North Phu Quoc has a fun side.

This 7-hour group tour packs kayaking and starfish beach into a tight day, with included entry fees and real time in nature instead of just quick photo stops. You’ll ride out from Phu Quoc town, stretch your legs on a shaded forest path, then spend the afternoon around the water, including a riverside paddle and a chance to swim in shallow, starfish-filled shallows.

I love that this is built around logistics that actually save money and hassle: admission fees are covered, and you get hotel transfers plus bottled water. I also like that the pacing gives you multiple “types” of breaks—walking, viewpoint time, free beach time, then kayaking—so the day doesn’t feel like one long grind.

One thing to consider: lunch isn’t included, and some starfish beach access can mean extra cost depending on how you’re routed on the day.

Key Points Before You Go

• Kayaks are included, so you’re not hunting for gear or paying on the spot.
• Admission fees are included, which helps keep the day’s total cost under control.
• Rach Vem starfish beach time gives you real free time to swim and stroll.
• Cua Can River kayaking is the main action—this is where the tour delivers.
• Bee farm may be closed on Wednesdays and some holidays, so expect a small schedule shift.

Phu Quoc’s North in One 7-Hour Block: What You’re Really Buying

For $44 per person, you’re mostly buying convenience plus a focused set of nature stops. The value is not just the sites—it’s that the trip is structured to include the money items (admission fees) and the physical items (kayak + transport comfort), so you can spend your time actually doing stuff.

This is a group day tour, maximum 100 people, so you’ll be with other visitors, but it’s not the kind of huge, impersonal bus scene you might fear. If your group size ends up small, it can feel closer to a private outing—one of the biggest upsides I’d hope for on a day like this.

If you’re the type who likes a plan with breathing room, this works. If you hate “maybe” moments—weather changes, a stop being closed, routing differences—plan to be flexible.

Getting There and Back: Pickup, Group Size, and Comfort Tips

You’ll start at 143 Đường Trần Hưng Đạo, Dương Tơ, Phú Quốc and end back there. The tour also offers round-trip hotel transfers on Phu Quoc, which makes a big difference if you’re staying away from the meeting area.

Transport is an air-conditioned vehicle, and you’ll get bottled water. That sounds basic, but on a hot island day it’s a relief to have those small comforts handled before you’re out in the sun.

One practical note: the roads can be bumpy. If you get even mild motion sickness, bring something to help (and consider a spare plastic bag). You’ll likely spend enough time in the vehicle that it matters.

Stop 1: Phu Quoc National Park Trail Under 100-Year Trees

The day starts with a walk in Phu Quoc National Park, on a forest trail among 100-year-old trees. This is only about 35 minutes, so don’t expect a long hiking adventure. Think of it as a quick reset: shade, greenery, and a bit of nature atmosphere before you head to the water.

What makes this stop worthwhile is contrast. You’re going from built-up island life into something that feels older and quieter. If you like botany-style details and local explanations, guides often make this short walk more interesting by pointing out what to look for.

The possible drawback is that the trail is short and the viewing can be subtle. If you were expecting dramatic overlooks or big “wow” vistas from every angle, you might leave wanting more.

Mui Ganh Dau Beach and the Cambodia Viewpoint

Next is Mui Ganh Dau Beach. You’ll get around 25 minutes here, with time to look out at the Cambodia border view.

This stop is quick by design. It’s there to give you a geographic sense of where Phu Quoc sits—right across the water from another country—and to offer a change of scenery before the longer beach-and-water time later.

This isn’t a stop built for lounging for hours. It’s more of a viewpoint-and-walk-around moment. If you arrive hoping for a swim session, you’ll likely want to save that energy for the Rach Vem starfish beach portion.

Floating Village Rach Vem and Starfish Beach Time

Then comes the highlight for many people: the floating village area at Rach Vem, where you’ll spend about 1 hour 30 minutes. The day includes free time for relaxing, exploring, swimming, and strolling on the beach.

This is where the tour’s “starfish beach” promise turns real. The experience is usually about going shallow, moving slowly, and getting close to the starfish without turning it into a theme park. The water is described as shallow and safe, and it’s one of the few times on Phu Quoc where you can see lots of starfish concentrated in one area.

Two practical notes that can affect your enjoyment:

• Bring swim gear and something you don’t mind getting sandy. You’ll want to be comfortable entering and exiting the water.
• In some cases, reaching the starfish area may involve an extra short boat ride with an additional cost. If starfish beach is your top reason for booking, it’s worth asking ahead of time how access works on your specific route and what’s included.

Also, plan your lunch expectations carefully. The itinerary sets aside time for lunch at a local restaurant near the village area, but lunch itself isn’t included in the tour price. So bring cash/card for your meal, and treat it as part of your budget rather than a surprise expense.

Cua Can River Kayaking: The Moment You’ll Remember

If you want the single most “active” part of the day, it’s Cua Can. You’ll stop along the riverside, pick up one kayak, and paddle for about 45 minutes.

This is nature kayaking the way most people hope it will be: quiet water, mangroves/river greenery, and a sense of being off the main tourist map. It’s also the part that tends to feel most worth the time, because you’re moving, not waiting around.

A few tips to make this go smoothly:

• Wear water-friendly footwear or secure sandals. The river area can be slick.
• Bring a small dry bag if you have one, especially if your phone is your camera.
• Don’t overthink it. The best part is slowing down and watching the river edges while you paddle.

If you’re deciding between tours and kayaking is your priority, this is the component that usually justifies the whole day.

Bee Farm: A Nice Add-On That Can Shift on Your Date

The tour includes a bee farm stop. There’s a key scheduling detail you should know: it’s closed on Wednesdays and select holidays.

So if your trip falls on one of those days, expect a swap or a different segment of the route. The bee farm itself is often described as a small, pleasant visit, and it can add a local, hands-on element to the day—something different from beaches and rivers.

If bee farm is essential to your plan, check your travel dates carefully before you book. Otherwise, treat it as a bonus.

Weather and Schedule Changes: How to Stay Relaxed

This day trip requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to weather, you’ll typically be offered a different date or a refund.

This matters because part of the tour is water-based. Rain can change comfort levels fast—especially for kayaking and starfish beach time. The good news is that guides tend to adjust the plan when conditions shift, keeping the day from turning into wasted hours.

Since you’re on a schedule with several sites stacked together, the real strategy is simple: pack for heat and water, and keep your expectations flexible. You’ll have a better day even if timing slips.

Price Value: Is $44 a Fair Deal?

Let’s talk value like adults.

What you get in the package:

• Hotel pickup/transfer (round-trip in Phu Quoc)
• Kayak included
• Admission fees included
• Air-conditioned vehicle
• Bottled water

What costs extra:

• Lunch (not included) even though you’ll have time set aside to eat

So the $44 price works best if you’re the type who would otherwise pay separate admission tickets and rent a kayak, plus you want a driver doing the routing for you.

The main “value risk” is starfish beach access and any optional extras that can appear depending on how the day is run. Some visitors reported an extra payment for a boat ride to reach the proper starfish area. That doesn’t mean it will happen to you, but it’s a realistic possibility worth budgeting for if starfish beach is your top must-do.

If you want, you can also see this as a trade: you’re paying less than a private tour, so you’re giving up total control over timing. If you’re okay with that, the deal is strong.

Who This Tour Suits Best (and Who Should Think Twice)

This tour is a good match if you:

• Want a single day to cover north-side highlights without planning transportation
• Care more about doing kayaking and beach time than about long museum-style stops
• Like a guide-led day with some free time to roam

It might not be your best choice if you:

• Need a very long, deep national park hike (the forest stop is short)
• Get car sick easily and don’t plan for bumpy roads
• Expect lunch to be included when you book (it isn’t)

For families, this often works well because the starfish beach area is shallow and you’ll have time to swim and move at your own pace.

Should You Book North Island Kayaking & Starfish Beach?

I’d book it if your ideal Phu Quoc day includes one real nature adventure (Cua Can kayaking) and a signature island experience (starfish beach time), and you’re happy with a packed-but-manageable 7-hour route.

Before you lock it in, do two quick checks:

• Confirm how lunch fits into your day (bring budget for it).
• If starfish beach is the main reason you’re going, ask what access includes on your route, so you don’t get hit with surprise extras.

If you want an efficient, value-minded north-side sampler, this trip hits the right buttons.

FAQ

How long is the Phu Quoc North kayaking and starfish beach tour?

It runs for about 7 hours.

What’s included in the tour price?

You get round-trip hotel transfers (in Phu Quoc), kayak, bottled water, air-conditioned transport, and admission fees included so you generally won’t need to pay on the spot.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included, even though there is time set aside for lunch during the floating village stop.

Do I need to pay for admission tickets during the day?

Most admission fees are included, so you should not need to pay on the spot for the listed stops.

What activities do we do besides kayaking?

You’ll walk a forest trail in Phu Quoc National Park, visit Mui Ganh Dau Beach with a Cambodia border view, and spend free time around the Rach Vem area for beach time and starfish swimming.

Is the bee farm stop always included?

Not always. The bee farm is closed on Wednesdays and select holidays, so your route may shift depending on the day.

How big is the group?

The tour has a maximum of 100 travelers.

What should I know about weather?

It requires good weather. If weather cancels the tour, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

If you’d like, tell me your travel day (weekday) and your hotel area, and I’ll help you judge how likely the bee farm stop is and how to budget for lunch and any possible starfish beach access extras.

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