Starfish beach plus river kayaking sounds perfect. This day runs a mix of cua Can kayaking and old-growth-feeling forest walking, then finishes with beach time at the north side. I love that admission fees are handled for you and that you get a kayak included, not a ticket you have to figure out on your own. One thing to consider: the day can feel stretched, especially if you’re hoping for lots of quiet beach time and not as much bus-and-wait time.

Guides get a lot of praise here, including English-speaking hosts like Ren and Woa who keep the mood light and explain what you’re seeing. Still, plan around rough roads on some transfers, and if you get motion sickness, bring a little protection. Also, lunch is not listed as included in the price, even though the schedule builds in time around the floating village area where you can eat.

Key highlights you’ll actually feel during the day

• Kayaks are included for the river portion, so you can focus on paddling instead of shopping for gear
• Admission fees are included, meaning fewer small payments at each stop
• Phu Quoc National Park forest trails give you a break from beach time
• Cambodia-border views from Mui Ganh Dau add a geography lesson to your photos
• Rach Vem floating village time sets you up for swimming and starfish spotting
• Small group feel inside a large max size, since the tour caps at up to 100 travelers

Why this north-side day trip works in real life

If you’re staying in Phu Quoc and want more than just a beach taxi circuit, this tour is built to give you variety in one day. You get nature, water, and coastal viewpoints without needing to hire a scooter or assemble a DIY plan.

The best part is how the value is distributed. You’re paying one set rate, and the day includes round-trip transfers in Phu Quoc, a vehicle ride with air-conditioning, bottled water, and entrance fees. Then the fun anchor lands in the middle: kayaking on the Cua Can river, where mangroves and the “untouchable” feeling of the shoreline make paddling the main event.

The only reason this might not feel perfect is pacing. Some people love the full mix, but the back half can drag if you want a longer, slower beach break. If you’re sensitive to that, go in with the mindset of a full day out, not a half-day escape.

Price and what $44 really covers on the ground

At $44 per person, the big win is what’s not added later. The tour states that admission fees are included, so you should not get hit with separate entrance charges at the stops. Kayaks are also included, which matters because river tours often try to charge extra for basic equipment.

What’s not included is lunch. That means you’ll want a little cash or card ready for food at the floating village stop. I like tours that are honest about this. It keeps you from showing up hungry and then discovering you can’t just eat without extra cost.

Also check how you plan to move your day. Round-trip hotel transfers are included, so you don’t need to coordinate meeting points with a grab or scooter. You do start from a set pickup/meeting location listed in Dương Tơ, and you’ll receive confirmation after booking.

Getting picked up without wasting your morning

This is a day trip with pickup offered and round-trip transfers in Phu Quoc. Practically, that reduces the number of “where are we meeting” moments that can ruin an otherwise good tour.

It also uses a mobile ticket. That sounds minor, but in Vietnam it often means fewer paper issues and faster check-in. And since you’re riding in an air-conditioned vehicle, you can start the day with fewer heat headaches.

The road conditions can be a factor. Some guests mention bumpy sections on the way to certain areas. If you’re prone to motion sickness, it’s smart to plan for it before you get on the bus, not after.

Stop 1: Phu Quoc National Park forest trail (old trees, shade, and a calmer pace)

The first major nature moment is a walk along a forest trail in Phu Quoc National Park, described as passing trees around 100 years old. You get about 35 minutes on foot, and the admission ticket is included.

This is the best “reset” stop of the day. After pickup and vehicle time, you’ll want something that slows your pace down. This forest walk does that. You’ll feel like you escaped the typical beach loop, even though you’re still on a scheduled tour.

A drawback to know: the route to the park can involve rougher roads, and that can affect comfort. If you’re traveling with kids, it’s still manageable because the walk time is short and you’re not trekking for hours.

Stop 2: Mui Ganh Dau Beach for the Cambodia-border viewpoint

Next you head to Mui Ganh Dau Beach for about 25 minutes. The highlight here is the border view with Cambodia, plus quick coastal scenery that works well for photos.

This stop is short by design, and that’s not a bad thing. It prevents the day from turning into a long, repetitive beach session where you’re paying tour money to sit in the same heat you could find on your own.

What I like about this kind of viewpoint stop is that it gives you context. Phu Quoc isn’t just “pretty water.” On a clear day, standing at the water’s edge with another country on the horizon makes the geography feel real.

If you’re expecting a full beach hang, plan for it. This is more of a scenic break than a full swim-and-sun stop.

Stop 3: Rach Vem floating village time and starfish beach swimming

This is the emotional high point for many people. You’ll spend about 1 hour 30 minutes at the floating village area of Rach Vem, with time to relax, explore, and swim where starfish can be seen. The beach time is a big part of why this tour gets such strong ratings.

Here’s what to expect in practical terms:

• You’ll have time to stroll and take it slow.
• You may be able to swim or paddle for closer starfish viewing.
• This is the stop where you’ll most likely want sunscreen and water shoes if you have them.

About lunch: the schedule includes time around a local restaurant in the floating village area, but lunch itself is listed as not included in the tour price. So treat food as an extra cost you’ll choose on the day.

One more note from what people report: starfish spotting can vary depending on season and conditions. Some guests focus on how many starfish they saw, while others felt the actual starfish viewing wasn’t as generous as expected, especially if extra access steps come up. If starfish is your main reason for booking, go with flexible expectations and a “watch and enjoy” attitude, not a counting contest.

Stop 4: Kayaking the Cua Can River (the action that earns its time)

The tour’s main activity badge goes to the Cua Can river stop. You get about 45 minutes to paddle one kayak and explore the river area, with nature views that feel less staged than a typical tourist strip.

This is the segment that makes the day feel worth the money. Kayaking is active, so you’re moving through the scenery instead of just standing and taking pictures. And because it’s on a river with surrounding greenery and mangrove-like edges, you get a different feel than ocean swimming.

If you want to paddle well, don’t rush. Keep your strokes steady and let the river do the work. Also, if you’re going to bring a phone, use a waterproof pouch. The tour includes bottled water, but it doesn’t mention gear like dry bags.

Guides make the day: Ren, Woa, and Viet energy

The guides are a major reason this tour holds a high score. Names you’ll see praised include Ren, Woa, and Viet. Across the feedback, a few patterns pop:

• Good English and clear explanations
• Humor used to keep energy up during longer rides
• Flexibility if weather forces changes

Weather can happen. One guest described an activity change due to conditions, with the guide adding extra things to keep the day enjoyable. That flexibility matters because it helps you avoid the worst-case scenario of “one part canceled, rest dragged.”

There are also little touches that feel very local and human. One guide is mentioned as doing magic tricks with kids during bus rides on longer stretches, and another is described as staying upbeat and attentive all day.

What to bring for the day (so you don’t think about discomfort)

This is a water + walking + bumpy-road type itinerary. To stay comfortable:

• A small towel or quick-dry cloth for the beach and starfish swim time
• Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses
• Water shoes or sandals that handle shallow water
• A dry bag or waterproof pouch for your phone
• If you get motion sickness, bring something beforehand

You’re on the water and then back on a vehicle later. Being prepared keeps the day from turning into a series of small annoyances.

Who this tour suits best

This fits best if you want a well-paced sampler of Phu Quoc’s north without doing logistics yourself. I’d also suggest it to people who enjoy guided structure but still want free time on the beach.

It’s especially good for:

• Families who want starfish beach time plus a fun activity like kayaking
• Travelers who want nature and views, not just a beach loop
• Anyone who likes having entrance fees handled so they can focus on the day

If you hate spending time on buses, you might find the full-day timing a stretch. The second half is where that feeling can hit, so go in knowing you’re buying variety, not total beach length.

Should you book Discover the North: Kayaking & Starfish Beach?

I’d book it if your top priorities are kayaking, forest walking, and starfish beach time in one day, with transfers and entrance fees handled. The price looks fair for what’s included, and the guide reputation is strong enough that you can expect an organized, friendly experience.

I’d think twice if lunch matters to you and you hate “food not included” surprises, since lunch is specifically not listed as included. Also, if your idea of a perfect starfish beach is one where you’re guaranteed a huge number of starfish every minute, keep expectations flexible because spotting can vary.

Overall, this is a solid value north-side day with one clear win: the river kayaking. If you want a tour where the main activity isn’t an afterthought, this one makes a good case.

FAQ

How long is this Phu Quoc north tour?

The duration is about 7 hours.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included in the tour price.

Are entrance fees included?

Yes. Admission fees are included, so you don’t need to pay on the spot.

What does the tour include besides admission?

It includes bottled water, a kayak, and an air-conditioned vehicle, plus round-trip hotel transfers in Phu Quoc.

Does the tour offer hotel pickup?

Yes. Pickup is offered, and round-trip hotel transfers in Phu Quoc are included.

What activities are included during the day?

You’ll do a forest trail walk in Phu Quoc National Park, see a Cambodia-border viewpoint from Mui Ganh Dau Beach, spend time at the floating village area of Rach Vem (including starfish beach time), and kayak on the Cua Can River.

Is the bee farm stop always available?

No. The bee farm is closed on Wednesdays and select holidays.

How large is the group?

The tour has a maximum of 100 travelers.

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