Rach Vem Village is a small fishing community on the northern tip of Phu Quoc Island, about 25 km from Duong Dong center, best known as the ‘kingdom of starfish’, a shallow bay where hundreds of red starfish rest beneath crystal-clear water from November to April. Beyond the starfish, visitors come for floating seafood restaurants built on stilts 200-400 m offshore, quiet beach camping, and one of the most authentic fishing village experiences left on the island. This guide covers what to see, when to visit, how to get there, and where to stay nearby, including Corona Resort properties within a short drive.
What is Rach Vem Village and why visit?
Tucked away in the northern part of the pearl island, Rach Vem Village is known as the ‘kingdom of starfish’ and is an unmissable stop on any Phu Quoc journey. The village not only offers rustic, unspoiled beauty but also preserves the authentic charm of a centuries-old fishing community. This section covers where the village is, when to go, and how to get there from the main tourist areas.
Location and scenic highlights of Rach Vem
- Address: Ganh Dau Commune, Phu Quoc Special Zone, An Giang Province (formerly Kien Giang, merged in 2025).
Located in Ganh Dau Commune on the northern coast, Rach Vem is home to around 180-200 households. Small seaside houses lined up close together, gentle waves lapping the shore, and the simple daily life of fishermen create a rare sense of peace. Floating seafood farms just off the shoreline both serve tourists and reflect the traditional livelihood of the local community.
Best time to visit Rach Vem Village Phu Quoc
The best months to visit Rach Vem Village are November through April. During this dry season, the sea is calm, the sky is clear, and starfish appear in abundance along the soft white sand. In the late afternoon, visitors can sit in floating seafood restaurants to watch the sunset, enjoy freshly caught seafood, and soak in the tranquil atmosphere. From May to October, the rainy season brings rough seas and reduced visibility, making swimming, boat trips and starfish spotting less rewarding.
How to travel to Rach Vem Village Phu Quoc
Reaching Rach Vem is not difficult, but the route depends on your starting point. The village is well signposted from the main Ganh Dau road; both taxi and rented motorbike work equally well.
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- From Duong Dong Town Center: about 21-25 km. Follow route DT973 to the Suoi Cai / Ganh Dau T-junction, turn left, and continue straight to the village.
- From VinWonders Phu Quoc: about 21 km. Head towards Duong Dong, turn left near Cua Can Bridge onto Suoi Cai / Ganh Dau road, then go straight.
- From Thanh Thoi Ferry Terminal: about 29 km. From the pier, turn right onto Duong Dong / Bai Thom road, go straight until the Suoi Cai / Ganh Dau T-junction, turn right, and continue to the village.
- From Corona Resort Bai Dai: approximately 15-20 km, roughly 25-30 minutes drive north along DT973.
Things to do at Rach Vem Village Phu Quoc
Visiting Rach Vem Village is not only about admiring unspoiled natural beauty. It is also a chance to slow down and try a mix of easy water activities, cultural encounters with fishing families, and simple pleasures like camping and seafood dining. Here are the experiences most visitors remember.
Admire the starfish and unique marine life
The activity that earned Rach Vem its ‘kingdom of starfish’ nickname is watching thousands of bright red starfish resting beneath crystal-clear water. During the dry season the sea here is shallow and transparent, making it easy to spot starfish right under your feet. Do not take starfish out of the water for photos, however: they are highly sensitive to sudden temperature and sunlight changes, and removing them can kill them within minutes.
Swim, kayak, or try SUP rowing
With clear waters and safe depth close to shore, Rach Vem is a comfortable spot for swimming and cooling off. Visitors can also rent a kayak or SUP board and paddle along the shoreline, taking in the vast sea and sky at their own pace. This activity offers both relaxation and mild adventure for travelers of any age.
Experience peaceful village life and learn about fishing
Beyond its natural scenery, Rach Vem is charming for its simplicity and authentic fishing village life. The most distinctive sight is the cluster of floating houses (locally called ‘nha be’) built on wooden stilts 200-400 m offshore, each covering roughly 25-30 sq m, with plank floors and metal roofs. They serve as homes for fishing families and as floating restaurants at the same time. Travelers can chat with local fishermen, watch them casting nets and hauling in fish, or even join their fishing activities to better understand the coastal lifestyle of Phu Quoc.
Beach camping and enjoying the sunrise or sunset
Another memorable experience is setting up camp right on the beach. In the morning, the gentle sunrise reflects on the sea; in the evening, golden sunsets paint a romantic scene. It is an easy activity for groups of friends or families who enjoy the outdoors, but bring your own tent and water: services here are still minimal.
Sample fresh local seafood
A trip to Rach Vem is not complete without tasting its seafood. Dishes are made from the day’s catch, ensuring freshness at reasonable prices. Floating restaurants such as Con Sao, Son Hai, or Tinh Yeu are popular stops where you can savour specialties like Ham Ninh crab, herring salad, grilled sea urchin, or grilled shrimp. Simple meals such as rice, noodles and pho are available at small village eateries on shore for quicker stops.
Where to stay near Rach Vem Village Phu Quoc
After a day exploring Rach Vem, choosing a comfortable place to stay makes the trip more rewarding. The closest cluster of upscale accommodation is the Corona Resort & Casino complex in Bai Dai area, about 25-30 minutes drive south. It groups four hotels with a range of prices, suitable for families, groups of friends, and couples looking for a resort stay while day-tripping to Rach Vem.
Radisson Blu Resort Phu Quoc
- Address: Special Zone, Bai Dai Area, Phu Quoc, An Giang
- Phone number: +84 297 3660 000
- Reference price: From 120 USD/night
- Key amenities: Private beach with sun loungers, beach bar and swimming pool, kayaking, beach yoga, outdoor pool, Naia Spa, fitness center, conference facilities, security services, and safety certifications.
Located within the Corona Resort & Casino complex, Radisson Blu stands out with its modern design, expansive outdoor pool, and spacious accommodation. It suits travellers who want both a full-service resort and quick access to Rach Vem and other northern attractions.
Wyndham Grand Phu Quoc
- Address: Bai Dai, Ganh Dau, Phu Quoc, An Giang
- Phone number: +84 297 3691 555
- Reference price: From 100 USD/night
- Key amenities: Private beach with water sports (jet skiing, kayaking, diving), large outdoor swimming pool, spa with steam room and sauna, fitness center, tennis court, kids’ club, morning yoga classes, multilingual staff, concierge services.
Wyndham Grand impresses with its large scale, well-equipped rooms, and a stunning private beach. Beyond accommodation, the resort offers diverse dining, spa treatments, and recreational facilities, making it a strong choice for longer vacations.
Wyndham Garden GrandWorld Phu Quoc
- Address: Bai Dai Area, Ganh Dau, Phu Quoc, An Giang
- Phone number: +84 297 3612 999
- Reference price: From 100 USD/night
- Key amenities: Water park and swimming pool, spa, fitness center, kids’ club, mini cinema for children, on-site restaurant and bar, free shuttle service to the theme park and beach, conference rooms.
If you love the vibrant atmosphere of Grand World, Wyndham Garden is the natural choice. The hotel offers a youthful environment with quality services and a prime location, making it easy to join festivals, shopping and entertainment in the ‘city that never sleeps’.
VinHolidays Fiesta
- Address: Bai Dai Tourist Area, Special Zone, Ganh Dau, Phu Quoc, An Giang
- Phone number: +84 297 3550 550
- Reference price: From 40 USD/night
- Key amenities: Outdoor pool and children’s pool with sun loungers, restaurant and bar/lounge, free Wi-Fi, free parking, airport shuttle service, children’s activities, banquet facilities, multilingual staff.
As part of the Vinpearl ecosystem within the Corona complex, VinHolidays Fiesta offers comfortable stays at more affordable rates than the luxury resorts. It suits young groups or small families who want a budget-friendly stay while still enjoying full amenities.
Travel tips for visiting Rach Vem Village Phu Quoc
A few practical notes will make the trip smoother, especially if you visit in the shoulder season or plan to take photos of the starfish.
- Best time to visit: The dry season (November to April) has calm seas, sunny weather, and plenty of starfish. May to October brings heavy rain and rough seas, making swimming and travel less ideal.
- Starfish etiquette: Do not take starfish out of the water; avoid holding, stepping on, or touching their underside. Never throw them back harshly. Removing a starfish from water for even a few minutes can kill it.
- Food and dining: Fresh, affordable seafood is a must-try. Highlights include herring salad, grilled sea urchin with scallion oil, steamed crab, tamarind-fried crab, and grilled lobster. Small village eateries also serve simple rice, noodles, and pho.
- Shopping and souvenirs: Popular gifts include Phu Quoc specialties such as fish sauce, pepper, sim wine, and dried seafood. A few small shops in the village sell local products.
- Accommodation: Rach Vem itself has mainly local homestays. For more amenities, book a hotel or resort in Ganh Dau or Bai Dai, which are close and convenient for day trips.
- What to bring: Sunscreen, reef-safe if possible; waterproof phone case for starfish photos; light jacket for boat trips; small cash for local seafood restaurants.
Frequently Asked Questions about Rach Vem Village
What is Rach Vem Village famous for?
Rach Vem Village is famous for its shallow bay filled with wild red starfish, earning it the nickname ‘kingdom of starfish’ among Phu Quoc travellers. It is also known for its traditional fishing community, floating seafood restaurants built on stilts offshore, and the sense of untouched, pre-tourism coastal Vietnam that has largely disappeared from more developed parts of the island.
How do I get to Rach Vem from Corona Resort in Bai Dai?
From Corona Resort in Bai Dai, Rach Vem is roughly [CẦN BỔ SUNG: 15-20] km north, about 25-30 minutes by car or taxi along DT973 towards Ganh Dau. Guests can arrange a taxi from the resort concierge or rent a motorbike locally. The route is well paved and signposted; morning departures are recommended to catch the best light and starfish visibility.
When is the best time to see starfish at Rach Vem?
The best months to see starfish at Rach Vem are November through April, during Phu Quoc’s dry season, when the sea is calm and shallow water stays crystal clear. Within a day, low tide in the early morning (around 7 to 9 AM) usually gives the clearest view. Starfish sightings are much less common from May to October when heavier rain and rough water reduce visibility.
Are the starfish at Rach Vem safe to touch?
The starfish at Rach Vem are wild and not venomous, so they are safe to see in the water. However, you should not touch them, pick them up, or take them out of the water for photos. Starfish absorb oxygen through their bodies and are extremely sensitive to sudden temperature and sunlight changes; even a few minutes in the sun can be fatal. Look but do not lift.
Is there an entrance fee to Rach Vem Village?
There is no entrance fee to Rach Vem Village or its beach; the area is a working fishing community open to visitors. You only pay for what you use, such as parking (usually 10,000-20,000 VND for motorbikes), seafood at floating restaurants, or optional kayak and SUP rental. Meals at floating restaurants are typically priced by the kilogram and by market rate.
How far is Rach Vem from Duong Dong and Phu Quoc airport?
Rach Vem is about 25 km from Duong Dong Town Center (approximately 40 minutes by car) and roughly 35-40 km from Phu Quoc International Airport (approximately 55-70 minutes by car), depending on route and traffic. A typical day trip from either point takes 3 to 4 hours including travel, starfish spotting, and a seafood lunch.
Where should I stay for easy day trips to Rach Vem?
Rach Vem earns its ‘kingdom of starfish’ name and remains one of the more authentic corners of Phu Quoc, especially compared with the resort strips further south. A half-day is usually enough to see the starfish, eat at a floating restaurant, and walk the shoreline. Pair it with a stay at any of the Corona Resort & Casino Phu Quoc properties in Bai Dai if you want a full-service base within easy driving distance.