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

REVIEW · PHU QUOC ISLAND TRIPS

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

4.5 · 328 reviews From $44 Operated by John's Tours Phu Quoc · Bookable on Viator
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Starfish, kayaks, and Cambodia views in one day. What makes this Phu Quoc North tour fun is the mix of nature time with easy logistics, plus admission fees included and kayaks provided so you are not constantly counting dong. You also get round-trip hotel transfers, which matters here because the roads can be rough in places.

I really like that the day is built around hands-on moments, especially paddling a river instead of just looking from the roadside. I also like that you get a proper sequence of stops, from shaded forest trails to a border-looking beach and then starfish time at the coast.

One watch-out: the second half can feel like a long chunk of beach and waiting around, and the starfish experience may vary day to day, including whether you need extra effort to reach the best spots.

Key things I’d highlight before you go

Land Tour 2: Discover the North - Kayaking & Starfish beach Phu Quoc (Not Lunch) - Key things I’d highlight before you go

  • Kayak time is real, not a quick photo-op, and you’ll paddle along the Cua Can riverside scenery
  • Forest walking among old trees at Phu Quoc National Park gives your legs a break from beach time
  • Cambodia-border views show up at Mui Ganh Dau, so you get more than one type of coastline
  • Starfish beach is the main payoff, and shallow water makes it more approachable for kids and first-timers
  • Guide energy matters, and guides like Ren, Woa, Viet, and Duc have been praised for humor and keeping things moving
  • Lunch is not included even though there is a lunch stop at Rach Vem, so plan for that cost

Phu Quoc North in One Day, Without the Headaches

This tour is designed for people who want a full day of Phu Quoc without hiring a private driver or building your own route. With hotel pickup and air-conditioned transport, you lose less time to logistics, which is key on an island where distances add up.

The heart of the experience is variety. You get forest shade, a coastal border viewpoint, then a fisherman-village beach break, and finally a river kayak session that is the kind of thing you will actually remember when you get home. If you like mixing active time with scenic pauses, this works.

The day is group-based, with a maximum of up to 100 travelers. That usually means you will move as a unit, follow the guide’s timing, and expect brief waits between stops.

Starting in Phu Quoc National Park: Old Trees and a Smooth Stroll

Land Tour 2: Discover the North - Kayaking & Starfish beach Phu Quoc (Not Lunch) - Starting in Phu Quoc National Park: Old Trees and a Smooth Stroll
Your first stop is Phu Quoc National Park. The schedule calls for a forest trail walk, about 35 minutes, and the payoff is the feeling of being in older, established woodland rather than just walking through manicured paths.

A few things to know so you can enjoy it:

  • Wear something with decent grip, since park paths can be uneven.
  • Bring water, even if bottled water is included, because warm shade can still make you thirsty.
  • If you are sensitive to motion sickness, do what you can to be comfortable on the ride, since some parts of the roads are described as bumpy.

This is not a strenuous hike. It is more like a tropical reset. You stretch your legs, slow down your pace, and get the “Phu Quoc is more than beaches” side of the island early.

Mui Ganh Dau Beach: The Cambodia-View Moment

Land Tour 2: Discover the North - Kayaking & Starfish beach Phu Quoc (Not Lunch) - Mui Ganh Dau Beach: The Cambodia-View Moment
Next you head to Mui Ganh Dau Beach for about 25 minutes. This is a short stop, but it is built for a specific reason: the views toward Cambodia.

Even if you do not hang around long, it is worth stepping out and taking in the horizon. Border-view locations tend to make the island feel bigger, less postcard-like, and more real. You get a coastal perspective that contrasts nicely with the forest walk.

Practical tip: this is beach time, so keep your essentials handy. You may want sunscreen, sunglasses, and anything you need for sand-free comfort.

Floating Village Rach Vem: Beach Time, Starfish Thinking, and a Lunch Gap

Land Tour 2: Discover the North - Kayaking & Starfish beach Phu Quoc (Not Lunch) - Floating Village Rach Vem: Beach Time, Starfish Thinking, and a Lunch Gap
Rach Vem is where the tour shifts from sightseeing into beach reality. The schedule gives you about 1 hour 30 minutes here, with free time. The listed idea is to relax, swim, and stroll around the beach area, including starfish viewing.

Two important details based on the tour info:

  • Lunch is part of the stop in the sense that there is a lunch break available, but lunch is not included in the ticket price.
  • This is the starfish-centered segment of the day, so pace yourself. You will get better results if you plan to spend a bit of time in the water rather than rushing in and out.

Starfish beach expectations, honestly

Starfish beach is described as the biggest hit by many people, with starfish visible in shallow areas. That said, one recurring theme is that the number of starfish you actually see can vary, and reaching the best-feeling spot may involve extra effort or extra costs on some days. In other words: confirm what your date includes for starfish access, especially if the option involves any additional boat or add-on fee.

What I’d do:

  • Bring a dry bag if you have one, or keep your phone in a waterproof pouch.
  • If you want closer views, be ready to paddle or snorkel a bit, because starfish can be seen better when you are nearer the water edge.
  • If you come with kids, shallow safe water is often part of the appeal, but still treat it like a water activity, not a museum visit.

This is also where you get the “fisherman village” texture. Even if you are not shopping, the setting adds soul to the day.

Cua Can River Kayak: The Main Event That Justifies the Trip

Land Tour 2: Discover the North - Kayaking & Starfish beach Phu Quoc (Not Lunch) - Cua Can River Kayak: The Main Event That Justifies the Trip
If you are choosing this tour for one reason, make it this: the Cua Can river kayaking. The plan is about 45 minutes on the water, and the kayak is included.

This is the kind of activity that feels worth your time because it is active and naturally paced. You paddle along the riverside and take in nature without the pressure of “hurry up, next stop.” It also helps that you are surrounded by greenery, so you get a break from direct sun.

A few practical notes that will help:

  • Bring clothes you do not mind getting damp. The river spray is real.
  • If you are prone to motion sickness in vehicles, plan for the ride there and back, since some roads are reported as bumpy.
  • Listen closely at the start of the kayak session. The guide will help you get set up so you can enjoy the paddling instead of wrestling the kayak.

This portion is why some people say the whole day works even if other segments feel slower. In the balancing act of a full-day group tour, this is the strongest payoff.

The Bee Farm Add-On: Fun if It’s Open, Skip if It Isn’t

Land Tour 2: Discover the North - Kayaking & Starfish beach Phu Quoc (Not Lunch) - The Bee Farm Add-On: Fun if It’s Open, Skip if It Isn’t
The tour description includes a bee farm stop, sometimes replaced or adjusted depending on the day. The key scheduling detail is that it is closed on Wednesdays and select holidays.

So you should treat it as a possible highlight rather than a guaranteed one. If it is open on your date, it is usually the type of stop that adds color to the day, giving you a different slice of rural life.

If you have a curious palate, keep an eye out for tasting opportunities. One review mentioned green pepper tasting being very spicy, which is a good reminder to expect surprises at places like this.

If the bee farm is closed when you go, do not panic. The tour format generally keeps the day moving, and guides often swap in alternative experiences to keep you busy.

How Guides Shape the Experience: Ren, Woa, Viet, and Duc

Land Tour 2: Discover the North - Kayaking & Starfish beach Phu Quoc (Not Lunch) - How Guides Shape the Experience: Ren, Woa, Viet, and Duc
One of the best reasons to pick this operator is the human factor. Multiple guides have been praised by name, including Ren, Woa, Viet, and Duc. The common thread is strong English, humor, and keeping the pace friendly.

You can feel the difference on tours like this. When the guide is engaging, the in-between time stops feeling like dead time. You are hearing practical context, getting reminders about what to do at each stop, and staying on schedule even when roads or weather shift the plan.

Also, one practical note from the experience pattern: weather can force changes, and some guides have handled it by adding extra fun things when an activity cannot happen. That kind of flexibility is valuable in a place where conditions can change quickly.

Price and Logistics: Is $44 a Smart Deal?

Land Tour 2: Discover the North - Kayaking & Starfish beach Phu Quoc (Not Lunch) - Price and Logistics: Is $44 a Smart Deal?
At $44 per person for a roughly 7-hour day, this tour can be strong value, mainly because several costs are handled upfront:

  • Admission fees are included, so you are less likely to pay on the spot for entry
  • Kayaks are included, so you are not buying your way into the main activity
  • Bottled water and an air-conditioned vehicle are included
  • Round-trip hotel pickup is included in Phu Quoc

Where value can wobble is in the extras. Lunch is not included, so budget for that. Also, starfish beach access can sometimes involve additional effort or fees depending on how the day is run.

My advice: treat the advertised price as a solid base, and then be ready for:

  • lunch costs at the village stop
  • possible small add-ons if your starfish access requires extra transport or special areas

Even with that, for many people the kayak plus forest plus viewpoints plus starfish time is a lot for one ticket.

Who This Tour Fits Best

This is a good match if you want:

  • a full day without driving yourself
  • active time that is not limited to a single photo moment
  • a group tour that covers multiple parts of Phu Quoc North

It may be less ideal if you:

  • hate vehicle rides on bumpy roads
  • get bored with beach free time that can run long
  • need a perfectly predictable starfish count and spot access

The sweet spot is people who like a bit of structure, enjoy nature, and treat beach time as part of the rhythm, not a guaranteed exact script.

Should You Book Discover the North in Phu Quoc?

I’d book it if you want the core combo: Cua Can kayaking, a forest walk in Phu Quoc National Park, border-view scenery at Mui Ganh Dau, and starfish beach time, all with hotel pickup and included admission and gear.

Before you go, do two quick checks that will save you stress:

  • Confirm what is included for starfish beach access on your date, including whether any extra boat or fee is required for the best spot.
  • Plan a budget for lunch since it is not included in the price.

If those two points are clear, this tour is a practical way to see the northern side of Phu Quoc without turning your day into a DIY logistics project. And when you hit the kayak portion, you will understand why many people call it the part worth the ticket.

FAQ

Is lunch included in this Phu Quoc North tour?

No. The schedule includes a lunch break at the floating village area, but lunch itself is listed as not included.

Are admission fees included, or do I pay at each stop?

Admission fees are listed as included, so you should not need to pay entrance fees on the spot for the stops included in the tour.

What is included with the ticket besides the tour itself?

The ticket includes bottled water, a kayak, and air-conditioned vehicle transport.

Does the tour include hotel pickup and drop-off?

Yes. Round-trip hotel transfers in Phu Quoc are included for convenience.

Is the bee farm stop always part of the day?

No. The bee farm is closed on Wednesdays and on select holidays, so it may not run on your specific date.

What happens if weather is bad?

The tour requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.