Best Areas to Live in Phu Quoc: Expat Guide for Long Stays

Phu Quoc is no longer just a holiday island. More expats, remote workers and retirees now choose it as a base for months or years. The island is also changing fast. Since July 1, 2025, Phu Quoc has been a special zone under the newly formed An Giang province. It is also preparing to host APEC 2027, which brings new roads, transport and urban projects.

Living here is very different from a beach vacation. Your daily routine depends on where you rent. Some areas offer markets, clinics and traffic. Others offer quiet roads, green space and longer drives. This guide compares the best areas to live in Phu Quoc so you can match a neighborhood to your lifestyle before you sign a lease.

Phu Quoc Areas at a Glance

Area	Best for	Vibe	Typical rental types
Duong Dong Town	Families, first-time movers, workers	Busy, local, convenient	Apartments, townhouses, houses
Long Beach (Bai Truong / Duong To)	Beach lovers, couples, retirees	Relaxed by day, social at sunset	Villas, apartments
An Thoi and Sunset Town	Couples, remote workers, nightlife fans	Modern, lively, resort style	Apartments, studios
Ong Lang and Cua Duong	Digital nomads, families wanting space	Quiet, green, rural	Houses, villas
Bai Dai and Ganh Dau (North)	Retirees, people who want calm	Resort area, peaceful off season	Apartments, villas

The Best Areas to Live in Phu Quoc

Duong Dong Town

Duong Dong is the island’s main town and administrative center. Most long-term expats start here. Many rent in the alleyways around the town center and along Tran Hung Dao Street.

Why people choose it

• Daily essentials sit within a few minutes: local markets, supermarkets, pharmacies and banks.
• Healthcare access is the most convenient on the island. Vinmec runs an international clinic on Nguyen Trung Truc Street in Duong Dong.
• The night market, street food and local cafés keep living costs flexible.
• The airport is a short drive away.

Things to consider

• Traffic is the heaviest on the island, especially in peak season.
• Some streets are noisy at night.
• Alleyway homes can feel tight compared with the quieter coasts.

Ready to start your search? Browse our apartments for rent in Phu Quoc, pool villas for longer stays and family homes on yearly leases. To plan your budget first, read our cost of living guide for expats. For tailored advice, message our team on WhatsApp at +84 902 407 024. We will help you find the right home in the right area.

Long Beach (Bai Truong / Duong To)

Long Beach runs south from Duong Dong along the west coast. It is famous for long stretches of sand and some of the island’s best sunsets. Tran Hung Dao Street follows the coast here, so restaurants, bars and shops are easy to reach.

Why people choose it

• You can walk to the beach every day.
• The airport is around 10 minutes away from many homes in this area.
• It offers a good balance of quiet residential lanes and a social evening scene.
• Private pool homes are common, and many beachside villas near Bai Truong suit stays of several months or more.

Things to consider

• Beachfront roads get busy with tourists in high season.
• Homes close to resorts may see more construction and visitor traffic.

An Thoi and Sunset Town

An Thoi sits at the southern tip of the island. It has grown into one of the most modern parts of Phu Quoc. Sunset Town, with its Mediterranean style streets, is the main draw. Residents enjoy nightly fireworks, the Sunset Night Market and quick access to the Hon Thom Cable Car.

Why people choose it

• New residential buildings offer pools, gyms, elevators and 24/7 security.
• Restaurants, cafés and bars sit within walking distance.
• Kem Beach and the An Thoi seafood market are close by.
• Couples and remote workers often choose monthly apartments near Sunset Town, from compact studios to 2 bedroom units.

Things to consider

• It is the farthest residential hub from Duong Dong and the main hospital.
• Evenings can be loud near the entertainment zones.
• Some areas feel tourist focused rather than local.

Ong Lang and Cua Duong

Ong Lang lies north of Duong Dong on the west coast. It is greener and calmer than the town. Narrow roads wind through pepper farms, small resorts and quiet beaches.

Why people choose it

• The pace is slow and the setting is natural.
• Larger plots make it easier to find homes with gardens.
• Remote workers like the quiet cafés and stable routines.
• Families can find houses with gardens and extra bedrooms here. Please note that all houses listed with us require a minimum rental term of one year.

Things to consider

• You will need a motorbike or car for most errands.
• Some side roads are unpaved and get muddy in the rainy season.
• Evening dining options are limited compared with town.

Bai Dai and Ganh Dau (North)

The far north is home to large resort developments, Grand World and long, calm beaches. It is also where the island’s main international hospital is located. Vinmec Phu Quoc International Hospital sits in the Bai Dai area.

Why people choose it

• Hospital access is closest here.
• The area is very peaceful outside peak tourist months.
• Newer apartment and villa projects offer modern facilities.

Things to consider

• Daily shopping and dining depend on resort complexes or a drive to Duong Dong.
• Some areas feel empty in the low season.
• Commutes to the south of the island are long.

How to Choose the Right Area for Your Lifestyle

Each area fits a different type of resident. Use this quick guide to narrow your search.

• Digital nomads: Ong Lang or Duong Dong. Phu Quoc has few dedicated coworking spaces, so most remote workers rely on cafés. Our digital nomad guide to Phu Quoc covers work setups in more detail.
• Families: Duong Dong for services, or a house in Ong Lang for space. Schooling options on the island are limited, so research schools before you commit to a long lease.
• Retirees: Long Beach or An Thoi. Both offer easy walks, sea views and a relaxed routine.
• Couples: Sunset Town or Long Beach. You get dining, sunsets and nightlife close to home.
• Business owners: Duong Dong or An Thoi, where foot traffic is highest. A shophouse in a busy street works well for a café, shop or small office.

Tips Before You Sign a Lease in Phu Quoc

Choosing the area is only the first step. Next, check these practical points before you commit.

• Visit in person. Photos rarely show road noise, nearby construction or flooding risk.
• Check the rainy season. Heavy rain usually falls from May to October. Ask whether the street floods.
• Confirm the electricity rate. Some landlords charge a fixed rate per kWh above the official EVN tariff. Get the rate in writing.
• Register your stay. Foreigners must have their temporary residence declared to local police. Your landlord files it, usually within 12 hours of arrival. Recent guidance asks hosts to file immediately.
• Read the contract terms. Check the deposit amount, notice period, what is included and who pays for repairs. Our guide on renting a long term apartment in Phu Quoc walks through each step.
• Work with a licensed broker. Our team is led by Mr. Hai, a certified real estate broker who supports tenants from viewing to signing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do most expats live in Phu Quoc?

Most long-term expats live in Duong Dong, especially in the alleyways near Tran Hung Dao Street. Long Beach and An Thoi are also popular with newer arrivals.

What is the best area in Phu Quoc for families?

Duong Dong suits most families because of its markets, clinics and services. Families who want more space often rent a house in Ong Lang.

Is Phu Quoc a good place for digital nomads?

Yes, if you value a quiet island routine. Most remote workers use cafés rather than coworking spaces. Ong Lang and Duong Dong are the most practical bases.

Do foreigners need to register their address in Phu Quoc?

Yes. Your landlord must declare your temporary residence with the local police soon after you move in. Always confirm that this has been done.

What is the minimum rental term?

It depends on the property type. Apartments and studios often suit monthly stays. All houses listed with Phu Quoc Rental Properties require a minimum term of one year.