Spanning over 31,000 hectares across six communes, Phu Quoc National Park is a treasure trove featuring three distinct ecosystems: evergreen broadleaf forests, melaleuca forests, and coastal mangroves. The park is home to approximately 1,400 plant species and nearly 500 animal species.
Nguyen Thanh Binh, born in 1988 and a Phu Quoc native with a passion for forest tourism, has been organizing trekking and camping tours within the park. He offers four trekking routes, with the longest covering a 9-kilometer journey, typically scheduled on weekends. Binh shared that forest trekking in Phu Quoc is a new experience, emerging in the last two years, and remains a hidden gem for many visitors.
"When people think of Phu Quoc, they picture beach tourism, often overlooking the experiences the forest has to offer", Bình remarked.
Tien Stream trail
This 4-kilometer trail takes about three hours to complete and is considered beginner-friendly, even for children. However, visitors are advised to bring water, fruits, and light snacks to replenish their energy. The path to the stream is slippery with terrain and steep sections, so sturdy, non-slip footwear and a cautious pace are essential.
The route features crystal-clear streams formed by underground springs, and one of the highlights is filtering and drinking fresh stream water.
"After the experience, all plastic bottles are collected by the group and taken out of the forest”, Binh said, adding that among the trekking routes in Phu Quoc National Park, only the Tien Stream route allows camping and bonfires.
The nighttime experience at Tien Stream is a popular choice among visitors. Once in the forest, darkness seems to fall faster, and the main sounds are the flow of water and the calls of insects. Guests often light bonfires to cook food, use rechargeable lamps for conversation, and explore the local wildlife.
Pictured is a reticulated python the group encountered on a night trek with Binh's team in late October.
Central trail of Phu Quoc National Park
This 4-kilometer trekking route is more challenging, requiring visitors to cross six streams and slippery paths. Binh recommends carrying a hiking stick for added support.
In the forest, trekkers can marvel at the vegetation, including vines draped across trees like hammocks and ancient trees over a hundred years old.
According to Binh, the best time to trek this route is during the dry season, from October to April, when rainfall is minimal, streams flow steadily, and the greenery thrives. During the rainy season, the streams rise and flow rapidly, lacking bridges, which increases the risk of accidents.
The location in the photo lies within the core area of Phu Quoc National Park. The advantage of this forest trail is its short distance, requiring less physical effort, allowing visitors time to enjoy the scenery.
Trekkers can also experience foraging and tasting various wild fruits like sim (rose myrtle) and bua (mangosteen family), as well as collecting mushrooms. Depending on the season, different types of fruits and forest leaves can be discovered along the trail.
During the trek, guides introduce visitors to rare and exotic plant species, including those listed in the Red Book. Trekkers may also encounter medicinal herbs like lingzhi mushrooms and turkey tail mushrooms.
One common challenge, as guide Thanh Binh notes, is encountering snakes. Trekkers are advised to remain calm, avoid provoking the snake, and let experienced guides handle the situation to prevent harm to both people and wildlife.
Bat Cave and Tien Son Peak
The Bat Cave in Phu Quoc National Park, formed from limestone stalactites over millions of years, houses over a thousand bats.
The 3-km trek to the cave is challenging, with dark sections requiring flashlights. Visitors often experience moments as bats swoop overhead or listen to the sound of dripping underground water.
Exploration of the Bat Cave can be mesmerizing, as the formations inside grow more fascinating the deeper one ventures. The cave's dry streambed is lined with unique shaped stones.
Exiting the cave, the trail leads to Tien Son peak, offering panoramic views of the park's green expanse. Trekkers often relax here, setting up hammocks to enjoy the surroundings.
Binh aims to promote trekking and camping tours that emphasize a "leave no trace" philosophy, focusing on sustainability and preserving the forest's beauty. Due to the park's terrain, independent exploration is discouraged. Instead, group tours with guides provide navigation, information, porters, and logistical support for a safe experience.
Thay Tu Waterfall trail
The longest trek in Phu Quoc National Park spans 9 km, featuring a mix of hiking and stream crossings with rest stops.
The trail's highlight is Thay Tu Waterfall, standing 5 meters tall with clear water year-round. Surrounding the falls are rock formations perfect for resting, and nearby sinkholes offer photo opportunities.
The trail to Thay Tu Waterfall is accessible even during the rainy season, although heavy rains might limit the experience.
One-day forest trekking is suitable for most visitors, with the dry season (November to April) offering the best conditions for exploring the landscapes. Rainy-season trekkers should check weather and terrain conditions beforehand.
For safety and optimal enjoyment, start early in the morning, allowing for a midday rest in the forest and a return by early afternoon. Beginners are advised to start with shorter treks to build stamina.
A one-day trekking tour costs VND1.2 million ($47) per person, inclusive of transportation, guiding services, and meals.
