Land Tour 2: Discover the North – Kayaking & Starfish beach Phu Quoc (Not Lunch)

The north of Phu Quoc rewards curious day-trippers. This seven-hour group tour combines a forest walk, a Cambodia-facing beach, a floating fishing village, and kayaking on the Cua Can River. I especially like the kayaking through mangrove-lined water and the chance to see Starfish Beach without arranging transport yourself. Guides such as Ren, Viet, Woa, and Duc have also earned praise for humor, English skills, and flexibility. The main drawback is that the day can feel stretched, and lunch, boat transfers, and some optional stops may cost extra.

At $44 per person, this is a good-value way to cover the island’s northern sights in one outing. I like that hotel pickup, an air-conditioned vehicle, bottled water, kayak use, and admission fees are included. You should also know that the schedule can vary, roads may be rough, and the starfish experience is not always as full or simple as the name suggests.

Key points before you book

• Kayak the Cua Can River: Paddle for about 45 minutes through a quiet natural setting, with equipment included.
• Starfish Beach is the headline stop: The shallow water can be excellent for seeing starfish, but sightings vary and a 100K boat ride to a better area may be extra.
• The tour covers a lot of ground: Expect about seven hours, several road transfers, and some rough roads near the national park.
• Lunch is not included: The itinerary allows time at a restaurant in Rach Vem, but you pay for your own meal.
• Guides make a real difference: Ren is praised for jokes and strong English, while Viet, Woa, and Duc have also been singled out for friendly service.
• The schedule can change: Weather, road conditions, group wishes, or site availability may lead to substitutions or added stops.

What this $44 Phu Quoc tour really offers

This is a north-island sampler rather than a slow, focused nature outing. You move between forest, coast, fishing village, river, and possible farm visits, so the appeal comes from variety.

For $44, I think the package offers fair value if you want transportation and several activities handled in one day. A private car, kayak hire, and separate visits to these places could cost more and require much more planning. The tradeoff is a group schedule, limited time at each main stop, and the possibility of spending part of the day at commercial stops that are not clearly shown in the main route.

The maximum group size is listed as 100 people, though the actual group may be smaller. One person even ended up with a solo tour, while other departures included families and larger groups. You should ask about the expected group size if that matters to you.

Hotel pickup is offered, with the listed start and end point at 143 Đường Trần Hưng Đạo in Dương Tơ. The vehicle is air-conditioned, which matters on a full day in Phu Quoc. Still, expect a fair amount of time in the vehicle, especially because the road toward the national park can be bumpy.

Walking beneath old trees in Phu Quoc National Park

The first listed stop is a 35-minute walk along a forest trail among trees described as 100 years old. This gives you a quick look at the island away from its beaches and resorts.

I would keep expectations sensible. This is a short forest stop, not a long hike or wildlife expedition. You might be lucky enough to see monkeys, but there is no guarantee. One practical concern is the road leading there. It has been described as especially rough, so if you suffer from motion sickness, bring a small bag and sit where the ride feels most comfortable.

The forest can feel dark and quiet, which some people enjoy and others find underwhelming. If you want a serious national park walk, this will not replace one. If you like adding a little shade, fresh air, and old trees to a beach day, it works well.

The stop also helps break up the driving. Guides have sometimes added small touches during longer journeys, including magic tricks for children and information about Vietnam. Ren, in particular, is praised for keeping the bus ride lively with jokes and stories.

Looking toward Cambodia from Mui Ganh Dau Beach

Mui Ganh Dau offers a short coastal stop of about 25 minutes, with views toward the Cambodian side of the Gulf of Thailand. It is a quick photo and orientation stop rather than a long beach stay.

The value here is geographic. You get a sense of how close Phu Quoc is to Cambodia and see a quieter northern edge of the island. Do not expect a long swim or a full afternoon by the sea. Twenty-five minutes passes quickly, especially if the group needs to gather for the next drive.

There is an important scheduling caution. One departure reportedly skipped Ganh Dau, despite it appearing in the planned route. This suggests the day can change. Weather, road conditions, group timing, or the guide’s decisions may affect which stops receive the most attention.

Rach Vem floating village and the Starfish Beach question

Rach Vem is the emotional center of the day for many people. You have about 90 minutes at the floating fishing village, where you can eat, walk around, swim, relax, and look for starfish in shallow water.

The village setting is more memorable than a standard beach resort. Restaurants sit over the water, and one account describes fish being taken from pens in front of the restaurant before lunch. That kind of meal can feel connected to the place, but remember that lunch is not included in the $44 price. Budget separately for food and drinks.

The starfish are alive in the water, not washed up on the sand. You may need to paddle or snorkel a short distance to see them properly. The water is described as shallow and suitable for children, but you should still follow local instructions and avoid lifting or handling the starfish. They are living animals, not beach decorations.

Here is the most important warning. Some departures have involved an extra 100K boat ride to reach the better-known or more productive starfish area. One person saw only a few starfish, while another found the beach full of them. The number can depend on the season, tide, exact beach used, and local conditions.

I would not book this tour solely for a guaranteed starfish spectacle. Book it for the whole northern route, with Starfish Beach as a possible highlight. If the guide offers the extra boat ride, ask clearly whether it is optional, where it goes, and how much it costs before paying.

The 90-minute stop can also feel long if you do not want lunch, swimming, or a leisurely beach break. Families may appreciate the open time. Visitors focused on sightseeing may find the wait less appealing.

Kayaking the Cua Can River for 45 minutes

The Cua Can River is the strongest activity on the schedule. You stop beside the river, collect a kayak, and paddle for roughly 45 minutes through a quieter setting surrounded by nature.

This is not a white-water adventure. The appeal is calm movement, river views, and a close look at the mangrove environment. You get to do something rather than simply step off a bus, take photographs, and leave. Kayak use is included, which improves the value of the tour.

The river section also offers a useful change of pace after the road journey and beach stop. You can expect a practical, introductory paddle rather than an advanced kayaking lesson. The supplied information does not promise a particular kayak format, guide-to-guest ratio, or independent route, so ask the guide for instructions before setting off.

The river is also the most dependable activity in the sense that it gives the day a clear purpose. One critical assessment found kayaking to be the only part worth the time, while other people enjoyed the mix of kayaking, forest, farm visits, and beach time. That difference comes down to what you want. If you prefer active experiences, this section may be the reason to book. If you want a polished sightseeing route with long stops, the day may feel less efficient.

Bee farms, pepper, and extra stops

The tour information includes a bee farm, though the listed four-stop schedule does not clearly place it. The farm is closed on Wednesdays and selected holidays. Other possible stops have included a pepper farm and a silk factory.

The bee farm can be a pleasant small-scale visit. You may hear about bees, see the farm operation, and try products. A fresh green pepper from the plant can be surprisingly hot, so taste carefully if you are offered one.

The pepper farm adds local context that you do not get at a beach resort. It shows a working side of Phu Quoc and gives the day a stronger connection to island life. Still, farm visits can also include product sales, so keep your expectations clear. You are not required to buy anything simply because the stop is part of the route.

The silk factory is more controversial. One departure spent an extra hour there, and the stop was described as mainly sales-focused. Since commercial visits may be added or substituted, ask at the beginning of the day what is planned and how long each stop will last.

This is one place where the guide matters. Ren has been praised for making such stops entertaining, while other guides have adjusted the schedule when weather canceled an activity. A flexible guide can turn a change into a bonus. A rigid or poorly explained change can make the day feel like a sales circuit.

Guides Ren, Viet, Woa, and Duc

The strongest praise centers on the guides. Ren is repeatedly described as funny, helpful, and comfortable speaking English. He has shared information on the sites, entertained children during long drives, and made people feel at ease.

Viet has also been praised for keeping the group informed and going beyond basic guiding. Woa is described as cheerful and attentive, especially with families. Duc received praise for good humor and French language ability.

That does not mean every departure will feel identical. Guide quality can shape the whole day, particularly because the tour includes long drives and a changing schedule. A good guide explains why you are stopping, handles delays, and tells you when an extra charge applies. You should feel free to ask direct questions if the plan changes.

The language information is not perfectly uniform. Ren is specifically praised for good English, and other guides have been described as speaking reasonable or strong English. If detailed commentary in a particular language is essential, confirm before booking.

Roads, timing, and the rhythm of a seven-hour day

Seven hours sounds manageable, but this is a packed day. You have a forest walk, a coastal viewpoint, a village and beach stop, kayaking, and possibly a farm or factory visit. Add pickup and return driving, and the schedule can feel full.

The road to the national park may be rough, and long sections can be on unpaved roads. If you get carsick, avoid arriving on an empty stomach and keep motion sickness supplies close. The air-conditioned vehicle is welcome, but it cannot smooth out every road.

The advertised duration is approximate. A weather problem once caused an activity to be canceled, and the guide added three other things instead. That flexibility can be useful, but it also means you should not plan a tight evening reservation immediately after the tour.

The tour is suitable for most people according to the supplied information. You should still be comfortable walking on a forest trail, sitting in a vehicle for several hours, and paddling a kayak. Families can enjoy the swimming and shallow water at Starfish Beach, while active visitors will likely focus on the river.

What is included, and what can cost extra

The included items are straightforward:

• Hotel pickup and return to the meeting point
• Air-conditioned transportation
• Bottled water
• Kayak use
• Admission fees listed for the main stops

Lunch is not included, even though the schedule allows time to eat at a restaurant in Rach Vem. Bring enough money for the meal and any drinks.

The possible 100K boat transfer to the better starfish area is another cost to watch. Because this is not clearly part of the advertised inclusions, confirm it before you agree. Optional food, purchases at farm or factory stops, and other personal spending are also your responsibility.

At $44, the tour remains good value if the day follows the core route and you make use of the kayak and included transport. The value falls if you mainly want one beach, dislike commercial stops, or end up paying several extras without knowing about them in advance.

Who should book this north Phu Quoc day trip?

I would recommend it to you if you want a broad introduction to northern Phu Quoc without renting transport or organizing separate drivers. It suits families, first-time visitors, and anyone who likes mixing light nature, local food, water activity, and sightseeing.

It is also a good choice if you enjoy meeting other people and want a guide to handle the route. A funny guide can make the long drives much easier.

I would hesitate if you want a quiet, carefully paced day. The group could be large, the route may change, and the floating village stop can feel too long if you do not plan to eat or swim. You may also be disappointed if your main goal is to see large numbers of starfish.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Weather or failure to reach the minimum group size can also lead to a new date, another experience, or a full refund. Confirm your pickup details and the day’s planned stops before setting out.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want variety and convenience at a moderate price. The Cua Can kayaking, the Rach Vem setting, and the chance to see Starfish Beach give the day real appeal. Strong guides such as Ren can add humor and useful local detail.

Skip it if you dislike rough roads, long group days, commercial stops, or uncertain beach conditions. Most importantly, treat the starfish as a possible bonus rather than a promise. With that expectation, this is a practical way to see a less resort-focused side of northern Phu Quoc.

FAQ

How long does the Phu Quoc north island tour last?

The experience lasts approximately seven hours, including the stops and transportation.

What is the tour price?

The listed price is $44 per person.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included, although the schedule provides time to eat at a local restaurant in Rach Vem fishing village.

Is kayaking included?

Yes. Kayak use is included, and the Cua Can River kayaking portion lasts about 45 minutes.

Is hotel pickup available?

Yes. Round-trip hotel transfers in Phu Quoc are offered. The listed meeting point is 143 Đường Trần Hưng Đạo, Dương Tơ, Phú Quốc.

What happens at Starfish Beach?

You have free time to relax, swim, walk along the beach, and look for living starfish in shallow water. Sightings can vary, and an additional 100K boat ride to another starfish area may be offered.

Is the bee farm open every day?

No. The bee farm is closed on Wednesdays and selected holidays.

Are admission fees included?

Yes. Admission fees for the included attractions are covered, so you do not need to pay them on the spot.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the experience starts for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted for a refund.