Phu Quoc Night Market: The Complete Guide for 2023

If you are planning to visit Phu Quoc, the largest and most beautiful island in Vietnam, you should not miss the opportunity to explore its vibrant and colorful night market. Phu Quoc night market is one of the most popular and attractive destinations for both locals and tourists, offering a wide range of products, services, and experiences that will satisfy your senses and your wallet. This guide has all the information you need to make the most out of your visit.

Phu Quoc Night Market Location

Phu Quoc International Airport is located on Phu Quoc Island in Vietnam. It is situated in the northern part of the island, approximately 10 kilometers (6 miles) to the north of Phu Quoc’s main town, Duong Dong.

The market opens daily from 6:00 PM to 11:30 PM, but it comes alive and gets busiest after 8:00 PM. It consists of over 100 stalls, which are divided into two sections: one for food and the other for souvenirs

Once you step into the market, you’ll be greeted by the savory smell of grilled seafood, the captivating assortment of handicrafts and pearls, and the lively sounds of music and people. The market is a sensory delight, offering a wide range of delights. You’ll find fresh and cooked seafood, dried and bottled specialties, unique handmade items, personalized goods, pearls, jewelry, and more.

Getting to Phu Quoc Night Market

Convenient Transportation Options

Getting to the Phu Quoc Night Market is a breeze, ensuring that the adventure begins without any hassles. The island is equipped with Phu Quoc International Airport, which is your gateway to this vibrant experience.

Upon landing at the airport, you’re just a short drive away from the night market. Taxis and shuttle services are readily available and provide a convenient and comfortable means of transportation. The ride itself is a scenic journey, allowing you to soak in the island’s charm as you make your way to the market.

Tips for Navigating the Island

While Phu Quoc may seem relatively small, its diverse attractions can be overwhelming to navigate. To ensure you make the most of your visit, consider these tips for island exploration:

Rent a Scooter: Phu Quoc is best explored on two wheels. Renting a scooter not only offers the freedom to explore at your own pace but also allows you to access hidden gems off the beaten path.
Local Guides: If you prefer a more guided experience, consider hiring a local guide. These knowledgeable individuals can provide insights into the island’s culture, history, and lesser-known spots that you might miss on your own.
Maps and Apps: Don’t forget to equip yourself with maps and navigation apps. They can be invaluable in helping you find your way around the island, especially if you venture into remote areas.
Respect the Environment: Phu Quoc’s natural beauty is its greatest asset. Be a responsible traveler by respecting the environment. Dispose of your trash properly and support eco-friendly activities and initiatives on the island.

What to Eat at Phu Quoc Night Market

One of the main reasons to visit Phu Quoc night market is to enjoy the island’s delicious and diverse cuisine, especially its seafood. Phu Quoc is renowned for its fresh and high-quality seafood, caught daily and prepared in various ways like grilling, frying, boiling, steaming, or serving raw. The market offers a wide variety of seafood options, including fish, shrimp, crab, squid, octopus, scallop, clam, oyster, snail, lobster, and more.

Here are some of the most popular and mouth-watering dishes you should try at the market:

1. Grilled scallops with spring onion and peanuts: This satisfying dish features scallops grilled on charcoal and topped with chopped spring onion, roasted peanuts, and a special sauce. The scallops are juicy and tender, while the sauce perfectly balances sweetness and savory flavors. You can enjoy them with bread, rice, or on their own.

2. Fried squid with fish sauce: A crispy and crunchy delight, this dish involves cutting squid into rings and deep-frying them until they turn golden and crispy. The squid is then served with a dipping sauce made of fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, garlic, and chili. The squid provides a chewy and flavorful experience, while the sauce adds a tangy and spicy kick. You can pair it with salad, noodles, or savor it on its own.

3. Sea urchin soup: Indulge in this rich and creamy dish made by cooking sea urchin with coconut milk, onion, garlic, and spices. The result is a thick and smooth soup with soft and sweet sea urchin. Enjoy it with bread, rice, or have it on its own for a luscious experience.

4. Seafood hotpot: Warm up with this hearty dish where you have the freedom to choose your preferred seafood and vegetables. Cook them in a pot of flavorful broth on a stove, which can be sour, spicy, or sweet according to your taste. The fresh and succulent seafood, combined with crunchy and healthy vegetables, offers a delightful eating experience. Serve it with noodles, rice, or relish it on its own.

Shopping and Souvenirs

Phu Quoc night market is a great place to find some of the best products and specialties of the island, which are made with local materials and skills. You can also get some good deals and bargains, if you know how to haggle and compare prices.

Fish Sauce:

Phu Quoc is renowned for its fish sauce, considered the best in Vietnam and worldwide. It’s a condiment made from fermented fish and salt, enhancing the flavor of various dishes. Phu Quoc fish sauce, made from abundant and fresh anchovies found in the island’s waters, has a distinct aroma and taste. At the market, you’ll discover different brands and grades of fish sauce to suit your preference and budget. Souvenir fish sauce bottles are available, designed and decorated with labels and pictures of Phu Quoc.

Sim Wine:

Sim wine is a local specialty made from the fruit of the sim tree, a rose myrtle variety exclusive to Phu Quoc. It’s a sweet and fruity wine with a low alcohol content and a pleasant fragrance. Believed to offer health benefits, such as improved digestion, blood circulation, and skin quality.

Dried Seafood:

Phu Quoc is also renowned for its dried seafood, a delectable snack enjoyed at any time and place. It consists of a variety of seafood, such as fish, shrimp, squid, octopus, etc., dried and preserved with salt, sugar, and spices. Crispy and flavorful, dried seafood can be savored as is or paired with sauce or dip

Pearls:

Cultivated and harvested in the island’s farms and waters, these pearls are highly valued for their color, shape, size, and luster. They are widely used in the creation of jewelry and accessories. At the market, you can explore various types and qualities of pearls, ranging from natural, cultured to imitation, and available in white, black, or pink. Additionally, local artisans offer pearl jewelry and accessories, including necklaces, earrings, bracelets, rings, and more.

So now that you’ve got all the details about the Phu Quoc night market, why not take the plunge and make your plans? It’s time to book that plane ticket, pack your backpack, and set off on an adventure to explore the breathtaking Phu Quoc island. Don’t wait any longer—this amazing experience is waiting for you!