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

The star attraction here is the quiet paddle along the Cua Can River, where mangrove trees and still water replace the resort strip for a while. I like that kayaking is included, and that the tour also reaches Rach Vem, where shallow water can reveal large numbers of living starfish.

I also like the friendly guiding. Ren, Viet, Woa, and Duc are singled out for clear English, humor, local explanations, and small touches such as magic tricks for children. The main caution is that the day can feel stretched, with rough roads, sales stops, changing plans, and starfish sightings that depend heavily on season and conditions.

Key things to know before booking

• Kayaking takes place on the Cua Can River, not in open sea, making it a calm way to see mangroves and river scenery.
• Rach Vem is the emotional high point for many people, but starfish numbers can vary, and reaching the best viewing area may cost an extra 100,000 Vietnamese dong by boat.
• The forest walk lasts about 35 minutes and passes old trees, though the road to the national park can be very bumpy.
• Lunch is not included, even though the stop at the floating fishing village is built around a meal and free time.
• The schedule may change, with extra stops such as a pepper farm, bee farm, or silk workshop appearing on some days.
• The tour costs $44 per person, including transport, bottled water, kayak use, and admission fees, but not lunch or possible extra boat charges.

A north-island day with plenty packed in

This is a roughly seven-hour group outing from Phu Quoc, designed to cover several northern sights in one day. You travel in an air-conditioned vehicle, with pickup offered and the activity returning to the stated meeting point at 143 Đường Trần Hưng Đạo in Dương Tơ.

The appeal is simple: you do not have to arrange separate transport to the national park, Cua Can River, Ganh Dau, and Rach Vem. For $44, the package makes sense if you want variety and prefer a guide to handle the roads and timing.

The tradeoff is pace. This is not a slow, single-focus kayaking trip. You spend time on roads, including rough stretches toward the national park, then move between short walks, viewpoints, local stops, and beach time. I would choose it for a broad introduction to northern Phu Quoc, not for a quiet day spent only by the water.

The group limit can reach 100 people, although the actual size may be much smaller. One booking even turned into a private-feeling outing when only one person joined. Your experience will depend on the day’s numbers and the guide assigned.

Phu Quoc National Park and the old forest walk

The first main stop is Phu Quoc National Park, with about 35 minutes walking among trees described as roughly 100 years old. This is a short nature stop rather than a serious hike.

You can expect a simple forest trail and a chance to stretch your legs after the drive. The setting gives you a glimpse of the island away from its beaches and hotels. Guides may also point out the possibility of seeing monkeys, though wildlife sightings are never promised.

Set your expectations correctly. One part of the approach is reported to be extremely rough, with long stretches of poor road. If you suffer from motion sickness, carry whatever helps you and consider bringing plastic bags. The forest itself may feel dark and modest rather than dramatic, especially if you have already visited larger national parks in Vietnam.

For families, the walk is manageable because it lasts less than an hour. Still, this stop may feel more like a short nature break than the reason to book the tour.

Ganh Dau and the view toward Cambodia

At Mui Ganh Dau Beach, the planned stop is about 25 minutes. The point is the view across the water toward Cambodia, giving you a useful sense of Phu Quoc’s position at Vietnam’s southwestern edge.

This is a quick photo and orientation stop, not a long beach visit. You will have time to look out across the water and hear some local context from the guide before continuing.

There is an important planning wrinkle: the advertised schedule and actual route do not always appear to match. One account says Ganh Dau was skipped, while an additional silk-factory visit took up about an hour on another day. That means you should treat the day plan as a guide rather than a guarantee.

If seeing the Cambodian view is a priority, confirm the route with the operator before departure. The tour provider is John’s Tours Phu Quoc, and the guide can tell you what is running that day.

Rach Vem floating village and the Starfish Beach question

The longest stop is at Floating Village Rach Vem, planned for about one and a half hours. This is where the day becomes most distinctive. The village is linked to fishing, floating restaurants, shallow water, and the famous starfish area.

You may have lunch at a local restaurant, but your meal is not included in the $44 price. The food can be a worthwhile part of the stop. One family described fish being taken from pens in front of the restaurant, which gives the meal a direct connection to the village’s fishing life rather than a standard city restaurant.

The schedule allows time to eat, swim, stroll, and explore. Some accounts describe the lunch break as stretching beyond two hours. That can be pleasant if you want a relaxed swim, but it can also make the second half of the tour feel too long if you prefer constant sightseeing.

Now for the starfish. The shallow water can be excellent, and some people see many living starfish close to shore. You should not expect them to be washed up on the sand. To get close, you may need to paddle or snorkel in shallow water.

Conditions change. One outing found only two or three starfish, while another had an impressive number. There is also a possible extra boat ride of 100,000 Vietnamese dong to reach the proper starfish area. That charge is not included, so bring extra cash and ask exactly where the boat goes before paying.

A more serious concern is animal handling. One account describes a person collecting starfish and bringing them toward the shoreline. Starfish are delicate animals, so avoid touching, lifting, or moving them. The best version of this stop is one where you observe them in the water and leave them undisturbed.

The Cua Can River paddle

The 45-minute kayaking section is the most reliable outdoor activity on the tour. You stop beside the Cua Can River, collect a kayak, and paddle through a quiet area surrounded by nature and mangrove trees.

Because this is a river outing, you are not dealing with open-sea waves. That makes it a good choice if you want to try kayaking without committing to a demanding water excursion. The time is short enough for beginners, though the tour information does not specify kayak type, launch conditions, or whether you paddle alone or with another person.

I like the contrast between this stop and the busier parts of the island. You hear less road noise, move at your own pace, and get a closer look at the river’s edges. Bring clothes that can handle splashes and shoes suitable for wet ground, since the exact launch area is not described.

Kayaking is also the part most worth protecting if the schedule changes. Poor weather has caused activities to be canceled or replaced in the past. If rain or water conditions alter the plan, the guide may add other stops, but you should ask what happens to the river paddle before the tour begins.

Bee farms, pepper plants, and changing extra stops

The tour description includes a bee farm, though the detailed stop order does not place it among the four main listed stops. The bee farm is closed on Wednesdays and selected holidays, so you should not assume it operates every day.

Other outings have included a pepper farm, where you can see green pepper growing and learn that a fresh pepper can be surprisingly hot. Some days have also included a silk factory or other sales-oriented stops. A short visit to local production sites can add useful context, but an extra hour in a shop is less attractive if you want more beach or river time.

This is the part of the tour I would clarify before booking. Ask whether the bee farm and pepper farm are included on your date, whether a silk stop is planned, and how much time is allocated to shopping. The schedule may be flexible, but flexibility is useful only when you know what is being substituted.

Guides are a major part of how these changes feel. Ren is praised for funny commentary and strong English. Viet is described as reassuring and attentive. Woa is noted for helping families, and Duc is credited with good humor and French skills. Another guide used magic tricks to entertain children during the longer drives. The people leading the trip can make a long transfer feel much lighter.

What the $44 price really covers

At $44, this is a good-value package for someone who wants transport and several northern stops without arranging a private car. The price includes the air-conditioned vehicle, bottled water, kayak use, and admission fees. You do not need to pay entrance charges at each listed attraction.

The price does not cover lunch. Since Rach Vem is the main meal stop, plan to pay separately at the local restaurant. The possible boat ride to the best starfish area is also extra, at 100,000 Vietnamese dong according to the supplied account.

The value is strongest when you make use of the full mix: forest, river, viewpoint, village, and beach. It is weaker if you mainly want Starfish Beach, because access and starfish numbers can vary. In that case, a more focused beach trip may give you better control over your time, though this tour adds kayaking and northern island transport.

Who will enjoy this tour most

I would recommend it to first-time visitors who want a broad look at northern Phu Quoc in one day. Families may like the short forest walk, shallow beach water, entertaining guides, and varied stops. The kayaking is also a good fit for people who want an easy introduction rather than a long athletic outing.

It suits you if you enjoy local food, fishing villages, short nature walks, and a flexible schedule. You should be comfortable with a group format, road travel, and the possibility that the order or selection of stops will change.

I would hesitate if you dislike bumpy roads, sales stops, or long meal breaks. I would also avoid booking it solely for a guaranteed starfish spectacle. Nature decides how many you see, and the extra boat ride may be needed to reach the better area.

The tour offers free cancellation if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Poor weather or an insufficient number of bookings can also lead to a new date or a full refund.

Should you book Land Tour 2?

Book this tour if you want variety, included transport, and a friendly guide at a moderate price. The Cua Can River paddle and Rach Vem village give the day a stronger local feel than a simple beach transfer, while the forest and Ganh Dau add useful context.

Before paying, ask three things: Is Ganh Dau definitely included on your date? Will the bee or pepper farm replace any advertised stop? Is the 100,000 dong boat ride to the main starfish area required?

If the answers suit you, this is a practical way to see the north in one day. Just bring lunch money, allow for rough roads and schedule changes, and treat the starfish as a welcome possibility rather than a promise.

FAQ

How long does the Phu Quoc north-island tour last?

The tour lasts approximately seven hours and ends back at the stated meeting point.

Is hotel pickup included?

Round-trip hotel transfers in Phu Quoc are included, and pickup is offered. The listed meeting point is 143 Đường Trần Hưng Đạo, Dương Tơ, Phú Quốc.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included in the tour price, although the itinerary allows time to eat at a local restaurant in Rach Vem floating village.

Is kayaking included?

Yes. Kayak use is included, and the kayaking session on the Cua Can River lasts about 45 minutes.

Are entrance fees included?

Yes. Admission fees for the listed paid stops are included, so you do not need to pay those charges on site.

Is the bee farm open every day?

No. The bee farm is closed on Wednesdays and selected holidays.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you will be offered another date or a full refund. The same options apply if the minimum number of bookings is not reached.