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

Northern Phu Quoc gives you a fuller day than a simple beach outing. You walk beneath old trees in Phu Quoc National Park, look toward Cambodia from Mui Ganh Dau, paddle the quiet Cua Can River, and finish near the famous starfish waters at Rach Vem. The day works best for people who want several different stops rather than one long swim.

I like the kayaking through river and mangrove scenery and the chance to see a working fishing village instead of staying only around the resort strip. I also like that hotel transfers, bottled water, kayaks, and entry fees are covered. The main catch is that lunch is not included, the road to the north can be rough, and the best starfish viewing may require an extra 100,000 VND boat ride.

Key points to know

• Starfish Beach is the headline stop: The shallow water can be full of live starfish, but sightings vary by season and location.
• Kayaking is included: You paddle for about 45 minutes on the Cua Can River, surrounded by trees and open water.
• The tour packs in four distinct stops: Forest, coast, fishing village, and river, with considerable driving between them.
• Lunch is your responsibility: You stop at a local restaurant in Rach Vem, but the meal is not part of the $44 price.
• Guides can make a big difference: Ren, Viet, Woa, and Duc have been praised for humor, language skills, flexibility, and family-friendly help.
• Expect a group excursion: The maximum group size is listed as 100, so this is not designed as a quiet private outing.

What this northern Phu Quoc day is really like

At $44 per person, this is a value-focused way to see several parts of Phu Quoc in one day. You get an air-conditioned vehicle, hotel pickup, bottled water, a kayak, and admission fees without paying at each stop. The price is especially fair if you want variety and do not want to arrange separate transport to the island’s northern sights.

The tradeoff is pace. You are not spending the day at one polished attraction. You are moving between forest tracks, beaches, a fishing village, and a river launch point. Some stretches take place on rough roads, and the full day can feel long if you prefer a relaxed beach holiday.

The tour is described as lasting about seven hours. That includes pickup, driving, four main stops, and the time needed to organize the group. With up to 100 people possible, the experience may feel very different on a small departure than on a full one.

Walking beneath old trees in Phu Quoc National Park

The first main stop is a 35-minute walk through Phu Quoc National Park. The attraction here is the forest itself: old trees, shade, and a break from the developed coast. The walk is short enough for most people who can manage ordinary uneven ground, and it gives you a look at the island beyond beaches and hotels.

Do not expect a long jungle trek or a guaranteed wildlife sighting. Some people find the trail atmospheric, while others find it dark and less exciting than the beach and kayaking. The road leading into this area can also be rough, so anyone prone to motion sickness should prepare accordingly.

A practical tip is to wear shoes with a decent grip rather than flip-flops. Bring insect protection, water, and patience for the ride. Guides may point out the old trees and explain the area, but the value of this stop depends largely on how much you enjoy a simple forest walk.

Looking across the water toward Cambodia at Mui Ganh Dau

Mui Ganh Dau is a short 25-minute stop with a clear purpose: you go to see the coastal border view toward Cambodia. It is less about spending hours on the sand and more about getting your bearings in the far northwestern corner of Phu Quoc.

This stop adds geographic interest to the day. You are not just visiting another beach. You are looking outward from Vietnam toward Cambodia, which helps explain Phu Quoc’s position in the Gulf of Thailand.

The visit may feel brief, especially after a long drive. There has also been inconsistency in the actual stops on some departures, so I would confirm before booking that Mui Ganh Dau will be included on your date. The advertised route lists it, but the day can change because of weather, road conditions, and the guide’s adjustments.

Rach Vem fishing village and the long beach break

The longest stop is at Rach Vem, a floating fishing village. You have about an hour and a half for lunch, swimming, strolling, and looking around the beach area. This is where the tour feels most connected to local life, especially if you eat seafood at a restaurant built over the water.

Lunch is not included, despite the stop being designed around a meal. You should budget separately and ask your guide what choices are available. The food can be a highlight, with fish prepared close to the pens in front of the restaurant, but the price and menu are not specified in the tour details.

The timing here deserves attention. Some departures have spent more than two hours in the area, which can feel generous if you want to swim and eat slowly. It can feel like a long pause if you are eager to kayak or move on. Families often appreciate the extra time, while fast-moving sightseers may find the schedule loose.

Rach Vem is also where the starfish question matters most. The best-known starfish area may not be directly beside the restaurant. Several accounts describe an additional boat ride costing 100,000 VND to reach the proper viewing area. That fee is not listed among the included costs, so ask before you board.

Starfish Beach: beautiful, fragile, and not guaranteed

Starfish Beach is the day’s most memorable stop when conditions are right. The water is shallow, and you may see live starfish beneath the surface. The sight can be striking, especially for children who have never seen so many starfish in one place.

The key word is may. Sightings change with season, tide, weather, and the exact stretch of beach used. Some people have found only a few starfish. Others have seen many while wading or snorkeling in the shallow water.

Treat the animals carefully. Do not lift them out of the water, carry them to shore, or crowd them for photographs. One account describes a local man collecting starfish and bringing them toward the shoreline, which is a good reason to pay attention to how the animals are being handled and to keep your own contact gentle and brief.

You may need to paddle or snorkel a little to see them clearly. The water is described as shallow and suitable for children, but you should still supervise young swimmers. Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a dry bag for phones. If you dislike paying extra during a tour, confirm in advance whether the boat transfer is required on your departure.

Kayaking the Cua Can River for 45 minutes

The Cua Can River is the strongest activity component of the day. You stop by the river, collect an included kayak, and paddle for about 45 minutes through a quieter natural setting. The route offers river views, trees, and a slower pace after the road journeys.

I like this part because it gives you something active to do rather than another photo stop. It also helps balance the beach visit. You are not simply being driven from one attraction to the next.

The tour does not state whether kayaks are single or double, nor does it provide detailed instruction or safety equipment information. Ask the guide for help if you are new to kayaking. The activity is included, but your comfort will depend on water conditions, the group’s speed, and how long the launch process takes.

Some people consider the kayaking the only essential part of the excursion. That is a useful warning if you are comparing this with a dedicated river tour. Here, kayaking is a 45-minute element within a broad sightseeing day, not the central focus from morning to afternoon.

Guides such as Ren, Viet, Woa, and Duc

The guide can shape the day more than any individual attraction. Ren is repeatedly praised for clear English, jokes, site information, and magic tricks for children during long bus rides. Viet has been described as reassuring and attentive, while Woa is noted for humor and help with families. Duc has also led departures in French and helped keep the mood light.

These names are useful because they show the type of guiding you might receive, but you cannot assume a particular guide will lead your date. The company is John’s Tours Phu Quoc, and guide assignments can change.

A good guide matters here because the tour has several moving parts. The forest walk is short, the beach timing can stretch, the starfish location may require explanation, and the route may change if weather interrupts an activity. Flexible guides have added replacement activities when conditions forced a cancellation, which is a real advantage on an island tour.

Still, flexibility can mean the day does not match every printed stop exactly. If a specific place matters to you, confirm it before departure.

Transport, road conditions, and group size

Round-trip hotel transfers in Phu Quoc are offered, and the vehicle is air-conditioned. The published meeting point is 143 Duong Tran Hung Dao in Duong To, with the activity ending back at the meeting point. Because pickup is offered, confirm the exact pickup arrangement rather than assuming every hotel is handled in the same way.

The northern roads are part of the experience, and some are rough or unpaved. One bus journey to the national park has been described as especially bumpy. If you get carsick, sit where movement is least noticeable, carry medication if you use it, and bring a plastic bag.

The maximum group size is 100 people. That is a large possible group for a kayaking and beach day, though actual departures may be smaller. A small group gives you more time with the guide and less waiting at the kayak launch. A large group can mean slower boarding, longer meal arrangements, and less freedom at the beach.

Extra stops and why you should ask questions

The main route includes the national park, Mui Ganh Dau, Rach Vem, and Cua Can. Some departures have also included a bee farm, pepper farm, or silk factory. The bee farm is closed on Wednesdays and on select holidays.

These visits can add local color. A bee farm may explain island honey production, and a pepper farm can be interesting if you enjoy seeing how local products are grown. One account also found a fresh green pepper surprisingly hot, so taste cautiously.

The concern is time and sales pressure. A silk-factory stop was described as an unlisted shopping visit that added about an hour. If you do not want commercial stops, ask the operator what is planned for your date and how much time will be spent there.

The tour description itself emphasizes cost control, not a private, tightly timed itinerary. That tells you what to expect: good coverage for the money, with less control over the day’s rhythm.

Who gets the best value from the $44 price

I would consider the price good value if you want transport and a wide sample of northern Phu Quoc without arranging taxis, kayaks, and entry fees yourself. The included kayak, bottled water, vehicle, and admissions remove several small costs that otherwise add up.

The value is weaker if your only goal is Starfish Beach. In that case, you may prefer a simpler beach transfer with more control over timing and the exact swimming area. The extra boat charge can also change the final cost.

This tour suits:

• First-time visitors who want to see several northern highlights in one day
• Families who enjoy a mix of forest, water, and beach time
• People who like friendly guides and informal entertainment during long drives
• Budget-conscious visitors who prefer a group tour
• Active sightseers who want kayaking without booking a full kayaking trip

It is less suitable for anyone seeking a quiet, private day, a long serious hike, or guaranteed starfish sightings.

Booking details and weather concerns

Admission fees are included, and confirmation is provided at booking. The tour requires a minimum number of participants and good weather. If poor weather cancels the outing, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. The same applies if the minimum group size is not reached.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that 24-hour window are not accepted for a refund. Keep the local cutoff time in mind.

The most important pre-trip questions are simple:

• Is Mui Ganh Dau definitely included on your date?
• Will the tour stop at the bee farm, pepper farm, or another sales venue?
• Is the boat to the best starfish area required, and what does it cost?
• Where exactly will pickup take place?
• How much time is planned for lunch and swimming?

Should you book this northern Phu Quoc tour?

Book it if you want a broad, affordable day with kayaking, forest, coastal views, and Starfish Beach in one package. The guides can add real character, and the mix of activities is stronger than a basic sightseeing drive.

Skip it if you want a carefully controlled schedule or a guaranteed starfish encounter. The rough roads, possible extra boat fee, long beach stop, and occasional added shopping visits are the points most likely to bother you.

My advice is to book with realistic expectations. Think of it as a flexible sampler of northern Phu Quoc, not a polished private expedition. Ask about the extra boat and commercial stops before paying, pack for swimming and motion sickness, and you will have a much better chance of enjoying the day.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts approximately seven hours, including transport and the scheduled stops in northern Phu Quoc.

Is lunch included?

No. The tour stops at a local restaurant in Rach Vem, but lunch is not included in the price.

Is kayaking included?

Yes. A kayak 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 Duong Tran Hung Dao, Duong To, Phu Quoc.

Is the boat ride to Starfish Beach included?

The supplied tour details do not list a separate boat ride. Some departures have required an additional 100,000 VND boat ride to reach the best starfish viewing area, so confirm this before booking.

Is the bee farm open every day?

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

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

You will be offered another date or a full refund if the experience is canceled because of poor weather. A different date, different experience, or full refund is also offered if the minimum number of participants is not reached.