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

The most memorable parts of this northern Phu Quoc tour are the shallow waters of Starfish Beach and the quiet paddle through mangroves on the Cua Can River. In one day, you move from old forest to a Cambodia-facing shoreline, a fishing village, and a kayak route far from the main resort strip.

I like the way the tour mixes active time with simple local stops, rather than filling the day with beaches alone. I also like the value: at $44, you get transport, a kayak, bottled water, and admission fees. Guides such as Ren, Viet, Woa, and Duc have been praised for clear English, humor, and flexibility.

The main caution is pace. The day covers a lot of ground, and the stop at Rach Vem can feel long if the weather is hot or the starfish are scarce. Lunch is not included, and a boat trip to the best starfish area may cost an additional 100,000 VND.

Key points to know before booking

• Kayak through the Cua Can River: Paddle for about 45 minutes among natural river scenery and mangrove trees.
• Starfish Beach is the big draw: The water is shallow, but you may need to paddle or snorkel to see starfish properly.
• A full northern Phu Quoc circuit: Expect roughly seven hours, with long road sections between stops.
• Good guides make a difference: Ren is known for jokes and strong English, while Viet, Woa, and Duc have also led well-received departures.
• Lunch is at your own cost: The tour stops at a floating village restaurant, but the meal is not part of the $44 price.
• Expect possible changes: Weather, sea conditions, seasonal starfish numbers, and local operations can alter the day.

Why this northern Phu Quoc tour is worth considering

Phu Quoc is easy to picture as a resort island with sand, sun, and hotel pools. This excursion gives you a different view. You spend time inland, along a river, at a fishing village, and near the northern tip facing Cambodia.

That variety is the strongest reason to book. You are not paying for one polished attraction. You are paying for transport between several parts of the island, a guide, a kayak, water, and entrance fees. For visitors without a rental motorbike, it is a practical way to reach places that are awkward to connect independently.

The tour lasts about seven hours. That is long enough to make the north worthwhile, but it also means you should expect road time. Some routes are rough, particularly on the way toward the national park. If you are prone to motion sickness, bring medication and a small plastic bag.

The group can be as large as 100 people, although some departures may be much smaller. One person even ended up with a private-style day because the group was so small. Do not count on that, but it shows how much the atmosphere can vary.

Walking among Phu Quoc National Park’s old trees

The first main stop is Phu Quoc National Park, where you walk a forest trail among trees described as about 100 years old. The walk lasts roughly 35 minutes, so this is an introduction to the island’s forest rather than a serious hike.

You should expect shade, uneven ground, and a short look at the inland side of Phu Quoc. The trail can feel quiet and natural, but it is not packed with formal displays or major viewpoints. One account found the park dark and less rewarding than expected, while others enjoyed the chance to walk through the woods and possibly look for monkeys.

That difference comes down to expectations. If you want a gentle forest break between vehicle rides, the stop works. If you expect a dramatic national park trek, you may find it modest.

The road here is part of the experience, for better or worse. Reports of bumpy stretches are consistent, so wear secure shoes and avoid a heavy breakfast if rough roads trouble your stomach. A good guide can make the ride more enjoyable. Ren, in particular, has been praised for keeping people entertained with jokes and even magic tricks during longer drives.

Seeing Cambodia from Mui Ganh Dau

At Mui Ganh Dau, you stop for about 25 minutes to look across the water toward Cambodia. This is a short viewpoint stop, not a beach afternoon.

The appeal is geographical. You are standing at the northern end of Phu Quoc and looking beyond Vietnam. It gives the day a clear sense of place, especially if you have spent most of your holiday around the southern beaches.

Do not expect a long guided visit or a large attraction. You get time to take in the border view, snap photos, and continue. The stop has also been skipped or changed on at least one departure, which is a useful reminder that the printed route may not always match the day exactly.

Rach Vem and the floating fishing village

Rach Vem is where the tour slows down. The planned stay is around one hour and 30 minutes, though some departures have spent more than two hours in the area.

You visit a floating fishing village and have time to eat, swim, stroll, or sit by the water. The meal is arranged at a local restaurant, but you pay for it yourself. This is important because the tour title says not lunch, and the $44 rate does not cover food.

The setting gives you a glimpse of working life on the water rather than another hotel beach. Fish may be kept in pens near the restaurant, and local seafood is available. If you enjoy fresh fish and a relaxed meal, this can be one of the better parts of the day.

The drawback is the length of the stop. In hot weather, an hour and a half can feel generous, particularly if you are not interested in lunch or swimming. On the other hand, families may appreciate the extra time. You are not rushed through the meal, and children can have a break after the road journey.

Bring cash for lunch and any optional boat transfer. The exact meal choices and prices are not specified, so do not assume the restaurant cost is covered by the tour fee.

What to expect at Starfish Beach

Starfish Beach is the emotional center of the excursion. The shallow water can contain many starfish, and children often enjoy looking for them close to shore. You may need to paddle or snorkel a short distance to see them clearly, since they are alive in the water rather than washed up on the sand.

The best conditions are not guaranteed. One visit produced only two or three starfish, while another found the beach full of them. Season, tide, weather, and human activity can all affect what you see.

There is also an important extra-cost issue. The main vehicle may stop at one beach, while the better-known starfish area can require a boat ride costing about 100,000 VND. That fee is not included. Ask the guide clearly where the group is going and what the boat costs before agreeing to it.

Please do not lift, carry, or handle the starfish. The appeal of this place depends on keeping them in the water. A calm, shallow swim is the right way to enjoy it.

Starfish Beach is best for you if you want a gentle water stop rather than a polished resort facility. Facilities, changing arrangements, and exact beach conditions are not detailed, so pack modestly and keep your belongings simple.

Kayaking the Cua Can River

The kayak section lasts about 45 minutes and takes place on the Cua Can River. You receive a kayak and paddle along a quiet stretch surrounded by natural vegetation and mangrove trees.

This is not a white-water outing. The attraction is the setting and the easy pace. You get a closer look at the river than you would from a vehicle, with time to take photos and enjoy the silence between strokes.

For many people, this is the most reliable activity of the day. The forest visit depends on your interest in short trails, and Starfish Beach depends on natural conditions. The river paddle is a defined activity with equipment supplied.

You should still be comfortable with basic paddling and getting in or out of a kayak. The supplied information does not specify whether kayaks are single or tandem, nor does it list age or swimming requirements. If you have mobility concerns, contact the operator before booking.

The river stop also gives the itinerary a better balance. After several road sections and sightseeing stops, you get active time on the water. It is a simple experience, but it feels more connected to the island than another roadside photo stop.

Guides, transport, and the day’s rhythm

Round-trip hotel transfers in Phu Quoc are offered, and the activity ends back at the listed meeting point at 143 Duong Tran Hung Dao in Duong To. Confirm the pickup arrangement when booking, since the practical meeting details can vary by hotel.

Transport is by air-conditioned vehicle. That matters on Phu Quoc, where the northern roads can take time and some stretches may be rough. Bottled water is included, but you should bring sun protection, swimwear, a towel, and cash for food or optional boat transport.

The guide can shape the whole day. Ren has been praised for good English, comic timing, and useful information. Viet has helped groups feel at ease, while Woa has been noted for family-friendly humor and assistance. Duc has also led departures in French and English. These names do not guarantee who will lead your particular outing, but the operator has several guides who can add much more than basic directions.

The tour is conducted in a group, with a maximum capacity of 100. That is a large possible number. If you prefer quiet, ask how many people are booked before departure, though the final group size may change.

The schedule can also be flexible. Weather has caused activities to be canceled, with guides sometimes adding other stops instead. That can work in your favor, but it means you should treat the route as a plan rather than an absolute promise.

What the $44 price really covers

At $44 per person, this is a good-value package if you want a full day of transport and several northern stops. The included kayak, bottled water, air-conditioned vehicle, admission fees, and hotel transfers remove several small costs that can add up when arranging the same day yourself.

The price is less attractive if you mainly want Starfish Beach. In that case, you may spend much of the day in the vehicle or at stops that do not interest you. A direct beach trip could suit you better, though no separate comparison price is provided here.

Budget for lunch. You should also set aside money for the possible 100,000 VND boat ride to the prime starfish area. The tour is advertised without lunch, so this is not an unexpected mistake in the price, but it is easy to overlook when comparing excursions.

Admission fees are included, so you do not need to keep paying at each formal stop. That makes the cost easier to manage, especially for families.

Who should book this Phu Quoc excursion

This tour suits you if you want to see several sides of Phu Quoc in one day and prefer having transport arranged. It is a strong match for first-time visitors, families who enjoy varied activities, and anyone who wants kayaking without organizing equipment.

It also works for people who enjoy a flexible guide-led day. The best moments may come from the guide’s explanations, jokes, local introductions, and small changes made when weather affects the route.

You may want another option if you dislike long drives, rough roads, or slow lunch stops. It is also not ideal if your only priority is a guaranteed large gathering of starfish. Nature controls that part of the day.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Poor weather or an insufficient minimum group can also lead to a new date, another experience, or a full refund. Changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want a broad, affordable look at northern Phu Quoc, with kayaking as the most dependable active feature and Starfish Beach as the hoped-for highlight.

Before you go, confirm hotel pickup, ask whether the Ganh Dau stop is operating, and check the cost of any boat ride at Rach Vem. Bring cash for lunch, prepare for bumpy roads, and keep your expectations flexible. With those details understood, the $44 price offers a lot of island access in seven hours.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts about seven hours.

Is hotel pickup included?

Round-trip hotel transfers in Phu Quoc are included, and pickup is offered. The listed meeting point is 143 Duong Tran Hung Dao in Duong To.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included, although the tour stops at a restaurant in the Rach Vem fishing village.

Is the kayak included?

Yes. Kayak use is included in the tour price.

Are entrance fees included?

Yes. Admission fees for the listed stops are included.

What other items are included?

Bottled water and transport in an air-conditioned vehicle are included.

Is the boat ride to Starfish Beach included?

No. A boat ride to the main starfish area may cost an additional 100,000 VND.

How large can the group be?

The activity can have a maximum of 100 participants.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

You will be offered another date or a full refund if poor weather causes cancellation.