Khem Beach Phu Quoc doesn’t try too hard. It’s not blasting music or waving sunbeds in your face. It just sits at the southern tip of Phu Quoc, quiet and smug, with sand so soft you’ll stop walking just to touch it. People call it powder. I say it’s more like flour, cool, fine, and somehow still clean even at noon.
Yeah, some travel site ranked it among the best beaches in the world. But you don’t need a list to know it’s special. One barefoot step and you’ll get it. Khem isn’t about showing off. It’s about slowing down.
Aerial view of Khem Beach Phu Quoc with white sand, calm sea, and resorts along the coastline
Why is Khem Beach a must-visit?
Khem Beach isn’t just pretty. It’s the kind of place that slows you down without asking.
Forget the chaos up north. Here, the sand feels like sifted flour. It's cool, fine, and so soft you’ll probably sit down just to run it through your fingers. It sneaks between your toes, but you don’t care. That’s half the charm.
The water? Calm and glassy. No rough drops, no surprise currents. Just a giant saltwater swimming pool where you can float forever or snorkel lazily around the edges.
And then there’s the quiet. No blaring speakers. No jet ski circus. Just the sound of the breeze sliding through the palms.
If you’re into comfort, Khem’s got that too. Resorts line the shore, tucked into the trees like they belong there. Wake up, grab your morning coffee on a balcony, and walk barefoot straight onto the sand. It feels a little unfair, like the beach is working overtime to spoil you.
How to get to Khem Beach
Getting to Khem Beach from Dương Đông takes about 30 minutes, and the ride itself feels like a mini-adventure. There’s more than one way down, and each route shows you a slightly different face of the island.
Map of Phu Quoc showing Khem Beach location on the southern coast
Route 1: Scenic & Temple-Filled
This one winds past Suối Tranh and the striking Hộ Quốc Pagoda, a temple perched above the sea. On the way, you’ll roll past roadside markets with the smell of grilled corn in the air and maybe swing by Sao Beach for a quick photo. Smooth ride, plenty of views.
Route 2: The Easy Straight Shot
Just head south along Trần Hưng Đạo and follow it toward Trường Beach before cutting across to Khem. You’ll cruise past Dương Bảo Market, small neighborhoods, and the usual scooter buzz. It’s direct, beginner-friendly, and the one most people take if they don’t want surprises.
An image of the entrance to Khem Beach from a resort
Route 3: The Back Road via Phu Quoc Prison
This is the adventurous option. Partly dirt track, partly coastal road, it runs by the old Phu Quoc Prison before linking down to Khem. The views are raw, but the bumps are real too, best left for locals or confident riders.
Ways to Get There
Motorbike rental - About 150,000 VND/day. Best for freedom and quick detours.
Private car with driver - Comfortable if you’re with family. Costs around 800,000–1,500,000 VND.
Taxi or Grab - Smooth and easy. Just note that prices climb the further you are from Dương Đông.
Whichever way you roll, the ride ends the same: the road opens, the trees clear, and suddenly Khem’s powder-white sand spreads out in front of you. A reminder that sometimes the journey really does make the beach feel better.
Best Time to Visit Khem Beach
Khem Beach is one of those rare spots that never really disappoints, but it definitely has moods.
From October to March, the island’s on its best behavior. Blue skies, calm seas, and just enough breeze to keep you from melting. This is when you want to swim, snorkel, or just flop on the sand and do nothing. It’s peak season, though, so expect a few more footprints in the sand.
Come April to May and you’ll feel the shift. The days get hotter, the air heavier, but the water? Still calm. You might catch a quick shower in the morning, then spend the afternoon tanning under skies so clear it almost hurts.
By June to September, the rainy season rolls in, but don’t write it off. The mornings often start golden before clouds gather in the afternoon. Showers hit fast, then fade just as quickly, leaving the sand cool and the trees brighter. The bonus? Fewer people, cheaper rooms, and that wild, fresh smell after rain that makes the whole beach feel new.
So whenever you land, Khem gives you something. Sun, solitude, or even a sudden downpour that forces you to slow down and sip a coffee while the storm passes.
Tourists relaxing and swimming in the calm clear water of Khem Beach Phu Quoc on a sunny day
What to do in Khem Beach, Phu Quoc?
Khem isn’t the kind of beach that pressures you into doing things. It’s calm enough to just lie there all day, but if you want to move, there’s plenty waiting.
Start with the obvious: swimming. The water is so calm you can wade out forever without a wave knocking you off your feet. Kids love it, and honestly, so do adults who just want to float like a lazy starfish.
Grab a mask and go snorkeling near the rocky edges. You won’t find Great Barrier Reef vibes, but flashes of tropical fish and tiny coral patches are enough to make you grin through your snorkel.
If you’re the restless type, the bay has its louder side, parasailing, banana boats, jet skis tearing across the horizon. Fun if you’re chasing a rush, easy to ignore if you’re not.
Prefer slow travel? Rent a kayak and paddle along the shoreline. From the water, the beach feels wider, the trees taller, and the resorts smaller, a different perspective entirely.
Or just stay on land. Beach volleyball pops up when groups get bored of sunbathing, and trust me, nothing bonds strangers faster than chasing a ball barefoot through hot sand.
And when hunger wins? Wander to a beachfront shack for grilled squid, cold beer, or a coconut so fresh it still drips on your feet.
Honestly, you don’t need an itinerary here. Do everything, or nothing. Khem Beach makes both feel like the right choice.
Dining Experiences at Khem Beach
Beachfront dining setup with red umbrellas and lounge chairs on Khem Beach
Food at Khem Beach doesn't just fill you up, it sticks in your memory. Most of it comes from the fishing boats you see bobbing in the distance. By the time it hits your plate, it was probably swimming a few hours ago.
There's the herring salad, sharp with garlic and chili and softened by fresh herbs. It sounds simple until you wrap it in rice paper and dunk it in sauce, and suddenly, the whole beach tastes different.
Then, there were the grilled fish, mackerel, snapper, and whatever came in that day. Charcoal smoke clings to the skin, the meat flakes apart, and you eat it too fast because it's still steaming.
And if you're curious, say yes to the sea urchin. It's split open, brushed with scallion oil, and cooked until it smells like the ocean got buttered. It's creamy, strange, and addictive.
Most places don't bother with menus. You point at the tank, they nod, and ten minutes later, something sizzling lands in front of you. Plates pile up, shells clink, and the waves play their background music. Maybe it's a cold beer, maybe it's strong Vietnamese coffee, but either way, the night slides by too easily.
Sure, some spots are pricey; luxury resorts don't do cheap. But even the fancier setups don't take away from the core: sand under your chair, smoke in the air, seafood that tastes like the sea is still watching you eat it.
Where to Stay Near Khem Beach
Street view of luxury resorts and hotels near Khem Beach Phu Quoc surrounded by greenery
Looking for a place to stay near Khem Beach? It all depends on the type of travel you choose.
Some visitors seek luxury, the beachfront experience, ocean views, and five-star service. Resorts such as JW Marriott Phu Quoc and Premier Village cater to individuals who enjoy spa days, infinity pools, and seaside cocktails. They do come at a cost, though. But for many, it's worthwhile.
Others simply want a comfortable stay without paying a lot. Paralia Khem Beach Hotel and Ann Hotel & Spa provide clean, comfortable rooms without breaking the budget. It is a short walk to the beach, simple yet satisfactory.
Then there are budget vacationers. Guesthouses, modest hotels, and rental homes in adjacent towns provide a more affordable option while also allowing you to experience local life. A morning coffee at a street cafe. Chatting with market merchants. A new kind of journey, one that goes beyond the beach.
If you plan to travel between October and March, make sure you book early. Peak season brings higher prices and fewer options, and no one wants to spend a day looking for a place to stay. Lock it in early and concentrate on the positives, white sand, calm water, and great seafood waiting at the beach.
Nearby Attractions & Cultural Experiences
Khem Beach can keep you grounded for days, but if you manage to peel yourself off the sand, the south side of Phu Quoc opens up like a different world.
First comes the shadow of history: Phu Quoc Prison. Coconut Tree Prison isn’t an easy visit. You walk past rusted bars, cracked concrete, and stories etched into every cell. It’s heavy, and it should be. The silence follows you out the gate, and for a while, even the sea breeze feels different.
A short ride away, the mood flips. Ho Quoc Pagoda rises above the coastline, all gold, incense, and open sky. Climb the steps, let the wind hit your face, and watch the ocean stretch below like it’s endless. It’s peace you can actually feel in your bones.
Still restless? Head toward the An Thoi Archipelago. The water here is so clear it feels like you’re snorkeling inside glass. Coral, fish, sunlight streaming through the waves, the kind of quiet adventure that resets your head without you realizing it.
And then, the sky ride: Hon Thom Cable Car. Longest over-the-sea stretch on the planet. You float above fishing boats and turquoise patches, everything shrinking below until it looks painted. On the other side waits Hon Thom Island, beaches tucked away, waves whispering at the edges.
When you want contrast, swing by the Mediterranean Town. It’s pastel walls, cobbled streets, gelato in hand. Sure, it’s staged, but wander around with a glass of wine and you’ll forget you’re still in Vietnam.
That’s the beauty of staying near Khem. In one day, you can move from war history to temple calm, from snorkeling reefs to floating above the sea, and end with Europe-in-miniature. All without straying far from that soft white sand you started on.
Local Tips and Travel Advice
Khem might look effortless, but a little prep makes it way smoother. Here’s what we learned the hard way (so you don’t have to).
Book early, or you’ll regret it.
From November through March, those beachfront resorts get snapped up like morning bánh mì. The best balconies? Gone weeks in advance. If you’re serious about waking up with the sand right outside your door, lock it in early.\
Show up in the morning.
By 10 a.m., the calm water and quiet vibe start giving way to families, tour groups, and way too many selfie sticks. Get there early, and it feels like the whole bay is yours.
Getting there is half the fun.
We rode motorbikes, cheap, breezy, and perfect for random stops (you will stop for sugarcane juice, trust me). Families usually go with cars and drivers, which is comfier but less adventurous. Either way, double-check your route. GPS sometimes sends you down bumpy side tracks that look like goat paths.
Cash over cards.
Yeah, the big resorts will happily swipe your Visa. But those beach shacks grilling squid? It’s all about crumpled bills. Bring small notes for food, coconuts, and the inevitable sunbed rental.
Pack like the sun has no mercy.
Flip-flops are fine until you hit a patch of shells or hot sand. Sunscreen is non-negotiable (reef-safe if you can). And a quick-dry towel makes life easier when you’ve had one swim too many.
Leave it better than you found it.
This one matters. Parts of Phu Quoc get trashed, and Khem doesn’t deserve that fate. If you carried it in, carry it out. A clean beach isn’t just good manners, it’s the difference between paradise and disappointment.
