Rach Vem Starfish Beach: The “Kingdom of Starfish” in Phu Quoc

Known as the “Kingdom of Starfish”, Rach Vem is a fishing village on the north coast of Phu Quoc, famous for the bright red starfish scattered across its shallow, clear water. This Rooty Trip guide covers when to see the starfish, how to get there, where to eat fresh seafood on the floating rafts, and how to visit responsibly.

About Rach Vem

Rach Vem has clear turquoise water, fine white sand and, of course, plenty of starfish. Small streams run through the area, home to many marine species, while a large mangrove forest and low surrounding hills give it a wild, peaceful setting.

Where is Rach Vem? It’s in Ganh Dau commune, in the north of Phu Quoc, about 25 km (around 40 minutes) north of Duong Dong town.

Why the name “Rach Vem”? The name comes from the local word for the green mussels (vẹm) that cling to the rocks and bamboo stakes in the area’s brackish streams — a feature that once helped locals tell this spot apart from others.

Where is Rach Vem?

Rach Vem belongs to Ganh Dau commune, located in the north of Phu Quoc Island. It is about 25 km north of Duong Dong town.

The origin of the name Rach Vem

Rach Vem is a coastal area with many small streams, which are home to many mussel species. Perna viridis are shellfish with shells, they often cling to rocks or bamboo stakes in brackish water. The name “Rach Vem” originates from this characteristic to help local people distinguish it from other areas.

When to visit Rach Vem

October to March is the best time to check in with Rach Vem starfish

The best time to visit is October to March, the dry, calm-sea season, when the water is clearest and the starfish appear densely on the sand. This is also Phu Quoc’s warm, sunny period with the best seafood.

Go in the morning: the water is clearest, the starfish are easiest to spot, and you avoid the midday heat on the long drive.

How to get to Rach Vem

Rach Vem is about 25 km (around 40 minutes) north of Duong Dong. Take road DT973, the main route to the north of the island – it’s smooth and scenic, passing pepper gardens along the way. The final stretch into the village is still a red dirt road, so it can be bumpy and isn’t ideal for pregnant travelers; everyone else should find it an easy, fun trip.

Ways to get there:

• Motorbike – best for young, independent travelers who want to stop for photos and explore village life along the way.
• Car or private transfer – the most comfortable option for families, especially with kids or older travelers.
• Guided tour – an easy, all-in-one option; Rooty Trip can include Rach Vem in a north-island day trip.

👉 Book a Rach Vem / North Phu Quoc day tour – a gentle, family-friendly trip suitable for kids and seniors.

Rach Vem Fishing Village Tour

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Daily Tour

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What to do in Rach Vem

Swim and see the starfish

Check-in with Rach Vem starfish

Rach Vem’s soft white sand and calm, clear water make it a lovely spot to swim, relax and sunbathe. As the “kingdom of starfish”, it’s where you’ll find bright red starfish on the sand and in the shallows – taking photos with them is the signature activity here (please do it responsibly – see the tips below).

Explore the fishing village

Rach Vem fishing village Phu Quoc

Rach Vem is known for its simple stilt houses, laid-back local life and fresh seafood. You can visit the rafts – houses built on bamboo poles along the coast – learn about traditional fishing, and wander around to see how the locals live.

Enjoy fresh seafood on the rafts

Some recommended seafood spots in Rach Vem:

Thu Bao Raft: Thu Bao Raft is loved by visitors for its spacious, airy space, beautiful sea view and fresh seafood. Some of the outstanding dishes here include: Grilled cheese oysters, bun quay, herring salad, grilled squid, stir-fried snails,…

• Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 (104 reviews)
• Opening hours: ⏰ 07:00–18:00

Nha Tinh Yeu Raft: Nha Tinh Yeu has seafood such as sea urchin, clams, squid, red snapper, grouper,… processed in many ways such as garlic sauce, butter sauce, raw lemon, steamed, dipped in vinegar,…

• Rating: ⭐️ 4.9/5 (151 reviews)
• Opening hours: ⏰ 08:00–19:30

Sao Bien: Sao Bien Quan is famous for its fresh seafood and flavorful cooking styles, bringing out the authentic taste of Phu Quoc’s ocean. Here, you can enjoy a variety of dishes such as sea urchins, clams, squid, grouper, red snapper, and more, prepared in different delicious ways like grilled with scallion oil, stir-fried with garlic butter, steamed, raw with lime, or dipped in vinegar.

• Rating: ⭐️ 4.9/5 (151 reviews)
• Opening hours: ⏰ 08:00 – 19:30

(Ratings and hours can change – check before you go.)

Watch the sunset

Watch the sunset at Rach Vem

Rach Vem is one of Phu Quoc’s famous sunset spots. As the sun goes down, the sky turns into a colorful, romantic scene over the water – a perfect way to end a day of exploring, paired with a seafood dinner on a raft.

Tips for visiting responsibly

Note when swimming in Rach Vem

The starfish are delicate, so please help protect them and the marine environment:

• You can photograph starfish, but never take them onto the hot sand – they’re extremely sensitive to temperature changes.
• Keep them in shallow water while taking photos.
• Don’t hold starfish in your bare hands for long, as it can harm them.
• Take all your rubbish with you – don’t litter on the beach.

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to see starfish in Rach Vem?

• October to March, in the calm-sea season. Go in the morning when the water is clearest and the starfish are easiest to spot.

How do I get to Rach Vem from Duong Dong?

• About 25 km (around 40 minutes) north via road DT973. The last stretch is a dirt road. You can ride a motorbike, drive, or join a tour.

Are there tours to Rach Vem?

• Yes – Rooty Trip offers a North Phu Quoc day tour that includes Rach Vem fishing village, Ganh Dau area, a seafood lunch on a raft and more.

What should I bring?

• Cash, a hat, sunscreen, swimwear and a towel. Bring an umbrella for shade if you’re travelling with children, and don’t forget a camera or phone.

Is Rach Vem good for families?

• Yes – it’s a gentle, family-friendly spot. Just note the last stretch of road is bumpy, so a car or tour is more comfortable with kids or older travelers.

Plan your trip with Rooty Trip

Rooty Trip is a local team on Phu Quoc. We can arrange a north-island day tour to Rach Vem, seafood on the rafts and transfers from your hotel. See also our guides to Bai Dai Beach, Sao Beach and things to do in Phu Quoc.

👉 Book a North Phu Quoc day tour

ROOTY TRIP PHU QUOC — local tour operator on Phu Quoc

• Phone / WhatsApp: 0886.068.886 – 033.906.2222
• Email: cskh@rootytrip.com
• Address: 191 Tran Hung Dao Street, Cua Lap Ward, Phu Quoc Special Zone, An Giang Province