Bai Khem or Bai Dai in Phu Quoc? Choosing the right area to stay

Phu Quoc is almost 50 km long from north to south, so choosing the wrong area can cost you 1–2 hours in the car every day. The two most popular resort areas are Bai Khem in the south and Bai Dai in the north. This article compares the two quickly so you can pick the right base for your itinerary and travel companions.

Bai Khem vs. Bai Dai

Bai Khem – the south: a beautiful beach near the cable car and nightlife

Bai Khem is in An Thoi commune, near the southern tip of the island. The sand is white and fine, the water clear, and many people rank it among Phu Quoc’s best beaches. It is surrounded by Sun Group’s 5-star resorts such as JW Marriott Emerald Bay, New World and Premier Residences; a little further are Premier Village on Ong Doi Cape and La Festa hotel in the middle of Sunset Town.

What’s easy to reach from Bai Khem?

• Hon Thom cable car to the Sun World Hon Thom park
• Sunset Town, Kiss Bridge and the Kiss of the Sea show in the evening
• Southern 3-island snorkelling tour departing from An Thoi
• South island tour – Sunset Town – Kiss of the Sea
• Dinner: lobster buffet at La Festa

Note: Bai Khem faces east, so from the beach you mainly see the sunrise. For the sunset, go to Sunset Town, just a few minutes’ drive away.

Bai Dai – the north: paradise for families with young children

Bai Dai is on the north-west of the island – a long, fairly unspoilt beach, mostly within Vin Group resorts. Its biggest plus is being close to VinWonders, Vinpearl Safari and Grand World, so children can play all day without travelling far. Because the beach faces west, you can watch the sunset over the sea right in front of your resort.

What’s easy to reach from Bai Dai?

• VinWonders + Vinpearl Safari combo ticket
• Vinpearl Night Safari in the evening
• Grand World: the Venice-style street, Teddy Bear Museum, evening shows
• Vinpearl 18-hole golf course

Note: evenings at Bai Dai are quite quiet. If you like streets and restaurants, go to Grand World or stay in the south.

And the middle of the island: Bai Truong – Duong To

If you are staying only 2–3 days and want to reach both ends of the island, the Bai Truong – Duong To area near the airport and Duong Dong night market is a balanced choice: it is roughly halfway to both the north and the south. Sabi has 4 whole villas in Bai Truong, suitable for groups of friends and large families.

Which area to choose by length of stay

• 3 days 2 nights: pick one area based on your main goal. With young children, stay at Bai Dai; as a couple or group of friends, stay at Bai Khem.
• 4 days 3 nights: 1–2 nights in the north (VinWonders, Safari) and 1–2 nights in the south (cable car, Sunset Town).
• 5 days 4 nights or more: split evenly between the two areas; on the day you move you can stop at Duong Dong, the night market or a city tour on the way.

To move freely between the two ends of the island, you can use a private airport transfer car or a 3-day transport pass.

What can Sabi Travel book in these two areas?

• Bai Khem and the south: 6 Sun Group resorts at owner-code rates (JW Marriott, New World, Premier Residences, Premier Village, La Festa, Sailing Club) and 5 whole villas with pools at Bai Khem, 4–5 bedrooms.
• Bai Dai and the north: 3 Vin Group resorts at owner-code rates: Vinpearl Resort & Spa, Vinpearl Wonderworld, Sheraton Long Beach.
• Middle of the island: 4 villas at Bai Truong – Duong To, see the Phu Quoc villa page.

Frequently asked questions

Which season suits Bai Khem, and which suits Bai Dai?

In the dry season (roughly November to April) the sea is beautiful in both areas. In the rainy season (roughly May to October), the south-west wind usually makes the west coast, such as Bai Dai, rougher, while the south-east coast, such as Bai Khem, is usually calmer. If you want to swim in that season, Bai Khem is usually the safer choice.

How long does it take from Bai Khem to VinWonders?

About 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes by car, depending on the time of day. If your plan includes several days at VinWonders and Safari, stay in the north for at least 1–2 nights.

Which area is closest to the airport?

The Bai Truong – Duong To area is closest to the airport. Bai Khem is about 25–30 minutes from the airport, Bai Dai about 40 minutes.

Is booking at owner-code rates through Sabi different from booking directly?

You stay at the same resort, in the same room type, and use the same services as guests who book directly. Sabi sends the resort’s confirmation code after payment. See the full conditions on the owner-code booking page.