North Phu Quoc is a different world. This day trip strings together Cua Can River kayaking and a real taste of the island’s north side, with forest paths, beach viewpoints toward Cambodia, and a long chunk of time at Starfish Beach. I like two things most: admission fees are included, and your kayak is provided so you’re not hunting around for rentals.

One thing to keep in mind: the day can run long, and the Starfish Beach experience depends on conditions at the time (some people noted extra costs or fewer starfish when it wasn’t ideal).

Key highlights at a glance

• Cua Can River kayaking (45 minutes): a chance to paddle on a wilder stretch rather than just sitting on a beach.
• Old-tree walk in Phu Quoc National Park: a short forest trail beside trees that can be around a century old.
• Mui Ganh Dau for Cambodia-border views: quick beach time with a far-sight look across the water.
• Rach Vem floating village + Starfish Beach: plenty of free time to relax, stroll, and swim in shallow water.
• Bee farm stop has blackout days: it’s closed on Wednesdays and some holidays.
• Group size is capped at 100: big enough for meeting people, still small enough to keep the schedule moving.

The North-Side Mix That Makes This Tour Worth $44

At $44 per person, the big value here is not one single highlight. It’s the way the day combines several distinct “Phu Quoc moods” without asking you to plan, book, or pay for every little ticket yourself.

You start with a nature-heavy feel (forest trail), then shift to coastal scenery (Mui Ganh Dau with Cambodia views), and you finish with the activity people come for most: kayaking plus serious beach time at Starfish Beach. The overall arc is simple: move around, then slow down where it matters.

I also appreciate that this is a group tour with an air-conditioned vehicle. On a hot island day, that matters more than it sounds, especially on the longer road stretches.

Getting Picked Up and Staying Comfortable on the Roads

You’ll get round-trip hotel transfers in Phu Quoc, plus a mobile ticket and bottled water. That means less friction on arrival days when you just want the day to start.

The drive comfort is mostly covered by the air-conditioned vehicle. Still, keep in mind that some roads on the island can feel rough—one reason I’d pack a small motion-sickness safety plan if you’re sensitive. If you’ve ever felt queasy in winding rural roads, bring something just in case.

Group size is capped at 100 travelers. In practice, that usually means you’re not stuck waiting forever for a bus-door shuffle, but you’ll still be part of a crowd at the most popular spots. Go with the flow and keep your timing flexible.

Phu Quoc National Park: A Short Forest Walk with Big-Tree Energy

Your first real stop is Phu Quoc National Park, with about 35 minutes for a walking trail through forest among very old trees. This part is less about thrill and more about atmosphere: shade, birds (if you’re lucky), and the feeling that you’ve stepped away from the resort world.

Because the walk time is capped, you won’t turn this into a hiking day. It’s designed as a palate cleanser—get a bit of nature under your feet, then switch gears to coastal viewpoints.

The potential drawback: if you’re hoping for “picture-perfect everywhere” views, this is a forest walk. Lighting can feel dim under the canopy, so it’s not always bright-photo country.

Mui Ganh Dau Beach: Cambodia Views Without the Long Detour

Next up is Mui Ganh Dau Beach for around 25 minutes. This is your quick scenic stop aimed at one key payoff: the border view across the water toward Cambodia.

Think of it as a “look, breathe, and move on” stop. You don’t spend hours here, so you don’t lose the rest of your day to sightseeing logistics. Bring sun protection anyway. Even when you’re near water, midday brightness on Phu Quoc can be intense.

If you’re the kind of traveler who loves geography-by-visibility (seeing another country from your chair), this brief stop hits the target. If you want long beach lounging, you’ll be happier saving that energy for later Starfish Beach time.

Rach Vem Floating Village and Starfish Beach Time

This is where the tour’s energy changes from moving to playing. You get about 1 hour 30 minutes around the Rach Vem fisherman village area, including time for lunch (more on that below) and a big block of free time.

This stop is built around three things:

• strolling the village area
• swimming and checking out starfish in shallow water
• relaxing on the beach

Starfish Beach is often the headline for a reason: the water is shallow enough that families can handle it, and you may see starfish where you paddle or snorkel a bit closer. One note from experience-style advice: don’t expect a guaranteed number. Season and conditions matter. If your goal is maximum starfish spotting, go in with patience and bring snorkeling goggles or a mask if you use them back home.

Also, ask questions calmly about access to the exact starfish zone when you arrive. One person reported needing to pay an extra 100K for a ride to reach what they called the proper starfish beach area. That doesn’t mean it will happen to you, but it’s smart to confirm what’s included on the day.

Cua Can Kayaking: The 45 Minutes That People Actually Remember

Now the part most people time-travel back to in their memories: kayaking on the Cua Can River for about 45 minutes. Kayaks are included, and this is the most active segment in the schedule.

What I like about this format is that kayaking isn’t treated like a photo-op. You actually get paddling time, which means you can feel the river’s pace—slower than open sea, more alive than a dock.

You’ll be in a nature setting with mangroves and riverside scenery. If you care about getting away from crowds, this is your closest match in the itinerary because it’s not a “stand here and pose” stop.

Practical tips:

• Bring or use a dry bag (or a Ziplock) so your phone and camera survive splashes.
• Wear something quick-dry.
• If you’re even slightly prone to motion sickness, be cautious with the road stretch before the river stop; one rider suggested plastic bags just in case.

Bee Farm Stop: Small, Interesting, and Closed on Key Days

The tour includes a bee farm stop as part of the north route, but it’s closed on Wednesdays and select holidays. So if your schedule lands on one of those days, don’t be surprised if the timing shifts or the guide swaps in other small stops.

The bee farm experience tends to be short and hands-on in the way animal-and-insect stops often are: listening, asking questions, and learning how the place works. People also mention fresh pepper being extremely spicy, which is your gentle reminder that “tasting time” can be intense.

If you’re traveling on a Wednesday and bee farm is a must-do for you, I’d double-check the day-of plan with your guide when you meet.

Price Breakdown: What You’re Paying For (and What You Still Need to Pay)

At $44, this tour does a smart job controlling surprise costs. Admission fees are included, kayaks are included, and you get air-conditioned transport plus bottled water and transfers.

The one confusing part is lunch. The tour price listing says lunch is not included, but the village stop is described as including lunch at a local restaurant. Here’s how to handle that as a practical traveler: bring some cash or a card buffer for food, and expect that the restaurant meal is paid locally or arranged with optional purchase.

If you want to keep spending under control, plan like lunch will be an extra cost. If lunch turns out to be cheaper than you expected, great. If it’s more, you won’t feel blindsided.

Compared to piecing together snorkeling/boat, separate rentals, and entry tickets yourself, this is good value—especially because you’re also covering multiple stops in one day.

Guide Style Matters on This Route

This itinerary can feel better or worse depending on the guide’s pace and energy. In the feedback you can see a pattern: guides like Ren, Viet, Woa, and Duc are praised for good English and keeping the mood light with humor.

You’ll feel that most on the bus ride and the transitions between sites. When the guide is confident and upbeat, you spend less of the day “waiting around” and more of it understanding what you’re actually looking at—forest, coast, river, village life, and the starfish area.

Who Should Book This Tour (and Who Might Prefer Something Else)

I think this tour is a strong fit if you want:

• an active but not exhausting day (kayaking is included, walking is short)
• a mix of nature, beach, and a little island geography (Cambodia views)
• a tour that handles tickets and transfers for you

It’s also a decent family option. Starfish time is in shallow water, and the day isn’t built around risky water conditions.

You might prefer a different tour if:

• you’re hypersensitive to bumpy roads and motion sickness
• you hate long “free time” blocks where you’re not guided step-by-step
• you need guaranteed starfish numbers (nothing in nature is guaranteed)

Should You Book Discover the North: Kayaking & Starfish Beach?

I’d book it if you want good value with admission and kayak costs handled, plus a schedule that covers the north side without you doing logistics math all day.

Before you go, do two smart checks:

• Ask whether the day’s starfish access includes any extra ride or fee to reach the best area.
• Confirm what happens with the bee farm if you’re traveling on a Wednesday or a holiday date.

If those two points are clear, you’ll get a solid full-day mix: old-tree forest, border-view beach, floating village wandering, and the river paddle that makes the day feel worth the effort.

FAQ

Is lunch included in the tour price?

Lunch is not listed as included in the tour price. The itinerary describes lunch time at the floating village area, so plan to pay for your meal locally.

What does the tour include besides lunch?

The tour includes bottled water, a kayak, and air-conditioned vehicle transport, plus admission fees for the stops that charge entry.

Do I need to pay any admission fees on the spot?

No. Admission fees are included, so you should not need to pay entry tickets during the included stops.

How long is the tour?

The duration is about 7 hours (approximately).

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. Round-trip hotel transfers in Phu Quoc are included for convenience, and the tour ends back at the meeting point.

How long do I kayak on the Cua Can River?

Kayaking time is about 45 minutes, and kayaks are included.

Will I be able to swim with starfish?

Yes, the itinerary includes time at the floating village/Starfish Beach area where you can swim and check out the starfish in shallow water. Visibility and starfish counts can vary by conditions.

Is the bee farm always open?

No. The bee farm is closed on Wednesdays and select holidays.

What if the weather is bad?

The tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, it won’t be refunded.