Duong Dong is the economic and administrative hub of the island of Phu Quoc. Explore its buzzing streets, shared by thousands of fishermen, Buddhists and other friendly locals. For your visit, you’ll need swimwear for the beach, willing taste buds for fresh market food and courage for crossing chaotic motorbike-filled streets.
This charming city is located at the mouth of the Duong Dong River, which is filled each day by local fisherman guiding their boats out to sea and bringing back their catches from the Gulf of Thailand. These fishermen power the city, bringing in produce for markets that pop up each morning along the riverfront. Browse the local stalls, which offer anything from vegetables to the island’s most common products: pepper and fish sauce.
Find restaurants, travel centers and picturesque pagodas along one of the city’s bustling main streets, Đường Võ Thị Sáu. Running from northeast to southwest, it connects the inland to the coast. You may be struck by the seeming lawlessness of motorbike traffic along this thoroughfare. The key to crossing the street is confidence riders will stop for you if you make your intention known.
At the mouth of the river, the Dinh Cau temple, a forested shrine atop a coastal outcrop, is worth visiting, especially at sunset. In the evenings, browse food stalls at the lively Dinh Cau night market nearby. Here, brightly decorated seafood stands sell barbecued fish and lobster at affordable prices.
On hot days, head south to Long Beach, where locals and tourists mingle on the sand to chat and drink iced coffee.
Take an evening walk down the riverfront to its mouth and spot the Duong Dong lighthouse next to the temple. The tower flashes at regular intervals to help fishermen navigate to the safety of the river at night.
Fly to Phu Quoc International Airport just south of Duong Dong and reach most of city’s best features easily on foot. Alternatively, rent a motorbike, but be sure to carefully watch surrounding traffic while riding and use your directional signals often.
