How to Visit Phu Quoc after a Mekong River Cruise

Vietnam’s Mekong River, often referred to as the "lifeblood" of the region, is one of the most iconic waterways in Southeast Asia. For those fortunate enough to embark on a Mekong River cruise, the journey gives a fascinating glimpse into the vibrant cultures, bustling floating markets, and idyllic landscapes of Vietnam's southern provinces.

 

 

However, after the calm exploration of the river, many travelers look to unwind on a beautiful island, and Phu Quoc, Vietnam’s largest and most popular island, provides a delightful getaway. Whether you're seeking pristine beaches, lush jungles, or a charming local culture, Phu Quoc shows an ideal contrast to your river trip. Here's how you can easily visit Phu Quoc after your Mekong River cruise.

 

1. Traveling Independently from the Mekong Delta to Phu Quoc

The Mekong Delta, the starting point for your river cruise, is located just a few hours away from Phu Quoc. After completing your cruise, getting to Phu Quoc is relatively straightforward, with several options depending on your time, budget, and travel preferences.

 

 

By Land and Ferry:

If you prefer a slower-paced travel or are looking to save money, you can take a bus or private car from your Mekong River cruise disembarkation to one of the ferry ports in Rach Gia or Ha Tien. Both towns provide regular ferry services to Phu Quoc Island.

- Rach Gia to Phu Quoc: The drive to Rach Gia takes about 3-4 hours, followed by a ferry ride of approximately 2.5 hours.

- Ha Tien to Phu Quoc: If you are closer to Ha Tien, it’s another 2-3 hours by car to the ferry port, with a ferry ride lasting around 1.5 hours.

 

 

Check out the fast ferry schedules and prices: Superdong Ferry

 

By Air:

The fastest and most convenient way to get from the Mekong Delta to Phu Quoc is by taking a flight from Can Tho International Airport (VCA) or Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) in Ho Chi Minh City. Both airports are easily accessible from the Mekong Delta, with Can Tho being closer if you're disembarking from a cruise in the heart of the Delta.

- Flight from Can Tho (VCA): Can Tho has direct flights to Phu Quoc, which take approximately 1 hour.

- Flight from Ho Chi Minh City (SGN): If you prefer to return to Ho Chi Minh City first, Tan Son Nhat Airport hosts multiple daily flights to Phu Quoc, which typically take around 1 hour.

 

 

Upon arriving at Phu Quoc International Airport, it's just a short drive to the main resort areas.

 

2. Available Mekong River Cruises to travel to Phu Quoc

The best-suggested river cruise lines offering tours from the Mekong to Phu Quoc on the market now are Mekong Eyes Classic Cruise and Dragon Eyes Cruise.

Routes:

Saigon - Cai Be - Can Tho - Phu Quoc 2 Days

Saigon - Can Tho - Cai Be - Can Tho - Phu Quoc 3 Days

Departure: Even Dates

Prices:

Low season: 2-day tour: 310 USD per person / 3-day tour: 440 USD per person

High season: 2-day tour: 345 USD per person / 3-day tour: 510 USD per person

 

 

3. Traveling from the Mekong Delta to Phu Quoc in a Cruise Package

By Land and Ferry:

For the 2-day tour, there will be a walk in orchards and small villages or a discovery of Cai Rang floating market. Meanwhile, a 3-day tour will cover walks to a rural village or through the lush greens of orchards and rice paddies, an excursion on a rowing sampan along small canals, enjoying “Đờn ca tài tử” (Folk Music), visiting home-made handicrafts family on Tan Phong islet, bicycle rides on back roads, or discovering Cai Rang floating market.

 

 

On the second day of the 2-day tour and the third day of the 3-day tour, the schedule is as below:

- About 08:30. Check out cruise

- 09:00. Road transfer to Rach Gia. The drive from Can Tho to Rach Gia takes about 3.5 hours. Then you will catch a fast ferry to Phu Quoc, which takes about 2.5 hours.

 

By Air:

After disembarkation in Can Tho at 09:00, you will take a 20-minute private vehicle transfer to Can Tho International Airport and then catch a direct flight to Phu Quoc, departing at 10:40 and arriving at 11:55. Please note that there is only one flight available per day, and it’s not daily.

To be sure, guests are advised to return to Saigon and stay overnight before flying directly to Phu Quoc on the next day. There will be more flights departing every day.

 

 

4. Getting Around Phu Quoc

Phu Quoc is relatively easy to explore, with several transportation options available:

- Taxis and Ride-Hailing Apps: Taxis are available, and apps like Grab (a Southeast Asian equivalent of Uber) operate on the island, providing a convenient way to get around.

- Motorbike Rentals: Renting a motorbike is a popular option for those who prefer more flexibility. It allows you to disocver the island at your own pace and reach remote beaches and attractions.

- Bicycles: For a more eco-friendly way to traverse, you can rent a bicycle. Many hotels and resorts offer bicycle rentals for their guests.

 

 

After your adventure along the Mekong River, Phu Quoc delivers the perfect escape with its stunning beaches, lush jungles, and rich cultural heritage. Whether you choose to fly or take the scenic ferry route, traveling to Phu Quoc is an easy and rewarding transition from the river to the island. If you have any questions or requests on this travel, feel free to contact our Mekong River Cruise team for detailed information.