Land Tour 2: Discover the North – Kayaking & Starfish beach Phu Quoc (Not Lunch)

Kayaking the Cua Can river is the payoff, and this North Phu Quoc day mixes that paddling with a forest walk and Starfish Beach. I love that kayaks are included and that round-trip hotel transfers keep the logistics simple. One thing to consider is the day stretches out, so the second half can feel long if you want nonstop action.

What really makes it work is the human side. Guides such as Ren (and also Woa, Duc, and Viet in other groups) get praised for clear English, humor, and keeping everyone comfortable. Expect a friendly group pace, plus enough time at key stops to actually enjoy them, not just pose for a photo and move on.

If you want a mix of nature, water time, and easy sightseeing without planning, this is a solid choice. You will get a short taste of the island’s north with a forest trail, a Cambodia-border viewpoint, a fisherman-area beach break, and then that river kayak time, usually the highlight of the day.

Key highlights worth knowing before you go

• Admission fees are included, so you avoid on-the-spot payments and can stick to your budget.
• Kayaks are included, which means you can focus on paddling instead of hunting rentals.
• Starfish Beach is the anchor stop, with time set aside to relax and swim.
• Bee farm access can depend on the day, since it is closed on Wednesdays and some holidays.
• Mui Ganh Dau gives you that Cambodia border view, a nice change from beaches-internal scenery.
• Cua Can river kayaking is the core activity, often the part people feel most strongly about.

Why this North Phu Quoc day feels practical, not rushed

This tour is built for people who want the north side without the headache. You get air-conditioned transport, a group schedule that actually fits into one day, and admission covered upfront. That matters in Phu Quoc, because once you add up small fees and taxis, the “cheap day trip” can quietly get expensive.

Also, the pacing is designed around two very different experiences: gentle, scenic stops on land, and then real movement on the water. The river time is short enough to stay fun, but long enough that you do not just dip a paddle and call it an activity.

The tradeoff is that you are still on a shared vehicle for much of the day. If you hate waiting, or you only want one thing, this might feel like too much time between highlights.

Price and value: where the $44 goes

At about $44 per person, the value is mostly in what is included. You get:

• Hotel pickup and round-trip transfers within Phu Quoc
• Kayaks included
• Air-conditioned vehicle
• Bottled water
• Admission fees included for the stops that require tickets

Lunch is the big note. The tour name explicitly says not lunch, and the included list does not cover it. Still, you will have restaurant time during the Rach Vem stop, so you can eat there if you want, but you should expect to pay yourself.

Group size is capped at up to 100 travelers, so this is not a private van experience. You will likely share the day with lots of other people, which can be great for atmosphere, but it also means the stops can feel a bit structured.

Bottom line for value: this is a good deal if you want the combo of kayaking plus Starfish Beach and you like not paying admissions one by one.

Getting around: pickup, travel time, and how to stay comfortable

The day runs about 7 hours. Pickup is offered, and round-trip hotel transfers are included. That saves you from figuring out where to meet buses, whether a grab will find you, or how to get back when the sun is down and your legs are done.

One practical thing: the roads in this region can be bumpy. I would treat this like a sensible day-trip and pack for it, especially if you are prone to motion sickness. A small plastic bag and your preferred remedy take up almost no space and can save a miserable afternoon.

Also, this is not a walking tour. You will walk the forest trail, but most of the time you are riding. If you want more steps and fewer seats, you might prefer a different style of trip.

Stop 1: Phu Quoc National Park forest trail among 100-year-old trees

The first real break is a walk in Phu Quoc National Park, about 35 minutes. You follow a forest trail among trees that can be around 100 years old, and the vibe is cooler and greener than the coastal stops.

Why I think this start works: it gets you into the island’s natural side early, before the day becomes all beaches and water. It also gives you a mental reset. You arrive, stretch your legs, then later you can enjoy the kayaking and swimming more fully.

What to watch: this is a short walk, not a long hike. Wear shoes you are fine with getting a bit dirty, and keep an eye on footing if it has rained.

Stop 2: Mui Ganh Dau Beach and the Cambodia border view

Next you hit Mui Ganh Dau Beach, around 25 minutes. The main point here is the Cambodia border view. This stop is short, so it is best used for quick photos, a bit of coastline air, and a calm break from the bus.

This is not the stop for long swimming plans. The time is tight, so if your goal is water fun, the real swimming window comes later at Starfish Beach.

Quick tip: if you are sensitive to sun, bring protection. This part of the day usually means bright skies and little shade.

Stop 3: Rach Vem fisherman area, possible bee farm, and Starfish Beach time

This is the longest laid-back portion, about 1 hour 30 minutes. You spend time in the Floating Village Rach Vem area, with a restaurant stop available and then free time to relax, explore, and swim.

Here is the key detail: Starfish Beach is the emotional center of the day. You are given time to stroll the shoreline and get into the water to look for starfish. People often describe seeing plenty of them, and the water can be shallow enough that it works for families, not just hardcore snorkelers.

Two practical notes:

• Lunch is not included in the base price, so expect to pay if you eat.
• There can be an extra-cost element if the most famous starfish area needs a separate transfer. If Starfish Beach is your top priority, ask your guide what is included and what is optional before anyone moves you to another boat or beach segment.

Bee farm note: this day trip is designed to include a bee farm stop, but it can be closed on Wednesdays and select holidays. If you are booking specifically for that, plan around the closure dates and do not assume it is always guaranteed.

How to make the most of the beach time:

• Bring swimwear and something you can put on quickly.
• If you want close starfish views, you may need to paddle out or snorkel rather than just stand on shore.

Stop 4: Cua Can River kayaking, mangroves, and real paddling time

Then you get to the reason many people book in the first place: kayaking on the Cua Can River. You pick up a kayak and paddle along part of the river for about 45 minutes.

This is where the “tour” shifts into an actual activity. You control the pace more than at the other stops, and the scenery tends to feel wilder and more untouched because you are moving through the river corridor.

A lot of what makes this moment memorable is simple:

• The kayak is included, so there is no extra rental step.
• The time block is long enough to feel like you did something, not like you got rushed.

What to consider:

• You might get a bit splashed. Think about bringing water-resistant storage for your phone.
• If you do get motion sick in vehicles, the earlier bumpy ride matters more than the kayaking itself. Prepare for the whole day, not just the water part.

Guides, group vibe, and why the day can feel smoother than it looks on paper

Because this is a group tour, your experience can depend on the guide’s tone and how they handle time. The good news is the guides connected with this tour type tend to be strong with English and fun energy.

You may hear guiding styles that include jokes during the longer stretches, and guides who actively keep the group together while still giving you breathing room at each stop. I also like that the itinerary leaves space for flexibility. When weather changes or timing shifts, guides can often adjust the day in ways that keep you from losing the whole experience.

If you are traveling as a family, this style usually works well. Starfish Beach time is often the crowd-pleaser, and the river kayaking gives adults something active without requiring advanced paddling skills.

What could disappoint you, so you can decide fast

This is a balanced day, but it is not perfect for everyone. The main possible downsides I would plan for are:

1) The day can feel long, especially after the big beach highlight. If you want a nonstop sequence, expect a calmer second half.

2) Starfish Beach logistics can vary. Some people report needing an extra trip or cost to reach a more famous starfish spot. If that is a must for you, ask early.

3) Lunch inclusion is unclear versus the time for restaurant food. The stated price says not lunch, so treat meals as separate.

4) Road comfort. The park approach can involve rougher roads. If you are sensitive, pack accordingly.

Who should book this North Phu Quoc tour (and who should skip)

This tour is a good match if you want:

• Kayaking as a real activity, not a short demo
• A beach day centered on Starfish Beach
• A plan that includes admissions and pickup, so you stay in budget
• A mix of nature and scenery without needing private transportation

You might skip it if:

• You prefer slow travel with fewer transfers and longer stays in one place
• Starfish Beach is your only goal and you hate the idea of any possible extra transfer fees
• You get travel sick easily and do not want to plan for bumpy roads and shared-vehicle time

Should you book Discover the North: Kayaking and Starfish Beach?

If your ideal day in Phu Quoc includes Cua Can river kayaking plus meaningful time at Starfish Beach, this is one of the better-structured options at this price. The value is real because admissions are handled, the kayak is provided, and pickup takes the mental work out of getting around.

I would book it if you are flexible and you like a day-trip that moves between nature, viewpoint scenery, and water time. I would think twice if you are extremely time-sensitive, prone to motion sickness, or you want certainty that every starfish-focused segment is fully included with no extra costs.

If you decide to go, go in prepared: bring swim basics, think about vehicle comfort, and ask your guide what is included versus optional at the Starfish Beach moment.

FAQ

How long is the Phu Quoc North kayaking and Starfish Beach tour?

It runs for about 7 hours.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. Round-trip hotel transfers in Phu Quoc are included, and pickup is offered.

Are admission fees included?

Yes. Admission fees are included, so you should not need to pay on the spot.

Are the kayaks included?

Yes. Kayaks are included for you to explore.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included, even though there is time at a local restaurant during the fisherman village stop.

Is the bee farm always part of the trip?

Not always. The bee farm is closed on Wednesdays and some select holidays.