Day Tour | Northern Phu Quoc Discovery Shared Tour: Starfish Beach, Basket Boat Experience at Cua Can River | Vietnam

Starfish Beach, also known as Rach Vem Beach, is situated on the northern part of Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam. This serene location is famous for its shallow, clear waters and pristine white sands, where starfish can often be spotted. Its northern setting contributes to a more tranquil and less crowded atmosphere, making it a peaceful retreat.

It is strongly advised not to touch, pick up, or disturb the starfish at Starfish Beach. While observing them, please maintain a respectful distance. Handling starfish can cause them stress, remove their protective slime, and disrupt their natural behaviors and habitat, which is vital for their survival and the preservation of the marine environment.

A guided tour typically offers a diverse range of experiences. You can enjoy taking memorable photos with starfish at Starfish Beach (note that starfish sightings are best until April). Along the Cua Can River, you'll embark on a traditional basket boat trip, where you can learn about local fishing practices and enjoy a cultural 'Don Ca Tai Tu' performance, often concluding with an exhilarating basket boat spin.

The basket boat spinning experience on Cua Can River is a highlight of the tour, offering an exciting and memorable cultural immersion. Skilled local boat operators will expertly maneuver and spin the traditional round basket boats, creating a fun and exhilarating ride. This activity provides a unique perspective of the river and a deeper connection to local customs, often accompanied by vibrant traditional music.

The optimal season for observing starfish at Starfish Beach typically extends until April. During these months, the weather conditions are generally favorable with calmer, clearer waters, which makes spotting the starfish easier as they congregate closer to the shore. Visiting outside this period may result in fewer starfish sightings due to seasonal changes and their natural migratory patterns.

Visiting a local pepper farm on a Northern Phu Quoc tour provides an educational insight into the island's renowned pepper cultivation. You'll learn about the different varieties of pepper, the meticulous farming techniques, the harvesting process, and how Phu Quoc's unique climate contributes to its distinct flavor. It's an opportunity to understand the local agricultural heritage and economy.

The 'Don Ca Tai Tu' performance during the Cua Can River experience introduces visitors to Southern Vietnamese amateur music, recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This traditional art form, often played on string instruments, reflects the rich cultural tapestry and daily life of the Mekong Delta region. It adds a profound cultural and artistic dimension to your basket boat journey.

To ensure environmental preservation at Starfish Beach, tourists should follow several best practices. This includes refraining from touching or disturbing marine life, especially starfish, and avoiding removing any natural elements from the beach. It's also crucial to dispose of all waste properly in designated bins, carry out anything you bring in, and avoid leaving behind any litter to protect the pristine environment.