Phu Quoc National Park: Information, Opening Hours, Ticket Prices
Phu Quoc Island is not only famous for its stunning beaches but also boasts a vast national park that is home to a wide variety of rare flora and fauna, along with many fascinating attractions. If you’re planning to explore Phu Quoc National Park, take a look at the information below.
Introduction to Phu Quoc National Park
Phu Quoc National Park is a vast natural reserve, covering approximately 54% of Phu Quoc Island’s area. The park spans 31,000 hectares across three island districts: Bai Thom, Cua Duong, and Ham Ninh. It is divided into three main zones:
- Strictly Protected Area: 8,786 hectares
- Ecological Recovery Area: 22,603 hectares
- Administrative, Service, and Scientific Research Area: 33 hectares
As one of the few national parks that still preserves its primary forest, the park’s ecosystem is highly diverse and remains largely untouched. Phu Quoc National Park is a unique blend of forest, sea, streams, waterfalls, and mountains. The pristine vegetation and tropical forest provide a habitat for hundreds of species of birds and animals, including several endangered species listed in the Red Book of Vietnam with a high risk of extinction.
In addition to its rich flora and fauna, the park also boasts about 60 kilometers of pristine coastline with stunning views, where visitors can discover vibrant coral reefs and unique marine life.
Recognized by UNESCO as a World Biosphere Reserve in 2006, Phu Quoc National Park has been at the forefront of promoting sustainable eco-tourism, developing strategies for environmental protection, and reducing the negative impacts of tourism on the natural environment.
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How to Get to Phu Quoc National Park
Phu Quoc National Park is located in the northeast of Phu Quoc Island, about 13-21 km from the island’s center. To reach the park, you can opt for personal transportation such as a motorbike, taxi, or join a guided tour.
However, according to locals familiar with the terrain, traveling by motorbike offers the most exciting experience.
Here is the specific route to Phu Quoc National Park:
- Starting from Duong Dong town center, head north until you reach Nguyen Trung Truc Street.
- Continue straight along Nguyen Trung Truc Street, where you’ll find plenty of road signs along the way.
- At the Duong Dong – Bai Thom intersection, turn right.
- Keep going for another 6 km, and you’ll arrive at your destination.
You should only choose to travel independently if you have enough experience navigating forest roads. Otherwise, it is recommended to join a tour to ensure safety and get the best experience.
Best Time to Explore Phu Quoc National Park
The best time to explore Phu Quoc National Park is during the dry season, which runs from February to September. During this period, the weather is relatively cool with minimal rainfall, making it ideal for trekking through the forest. It’s also important to plan your trip to ensure you finish before it gets late. The most reasonable schedule is to start your journey at 7am and exit the forest no later than 5pm for safety.
Activities at Phu Quoc National Park
Explore the Pristine Forests and Marine Ecosystem
Phu Quoc National Park is highly regarded for its rich biodiversity. The park is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including rare medicinal plants and ancient, towering trees. According to statistics, the park currently boasts around 900 species of plants, including rare and precious orchids such as Mountain Orchid, Ai Lan, and Van Hai. Additionally, many animal species listed in Vietnam’s Red Book can be found here. Exploring and admiring the pristine forests and the unique, impressive ecosystems will be one of the top activities when visiting Phu Quoc National Park.
The marine ecosystem of Phu Quoc National Park is another highlight, featuring over 100 species of hard corals, 20 species of soft corals, and more than 60 species of seaweed. Not to mention, rare marine creatures such as dugongs, giant clams, and hawksbill turtles also inhabit the park’s waters.
Stream Bathing
Venture deeper into the pristine forest, and you’ll immediately feel the cool mist rising from the streams. What could be more refreshing than soaking in the crystal-clear, cool waters of a stream after a long trek through the park? Some of the beautiful streams in the area include Tranh Stream, Da Ngon Stream, and Da Ba Stream.
Check-in at the Sim Flower Forest
If you’ve ever heard of the famous sim wine of Phu Quoc, you’ll surely be excited to see an entire forest of sim trees. For those looking to capture beautiful photos amid the sea of purple sim flowers, the best time to visit is during the blooming season from March to June.
Conquer the “Roof of Phu Quoc”
One activity you can’t miss when visiting Phu Quoc National Park is conquering the “Roof of Phu Quoc” — the summit of Chua Mountain. Located in Bai Thom, Chua Mountain belongs to the Ham Ninh mountain range and stands 603 meters tall. From the top, you’ll have a breathtaking panoramic view of Phu Quoc National Park, stretching all the way to the mesmerizing blue waters of the distant beaches. Reaching the summit of Chua Mountain not only brings a sense of accomplishment but also offers an awe-inspiring view of the majestic landscape.
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Tips for Exploring Phu Quoc National Park
To fully enjoy your adventure in Phu Quoc National Park, it’s essential to come well-prepared. Here are some helpful tips to ensure you have the best experience:
- The most important item for your exploration is a map, which will help you navigate and stick to your route accurately. You can use either a paper map or a digital one on your phone.
- It’s advisable to bring a portable charger to ensure your phone and other electronic devices don’t run out of battery before your journey is over.
- Since Phu Quoc National Park is not a tourist resort, there are no food or beverage services available inside. You can bring along water and light snacks to keep your energy up along the way. However, remember to protect the environment by not leaving any trash behind.
- Next, you’ll need essential personal items such as a hat, suitable clothing, sturdy hiking shoes, and basic first-aid supplies like bandages and medication. Pack light to make moving around easier, and don’t forget insect repellent to prevent bites.
- As you explore Phu Quoc National Park, you’ll likely come across areas with waterfalls, so be sure to bring a swimsuit to relax and enjoy the refreshing water.
- To make your journey smoother, consider traveling with a local or a tour guide. Their knowledge and experience will help you save time and make the most of your adventure.
We hope the information we’ve shared about Phu Quoc National Park gives you some useful insights for a perfect trip. If you need any assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to the SVietnam support team.