled Sea Urchin with Scallion Oil

Sea urchin is a specialty that many tourists seek to try when visiting Phu Quoc, especially during the dry season – the time of Tet Nguyen Dan (Lunar New Year). The urchins are usually split in half, grilled over charcoal, drizzled with scallion oil and peanuts, and served with lime-chili salt, creating a very characteristic rich and nutty flavor.

Besides being grilled with scallion oil, sea urchins are also used to make porridge or eaten raw with mustard at seaside seafood restaurants. This dish is considered "nutritious for the start of the year," suitable for family gatherings or meals with friends during a Tet trip.

3.4. Herring Salad

Herring salad is a familiar dish in seafood feasts in Phu Quoc, with fresh herring mixed with shredded coconut, onions, wild vegetables, and sweet and sour fish sauce. The dish has a fresh, lightly fatty taste and is very suitable as an appetizer for Tet meals rich in seafood.

Goi ca trich (Raw herring salad) is very suitable as an appetizer for Tet meals (Source: Collected)

When eating, the salad is rolled with rice paper and fresh herbs, dipped in rich fish sauce, creating a culinary experience that is both enjoyable and deeply local. This is also a dish that often appears in family gatherings or when entertaining spring-traveling guests on the island.

3.5. Banh kheo Phu Quoc

Banh kheo is a traditional cake that often appears during holidays and Tet of the Phu Quoc people, with small, pretty shapes, many colors, and diverse fillings such as green beans, taro, coconut, and sesame. The cake's crust is meticulously handcrafted, both aesthetically pleasing and carrying meanings of luck and prosperity in the early days of the year.

Tourists can easily buy banh kheo at traditional cake shops in Duong Dong or in local markets to enjoy with hot tea or buy as Tet gifts. This is a light dessert, suitable for both adults and children during a spring trip to Phu Quoc.

4. Suggestions for hotels to stay in the South of the island during Tet

4.1. JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort

Located at Bai Kem – one of the most beautiful beaches in the South of the island, JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort stands out with its unique Lamarck University-inspired architecture, both luxurious and artistic. The spacious grounds, many beautiful check-in spots, and a private beach help guests fully enjoy the early year's vacation atmosphere.

JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort is located right at Kem Beach, very convenient for tourists to experience the sea (Source: Collected)

During Tet, resorts often have Spring decoration activities, buffet parties, and evening entertainment programs, very suitable for family holidays or couples who want to find a quiet, private space but still with full high-class amenities.

4.2. La Festa Phu Quoc, Curio Collection by Hilton

The hotel is located right in the center of Sunset Town (Hoang Hon), just a few minutes' walk to Kiss Bridge (Cau Hon), the central square, and the areas where evening shows take place. The modern design style mixed with a bit of Mediterranean is very suitable for the festive atmosphere of Tet.

La Festa Phu Quoc, Curio Collection by Hilton is located in Sunset Town, suitable for travelers who love a vibrant atmosphere (Source: Curated)

Staying here allows travelers to easily combine sightseeing – watching shows – visiting night markets without having to travel far. This is a suitable choice for those who want to fully enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the South of the island during Tet holidays.

4.3. Premier Residences Phu Quoc Emerald Bay

Located near Kem Beach and the attractions in the South of the island, Premier Residences Phu Quoc Emerald Bay is suitable for travelers who want to combine relaxation and sightseeing in a short itinerary during Tet. The hotel has a large swimming pool, a private beach, and a very airy open space facing the sea.

Premier Residences Phu Quoc Emerald Bay is suitable for travelers who want a private and luxurious resort experience (Source: Collected). The prices here are softer than many other 5-star resorts but still ensure amenities, suitable for young families or groups of friends who want to stay near the beach, convenient to travel to Sunset Town, Hon Thom cable car, and island tours. 4.4. Juliet Boutique Hotel Juliet Boutique is a charming small hotel with reasonable prices, located in the Sunset Town area, making it very convenient for sightseeing, dining, and evening check-ins. The rooms are neatly designed, fully equipped for a self-guided trip. The hotel is suitable for young couples or groups of friends who want to save on accommodation costs to allocate budget for entertainment, shows, and island tours during Tet, while still being in the central location of South Island. 4.5. Salinda Resort Phu Quoc Island Salinda Resort is located near Bai Truong area, stretching towards the south of the island, nổi bật với không gian xanh, nhiều cây nhiệt đới và thiết kế hài hòa giữa hiện đại và thiên nhiên. The resort has a private beach, a large swimming pool by the sea, and a quiet spa area, very suitable for a relaxing Tet holiday. In early spring, Salinda often decorates the space with traditional Tet themes, creating a warm and cozy atmosphere. From here, guests can conveniently travel to South Island attractions such as Sunset Town, Hon Thom cable car, or Khem Beach within a 3-day 2-night itinerary. 4.6. An Thoi Boutique Hotel An Thoi Boutique Hotel is a mid-range hotel located near An Thoi port, convenient for tourists participating in 3-island tours, coral diving, and sea activities during Tet. The rooms are simply designed, clean, suitable for short self-guided trips. With more accessible prices than high-end resorts, the hotel is suitable for young groups or families who want to save on accommodation costs to allocate budget for entertainment, dining, and local experiences in the South Island in the early days of the year. 5. Tips for traveling to South Phu Quoc during Tet 5.1. Book services early to avoid sold-out tickets and price increases. Tet is the peak season in Phu Quoc, especially in the South Island area with resorts and evening shows being very popular. Travelers should book flight tickets, hotel rooms, and show tickets at least 2–4 weeks in advance to get reasonable prices and more choices for flight times and room types.

Tourists should book Tet flight tickets early to secure their desired ticket class (Source: Collected)

With activities such as the Hon Thom cable car, 3-island tour, or the Kiss of the Sea show, it is advisable to buy tickets online or through a reputable agent to avoid long queues and proactively arrange your itinerary during peak seasons.

5.2. Proactively arrange transportation during peak days

The South Island has many attractions spread far apart, such as Khem Beach, An Thoi port, Sunset Town, or fishing villages, therefore, having your own transportation will save a lot of time. Tourists can rent motorbikes for flexible travel or hire taxis/shuttles on fixed routes if traveling with family.

During peak afternoon and evening hours, the Sunset Town area is often congested with vehicles, so it is advisable to arrive early to find parking and combine sightseeing – dining – watching shows within the same area, to avoid multiple trips.

5.3. Prepare suitable attire for various activities

South Island itineraries during Tet often combine beach swimming, island tours, spiritual site visits, and evening shows, therefore, tourists should prepare a variety of clothing: beachwear, sneakers, walking sandals, and modest attire when visiting pagodas or spiritual sites.

Evenings by the coast can be cool, especially when watching outdoor shows or strolling along the beach, so bring a light jacket to ward off the chill and stay healthy throughout the trip.

5.4. Avoid peak hours for a complete experience

Attractions like Cau Hon Bridge, Khem Beach, Hon Thom cable car, or the night market are usually very crowded from around 4:30 PM to 8:00 PM during Tet holidays. If you want to take beautiful photos and have a more comfortable experience, tourists should visit earlier in the day or move to the morning hours.

Flexibly changing the order of destinations based on actual crowd density also makes the trip smoother, avoiding the feeling of being crowded and maintaining the true relaxed spirit of the year-end holiday.

With beautiful weather, many vibrant entertainment activities, and a bustling festive atmosphere, the South of Phu Quoc Island during Tet is an ideal destination for those who want to both travel during spring and enjoy a true beach vacation. In just 3 days and 2 nights, tourists can fully combine entertainment, sightseeing beautiful scenery, experiencing local culture, and relaxing by the clear blue sea.