Starfish Beach (Bai Sao, also called Sao Beach) is a white-sand beach on the south-east coast of Phu Quoc, about 25 km south of Duong Dong and 5 km from An Thoi, known for its powder-white sand, shallow turquoise water, coconut palms and the red starfish that give it its name. Entry is free, the sea is calm for much of the year because the beach faces away from the south-west monsoon, and it is about 40 minutes by car from the main town. Since 1 July 2025, Phu Quoc has been a special administrative zone of An Giang province.
This guide from Vietnamtour.in covers where Starfish Beach is, what to do there, nearby attractions, the best time to visit, how to get there, where to stay and how to protect the starfish, with prices in rupees for Indian travellers.
Starfish Beach Phu Quoc at a glance:
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | South-east coast of Phu Quoc, near An Thoi |
| Distance | About 25 km from Duong Dong, 40 min by car |
| Entry | Free; loungers and parking charged by beach restaurants |
| Best for | Swimming, photos, sunsets, families with children |
| Calmest sea | May to October, when the west coast is rough |
| Nearby | Khem Beach, Coconut Tree Prison, Ho Quoc Pagoda, Hon Thom cable car |
Prices in this guide are 2026 estimates converted at ₹1 ≈ 273 VND.
Introduction of Starfish Beach Phu Quoc
Starfish Beach is in the south-east of Phu Quoc island, on the coast road between An Thoi and Khem Beach, sheltered from the south-west wind, with a long stretch of fine white sand, coconut palms and shallow, clear water that suits families with young children and travellers who cannot swim well. The beach curves for several kilometres along the coast, and the water stays shallow for a long way from the shore.
The name “Sao” means “star” in Vietnamese. According to locals, starfish once covered the shallows in large numbers, and while there are fewer today, they can still be seen in the clear water, especially in calm months. The beach is often listed among the most beautiful beaches in Vietnam.
Unforgettable Experiences on Starfish Beach Phu Quoc
The best things to do at Starfish Beach are taking photos on the white sand, swimming in the calm shallows, joining a snorkelling trip to the nearby islands, trying water sports, watching the sunset and eating fresh seafood at the beach restaurants.
Take Photos with the Stunning Natural Background
Starfish Beach is 1 of the most photogenic spots in Phu Quoc, with white sand, turquoise water and leaning coconut palms that make a natural backdrop for couples, families and pre-wedding shoots.
The best photo spots are:
- Coconut palms: The leaning palms along the beach frame the sea for classic tropical photos.
- White sand: The fine, bright sand suits both bright daytime and soft evening light.
- Clear shallows: Calm days give water clear enough to see the sandy bottom and any starfish.
Morning light is softest for photos, before the beach fills up.
Starfish can be photographed where they lie, but they should never be lifted, moved or touched, as handling them out of the water harms them quickly.
Swimming and Walking across the Seashore
Starfish Beach is 1 of the safest beaches in Phu Quoc for swimming, with shallow, calm, warm water and a long sandy shore for walks. Visitors can rent a lounger under the palms, sip fresh coconut water and wade far out before the water gets deep, which suits children and older family members.
The beach is quietest early in the morning, before tour groups arrive from the south of the island, and the softest light for a walk is in the late afternoon.
Snorkeling and Coral Reef Viewing
The water at Starfish Beach is clear for swimming, but the best coral and fish are around the An Thoi islands off the southern tip of Phu Quoc, reached on snorkelling tours that cost about 500,000–1,500,000 VND (₹1,830–₹5,495) per person. Tours usually include boats, gear, a guide and lunch, and some combine the islands with the Hon Thom cable car.
Beginners can join a group with an instructor, and life jackets are provided for non-swimmers.
Participate in Water Sports
Water sports at Starfish Beach include kayaks, stand-up paddleboards (SUP) and jet skis, rented from the beach restaurants for about 200,000–500,000 VND (₹735–₹1,830) per session. The calm water makes kayaking and SUP easy for beginners.
Jet ski rides are short and best booked with a life jacket and a quick safety briefing.
Admiring the Rainbow Sunset
Starfish Beach has some of the most colourful sunsets in Phu Quoc, with fishing boats, wooden jetties and palm silhouettes against an orange and pink sky. The late afternoon is also the most comfortable time to be on the sand, after the midday heat.
Couples often stay for dinner at a beachfront restaurant after the sunset.
Trying Local Phu Quoc Seafood
The restaurants at Starfish Beach serve fresh Phu Quoc seafood, such as grilled scallops, herring salad (goi ca trich), grilled sea urchin and grilled fish. The dishes worth trying are:
- Grilled scallops: Small scallops grilled with spring onion oil and peanuts.
- Herring salad: Thinly sliced fresh herring with herbs, onions, coconut and a fish sauce dip, a Phu Quoc speciality.
Many restaurants let guests choose live seafood from tanks.
More seafood dishes are:
- Grilled sea urchin: Split, grilled and topped with peanuts and spring onion oil.
- Grilled fish: Local fish grilled whole and eaten with herbs and pickles.
Seafood is priced by weight, so checking the price before ordering avoids surprises. Vegetarian travellers can ask for fried rice, morning glory, tofu and fresh fruit, as most dishes use fish sauce.
Nearby Starfish Beach Phu Quoc Famous Attractions
The main attractions near Starfish Beach are Khem Beach, the Coconut Tree Prison historic site, Ho Quoc Pagoda on the east coast, and Sunset Town with the Hon Thom cable car and the Kiss of the Sea show, all within 10–30 minutes.
The Coconut Tree Prison near An Thoi tells the history of the wars, while Ho Quoc Pagoda (Truc Lam Ho Quoc Zen Monastery) offers a peaceful hillside temple with sea views. Nearby Khem Beach is a quieter resort beach just north of Sao.
From Sunset Town, the cable car crosses the sea to Hon Thom Island, and boat trips visit the An Thoi islands, including Hon Mong Tay and Hon May Rut, for snorkelling.
Best Time to Visit Starfish Beach Phu Quoc
Starfish Beach can be visited all year, but its calmest, clearest water is from about May to October, when the south-west monsoon makes the west coast rough while Sao stays sheltered, and December to April brings the sunniest, driest weather across the island. Early morning is the best time of day for clear water and few visitors.
Starfish are easiest to see in the calm shallows during settled weather. The month-by-month picture for the whole island is set out in the guide to the Phu Quoc best time to visit.
How to Get to Starfish Beach Phu Quoc
Starfish Beach is about 25 km from Duong Dong, reached in about 40 minutes by taxi or Grab for about 300,000–350,000 VND (₹1,100–₹1,280) one way, or by rented motorbike for about 100,000–150,000 VND (₹365–₹550) a day. The options are:
- Taxi or Grab: The easiest option, with the driver able to wait or return at an agreed time.
- Motorbike: Follow the main road south from Duong Dong past the airport towards An Thoi, then turn east at the signs for Bai Sao.
- Tours: Southern island tours often include a stop at Starfish Beach.
The island’s geography and other beaches are covered in the guide to where is Phu Quoc island and what to see there, and the busy west-coast alternative is Long Beach Phu Quoc.
Where to Stay at Starfish Beach Phu Quoc
The best places to stay near Starfish Beach are the resorts on nearby Khem Beach, such as JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay and Premier Residences Phu Quoc Emerald Bay, and the villa resorts of the south, such as New World Phu Quoc, all 10–15 minutes from Sao. Staying in the south saves the 40-minute drive from Duong Dong.
JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort and Spa: A 5-star resort on Khem Beach, about 10–15 minutes from Sao, with a striking university-themed design, ideal for couples and honeymooners. It is 1 of the best resorts in Phu Quoc.
Premier Residences Phu Quoc Emerald Bay: Sea-view apartments on Khem Beach, good value for families and groups.
New World Phu Quoc Resort: Private pool villas in the south of the island, suited to families and groups.
Travellers who want to combine the beach with the north of the island can split the stay with a few nights near Grand World Phu Quoc Vietnam and its shows.
Things To Know Before Travelling To Starfish Beach
The most important things to know before visiting Starfish Beach are to leave the starfish in the water, avoid touching coral, take rubbish away and cut down on plastic. The beach’s marine life is fragile, and a few simple habits protect it:
- Do not pick up, move or take starfish; they are harmed quickly out of the water.
- Do not touch or stand on coral when snorkelling.
- Take rubbish away or use the bins at the beach restaurants.
- Carry a reusable water bottle and cloth bag to cut plastic waste.
Local guides and restaurant staff can show where starfish rest without disturbing them.
With a little care, Starfish Beach will stay 1 of the most beautiful beaches in Phu Quoc for years to come.
Conclusion
Starfish Beach Phu Quoc combines white sand, calm and clear water, starfish in the shallows and colourful sunsets, about 40 minutes from Duong Dong in the south-east of the island. It is best visited early in the day, and pairs easily with Khem Beach, the Hon Thom cable car and Sunset Town.
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