Sunset fishing beats the usual island tours. On Phu Quoc, you get out on the Gulf of Thailand at golden hour, and I love the sunset cruise plus the chance at dinner from your catch. After dark, you’ll learn night-time squid fishing from the boat crew and try your luck on a real local setup.

Pickup is straightforward if you’re staying around Duong Dong town—either meet the group at the hotel lobby or at JOHN’S TOURS PHU QUOC (143 Tran Hung Dao). You also get an English-speaking guide, local fishing equipment, round-trip transport by car and boat, and a bottle of water to keep you comfortable.

Here’s the one thing to keep expectations realistic: squid is not guaranteed, even with the gear. And dinner is served on board, but it may run later than you expect (often after about 7:30).

Key points to know before you go

• Golden-hour views from the Gulf of Thailand while the boat is moving and then anchored
• Two hours of night squid fishing using local equipment
• Crew-cooked dinner when you land a squid (and a solid basic meal even if you don’t)
• Dinner timing can feel late, so come ready for a real evening
• Drinks and shellfish add-ons cost extra, so keep that budget in mind
• Rainy-season routing (May–Nov) may skip the sunset view depending on where the boat departs

Why this Phu Quoc squid trip feels more local than it looks

This is the kind of tour that works because it’s simple: you’re on a local fishing boat, you’re fishing at night like the people who do it every day, and the evening is built around the sunset. For many people, the squid part is the bonus. The real “wow” is the light fading over the Gulf and the novelty of switching from daylight relaxation to night fishing in one trip.

The value is also real. For around $15, you’re not just buying a quick activity—you’re getting transport both ways, an English-speaking guide, equipment, and dinner on board. Add the fact that any catch can be prepared for you, and the whole meal-to-action loop feels fun rather than gimmicky.

Just don’t treat squid as a promise. Night fishing can be hit-or-miss, and the experience is more about learning and trying than guaranteeing a seafood trophy.

Getting picked up in Duong Dong and heading to the harbor

Your day starts in late afternoon. The pickup window is typically 16:45 to 17:00, and you’ll be collected from the lobby of your hotel in the center of Duong Dong town. If you want an alternate pickup, you can arrange it, but there may be an extra fee for areas outside the main Duong Dong zone—and the tour notes that The Shells Resort isn’t located at Duong Dong.

If you prefer to meet directly, you can go to the office: 143 Tran Hung Dao. Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes before the trip start time so you don’t get left behind. The note is clear: the bus won’t wait if you show up late, and traffic can push delays by about 5–30 minutes, so give yourself a buffer.

A couple practical details that matter once you’re in motion:

• No large bags or luggage allowed, so pack light for a sea activity.
• Bring what you need for the water: a towel, swimsuit, and sunscreen. Sea time can get breezy, and sun can still hit before the sky turns dramatic.

If you need help with pickup timing, the tour lists an emergency contact: Ms. Rosie (via text/Zalo/WhatsApp/Kakaotalk/Wechat/Line/Viber). After booking, add your hotel info to make the pickup time easier to confirm.

The sunset cruise: panoramic views, then anchoring for night fishing

Once you reach the harbor, you board the boat and start the evening out at sea. There’s usually a cruising period built around viewing a spectacular panoramic sunset over the Gulf of Thailand, so the best move is to get to a good spot on the boat as early as possible.

After the sun goes down, the plan shifts from sightseeing to work—calm but purposeful. The boat cruises to a “perfect spot” to anchor, and that’s where you’ll get your chance at night-time squid fishing. This transition is part of what makes the tour feel different from a standard sunset boat ride: you aren’t just watching the sea—you’re participating in it.

One important reality check: May–November is rainy season. During that time, the boat will depart from Sao Beach or An Thoi, and the tour notes that sunset views may not be available. So if sunsets are the whole reason you’re booking, check the travel dates carefully. If your dates fall in rainy months, consider this tour as more of a night-fishing experience than a sunset guarantee.

Night squid fishing for about two hours: how to approach it

You’ll be fishing for around two hours at night. The tour includes local fishing equipment, so you aren’t trying to figure out gear from scratch. An English-speaking guide is there too, which helps a lot when the whole thing happens in the dark and the timing matters.

Here’s how I’d frame the experience for you: treat it like a hands-on lesson. Even when the crew sets you up, squid response can be random. The lighting, the anchoring spot, the movement of the boat, and simple luck all play a role. On some boats, only a couple people end up landing squid, which means you should come ready for the joy of trying—not for the certainty of success.

Still, you’re not powerless. Following the crew’s instructions and staying patient during that anchored period is the best way to maximize your chances. And even if you don’t catch one, the feeling of holding the line at night while the crew explains the method can be a memorable change of pace from daytime activities in Phu Quoc.

Dinner on board: what you’ll eat and when

Dinner is included, and it’s served on board after the fishing portion is underway. One practical note: dinner is not always quick. On at least some boats, people found dinner doesn’t arrive until after about 7:30, which makes sense if they’re coordinating cooking time around the catches and the trip schedule. So plan your appetite accordingly, not around an early, sit-down restaurant-style meal.

What does the basic dinner look like? The meal described for this tour includes:

• Fried noodles
• Soup
• Two grilled shrimps per person
• Watermelon for dessert

That’s a decent, filling boat meal for a 3-hour evening tour, especially with the seafood-catching activity as the hook.

There’s also an “extras” layer. As the boat is out at sea, you may be offered shellfish options (for purchase), and that’s a tempting moment if you’re hungry and curious. Drinks also cost extra—soft drinks or beer may be available, but you pay directly for them.

If you want to upgrade, the tour experience allows for add-on seafood such as oysters and other mussels grilled and served alongside the basic dinner. So if squid is elusive for you, that upgrade can be a nice safety net—just be ready that it’s not included in the main price.

Price and value: how $15 makes sense (and where costs can creep in)

At about $15 per person, this tour has good “bundle value.” You’re paying for:

• Round-trip transport by car and boat
• An English-speaking guide
• Local fishing equipment
• A bottle of water
• Dinner on board

If you try to assemble those pieces separately—especially the boat time plus dinner—it often costs more than a low-cost add-on tour.

The main cost-risk is not the base price—it’s what you choose to add. Extra shellfish and drinks are paid on site, and there may be a 10% extra charge during New Year/Lunar New Year, paid directly. If you’re traveling outside peak holiday periods, those add-ons are optional. If you are there during those dates, factor it in before you get on the boat.

As for value in the experience sense: even if you don’t catch a squid, you’re still getting a unique sunset-to-night shift, a real local fishing setting, and a shared dinner experience. If your goal is guaranteed seafood, it’s better to think of squid as the fun variable, not the meal guarantee.

Who should book this tour (and who might skip it)

This is a great pick if you:

• Want a different evening than beach lounging or a night market loop
• Like the idea of learning from locals, even if your first attempt is more practice than success
• Enjoy sunset cruising and don’t mind that night fishing can be unpredictable

It’s less ideal if you:

• Need a smooth, guaranteed “you will catch squid” outcome (it’s not promised)
• Dislike being on the water at night
• Have mobility concerns. The tour specifically notes it’s not suitable for people with mobility impairments.

Also remember the no-large-luggage rule. If you’re carrying big bags, you’ll want to rethink what you bring so the boat ride stays comfortable.

Should you book this Phu Quoc sunset and night squid trip?

Book it if you want an evening with actual sea time, a real try-at-night fishing setup, and dinner included without complicated planning. The experience is most satisfying when you treat squid fishing as part of the story, not the entire point.

Skip it if your trip dates fall in May–November and you’re fixated on a guaranteed sunset, since the boat may depart from other spots and you may not get the same sunset view. Also skip it if you can’t handle the idea that catches may be rare. This tour is about being out there and trying something local—not about banking on a catch.

If you’re flexible and go in with a good attitude, this is one of those Phu Quoc nights that feels genuinely different: daylight fading, line in the water, then dinner back on the boat.

FAQ

What time does the tour start and when do I return?

Pickup is typically between 16:45 and 17:00, and the tour returns to your hotel at 21:00. Starting times can vary, so check availability when you book.

Where does pickup happen in Phu Quoc?

Pickup is included for the center of Duong Dong town, from hotel lobbies. You can also meet at the office at 143 Tran Hung Dao. Pickup outside Duong Dong may require an extra fee, and The Shells Resort is not in the Duong Dong area.

What’s included in the ticket price?

The tour includes round-trip transport by car and boat, an English-speaking tour guide, one bottle of water, dinner on the boat, and local fishing equipment.

Is dinner included, and what is it like?

Yes, dinner is included and served on board. The basic meal includes fried noodles, soup, two grilled shrimps per person, and watermelon.

When will dinner be served?

Dinner is served on the boat, but it may not be served until after about 7:30 depending on timing during the trip.

How long do you go squid fishing?

The night squid fishing happens for about two hours.

Do I have to pay extra for drinks or shellfish?

Soft drinks or beer are not included and must be paid extra. Shellfish add-ons may also be offered for purchase during the trip.

What should I bring for the sea portion of the tour?

Bring a towel, swimsuit, and sunscreen. Large bags or luggage are not allowed.

Is the tour affected by rainy season?

Yes. In rainy season (May–November), the boat departs from Sao Beach or An Thoi, and the sunset may not be viewable.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No. The tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments.

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