Located in the north of Phu Quoc Island, in Ganh Dau Commune, Phu Quoc District, Kien Giang Province, Rach Vem Fishing Village is an ideal destination for those who appreciate the untouched beauty of nature and the simple life of coastal fishermen.
With around 180 households living along the shore, Rach Vem was once a small fishing village specialising in seafood harvesting. As tourism in Phu Quoc flourished, locals began building floating houses for aquaculture and tourism, creating a wonderful retreat in the midst of the sea.
Best Time to Visit Rach Vem
For the clearest blue waters and the sight of abundant starfish, visit Rach Vem between October and March. During this period, the sea is calm, the water crystal clear, and the soft white sand glistens under the golden sunlight.
You can enjoy the picturesque floating houses until 9 p.m., watching the sunset and experiencing the magical beauty of the sea at night. However, plan your journey carefully to return before dark, as the road back is quite far and lacks street lighting.
How to Get to Rach Vem Fishing Village
Depending on your starting point, here are some suggested routes:
Unique Experiences in Rach Vem
Exploring Floating Houses in the Sea
Rach Vem’s floating houses are sturdily built on wooden stilts anchored deep into the seabed, situated 200–400 metres from shore, with an area of about 25–30m². These spacious, airy spaces allow visitors to fully immerse themselves in the tranquil natural surroundings.
Here, you can:
✅ Swim and snorkel to admire coral reefs
✅ Relax on floating rafts
✅ Enjoy fresh seafood right at the floating house
✅ Experience the local fishermen’s lifestyle through traditional fishing activities
When coming to Phu Quoc, remember to visit the beautiful Sao Beach.
Check-in at the "Starfish Kingdom"
Rach Vem Fishing Village is often called the "Starfish Kingdom" because, during starfish season from November to March, thousands of bright orange-red starfish appear in the clear waters, creating a breathtakingly picturesque scene.
Phú Quốc is known as one of the best places in Vietnam to watch the sunrise, and Rach Vem is a perfect spot to witness this magical moment. You can also join the fishermen in casting nets, hauling in their catch, or even take a boat to visit floating fish farms for an exciting experience of life at sea.
A trip to Rach Vem wouldn’t be complete without indulging in its incredibly fresh seafood. Here, you can feast on a variety of ocean delicacies at seaside restaurants or floating houses, enjoying the cool sea breeze and breathtaking views.
Thu Bao Floating Restaurant A Must-Try for Seafood Lovers
Loved by visitors for its spacious, airy setting with stunning sea views, Thu Bao Floating Restaurant offers a fantastic seafood experience. Some of its standout dishes include:
✅ Grilled oysters with cheese
✅ Bún quậy (a local seafood noodle dish)
✅ Herring salad
✅ Grilled squid
✅ Stir-fried snails
⭐ Rating: 4.5/5 (104 reviews)
🕒 Opening Hours: 07:00 – 18:00
Tinh Yeu Floating Restaurant – A Seafood Paradise on the Water
Tinh Yeu is famous for its wide selection of fresh seafood, including sea urchins, clams, squid, pomfret, and grouper, prepared in various styles such as garlic butter, lime-cured, steamed, or hotpot-style.
Rating: 4.9/5 (151 reviews)
Opening Hours: 08:00 – 19:30
As the day draws to a close, Rach Vem transforms into a breathtaking masterpiece, with the sky painted in hues of orange, pink, and purple. Watching the sunset here is an unforgettable experience, offering a moment of tranquillity amidst nature’s beauty.
How to Make the Most of Your Sunset Experience:
After a day of exploring Phú Quốc, unwinding with a spectacular sunset at Rach Vem is the perfect way to relax and embrace the island’s magic
To preserve the pristine beauty of Rach Vem and protect the vibrant starfish, please follow these guidelines:
Do not take starfish out of the water Removing them from the sea can cause dehydration and suffocation.
Do not touch or step on starfish Their nervous system is highly sensitive, and even small disturbances can harm them.
Do not throw starfish into the water Let them live and bask naturally in their environment.
Do not touch the underside of starfish This area contains vital organs, and any disturbance can be life-threatening.
Some other places to visit in Phu Quoc:
