Rach Vem Fishing Village is a quaint little fishing village in northern Phu Quoc, famous for its calmness, floating houses, and the beautiful “Kingdom of Starfish,” which features lovely, clear water, local living, and unforgettable sights.
Introduction To Rach Vem Fishing Village
Rach Vem fishing village, located in Ganh Dau Commune, approximately 25 kilometers north of Duong Dong town, has a pleasant, quiet nature and showcases the real life of Phu Quoc. The more-than-a-century-old fishing village is essentially untouched by modern tourism, and it provides visitors to Phu Quoc with a glimpse of what life was like on the island in the past. Located on bright turquoise water and soft sandy shores, floating wooden houses, Rach Vem has become popular with tourists hoping to experience quiet coastal life and nature.
The village is particularly well-known for its large numbers of starfish that glow brightly under the sunlight, which can be found in abundance along the shallow shores during the dry season, which typically runs from December through April. Guests of Richard’s vacation can walk on wooden bridges extending across the sea, take photos of the starfish, and enjoy the peaceful nature of the bay. The local floating restaurants serve seafood brought fresh from fishermen, which only adds to the authentic cost-of-living experience.
History Of Rach Vem Fishing Village
The past of Rach Vem Fishing Village is not certain, but it is thought to be a traditional one-hundred-year fishing village in Phu Quoc. Fishermen have lived together with the sea for generations, as their main livelihood was fishing. Nowadays, Rach Vem has developed into the well-known “Kingdom of Starfish,” welcoming tourists to its natural and primitive beauty, floating seafood restaurants, and the true life realities of a coastal village.
Top 5 Iconic Attractions In Rach Vem Fishing Village
Rach Vem Fishing Village is not only well-known for its tranquil attractiveness, but is also home to many interesting sites that highlight the local culture and natural beauty of Phu Quoc. Below are some of the most common attractions you should not miss while visiting here.
Starfish Kingdom
The “Starfish Kingdom” of Phu Quoc is the most well-known attraction of Rach Vem. The clear waters and white sand beaches offer a colorful backdrop for many bright red starfish that appear in great numbers. You can touch the starfish and see them up close, but make sure you take care to respect their natural habitat by leaving them in the water.
Floating Seafood Restaurants
One of the more unique aspects of Rach Vem is the floating seafood restaurants that were built on bamboo rafts just offshore. You can sit on a floating bamboo raft and enjoy fresh seafood, such as sea urchins, crabs, and squid, which have just been caught and cooked for you. It is nice to enjoy a meal while rocking with the gentle waves and sea breeze.
Wooden Bridges And Fishing Boats
The delightful wooden bridges that cross the turquoise water are a quintessential photo spot in Rach Vem. The bridges connect the shore to the floating houses and are great spots for taking pictures or enjoying a stroll. You will encounter bright-colored fishing boats, also docked nearby, as well, giving it an aura of peacefulness.
Local Fishing Village Life
Plan some time to watch local fishermen engage in their daily activities that have taken place for centuries. You might be able to catch them mending their fishing nets, preparing for fishing trips, or demonstrating how they actually catch fish and squid. It is an excellent opportunity for a peaceful, authentic experience and to gain a deeper understanding of the island’s way of life.
Rach Vem Beach
The beach of Rach Vem is tranquil and unspoiled, and is a perfect beach for simply relaxing. The soft white sand and calm, shallow blue water make it a fantastic spot to enjoy a swim, sunbathe, or just hang out. During low tide, you can even spot tiny sea creatures that you’re likely to never see anywhere else on the island, which is another added touch of natural charm to this beach.
5 Unforgettable Experiences You Shouldn’t Miss
When visiting Rach Vem Fishing Village, you will experience endless methods to engage with the peaceful coastal lifestyle of the north side of Phu Quoc. From enchanting floating houses to the “kingdom of starfish,” everything has its own unique charm.
Enjoy The Relaxed Lifestyle At Rach Vem Fishing Village
You will be taken in by the tranquil ambiance, the rustic stilt houses, and the inviting local fishermen. Walk along the planked bridges over the clear turquoise water, leading to the floating restaurants and fish farms. Learn about traditional fishing experiences, observe the livelihoods of the locals as they speak with each other, or watch fishermen mend their fishing nets or sort other fish from their recent fishing experiences in Phu Quoc.
Take advantage of the perfectly seasoned, typically fresh seafood from the region, like sea urchins, crabs, squid, and clams, especially caught for you. Time spent here feels like a reflective afternoon in another place, away from the hectic busyness of our busy urban lives.
Check-In At The “Kingdom of Starfish”
Due to an abundance of bright red starfish roaming the shallow waters, Rach Vem is nicknamed the “Kingdom of Starfish”. With these remarkable animals creating one of the most recognized sights in Phu Quoc, make sure to give yourself the time to stroll along the beach and take breathtaking postcard photographs with starfish sparkling in the sun. Just don’t forget to be gentle with them and always keep them in the water so you don’t disrupt their delicate habitat.
Sea Swim And Floating House Exploration
With shallow, tranquil water, Rach Vem is ideal for enjoying a pleasant swim. The beach has soft white sand, beautiful blue waters, and a peaceful vibe that is perfect for families or solo travelers. After swimming, you can walk a few hundred meters to one of the floating houses built upon wooden stilts offshore. These are nicely designed structures that double as seafood restaurants, and allow you to have a bite to eat, relax, and enjoy the cool ocean breeze!
Experience Local Fishing Culture
Rach Vem is only complete if you undertake tasks related to the local fishing life, like taking a small fishing boat out with the locals to learn about casting nets or fishing for squid at night. These authentic experiences will be the lifestyle and the strength of the fishermen in Phu Quoc. You will always remember the experience of pulling up a net full of squid and fish.
Taste Fresh And Amazing Seafood
Located within Rach Vem is arguably the fresh seafood. There are a handful of floating restaurants that let you pick from their tanks: lobsters, shrimp, sea urchins, scallops, groupers, etc. Local chefs will prepare it to your liking: grilled, steamed, or stir-fried. Eating in the sea breeze while listening to the sounds of the ocean is an experience that will always be remembered. The perfect way to end a day of visiting this quaint fishing village.
Entrance Fee
Rach Vem Fishing Village is totally free to visit for travelers to explore and view the starfish, which is the entrance fee. As a natural and open tourist destination, you do not have to pay any entrance fee to access the area. You are welcome and encouraged to enjoy the beach destination for free, watch the stunning starfish, and get beautiful pictures for no cost. You only have to pay for personal services provided, such as dining at local floating restaurants, buying seafood, or transportation to and from the village.
Best Time To Visit Rach Vem Fishing Village
The ideal time to visit Rach Vem Fishing Village is between November and April, as Phu Quoc has the most favorable weather. The dry season in Phu Quoc means that the sea is calm, the sky is clear, and the bright sun is perfect for sightseeing and taking photos. Plus, it’s the best time to see the famous red starfish that hang out in the shallow sea – a stunning phenomenon visited by travelers from around the world!
May through October is when the rainy season comes to the island, and during this time, the sea is rough, and the water is murky. Because of the slippery conditions of the road and the likelihood of not seeing the starfish, it complicates a visit to Rach Vem during the rainy months. If you decide to make the trip during these months, be sure to check the weather beforehand and get ready for showers.
How To Get To Rach Vem Fishing Village
Getting to Rach Vem Fishing Village is extremely simple, but actually getting there is a part of the experience. Following the road that leads you to Rach Vem, you are taken through countryside landscapes, beautiful forests, and gorgeous coastal roads that highlight the idyllic beauty and untouched nature of northern Phu Quoc.
Getting To Rach Vem By Transport
When traveling during the starfish season, you can travel to Rach Vem on your own motorbike or car. Many local guesthouses and hotels provide motorbike rentals for about 150-200,000 VND per day. If you are in a group or with family, renting a private car or van for about 700,000 VND per day is a better option for a comfortable experience.
Directions To Rach Vem, Phu Quoc
There are three main routes going to Rach Vem Fishing Village:
- Cornered from Duong Dong Town: This is the most common route. Drive straight on DT973 Road. This is preferable for many guests as it is close to the airport and next to many resorts, restaurants, and cafes.
- Cornered from Vinpearl Phu Quoc: When going south near Duong Dong Town, continue until you see the left turn at the 4-way intersection near Cua Can Bridge.
- Cornered from Thanh Thoi Ferry Terminal: If you are coming from the ferry from Ha Tien and landing in Phu Quoc, this is the best route. From the terminal, take a right, going toward Duong Dong through Bai Thom, and you arrive at Suoi Cai Junction.
All three routes arrive at Suoi Cai – Ganh Dau Junction. From there, turn left, and it is approximately 30km to Rach Vem Fishing Village. Be advised that the last portion of the road can be very rugged, so be careful driving or use a strong vehicle.
Things To Know Before Traveling To Rach Vem Fishing Village
Before visiting Rach Vem Fishing Village, you should keep in mind the ecosystem and how the locals live. Here are some key messages to ensure you have a safe, responsible, and worthwhile experience.
- Do not remove starfish from the water or hold them in your hands.
- Walking in shallow water is flat; do not walk on starfish.
- Do not remove starfish back into the water because they need to stay submerged to survive.
- Do not touch to underside of a starfish.
- Go prepared with water shoes, sunscreen, and a hat for the sun and coral.
- Be respectful of locals and their fishing trades, and always ask for permission before taking photos.
- Don’t litter on the beach and consider using eco-friendly products.
Final Thoughts: Is Rach Vem Fishing Village Worth Visiting?
Rach Vem Fishing Village is definitely worth a stop if you’re looking for a quiet getaway in Phu Quoc. With its simple and authentic floating houses, stunning waters, and the famous “Kingdom of Starfish,” this fishing village encapsulates the nature of Phu Quoc Island. This is the kind of town that allows you to unwind, eat fresh seafood, and experience the simplicity of local life – a very refreshing and amazing experience. Book your stay today with Seni World, and see the beautiful grit that makes Rach Vem a coastal gem.
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