Ganh Dau, Phu Quoc: A Local Guide to the Island's Quiet North
Empty beaches, a working fishing village, starfish at Rach Vem and unbeatable sunsets — a local's guide to Ganh Dau, Phu Quoc's quiet north.
Xem nhanh
Most visitors to Phu Quoc never make it past the theme parks of the north — and that is exactly why Ganh Dau is worth your time. This small commune at the island's northwestern tip offers what the busy south cannot: empty beaches, a working fishing village, a sacred temple, and sunsets you do not have to share. Here is a local guide to the island's quiet north.
Where is Ganh Dau?
Ganh Dau is the northwesternmost commune of Phu Quoc island, facing the Gulf of Thailand — on a clear day you can see the Cambodian coastline from the beach. The coastal road from Duong Dong town takes you north along the west coast; it is one of the most scenic rides on the island and usually takes under an hour.
Interestingly, Ganh Dau is also home to Phu Quoc's biggest entertainment cluster: VinWonders theme park, Vinpearl Safari, and the Grand World night district all sit in the Bai Dai area of the commune.
What to do in Ganh Dau
- Watch the sunset from Ganh Dau beach — the west-facing shore gives you a sun that melts straight into the sea.
- Visit the Nguyen Trung Truc temple — dedicated to a national hero who fought French colonial forces in the 1860s. Dress modestly and enjoy one of the island's most peaceful spots.
- Wander the fishing village — boats come in each morning; this is everyday island life, not a show for tourists.
- See the starfish at Rach Vem — a nearby fishing village famous for orange starfish in its shallow waters (seasonal; please photograph them underwater only, never lift them out).
- Spend a day at VinWonders or Vinpearl Safari — both are in the commune, minutes away from the village.
- Stroll Grand World after dark — Venice-style canals, light shows, and late-night food.
Where to eat
Ganh Dau's food scene is small but honest:
- Fishing-village seafood shacks — crab, sea urchin and grilled fish straight off the boats; check prices per kilogram before ordering (a normal practice here).
- Local rice eateries — for the simple Vietnamese meal most travelers end up craving. Cơm Tấm Gành Dầu, a friendly family-run rice eatery in the village, serves grilled-pork broken rice, fish-sauce glazed chicken and homestyle soups daily from 8:00 to 22:00 — see the menu.
- Resort restaurants at Bai Dai — international menus, higher prices.
For a wider look at island food, read our Phu Quoc food guide for first-time visitors.
When to visit
The dry season (roughly November to April) brings calm seas, clear water and reliable sunsets. The rainy season (May to October) means short tropical downpours and rougher seas — still workable, especially with the theme parks nearby as rain plans. Check our 7-day Phu Quoc weather forecast before you ride north.
A simple one-day plan
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| Morning | Fishing village + Nguyen Trung Truc temple |
| Late morning | Swim at Ganh Dau or Bai Dai beach |
| Lunch | Local rice eatery in the village |
| Afternoon | VinWonders or Safari |
| Sunset | Back to the beach |
| Evening | Grand World |
FAQ
Is Ganh Dau worth staying overnight? Yes, if you prefer quiet — the Bai Dai area has large resorts, and the village itself suits travelers who like local life. Day-trippers from Duong Dong can see the highlights in one day.
Do people speak English there? Less than in Duong Dong, but menus with pictures, translation apps and friendly gestures go a long way.
How do I get there without a motorbike? Taxis and ride-hailing apps work; book your return ride in advance since fewer cars roam the north.
Hungry after exploring? 😋
After the beach, the temple and the starfish, take a break at Cơm Tấm Gành Dầu — good food, fair prices, and a relaxed place to rest before the evening. Open daily 8:00–22:00.
Photos: Wikimedia Commons and Cơm Tấm Gành Dầu.