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

Phu Quoc’s Starfish Beach is the star attraction here, but the day gives you much more than a quick beach stop. You’ll paddle the quiet Cua Can River, walk a forest trail beneath old trees, visit the fishing village at Rach Vem, and look across toward Cambodia from Ganh Dau.

I like the way the tour mixes outdoor activities with local life, and I like that your kayak, bottled water, entrance fees, and hotel transfer are covered in the $44 price. The main caution is that the schedule can feel stretched, and the best starfish area may require an additional 100,000 VND boat ride.

Key points to know before you book

• Starfish Beach is the main prize: Shallow water makes it suitable for families, but sightings can vary, and the liveliest area may require a separate boat trip.
• Kayaking is included: You paddle the Cua Can River for about 45 minutes among natural river scenery.
• The forest walk is short: Expect about 35 minutes among old trees, with rough roads on the way there.
• Lunch is not included: You can eat at a local restaurant in Rach Vem, but pay separately.
• The guide can shape the day: Ren, Viet, Woa, and Duc are named guides associated with this route, with English-language guiding available.
• It is a group tour: The maximum listed size is 100 people, so the feel can range from intimate to crowded.

A full northern Phu Quoc day for $44

At $44 per person, this is a good-value tour if you want transport and several activities bundled together. You are not simply paying for a beach transfer. The price includes an air-conditioned vehicle, bottled water, admission fees, and use of a kayak.

The value is strongest for visitors staying in Phu Quoc who do not want to arrange separate transport to the north. The island’s northern roads can be rough, and some sections are on gravel. Having a driver and guide handle the route saves effort, although it also means accepting the group’s pace.

This is not a quiet private outing. The maximum group size is listed as 100, which is large enough for a busy day if the tour fills. On the other hand, some departures may be much smaller. One person even had an almost private outing, so the atmosphere can vary.

The tour lasts about seven hours, but the exact rhythm depends on road conditions, weather, the number of people in the group, and how long the group stays at Rach Vem. A long stop at the beach can be pleasant if you want to swim. It can feel slow if you prefer constant sightseeing.

Walking among old trees in Phu Quoc National Park

The day begins with a forest walk in Phu Quoc National Park. You’ll spend about 35 minutes on a trail beneath trees described as roughly 100 years old.

I like this stop because it gives you a quick look at the island beyond its beaches and resorts. It is also a useful change of pace before the river and beach portions of the day. You’ll walk rather than simply step out for a photograph.

Keep your expectations sensible. This is a short forest visit, not a long hike or wildlife expedition. The trail can feel dark, and some people may find the stop less interesting than the kayaking or Starfish Beach. The road toward the park can also be extremely bumpy, so bring water and consider preparing for motion sickness if you are sensitive to rough rides.

The route may include a bee farm as part of the wider northern-island program. It is a small local stop where you can hear about bees and see products connected with the farm. The bee farm is closed on Wednesdays and some holidays, so the schedule can change.

Some departures have also included a pepper farm or other local stops. A green pepper eaten directly from the plant can be surprisingly hot. Because the precise order and number of stops may shift, ask your guide at the start of the day what is planned.

Looking toward Cambodia from Mui Ganh Dau

Mui Ganh Dau gives you a short coastal stop with a view toward Cambodia. The listed visit lasts about 25 minutes, making it more of a scenic pause than a long beach stay.

This is a worthwhile stop if you enjoy geography and island views. Phu Quoc’s position in the Gulf of Thailand makes the border outlook a distinctive part of the northern route. Your guide can help explain what you are seeing, and the stop breaks up the drive.

The visit may not satisfy someone hoping for a major landmark or a long swim. There have also been departures where Ganh Dau did not take place as expected, so it is sensible to confirm the day’s route with the guide. The operator may replace or adjust a stop because of weather, timing, or local conditions.

Rach Vem and the floating fishing village

Rach Vem is where the tour becomes most connected to everyday island life. The floating fishing village sits beside the water, and the stop allows time for a meal, swimming, strolling, and exploring on your own.

Lunch is specifically not included in the price. You can eat at a local restaurant in the village, where fish may come from nearby pens. This is a good chance to order seafood in a setting tied to the local fishing community, but keep cash available because the meal is extra.

The scheduled stop is about one and a half hours, although some departures have stayed more than two hours. That longer pause works well if you want to eat slowly, swim, and wait for the boat to Starfish Beach. If you are mainly interested in sightseeing, it may feel like too much time in one place.

The village is also the launch point for the starfish area. A boat transfer of about 100,000 VND may be required to reach the section where the starfish are easiest to see. That extra charge is important because it is not covered by the advertised tour price.

Starfish Beach: beautiful, but handle it carefully

Starfish Beach is the part of the day most likely to stay in your memory. The water is shallow, and you can see starfish in the sandy shallows. Families may appreciate the gentle water, while anyone with a camera will want time to look closely.

The conditions are not guaranteed. Some departures have found only two or three starfish, while others have seen many more. The number can depend on the season, tide, weather, and exact beach area.

Please do not lift starfish out of the water or allow them to dry in the sun. They are living animals, not beach decorations. Stay in the shallow water, look without handling them, and follow local instructions.

There is another practical point. The first beach area may have few starfish, while the better-known spot is reached by a small boat at extra cost. If seeing starfish is your main reason for booking, ask whether the boat is running and what it costs before you commit to the tour.

One troubling detail from the available feedback is that someone was seen collecting starfish and placing them near shore. That is not a natural display and should not be encouraged. The best approach is to observe only what is already in the water and avoid supporting any handling of the animals.

Kayaking the Cua Can River

The Cua Can River is the most active part of the tour. You’ll stop by the river, collect a kayak, and paddle for about 45 minutes through a quiet natural setting.

I like this because the activity is simple and included. You do not need to arrange a separate kayak rental or pay an extra admission fee. The river gives you a different view of Phu Quoc, with water, riverbanks, and vegetation replacing the island’s usual beach scenery.

This is not a long expedition or a demanding training session. It is a short paddle suitable for people who want gentle outdoor activity. You should still be comfortable getting into a kayak and handling a paddle. The exact conditions can depend on weather and water levels.

The order of the kayaking stop may change. Some groups may paddle before visiting the beach, while others may reach the river later in the day. Weather has also forced activity changes on some departures. In that situation, guides have added other stops or adjusted the plan, but you should not assume every replacement will be identical.

The guides can make a big difference

The named guides connected with this experience include Ren, Viet, Woa, and Duc. The strongest descriptions of the day focus on guides who speak good English, explain local places clearly, keep the mood light, and help families and children enjoy the long drives.

Ren is described as funny and comfortable in English, with magic tricks used to entertain children during longer stretches in the vehicle. Viet has been praised for keeping people informed and helping the day feel easy. Woa is associated with a family-friendly approach at the fishing village and beach, while Duc has guided visitors in English and French.

Guide quality matters here because the day involves considerable driving and several brief stops. A good guide turns a rough road into a chance to learn about Vietnam. A weaker one can make the same route feel like a string of hurried photo breaks.

The guide may also adjust timing around what the group wants to do. That flexibility is useful, but it means the experience is not perfectly fixed. Ask early about the forest, Ganh Dau, the bee farm, kayaking, lunch, and the starfish boat so there are no surprises.

Roads, timing, and comfort

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included in Phu Quoc, with the listed start and end point at 143 Duong Tran Hung Dao in Duong To. The vehicle is air-conditioned, which matters on a full island day.

The northern route includes rough roads, particularly on the way to the national park. If you get carsick, sit where the ride feels smoothest, bring whatever motion-sickness remedy you normally use, and carry a plastic bag just in case.

The schedule can feel long because you are combining a forest stop, a coastal viewpoint, a fishing village, a beach visit, and kayaking in one day. That variety is the reason to choose the tour, but it also means you will spend time getting from one place to another.

There may be additional sales-oriented stops, such as a silk factory or local farm, depending on the departure. These are not clearly part of every advertised schedule. If you do not want shopping stops, ask your guide at pickup whether they are planned.

Who should book this tour?

I would choose this tour if you want to see several northern Phu Quoc highlights without hiring a private car. It suits families, first-time island visitors, and anyone who likes combining light walking, water activities, scenery, and local food.

It is also a good match for people who want a guide. The route has enough moving parts that transport, timing, and local explanations add real value.

I would hesitate if your priority is a peaceful beach day, a serious national park hike, or a guaranteed close look at many starfish. The forest walk is short, the tour can be crowded, and the starfish count is unpredictable.

The 4.7 out of 5 rating from 328 ratings and 92 percent recommendation figure suggest that the overall formula works well for many people. Still, the lower ratings point to real issues: long pauses, rough roads, extra costs at Starfish Beach, possible schedule changes, and occasional disappointment with the number of starfish.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Poor weather or failure to reach the minimum number of participants can also lead to a new date or a full refund.

Should you book it?

Book it if you want good coverage for one modest price and you are happy with a flexible group schedule. The kayaking, old forest, fishing village, and coastal view give you a broad taste of northern Phu Quoc, while the guides can add humor and useful local context.

Before booking, treat Starfish Beach as a possibility rather than a promise. Budget for lunch and possibly the 100,000 VND boat ride, confirm which stops are running, and prepare for rough roads. With those expectations, this is a practical and active way to see the north.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts approximately seven hours.

What activities are included?

The tour includes a forest walk, a stop at Mui Ganh Dau, time at Rach Vem and Starfish Beach, and kayaking on the Cua Can River. The exact order may vary.

Is kayaking included in the price?

Yes. A kayak is included, and the river portion lasts about 45 minutes.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included. You can eat at a local restaurant in Rach Vem, but you must pay separately.

Is the boat to the main starfish area included?

The available information indicates that a boat ride costing about 100,000 VND may be needed to reach the proper Starfish Beach area. That cost is not included in the tour price.

Is bottled water provided?

Yes. Bottled water is included.

Is transportation included?

Yes. Round-trip hotel pickup and return in Phu Quoc are included, using an air-conditioned vehicle.

Is the bee farm open every day?

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

How many people can join the tour?

The maximum listed group size is 100 people.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you will be offered another date or a full refund. A different date, another experience, or a full refund may also be offered if the minimum number of participants is not reached.