Phu Quoc National Park Eco-Tourism Trails: Permits, Tours, and Access for 2026

Phu Quoc National Park expanded its eco-tourism offerings in June 2026 with the official opening of three new trails: the Bai Thom Mangrove Walk, Ganh Dau Coastal Trek, and Suoi Tranh Butterfly Loop. These routes are the first major additions to the park’s trail network in over five years, each designed to highlight a different facet of the island’s natural landscape while prioritizing environmental protection.

The Bai Thom Mangrove Walk is a raised boardwalk through tidal mangrove forests in the island’s northeast, offering a close look at native flora and birdlife. The Ganh Dau Coastal Trek traces the northwest shoreline, with ocean views and sections of shaded forest. The Suoi Tranh Butterfly Loop, located near the popular Suoi Tranh waterfall, is a circular path through lowland jungle, known for its seasonal butterfly populations and interpretive signage about local ecology.

All three trails operate under new sustainability measures, including a strict visitor cap of 50 people per group, per day. This limit is enforced to reduce foot traffic and preserve sensitive habitats. International visitors are required to join guided groups, which are scheduled to avoid overcrowding and minimize impact. The park’s new digital permit system, launched in June 2026, allows travelers to secure access in advance and check real-time availability—an important step given the popularity of these routes during the dry season.

International visitors to Phu Quoc continue to benefit from Vietnam’s visa-free policy, which allows most nationalities to enter the island for up to 30 days without a visa. This exemption applies exclusively to Phu Quoc and does not extend to the Vietnamese mainland, so travelers planning onward journeys should check their visa status before arrival. Immigration officials at Phu Quoc International Airport and ferry terminals process arrivals as usual, with no additional paperwork required for the island’s visa-free entry as of June 2026.

However, access to the new eco-tourism trails in Phu Quoc National Park now requires a separate digital registration. Effective June 10, 2026, all visitors must register for trail permits through the official Phu Quoc National Park portal before arrival or at designated kiosks at park entrances. The process is straightforward: travelers enter passport details, select their preferred trail and date, and receive a QR code for entry. This digital permit system aims to manage visitor numbers and protect sensitive habitats, especially during peak travel months.

Each eco-trail permit costs 120,000 VND (about $5 USD) per person, with payment options available online or at the park’s main entrances. The permit fee is fixed for all three new trails—Bai Thom Mangrove Walk, Ganh Dau Coastal Trek, and Suoi Tranh Butterfly Loop. Travelers should retain their digital or printed permit confirmation, as rangers conduct spot checks at trailheads and along routes. The permit is valid only for the selected trail and date, so those planning multiple hikes should register and pay separately for each route.

International visitors planning to hike Phu Quoc’s new eco-tourism trails in 2026 must join a guided tour, as mandated by the Phu Quoc Tourism Board in June 2026. This rule applies to all non-Vietnamese travelers, regardless of group size or prior hiking experience. The aim is to protect sensitive environments and ensure that visitors follow conservation protocols. Guided tours are organized for each trail, with a maximum of 50 people per group per day, and must be booked in advance through the official digital registration portal or at park entrances.

Tour prices for international guests are set between 350,000 and 500,000 VND (about $14–$20 USD) per half-day, depending on the trail and group size. This fee is in addition to the standard trail permit of 120,000 VND. English-speaking guides are widely available, and some operators also offer tours in French, German, and Mandarin, though availability may vary. Most tours last three to four hours and include basic interpretation of local flora, fauna, and conservation efforts.

There have been some reports from travel bloggers in June 2026 of inconsistent enforcement of the guide requirement, with a few visitors managing to access trails independently. However, park officials have reiterated that guided tours are compulsory for all non-Vietnamese, and penalties for non-compliance may include removal from the trail or fines. To avoid confusion or disappointment, travelers should confirm current rules with park staff or their hotel before setting out, especially during the peak December–March season when demand for guides is highest.

Between July and September, Phu Quoc’s eco-tourism trails—including the Bai Thom Mangrove Walk, Ganh Dau Coastal Trek, and Suoi Tranh Butterfly Loop—are subject to temporary closures due to heavy rainfall and flooding risks. The island receives its highest rainfall during these months, and park authorities monitor conditions daily to prevent environmental damage and ensure visitor safety. Trail status updates are posted each morning by 7:00am on the official Phu Quoc National Park website (phuquocnationalpark.gov.vn/en/news/new-trails-june2026) and at the main park entrance kiosks. Travelers are advised to check these sources before booking permits or arranging transport, as closures can be announced with little notice.

During the dry season (December–March), all three trails typically remain open, but the strict daily visitor caps—maximum 50 people per group, per trail—can make spontaneous visits difficult. Permits often sell out several days in advance, especially around New Year and Tet holiday periods. If you plan to hike during peak months, booking permits and guided tours online ahead of arrival is strongly recommended. Shuttle bus schedules and trailhead access are also affected by weather; service may be reduced during storms, so confirm times on the park’s portal or with your hotel concierge.

While some travel blogs report occasional inconsistencies in enforcement, park officials advise that closures and visitor limits are strictly applied to maintain the ecological integrity of the trails. For the most reliable information, rely on the official online updates rather than third-party sources.

Travelers staying at popular hotels in Duong Dong, Ong Lang, and Bai Truong can now rely on dedicated shuttle bus routes to reach the new eco-tourism trails in Phu Quoc National Park. Launched in June 2026, these buses provide direct service to the Bai Thom Mangrove Walk, Ganh Dau Coastal Trek, and Suoi Tranh Butterfly Loop trailheads, making it much easier for guests to access the park without arranging private transport or negotiating with local taxis.

Shuttles operate daily from 6:30am to 5:30pm, with departures every 30–45 minutes during peak morning hours and hourly in the afternoon. Most hotels display updated schedules at their reception desks, and the Phu Quoc Tourism Board posts route maps and live bus tracking on their official portal. The ride from central Duong Dong to Bai Thom trailhead takes about 40 minutes, while the Ganh Dau and Suoi Tranh trailheads are closer—roughly 25–30 minutes depending on traffic and weather conditions.

Tickets for the shuttle buses cost 40,000 VND (about $1.60 USD) per person, payable in cash or via contactless payment apps. Children under 12 ride free with an adult. Since eco-trail visitor caps are strictly enforced, it’s advisable to reserve bus seats and trail permits online in advance, especially during December to March when demand peaks. Shuttle drivers can provide basic information about trailhead facilities, but international visitors should confirm their guide bookings before arrival, as guides are required for entry.

Permits for Phu Quoc’s new eco-tourism trails can be booked online via the official Phu Quoc National Park portal or purchased in person at the park entrances. The digital registration system, launched on June 10, 2026, is straightforward: travelers select their preferred trail, date, and group size, then pay the 120,000 VND (about $5 USD) permit fee. For international visitors, booking a guided tour is mandatory; these can be reserved online alongside your permit or arranged at the entrance, with English-speaking guides available. Guided tours cost between 350,000 and 500,000 VND ($14–$20 USD) per half-day, depending on the trail and guide availability.

On arrival, you’ll need to show a valid passport and your booking confirmation—either printed or on your phone—before entering the trailhead. Park staff check these documents and match them against the day’s visitor cap, so having everything ready speeds up entry. If you’re traveling during peak season or on short notice, be aware that daily limits (50 people per group, per trail) can mean slots fill quickly, especially from December to March. It’s wise to book several days in advance and check for weather-related closures, as some trails may shut temporarily during heavy rains between July and September.

For the hike itself, prepare for humid and unpredictable weather. Bring at least one liter of water per person, insect repellent, and sturdy shoes suitable for muddy or uneven terrain. Lightweight rain jackets are recommended, especially in the summer months. Shuttle buses run from major hotels to trailheads from 6:30am to 5:30pm, so plan your departure and return accordingly. While facilities at trailheads are basic, there are rest stops on longer routes, but don’t count on food or supplies—pack snacks and essentials before you set out.