
Rach Vem Floating Restaurant Phu Quoc
Discover Rach Vem's magical Starfish Beach and enjoy fresh seafood at charming floating restaurants on Phu Quoc island.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
More starfish & fewer crowds

Rach Vem Floating Restaurant Phu Quoc
Best Time
More starfish & fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Rach Vem's magical Starfish Beach and enjoy fresh seafood at charming floating restaurants on Phu Quoc island.
"Witness thousands of red starfish in crystal-clear waters – a truly magical sight!"

🎯 Go Early for Starfish
Arrive before 10 AM for the best starfish sightings and to avoid large tour groups.
💰 Negotiate Boat Prices
Be firm on boat ride prices to Starfish Beach; some report high charges.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Starfish Beach
Rach Vem Village
Witness thousands of vibrant red starfish dotting the shallow, clear waters. A truly magical and unique natural spectacle.

Floating Seafood Restaurants
Rach Vem Village
Savor incredibly fresh seafood caught daily, served at charming restaurants built on stilts over the water.

Scenic Boat Ride
From Rach Vem Village to Starfish Beach
Enjoy a picturesque journey across the turquoise waters, often passing by local fishing boats and serene coastal views.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Starfish Sightings
Beware of Boat Tour Pricing
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Go Early for Starfish
Arrive before 10 AM for the best starfish sightings and to avoid large tour groups.
💰 Negotiate Boat Prices
Be firm on boat ride prices to Starfish Beach; some report high charges.
🍽️ Fresh Seafood Feast
Indulge in delicious, locally sourced seafood at the floating restaurants.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The path to the village can be rough; sturdy footwear is recommended.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Go Early for Starfish
Arrive before 10 AM for the best starfish sightings and to avoid large tour groups.
💰 Negotiate Boat Prices
Be firm on boat ride prices to Starfish Beach; some report high charges.
🍽️ Fresh Seafood Feast
Indulge in delicious, locally sourced seafood at the floating restaurants.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The path to the village can be rough; sturdy footwear is recommended.
📸 Respect Wildlife
Admire starfish in their natural habitat; avoid removing them from the water.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Rach Vem offers a unique natural spectacle with its vibrant starfish beach and charming floating seafood restaurants. Visitors rave about the freshness of the seafood and the picturesque setting. However, some travelers caution about potential overpricing for boat trips and the environmental impact of certain tourist practices.
"I've been living in this fishing village for many months now. It consists of many seafood restaurants as well as many local fishermen. You can also take a boat from here to the famous starfish beach, but be wary not to be overcharged. I've attached some of the many pictures I have taken doing my time here."
Jonatan Sørensen
"Don't be fooled and don't come here. They charge 200-300 000 VND to come to the starfish beach couple km away with more boats then starfish. And these poor creatures suspiciously are just next to the pier like someone brought them there on purpose. Insta people taking starfish out of the water to make stupid photos with them, harming them. You can swim there but they don't give you masks, beach is boring and locals respect to nature is zero. Just terrible and purposeless activity."
slasivano
"What a surprise! The village is famous for its starfish beach. Walking on wooden bridges above the sea is fun. Eating seafood at floating restaurants is delicious. I’d recommend my friends to visit for both food and the amazing sight of red starfish in clear water."
Hien Nguyen
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The journey to Rach Vem village involves a somewhat rough road, and from there, you'll likely take a boat to the floating restaurants or Starfish Beach. Taxis and Grab drivers are common options to reach the village.
Yes, taxis and ride-sharing services like Grab are readily available on Phu Quoc and can take you to Rach Vem village. Be prepared for a potentially bumpy ride on the final stretch.
Small boats or canoes are typically used to travel from Rach Vem village to the nearby Starfish Beach. Negotiate the price for this short trip beforehand.
While possible to drive part of the way, the road conditions can be challenging. Many visitors opt for taxis or motorbikes for the final approach.
Rach Vem is located on the northern coast of Phu Quoc. It's advisable to use GPS or ask locals for directions once you're in the general vicinity, as road signs might be limited.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There isn't a formal entrance ticket for Rach Vem village itself. However, you will pay for boat rides to Starfish Beach and for the food you consume at the floating restaurants.
Prices for the boat trip to Starfish Beach can vary significantly, with some visitors reporting costs of 200,000-300,000 VND per person, though negotiation is key.
Typically, there are no separate entrance fees for the floating restaurants. Your cost will be for the seafood and drinks you order.
The floating restaurants generally operate during daylight hours, especially for lunch and early dinner, to coincide with the best times for enjoying the scenery and fresh seafood.
While some tours might be bookable, it's often more common to arrange boat trips directly with local fishermen upon arrival at Rach Vem village.
🎫 🌟 Onsite Experience
The primary draw is the chance to see thousands of red starfish at Starfish Beach, especially during the morning low tide. The floating seafood restaurants are also a major highlight.
The optimal time to see the starfish is during the morning low tide, ideally before 10 AM, when they are most visible and the crowds are smaller.
You can enjoy swimming in the clear waters, take photos, and most importantly, dine on incredibly fresh seafood at the unique floating restaurants.
Light, comfortable clothing is recommended. Bring swimwear if you plan to swim, and wear sturdy footwear as the paths can be uneven. Sunscreen and a hat are essential.
Absolutely! The vibrant red starfish, the turquoise waters, and the rustic charm of the floating restaurants offer fantastic photo opportunities.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The restaurants specialize in incredibly fresh, locally caught seafood. Expect a variety of fish, shellfish, and squid prepared in traditional Vietnamese styles.
While the seafood is fresh, prices can be on the higher side, especially considering the remote location. It's wise to inquire about prices before ordering.
Vegetarian options are limited, as the focus is heavily on seafood. It's best to inquire directly with the restaurants if you have dietary restrictions.
Dining is a unique experience, with tables and chairs set up on platforms over the water. It's a rustic and charming setting to enjoy your meal.
Yes, many visitors highly recommend the floating restaurants for their fresh seafood and unique atmosphere, despite potential higher costs.
📸 📸 Photography
The Starfish Beach itself is the prime spot, especially with the starfish in the water. The wooden walkways and the floating restaurants also offer picturesque views.
Early morning, during the low tide, provides the best light and the highest concentration of visible starfish for stunning photographs.
The main photography tip is to be respectful of the environment and wildlife. Avoid removing starfish from the water for photos, as this harms them.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive beach and sea views. A waterproof camera or phone case is advisable if you plan on getting close to the water.
You can take photos of the starfish in their natural habitat. However, it's strongly discouraged to pick them up or disturb them for photos, as this can be harmful.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting in the morning to avoid the peak crowds and ensure the best starfish viewing. While the boat rides are short, ensure your children are comfortable with them. Dining at the floating restaurants can be an exciting experience for kids, offering a chance to try fresh seafood in a novel setting. Just be mindful of the rustic environment and potential for uneven paths.
💰 Budget Travelers
Focus on enjoying the natural beauty and the experience of the floating restaurants. Ordering a few key dishes rather than an extensive meal can help manage costs. The journey to Rach Vem itself can be done via Grab or taxi, so compare prices to find the most economical option.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Don't forget to capture the rustic charm of the floating restaurants and the scenic boat journeys. A wide-angle lens will be useful for landscapes, and a waterproof phone case is a smart addition for capturing close-ups near the water. Remember to be respectful of the environment while you shoot.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Starfish Phenomenon
However, it's crucial to remember that these starfish are living beings. Many travelers and locals emphasize the importance of respecting their habitat. Picking them up or removing them from the water for photos can cause significant harm and stress, potentially leading to their death. The best way to appreciate them is by observing them gently in their natural environment.
To maximize your chances of seeing the starfish, plan your visit during the morning low tide, ideally before 10 AM. This timing not only increases the visibility of the starfish but also helps you avoid the larger crowds that tend to arrive later in the day.
Culinary Delights at Rach Vem
Popular choices include grilled fish, succulent prawns, squid, and various local shellfish, all prepared with authentic Vietnamese flavors. While the quality of the seafood is consistently praised, some visitors note that prices can be higher than on the mainland due to the logistics of operating in a remote location. It's always a good idea to inquire about prices before ordering to avoid any surprises.
For those seeking a more authentic and less tourist-centric experience, the floating restaurants provide a glimpse into the local fishing culture. It's a chance to savor the ocean's bounty while immersed in the rustic charm of this fishing village.
Navigating the Journey to Rach Vem
Once you arrive at Rach Vem village, you'll likely need to take a short boat trip to reach the floating restaurants or the famous Starfish Beach. These boat rides are usually arranged with local fishermen. It's important to negotiate the price for these boat trips clearly before you set off, as there have been reports of visitors feeling overcharged.
Despite the travel challenges, many find the journey worthwhile for the unique experiences that await. The sense of remoteness and the natural beauty encountered along the way contribute to the overall charm of visiting Rach Vem.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit