Rach Vem Fishing Village, located on the remote northern coast of Phu Quoc, offers a rustic and authentic alternative to the island’s more developed tourist areas. Popularly nicknamed “Starfish Beach,” its primary draw is the abundance of red sea stars visible in its calm, clear waters during the dry season. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of how to get there, the best time to visit, and what activities to expect in this charmingly undeveloped corner of the island.
You have probably seen the famous photos of the red starfish, and this is the place where that magic happens. But Rach Vem is so much more than just that. It’s a chance to see the real, authentic soul of our island. So, let’s explore it together!
Rach Vem Village overview
Rach Vem Fishing Village is located about 25 kilometers north of the bustling Duong Dong town, but it feels like a world away. This isn’t a tourist town, it’s a real, living village where around 200 families live in charming houses clustered tightly together along the shore. For generations, their lives have revolved around the rhythm of the sea, and you can still feel that peaceful, traditional way of life the moment you arrive.
In recent years, travelers have started to discover the magic of Rach Vem, and there’s one very special reason why: the beautiful red starfish! The calm, clear waters here are the perfect home for them, and seeing them has become a huge, wonderful draw for visitors. It’s a beautiful glimpse into both our island’s incredible nature and its authentic, everyday life.
READ MORE: When is the best time to visit Phu Quoc?
The best time to visit Rach Vem
To have the best experience and see the beautiful starfish, you absolutely must visit during our Dry Season, from November to April. During these months, the weather is perfect—the sun is shining, the sea is as calm as a lake, and the water is crystal-clear. This is when the starfish come into the shallow waters, and it’s the ideal time to admire them and take those stunning photos you’ve been dreaming of.
We strongly advise against visiting during our rainy season, from May to October. The sea becomes rough, the water gets cloudy, and the dirt roads leading to the village can become very muddy and difficult to travel. You will likely make the long journey and not see a single starfish. Now, if you are looking for the absolute perfect window, many people feel that March and April are the best of the best, with the calmest seas and the clearest skies. It’s a truly beautiful time to watch the starfish resting peacefully under the sun.
Famous starfish season Rach Vem
The “starfish season” is not an official season, but it is directly tied to the best time to visit. The calm, clear waters of the dry season are what bring the beautiful red sea stars into the shallow areas near the shore, making them easy to see. Remember my most important rule: please look with your eyes, not with your hands. Never lift these delicate creatures out of the water.
How to get to Rach Vem?
Transportation options
Rach Vem is located in a remote part of the island, and getting there is part of the adventure.
- Taxi or Private Car: This is the most comfortable and convenient option, especially for families. It will take about 45-60 minutes from Duong Dong town.
- Renting a scooter: This is a popular choice for adventurous couples, ranging from 150,000 to 200,000 VND per day. The main roads are fine, but please be prepared: the last few kilometers of the road to Rach Vem are a bumpy, unpaved dirt track. You must be a confident and experienced rider.
- Renting a car: If you have young children or are with your respected elders, our best advice is to rent a private car with a driver. The journey to Rach Vem is a bit long, and the final part of the road can be bumpy. A comfortable, air-conditioned car will make the trip so much more relaxing and safe for everyone. It gives you the freedom to travel at your own pace and carry everything you need for the day without any hassle. While it costs a bit more, the comfort and peace of mind it provides for your family are absolutely worth it, turning the journey itself into a pleasant and memorable part of your Phu Quoc adventure.
Road to Rach Vem Village guide
No matter where you are staying on the island, getting to Rach Vem is quite simple as all main roads eventually lead you north! Here is the easiest way to think about it:
From the main Duong Dong Town (or anywhere in the popular Long Beach area), your journey is a straightforward drive north. You’ll get on the main road, the DT973, which is the island’s main artery. You will drive past beautiful countryside and small villages, and the road is generally well-paved and easy to follow.
If you are staying at one of the big resorts in the north, like Vinpearl, your route is even shorter! You will just head towards the small town of Ganh Dau and then follow the signs to Rach Vem from there.
Our best advice is to simply put ‘Rach Vem Fishing Village’ into your Google Maps before you start. It will show you the best and most direct path from your specific hotel. And please remember my tip about the final part of the road-it will turn into a bumpy dirt track, so be prepared for a little adventure at the end!
READ MORE: How to have a perfect day at Bai Sao Beach?
The best things to do in Rach Vem
Once you’ve made the beautiful journey to Rach Vem, you’ll discover a paradise of simple, authentic pleasures. Here are the best things to do in Rach Vem to make your excursion unforgettable.
Admire the famous starfish
This is the magical sight you came all this way to see! The water here is so clear and shallow that you can easily spot the vibrant red and orange starfish resting peacefully on the sandy bottom. It’s a stunning contrast against the turquoise sea, creating the most beautiful and natural photo opportunities. We just ask you once more to please admire them with your eyes and camera only, and never lift these delicate creatures out of the water.
Enjoy a meal on a floating restaurant
This is an absolute must-do and a true taste of local life! You’ll see simple, rustic restaurants built on stilts or rafts, floating 200-400 meters from the shore. You’ll walk across a wooden bridge to reach them. This is where you can enjoy the freshest seafood you will ever eat, often chosen by you from the nets right beside your table. It is an unforgettable ‘sea-to-table’ experience.
Immerse yourself in the calm, clear water
The sea at Rach Vem is like a giant, natural swimming pool. The water is crystal-clear, incredibly calm, and shallow for a long way out. It’s the perfect place for a refreshing and gentle swim, offering a wonderful respite from the tropical heat. It is incredibly safe and enjoyable for all ages.
Learn about the local life
Take a moment to simply observe the world around you. Rach Vem is a real, working village. Watch the fishermen on their boats, see the charming stilt houses where the locals live, and feel the peaceful, unhurried rhythm of life that has existed here for generations. This connection to the authentic culture is what makes a visit so special.
Try kayaking and SUP rowing
For a little bit of gentle adventure, you can rent a kayak or a stand-up paddleboard. Paddling through the calm, clear sea allows you to explore the beautiful coastline at your own pace and get a wonderful view of the village from the water.
A note on sunrises, sunsets, and camping
Now, Vietnamstory.in must be very honest with you about a few things to make sure you have the best and safest experience.
- Contemplate the sunrise, not the sunset: While the evenings here are peaceful, Rach Vem is on the northern coast, facing slightly east. This means it is a beautiful place for a serene sunrise but not an ideal spot for watching the sunset, which is best seen on the west coast of the island.
- About beach camping: While it sounds romantic, Rach Vem is a very rustic and remote village with no official campsites or facilities for overnight stays. For your comfort and safety, we would recommend enjoying it as a wonderful day trip and returning to your hotel in the evening.
Enjoy seafood at Rach Vem
The seafood here is as fresh as it gets! At the floating restaurants, you don’t order from a menu. You walk over to the nets and baskets in the water beside the raft, where the live catch of the day is kept. You choose your own fish, crab, or squid, and they will cook it for you immediately. It is an unforgettable “sea-to-table” dining experience.
READ MORE: Where can I see Starfish in Phu Quoc?
A note on snorkeling at Rach Vem and boat trips from Rach Vem
- Is snorkeling good? No, not really. While the water is very clear, Rach Vem is a sandy-bottomed beach. For the best snorkeling with beautiful coral reefs, you need to take an island-hopping tour from An Thoi port in the south.
- Are there boat trips? Rach Vem is a working fishing village, not a tourist port. The boats you see are for local fishermen. The main tourist boat trips for island hopping and snorkeling all depart from the south of the island.
Planning your perfect Phu Quoc itinerary
Vietnamstory.in knows, seeing all these amazing places—the rustic charm of Rach Vem, the beautiful beaches in the south, the exciting attractions—can feel wonderful but also a little overwhelming to plan. How do you create a trip that perfectly balances culture, relaxation, and adventure?
This is where having a friend on the ground in Vietnam makes all the difference. At Vietnamstory.in, we specialize in creating tailor-made holidays that are perfect for Indian travelers. Our “5 Days 4 Nights Phu Quoc Island” itinerary, for example, is designed to give you a perfect balance. It includes time for relaxing on the beautiful beaches, a day to explore the southern islands, and opportunities to see the cultural and natural wonders of the island, like a responsible trip to the authentic Rach Vem Village. We handle all the details, so you can simply focus on making beautiful memories.
READ MORE: Your full Ham Ninh Fishing Village guide
Conclusion
In the end, a visit to Rach Vem Village offers a precious and increasingly rare experience: a glimpse into the simple, authentic, and unspoiled soul of Phu Quoc. It is not a place of luxury resorts or chic beach clubs, but a destination for those who appreciate the raw beauty of nature, the charm of local life, and the quiet magic of a starfish resting in the sunlit sea. It is a journey worth taking for any traveler seeking to connect with the true heart of our island.