Bãi Khem & Southern Phú Quốc

Bãi Khem — sand like ice cream

Bãi Khem (Khem Beach) is a sheltered, curved bay at the island’s southern tip, with sand so fine and pale the beach is named after “kem” — ice cream. In 2018 Flight Network ranked it #43 of the world’s 100 best beaches. Because hills protect both ends of the bay, the water here is usually calmer than the west-coast beaches — even in the rainy season.

The public section is free to enter; parking is around 10,000–20,000₫ and loungers or kayaks are rented separately. It’s at its best early in the morning, before 8:00 — flat sea, soft light, almost nobody around. From the hotel: a 10-minute walk, a 5-minute drive, or ask for our free electric-buggy shuttle.

One stretch of the beach belongs to the JW Marriott resort; the public section lies outside it.

Sunset Town & Kiss Bridge

About 3.9 km from the hotel (a 10–15 minute drive), Sunset Town is Sun Group’s Mediterranean-styled entertainment quarter — the place for sunsets, dinner and evening shows. Kiss Bridge is its landmark: two arms reaching into the sea that stop exactly 30 cm apart.

There are two evening shows: Symphony of the Sea (19:30) and Kiss of the Sea (21:00, ending with fireworks). Ticket prices change with the season — check schedules and book at kissofthesea.com. Our small tip: the 21:30 fireworks are visible from several spots around the Bãi Khem area, no ticket needed.

The Hòn Thơm cable car

The world’s longest non-stop three-rope cable car over the sea (a Guinness World Record at 7,899.9 m) departs from An Thới station, close to the hotel. The ~15-minute crossing floats above the islets and fishing boats of the An Thới archipelago — the ride alone is worth it. On Hòn Thơm you’ll find the Aquatopia water park and Sun World’s beaches.

The cable car runs daily roughly 8:30–17:30 with a midday break 12:00–13:30. Ticket and combo prices change — check Sun World Hòn Thơm’s official site before you go.

An Thới & the southern islands

From An Thới harbour (a few minutes’ drive from the hotel), three-island boat tours leave every morning: snorkelling over the coral at Hòn Gầm Ghì, swimming at Hòn Mây Rút, calling at Hòn Móng Tay — usually with a seafood lunch on board. We book trusted operators for our guests; prices depend on season and group size.

An Thới is also the south’s real working port town — come in the late afternoon for local-style seafood, fresher and easier on the wallet than the resort strips.

Sao Beach & the Phú Quốc Prison museum

Sao Beach (Bãi Sao) is about 2 km from Bãi Khem — 5–10 minutes by scooter. Its white sand is just as famous; it’s busier, with more beach services. Doing both in one morning works nicely.

On the road between the two beaches stands the Phú Quốc Prison museum, a national historic site — a heavy but important piece of the island’s story. Open 8:30–11:30 and 13:30–17:00, closed over lunch.

Transport in the south

Grab exists on Phú Quốc but is patchy in the island’s south — Mai Linh and Vinasun taxis are more dependable here. The hotel runs an airport transfer for 300,000₫ (30–40 minutes), a free electric-buggy shuttle to Khem Beach, and rents scooters (typically 150,000–200,000₫/day).

The seasons at Bãi Khem

The dry season runs November to April — sunny, with a calm sea; December to March is the finest stretch. The rainy season (May–October) brings humidity and bursts of heavy rain, but also quieter beaches and softer prices — and because Bãi Khem faces south-east, sheltered from the south-west monsoon, the bay often stays calm while the west coast gets the waves.

Is Khem Beach free to visit?

Yes — the public section is free. Parking is around 10,000–20,000₫; loungers and kayaks are rented separately.

How far is Sunset Town from Bãi Khem?

About 4 km — a 10–15 minute drive. From Maison D’Rose it’s roughly 3.9 km; the hotel is near, but not in, Sunset Town.

Does Grab work in southern Phú Quốc?

Grab operates on the island but is unreliable in the south. Mai Linh and Vinasun taxis work better here, and the hotel can arrange cars — airport transfer is 300,000₫.

When is Bãi Khem at its best?

November–April is the dry season; December–March is finest. The bay faces south-east and is sheltered, so even in the rainy season (May–October) it’s often calmer than the west coast.