Phu Quoc night squidding is pure hands-on fun. I really like the combo of a sunset cruise plus real night squid fishing, and I also like that dinner turns into part of the show when the crew cooks what you catch. The only real drawback is that squid fishing can be hit-or-miss, so you should go for the experience even if your bucket ends up light.

This is set up for an easy evening: a hotel shuttle (with a possible extra fee outside Duong Dong town), an on-board dinner, and then you’re back by around 9 pm. It’s also private, so it feels calmer than the big, fast group tours—just you and your group on the boat.

Key points to know before you go

• Private boat with local gear so you’re not just watching from shore
• Sunset on the water sets the mood before the squid hunt starts
• BBQ dinner on board with seafood and local dishes after fishing
• Guides matter here (Sinner, Phong, Peter, Neko, Brian all show up in recent feedback)
• No-catch still works: you can try, learn, and eat what you do catch
• Weather and timing depend since it runs in the evening and needs decent conditions

Sunset first: what the 4:30 pm start really feels like

The tour begins at 4:30 pm with pickup and transport to the harbor area. You’ll likely be in motion before the light really drops, which is exactly what makes this evening special. Phu Quoc sunsets can be gorgeous, and doing them from a boat changes the whole vibe. From on deck, you get that slow shift from day colors into dark water, without the pressure of rushing from stop to stop.

Once you’re settled, the plan is simple: enjoy the sunset on board, then switch into night fishing mode as the sky gets darker. This order matters. You’re not cold and tense while trying to figure out squid gear; you’re relaxed first, then focused once it’s time.

You’re also not stuck on a dock waiting around. The “cruise + fishing + dinner + return” flow keeps your evening moving, which is great if you’re traveling with kids, teens, or anyone who gets restless after dinner plans.

The boat ride: “private” means your group sets the pace

This is advertised as a private tour/activity, which means it’s only your group on the boat and during the experience. That’s a big deal in practice. You can ask questions without waiting your turn, and the guide can keep an eye on how everyone is doing—especially if you have mixed ages.

The boat is described as a traditional wooden boat, and that matches what you’re really buying here: atmosphere. It’s not a glass-window, tourist-show setup. It’s more like joining a nightly routine, just with an English-speaking guide explaining what you’re seeing and doing.

Also pay attention to what’s practical: the package includes bottled water and an air-conditioned vehicle for the land transfer. You’ll feel that AC on the trip to the harbor, and it helps if the island heat is still hanging around when your pickup happens.

Night squid fishing: the fun is in learning the real routine

The heart of the tour is the night squid hunt. You’ll try squid fishing with local equipment and learn the basic techniques from the crew and guide. The goal isn’t just to “catch a squid for a photo.” It’s to do it the way locals do—at night, on the water, with the right gear and timing.

Here’s what I think you should expect based on real feedback: you might catch something quickly, or you might spend a good chunk of time trying. A few recent experiences noted they didn’t catch any squid, but they still had a great night because the time on deck felt like a genuine activity, not a quick gimmick. When others did catch squid, you could see it up close and even eat squid later as part of dinner.

That’s the key: you’re not locked into a catch-or-nothing outcome. You’re joining the hunt, learning the rhythm, and building the story around the evening—even if your catch is zero.

Listen for the guide’s tips (and watch how the crew helps)

The tour includes a friendly English-speaking guide who shares history and traditions of Phu Quoc. The reviews also show that certain guides bring extra energy and practical help. Names that come up include Phong, Peter, Sinner, Neko, and Brian.

I’d treat those guide names as a hint about what to look for in the experience: good communication, clear instructions, and an upbeat tone when the fishing gets slow. One review specifically mentioned humor and how helpful the guide was, and another described a guide being attentive enough to support a family member so they could focus on fishing.

If you’re bringing kids, this matters even more. Night fishing is active but not always predictable, and having someone manage the pace helps the whole group have fun.

The BBQ on board: dinner is included, and the catch can be part of it

After fishing, the crew cooks on board. You’ll eat dinner as part of the tour, and the menu is described in feedback as including shrimp, fried noodles, squid congee, and watermelon, depending on what’s available and what you catch.

This is a surprisingly good value detail. Many “food included” tours are mostly snacks. Here, dinner is part of the schedule and tied to the fishing moment. When catches happen, you’re watching food preparation take shape right there, and that gives dinner context instead of feeling random.

Also note the practical advantage: you don’t have to figure out where to eat after dark. You’re already on the boat, the meal is handled, and then you return to your hotel later.

A realistic timeline: what happens between sunset and 9 pm

Your tour runs about 5 hours. A typical flow looks like this:

• Pickup and transfer to the harbor
• Sunset on board
• Night squid fishing
• Crew cooks your catch (when you catch something)
• Dinner on board
• Return around 9:00 pm

In other words, you’ll be doing the main activity right after pickup, not waiting for hours. The schedule is evening-focused, which is perfect if you want one memorable “day off the beach” plan without sacrificing your next morning.

If you’re the type who hates late nights, this is something to consider. You’ll be back around 21:00, so plan a lighter day earlier, especially if you’re snorkeling or renting a scooter the day of.

Price and value: $128 sounds steep until you match it to what’s included

The price is $128 per person, and it’s often booked about 15 days in advance. On paper, that’s not a budget outing. In real value terms, though, you’re paying for several things at once:

• Private boat
• Dinner included
• Squid fishing equipment provided
• Air-conditioned vehicle
• Bottled water
• Pickup support in the Duong Dong area (with an extra fee outside it)

Then add the “soft value” that’s hard to price: you get a real nighttime activity with a guide, on a traditional boat, plus food that’s actually connected to the experience.

Possible extra costs to budget for

Two items may add to your total:

• If your hotel is outside Duong Dong town, pickup/drop-off can cost $5–$10 USD, listed as $10 per person
• There’s also an additional $3 per person for all fees and taxes

So if you’re staying outside Duong Dong, do the math early. Ask your booking message what pickup fee applies to your exact hotel area. This keeps surprises from popping up at the end of a fun night.

Logistics that actually affect your comfort

Even though it’s an evening tour, it’s set up for convenience. Still, there are a few practical points that matter.

• Meeting point: 379 Đường Trần Hưng Đạo, Dương Tơ, Phú Quốc
• Near public transportation: that’s useful if your pickup timing changes
• Mobile ticket: you’ll handle check-in via your phone, not a stack of paper

Wear and bring like you mean it

The data doesn’t list a specific dress code, but for night fishing you’ll want to think in practical terms: comfortable clothes you don’t mind getting a little damp, and shoes that you can move in safely on a boat deck. If you get motion sick, plan ahead—this is on the water after sunset.

Who this tour suits best (and who might not love it)

This is ideal for you if you want:

• A hands-on evening activity instead of a passive tour
• A family-friendly plan where kids and teens can participate
• An affordable-in-experience sense of value: dinner is included, and you’re paying for boat time plus equipment

It’s also a strong fit for couples who want something different from the beach and restaurants. Reviews mention father/teen groups and family setups doing well, especially because the boat time gives everyone a shared activity and plenty of deck time for photos.

The only mismatch I can see

If you hate the idea of unpredictable outcomes, this might feel frustrating. Squid fishing can fail when the conditions aren’t right, and one review specifically said it wasn’t the right season. In those cases, the experience still works because you spend time fishing and you still get dinner—but it won’t be a guaranteed catch.

Should you book Red River’s Sunset and Night Squid Fishing?

I’d book it if you want a memorable evening that combines sunset cruising, guided nighttime learning, and an on-board meal that actually feels part of the story. The best-case scenario includes catching squid, seeing others catch, and eating what the crew prepares right after. The more “realistic” scenario still delivers a fun night out even if you catch nothing.

Just do two things before you commit:

1. Confirm the pickup fee if you’re staying outside Duong Dong town.
2. Go in expecting the experience, not a guaranteed catch. If you’re okay with that, you’ll enjoy how local the activity feels—and how easy the schedule is.

FAQ

What time does the sunset and night squid fishing tour start?

The start time is 4:30 pm, with the tour returning to the meeting point at around 9:00 pm.

How long is the tour?

The duration is about 5 hours (approx.).

Is dinner included?

Yes. Dinner is included, and it’s served on board after the squid fishing.

Do I get fishing equipment?

Yes. Local squid fishing equipment is included.

Do I get hotel pickup?

Pickup is offered. If your hotel is outside Duong Dong town, there is a pickup and drop-off fee listed at $10 per person. If your hotel is inside Duong Dong town, you may not pay that extra.

Is the tour private?

Yes. It’s described as a private tour/activity, meaning only your group participates.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

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