A moonlit boat on the Gulf of Thailand is the point here. I love the sunset views from the water and the chance to try real night squid fishing with your own hands and gear. The catch can be hit-or-miss, and that affects both how fun the fishing feels and how satisfying the dinner turns out.

This is a good-value 3-hour outing because it bundles transport, an English-speaking guide, and dinner on board for a low price. Just know you are signing up for a sea activity, so you’ll want to show up on time, bring the right basics (towel, swimsuit, sunscreen), and accept that you may not catch much, especially with older-looking lures.

Key Things To Know Before You Go

• Sunset depends on season, and in rainy months the boat may not depart from the usual sunset-viewing area.
• Squid fishing is the main event, and results vary, including how many people actually catch squid.
• Dinner is cooked on board, and the meal is tied to what the crew can prepare from your fishing effort.
• Pickup is included only for central Duong Dong, with other locations costing extra.
• Don’t pack big bags, because luggage or large items are not allowed.
• Timing matters, since the bus will not wait if you are late.

Sunset Over The Gulf Of Thailand, With A Real Night Fishing Twist

Phu Quoc has plenty of day tours, but this one leans into something more fun at dusk: you start with a classic sunset cruise, then shift into night squid fishing after the sun drops. The timing is tight, so the tour feels focused instead of draggy. You get that golden-hour payoff, and then the energy changes to something hands-on and a bit chaotic, in a good way.

If you love being on the water just to take in views, you’ll like the first part. If you’re curious about fishing at night, you’ll appreciate the way the crew anchors the boat at a spot and hands you local equipment. The tradeoff is that fishing is never guaranteed, and some trips can feel more like learning and trying than like hauling in a full basket.

Where The Tour Starts (And Why Pickup Logistics Matter)

You typically get picked up between 16:45 and 17:00. You can meet at John’s Tours office at 143 Tran Hung Dao, or you can be collected from your hotel in the center of Duong Dong town. The common pickup area runs along Tran Hung Dao Street, from the Phu Quoc night market toward Eden Resort.

If your hotel is outside that central Duong Dong zone, there may be an extra fee. Also, The Shells Resort is noted as not being located in the Duong Dong area, so plan for possible coordination.

This matters because the tour depends on timing. They ask you to be ready at least 15 minutes early, and the bus will not wait if you miss the window. In plain terms, show up early, or you risk losing part of the experience before you even reach the harbor.

If you need help lining up pickup, there’s an emergency contact: Ms. Rosie, reachable by text message and apps like Zalo and WhatsApp. Add your hotel information when booking so they can confirm your pickup time.

The Sunset Cruise: The Part You Shouldn’t Miss

After pickup, you ride to the harbor, board the boat, and immediately shift into view mode. The plan is to enjoy a panoramic sunset from the water, which is exactly when the Gulf of Thailand feels most cinematic from a boat deck.

One key seasonal note: in the rainy season, from May to November, the boat departs from Sao Beach or An Thoi, and the itinerary says sunset viewing will not apply the same way. If sunset is your top reason for booking, check the month you’re going. In dry-season trips, the sunset feel is much more likely to match what you’re imagining.

What I’d do in your shoes: bring your phone charger if you have one, and position yourself where you can see both the horizon and the waterline. This is not the kind of tour where you want to be rushing around after boarding.

Anchoring For Night Squid Fishing: Fun, But Expect Luck

Once the sun goes down, the boat cruises to a spot to anchor, and you get about 2 hours of night squid fishing. This is the core “activity” part, and it’s where your experience can swing from exciting to underwhelming depending on conditions.

The crew is there to help you fish, and if you catch squid, they prepare and cook it for you. That’s a big deal because it turns “trying fishing” into a dinner story, not just a souvenir photo.

At the same time, the practical reality is that squid fishing is not a guaranteed catch machine. Some trips end up with only a small number of people actually catching squid, and a few people can go home feeling like the lures were not very effective. If you show up expecting everyone to haul in squid constantly, you’ll probably feel disappointed.

What helps: listen carefully when the crew explains how the equipment works, stay focused during your turn, and don’t treat it like a casual game with no technique. Night fishing usually rewards attention more than luck, even if luck still matters.

Also, remember this is a water-based activity. Bring the basics they request: swimsuit, towel, and sunscreen. If you forget them, you’ll feel it fast.

On Board Dinner: Great When You Catch, But Know What Happens When You Don’t

Dinner is served on board, and the tour description points to a satisfying idea: your freshly caught squid becomes part of the meal. When the night fishing actually works, it’s easy to see why this is a top selling point.

The caveat is simple. If the squid catch is light or zero, the dinner experience may feel less tied to your effort. Some past meals reported on similar trips have included noodle-style dishes, porridge, and a small number of seafood items, plus the possibility of optional add-on seafood. That does not mean this will happen to you, but it does explain why the dinner can earn both love and complaint in the same breath.

Two practical takeaways:

• You should treat the dinner as a bonus that may be better or worse depending on the catch.
• Plan your expectations so you don’t feel tricked if fishing is slow.

They also include one bottle of water, so if you’re a heavy drinker, think about what you might want beyond that. Optional drinks and snack add-ons can become a temptation, and some add-on seafood is described as expensive.

Group Size And Timing: The Hidden Difference Between A Good Trip And A Meh One

This tour is priced low, and low price often means you’re sharing the boat with a crowd. Several reports describe boats with many people, and a few mention waiting in the port for late arrivals from other pickup points.

Here’s why that matters for you:

• If the group is large, you may spend more time watching and less time actively fishing.
• If the schedule slips, your night fishing window can feel shorter even if the tour says about 2 hours.
• If you have your heart set on the sunset, a rushed boarding can reduce how much time you really get to enjoy the view.

The good news is that pickup from central Duong Dong is generally straightforward, and the tour includes round-trip transportation by car and boat. The less good news is that the trip can feel less relaxed if the boat is packed.

If you want the best shot at a smoother experience, be early for pickup. It’s the easiest way to protect your own time.

What’s Included In The Price (And What You Pay For Elsewhere)

For about $14 per person, you’re getting:

• Round trip by car and boat
• An English-speaking tour guide
• 1 bottle of water
• Dinner on the boat
• Local fishing equipment

That’s a lot for a short 3-hour outing, especially in a tourist area where boat activities can cost more on their own. The “value” part is real.

What is not included:

• Personal expenses
• You bringing your own towel, swimsuit, sunscreen
• A potential 10% extra charge if you travel on New Year or Lunar New Year, paid on site

If you travel during peak holiday periods, factor that extra cost into your budget ahead of time.

Practical Tips To Make Night Squid Fishing Go Better

You’ll enjoy this more if you treat it like an active night activity, not like a guaranteed dinner cruise.

A few practical moves:

• Bring a towel you don’t mind getting damp.
• Wear a swimsuit and plan to change or dry off quickly.
• Use sunscreen even late in the day since you’re out on the water before night fishing.
• Avoid large bags. Luggage or large items are not allowed.
• Listen when the crew sets up the fishing spot. Anchoring location and timing matter.

If you’re picky about food quality, keep your standards in check. This is part of a boat tour, not a fine-dining kitchen. Still, it’s worth pointing out that the food is described as prepared on board, with squid cooked when you catch some.

If cleanliness is a big concern for you, you can reduce worry by eating what’s served quickly, using good judgment, and keeping your own hygiene routine simple and consistent.

Who This Tour Fits Best (And Who Should Skip It)

This tour is a solid match if you want:

• A short, easy-to-schedule sunset cruise
• A hands-on night activity that feels local, with equipment provided
• A dinner that can be connected to what you catch

It’s not the best fit if:

• You need guaranteed squid for a food plan.
• You dislike crowded group situations.
• You have mobility concerns. The tour is listed as not suitable for people with mobility impairments.

Also, if you’re traveling May to November and sunset is your main goal, you should recognize that the tour notes no sunset viewing from the usual place in rainy season.

Should You Book Phu Quoc Sunset And Night Squid Fishing With Dinner?

I think it’s worth booking if you go in with the right mindset. Treat the sunset as the reliable payoff. Treat squid fishing as the fun gamble. If you catch squid, dinner feels personal and satisfying. If you don’t, you still get a boat ride, a guided experience, and a meal, just maybe not the one you were dreaming about.

Skip it or consider an alternative if you strongly prioritize predictable outcomes. Fishing luck varies, some equipment may not feel super effective, and group size can shape how much time you spend actually fishing.

If you do book, your biggest upgrades to the experience are simple: be early for pickup, bring the sea-activity essentials, and keep expectations realistic about catching squid.

FAQ

What time does the tour start and when do we return?

Pickup is typically between 16:45 and 17:00, and the tour returns to your hotel at around 21:00.

Where is the pickup point?

Pickup is included from John’s Tours office (143 Tran Hung Dao) or from hotels in the center of Duong Dong town along Tran Hung Dao Street toward Eden Resort. Pickup from other areas may have an extra fee.

Is an English speaking guide included?

Yes. The tour includes a live tour guide with English, and also Vietnamese.

What is included in the ticket price?

Round trip transportation by car and boat, an English speaking guide, 1 bottle of water, dinner on the boat, and local fishing equipment.

What should I bring for the sea activities?

Bring a towel, swimsuit, and sunscreen. Also avoid bringing large bags, since luggage or large items are not allowed.

How long is the squid fishing part?

The tour includes about 2 hours of night squid fishing after the boat anchors in a spot at sunset.

Will the sunset always be visible?

In the rainy season (May to November), the boat departs from Sao Beach or An Thoi and sunset viewing is not available the same way.