The island is a part of Kien Giang province and the Mekhong Delta, southwestern part of Vietnam about 280 kilometres from Ho Chi Minh City. It is situated in the gulf of Thailand bordering Cambodia and surrounded by hundreds of islets. About fifty percents of the island are covered in forests and flanked by unspoiled sandy beaches. Kem Beach is the most beautiful beach in Phu Quoc. The white powdery sandy beach is located in the southern part about 25 kilometres from Duong Dong and 5 kilometres from the airport.

In addition to beaches, other interesting places in the island are the Temple and Tomb of national hero Nguyen Trung Truc in Rach Gia, Mac Cuu Tomb, the Bird Sanctuary, a mangrove forest, Tam Bao Pagoda and Tan Hoi Pagoda. Activities on and off the island include snorkelling, scuba diving, trekking and fishing.

Most of tourist activities take place in Duong Dong, which is the center of the island. Tourist attractions, a fishing port, Phu Quoc Airport and most of the resorts are located here. Virtually unknown to the tourist world, the island’s visitors are mostly locals and some foreign travellers. There are a few 3 star resorts and guesthouses on the island. The island is accessible by plane for a one-hour flight from Ho Chi Minh City. Alternatively, travellers can reach the island by public boats from various points such as An Thoi, Rach Gia and between An Thoi and Ha Tien. The trip takes between four and six hours. The best time for these boat trips happens from late October to late September when the sea is calm.