Thom Beach (Bãi Thơm)
Pinned to the far north-east corner of Phu Quoc Island, Thom Beach is the kind of place that feels genuinely undiscovered — a two-kilometre arc of salt-and-pepper sand fringed by casuarina trees, with Cambodia's silhouette shimmering on the horizon. Come here to exhale, explore, and leave footprints that won't be disturbed for hours.
A Beach Like No Other
Thom Beach sits at the foot of Mount Chua, Phu Quoc's largest mountain, and is hemmed in on all sides by the dense canopy of Phu Quoc National Park — giving it a raw, end-of-the-road atmosphere that the island's southern resorts simply cannot replicate.
The sand here has a distinctive granular, salt-and-pepper colour, and the shoreline is studded with volcanic rocks that host tiny sea snails and tidal creatures. At low tide the water pulls back to reveal an expansive sandy flat that is perfect for barefoot wandering.
Standing on the beach on a clear morning you can actually see Cambodia's Rabbit Island, Kampot Province and Kep across the Gulf of Thailand — a view that makes the long ride north feel absolutely worth it.
Getting In & Getting Wet
The sea at Thom Beach is shallow and tidal by nature, making entry and exit easy, though the ocean floor is rocky so water shoes are a smart call. Hard corals grow at shallow depths, and snorkel gear can be rented for around 50,000 VND at Cay Vong Nem Resort nearby.
Boat hire is available on the beach for cruising the rocky coastline or crossing to Hon Mot Island, which floats just metres offshore. If you land a fish or squid, local restaurants will cook your catch for a small fee — one of the most satisfying meals you'll ever have.
Watch out for sea urchins year-round and jellyfish in season, and pack insect repellent if you're visiting during the wet months — the surrounding forest is lush but the mosquitoes know it.
Thom Beach (Bãi Thơm) on video
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