Ham Rong Cape Phu Quoc: The Kingdom of Starfish

If you’re seeking a pristine, peaceful, and unique destination in Phu Quoc, Ham Rong Cape is undoubtedly an excellent choice. To ensure a seamless trip, don’t forget to explore detailed travel guides from Rooty Trip, a trusted source for accurate and reliable travel experiences!

Overview of Ham Rong Cape Phu Quoc

Geographical location and key features

Ham Rong Beach is one of the most untouched destinations in Phu Quoc, located in Rach Vem Hamlet, Ganh Dau Commune, Phu Quoc District, Kien Giang Province.
Situated in the northern part of the island, Mui Ham Rong lies approximately 25 kilometers north of Duong Dong Town.

Additionally, its geographical location borders the coastal region adjacent to the Phu Quoc National Park nature reserve, enhancing its ecological richness.

What truly sets Ham Rong Cape apart is its stunning seascape: a vibrant marine ecosystem, crystal-clear waters, powdery white sand beaches, and thousands of brilliant red starfish scattered along the shore.

The origin of the Name “Ham Rong”

The name “Mui Ham Rong” (“Dragon’s Jaw Cape”) immediately sparks curiosity and leaves a strong impression on visitors.
According to locals, the name derives from the unique shape of a rock formation that juts out into the sea, resembling a dragon’s jaw.
This visual association has been passed down through generations and is intertwined with many mythical tales about deities protecting the island.

Moreover, in Vietnamese folklore, the image of the dragon symbolizes sacredness, prosperity, and protection. Therefore, the name also carries the hope of bringing good fortune, safety, and blessings to all travelers who set foot on this mystical land.

Best time to visit Phu Quoc Dragon Beach (Mui Ham Rong)

Dry season: November to May

The ideal time to visit Phu Quoc Dragon Beach is during the dry season, which typically spans from November to May.
During this period, Phu Quoc enjoys mild, sunny weather with minimal rainfall, making it perfect for outdoor activities such as swimming, snorkeling, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), and camping by the beach.
The sea is crystal-clear and calm, allowing visitors to fully appreciate the untouched and magical beauty of Ham Rong Cape.

Especially between February and April, the starfish season reaches its peak. Thousands of vibrant red starfish sparkle under the transparent waters, offering visitors an unforgettable visual experience and endless opportunities to capture stunning, dreamlike photos.

Why you should avoid the rainy season

The rainy season in Phu Quoc usually lasts from June to October, characterized by heavy rainfall, high humidity, and unpredictable weather.

During this time, the sea becomes rough and the water turns murky, significantly impacting activities like snorkeling, SUP, and starfish watching.

Moreover, the road to Mui Ham Rong, already quite rugged, becomes slippery and challenging during the rainy season. The increased risk of heavy rainstorms, thunderstorms, and sudden tropical storms can compromise both the safety and enjoyment of your trip.

Therefore, to ensure a safe and fulfilling travel experience, it is highly recommended to plan your visit during the dry season.

How to get to Ham Rong Cape Phu Quoc

From Phu Quoc airport to Mui Ham Rong

• Distance: ~45 km
• Travel time: ~1 hour 20 minutes

Directions:

1. From Phu Quoc Airport, head toward Cach Mang Thang 8 Street and drive toward Duong Dong Town (~10 km).
2. From Duong Dong Town Center, continue along Nguyen Trung Truc Street heading north towards Bai Thom.
3. Near Rach Vem Village, to reach Mui Ham Rong, you will need to take a canoe ride for about 10 minutes.

Recommended Transportation:

• Taxi: Costs approximately 500,000 – 600,000 VND per trip.
• Motorbike: Available for rent at the airport or in Duong Dong, priced from 100,000 – 150,000 VND/day.
• Private shuttle service: Booking in advance is recommended for a more comfortable journey.
• Canoe: Rent at Rach Vem for around 100,000 VND per person.

 From Duong Dong town center to Mui Ham Rong

• Distance: ~35 km
• Travel time: ~1 hour

Directions:

1. Start from Duong Dong Night Market, the town center.
2. Head straight along Nguyen Trung Truc Street toward the North Island area.
3. Pass through landmarks such as Ong Lang AreaandCua Can Village.
4. At the Rach Vem intersection, follow the signs to Rach Vem Fishing Village, then rent a canoe to reach Mui Ham Rong.

Notes:

• The route from Rach Vem to Mui Ham Rong is relatively deserted; it’s advisable to travel during the daytime.
• Bring your own water and snacks as the area is quite remote with very few shops or food stalls.

Must-Try experiences at Ham Rong Cape

Admire the brilliant red Starfish

Mui Ham Rong is famously known as the “Kingdom of Starfish,” where thousands of vibrant red starfish appear in abundance during the spring season, especially from February to April.

This rare phenomenon attracts countless tourists and photographers who come to witness and capture artistic, mesmerizing photos. It’s the perfect opportunity for starfish check-in shots and creating some of your most stunning travel memories.

Stand-Up paddleboarding (SUP) and snorkeling

Thanks to its calm, crystal-clear waters, Ham Rong Cape is an ideal spot for SUP paddling along the coast or exploring colorful coral reefs beneath the cool sea surface.

You can rent equipment from local travel operators or book guided tours through Rooty Trip for a hassle-free experience.

Limited Spots Available! Secure Your Rooty Trip Day Snorkeling Tour in Phu Quoc Today.

Camping and enjoying beachside BBQ

Camping at Ham Rong Beach offers an unforgettable adventure for nature lovers.

Bring your own tent, prepare a fresh seafood BBQ feast, and enjoy an evening with friends amidst a pristine coastal landscape, with the salty sea breeze and the soothing sound of waves all around you.

Trekking through the pristine forest

For those who love physical activities, trekking through the nearby primeval forest at Mui Ham Rong promises a fascinating nature discovery journey.

Shaded trails, birdsong, and fresh, clean air will make you fall even more deeply in love with this untouched paradise.

Witness spectacular sunrises and sunsets

Mui Ham Rong is one of the rare places where you can witness both the sunrise and sunset over the sea.

The moments when the sun rises and sets here create enchanting, poetic scenes — perfect for capturing breathtaking photos and cherished memories.

Take photos at scenic spots

The natural landscapes at Mui Ham Rong are incredibly diverse — with blue seas, white sand beaches, lush forests, and radiant starfish.

Scenic spots like rocky beaches, ancient trees, and starfish shores offer ideal backdrops for photo enthusiasts to pose and create unforgettable albums.

Swim and stroll along the beach

The clear, refreshing waters and soft, silky sands at Mui Ham Rong invite you to swim freely, relax, or simply walk barefoot along the shoreline.

Feel the clean ocean air, listen to the gentle lapping waves, and immerse yourself completely in nature.

Local cuisine and seafood raft restaurants at Rach Vem

Since Mui Ham Rong remains largely untouched and undeveloped, there are currently no restaurants in the area — only a few small drink stalls along the shore.
If you want to enjoy fresh seafood, you’ll need to head to the traditional fishing village of Rach Vem.

Enjoy fresh seafood at Rach Vem

Rach Vem is renowned as a traditional fishing village and a paradise for seafood lovers.
Here, you can indulge in a variety of delicious dishes such as:

• Ham Rong Crab: Firm, sweet meat, delicious when steamed with beer or grilled.
• Grilled Sea Urchin with Scallion Oil: Rich and creamy, a signature flavor of Phu Quoc’s coastal cuisine.
• Grilled Scallops with Scallion Oil, Baked Oysters with Cheese, Stir-fried Razor Clams with Garlic: Tourist favorites.
• Steamed Grouper with Soy Sauce: Preserving the full, fresh flavor of the ocean.
• Goi Oc Giac (Sea Snail Salad with Green Mango): A tangy, chewy dish that’s a real palate teaser.
• Goi Ca Trich (Herring Salad): A must-try local specialty in Phu Quoc.
• Cobia Fish Hotpot: Fresh cobia caught directly from sea cages, served with a sweet and sour hotpot broth that is simply irresistible.

Seafood here is caught fresh daily, ensuring maximum freshness and flavor, with reasonable prices — perfect for families or groups of friends.

Recommended seafood raft restaurants

Here are some popular seafood rafts you shouldn’t miss:

• Xuan Thuy Raft: Wide seafood selection, reasonable prices, beautiful sea view.
• Son Hai Quan Raft: Specializes in crabs and mantis shrimp, fast service.
• Sao Bien Quan Raft: Spacious environment, perfect for organizing outdoor BBQ parties.
• Thu Bao Raft: Highly rated for sea urchin and steamed grouper.
• Tinh Yeu Raft: Romantic check-in spot with a diverse menu.

Important tips for visiting Mui Ham Rong, Phu Quoc

To ensure a safe, meaningful, and eco-friendly journey to Mui Ham Rong, take note of the following:

Avoid lifting Starfish out of water

• Starfish are extremely sensitive to dry environments. When lifted out of the water for too long, they may die from dehydration or heat shock.
• Recommendation: Admire and photograph starfish while they remain underwater, preserving both their lives and the natural ecosystem of Phu Quoc’s coastal waters.
• Green message: “Take photos with starfish — but please do not touch.”

Weak mobile signal

• Mui Ham Rong’s remote location often results in weak or no mobile signal in many areas.

• Download offline maps (Google Maps) from Duong Dong to Rach Vem and Mui Ham Rong beforehand.
  Carry a power bank to ensure your phone stays charged in case of emergencies.

Rough roads

• From Duong Dong, the first 20 km is paved road, generally smooth.
• The road leading into Rach Vem fishing village and further to the canoe pier is primarily red dirt, which can become muddy and uneven, especially after rain.

Ham Rong Cape Phu Quoc is the perfect getaway for those who love untouched beauty, peaceful landscapes, and a chance to “escape the city noise.” If you are a nature lover yearning to witness the vivid beauty of red starfish under crystal-clear waters, this destination is calling your name. Wishing you a journey to Ham Rong Beach filled with unforgettable experiences and lasting memories!