Starfish Beach (Bai Rach Vem) is located 25 km north of Duong Dong and offers completely free beach access, with operating hours daily from 08:00 to 19:30. Reaching the remote fishing village requires navigating a 15 km red dirt road starting from the Suoi Cai–Ganh Dau intersection, taking about 45 to 75 minutes from the Long Beach area by scooter or hired driver. Morning is the ideal time to visit for calmer water, clearer visibility, and active starfish viewing before afternoon crowds and rising tides alter the shallows.
Getting to Starfish Beach & Transport Costs
Starfish Beach is tucked away on the northeast coast of Phu Quoc, roughly 45 to 75 minutes away from the busy Long Beach and Duong Dong areas. The journey requires traveling north along major island arteries before turning off toward the coast. Most travelers choose to rent a motorbike, which typically costs 150,000 to 200,000 VND ($6 to $8 USD) for a full 24-hour rental.
If you prefer four wheels, a private car round trip from the Corona Resort area in the north costs between 300,000 and 400,000 VND ($12 to $16 USD). Once you arrive at the fishing village, parking is organized by local families and costs 10,000 to 20,000 VND ($0.40 to $0.80 USD). There are no entrance fees to access the coastline or walk out onto the wooden piers.
| Transport Type | Route / Details | Cost (VND / USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Motorbike Rental | Full day island rental | 150,000 – 200,000 VND ($6 – $8) |
| Beach Parking | Secure parking at Rach Vem village | 10,000 – 20,000 VND ($0.40 – $0.80) |
| Private Car (Round Trip) | From Corona Resort area | 300,000 – 400,000 VND ($12 – $16) |
| Canoe / Boat to Ham Rong | Optional coastal boat ride per person | 150,000 – 200,000 VND ($6 – $8) |
Navigating the Red Dirt Road
The journey to Starfish Beach is famous for its final leg. While the first portion of your ride from Duong Dong involves smooth, paved provincial roads, the approach to Rach Vem requires tackling an unpaved track. The standard route involves turning left at the busy Suoi Cai–Ganh Dau intersection and continuing for about 15 km along a rugged red dirt road.
During the dry season, this road is dusty and manageable at slow speeds, though loose gravel and occasional potholes demand your full attention. If you are visiting during the rainy season, large puddles can conceal deep ruts, making a steady scooter or a reliable private car essential. Always check weather conditions before heading out, and drive defensively on the narrower stretches.
If you rent a semi-automatic or automatic motorbike from Sabrina Rental for your Phu Quoc adventure, let us check your tires and brakes before you tackle the Suoi Cai red dirt road. We are always happy to share live updates on road conditions after heavy overnight rains.
Best Times to Visit & Protecting the Starfish
Timing your visit is essential for the best experience. Local guides and seasoned travelers agree that morning is significantly better than afternoon. Morning hours offer calmer water, gentle winds, and exceptional water clarity that lets you spot bright orange and red starfish resting on the sandy bottom without squinting through glare or choppy waves.
When you reach the shallows, remember a crucial environmental rule: never lift starfish out of the water. Starfish breathe through their skin and suffocate quickly in the air; human oils and sunscreen also cause chemical burns to their delicate bodies. Additionally, the shallows can harbor hidden sea urchins and sharp shells, so packing a sturdy pair of water shoes is strongly recommended before you wade in.
Morning Visit
08:00 – 11:00 is prime time. Water is crystal clear, calm, and shallow enough to view dozens of wild starfish clearly.
Afternoon Visit
Winds pick up, tides rise, and water churns up sediment, making starfish significantly harder to spot from the surface.
Floating Houses and Exploring Mui Ham Rong
Rach Vem is primarily an active fishing village rather than a commercial resort beach. The shoreline is lined with rustic wooden stilt houses built out over the turquoise water. These floating restaurants serve exceptionally fresh seafood harvested directly from local cages—including grouper, squid, and sea snails.
If you want to explore further up the coast, local boat operators offer canoe and wooden boat trips to Mui Ham Rong (Ham Rong Beach) for 150,000 to 200,000 VND ($6 to $8 USD) per person. These boats take you past pristine empty stretches of sand that are entirely inaccessible by land vehicles, adding a genuine adventure element to your north island day trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to enter Starfish Beach?
Beach access to Starfish Beach (Bai Rach Vem) is completely free. There are no entrance tickets or admission fees charged at the fishing village. You only pay for your personal transportation, optional boat rentals to Mui Ham Rong at 150,000–200,000 VND ($6–$8 USD) per person, meals at the floating stilt restaurants, and a small parking fee of 10,000–20,000 VND ($0.40–$0.80 USD).
What are the opening hours of Starfish Beach?
Starfish Beach officially welcomes visitors daily from 08:00 to 19:30. Because it is an open public coastline and working fishing village rather than an enclosed theme park, there are no gates, but visiting during daylight hours—especially the morning low tide window—is strongly advised for safety and visibility.
How far is Starfish Beach from Duong Dong?
Starfish Beach is situated approximately 25 km north of Duong Dong town. Depending on your starting point in the Long Beach area and your mode of transport, the journey takes about 45 to 75 minutes. The route involves heading north toward Ganh Dau, turning at the Suoi Cai intersection, and navigating about 15 km of red dirt road.
Can I rent a motorbike to reach Rach Vem?
Yes, renting a motorbike is one of the most popular ways to get there. Full-day motorbike rentals on Phu Quoc typically cost 150,000 to 200,000 VND ($6 to $8 USD). Ensure your scooter has good tires for the 15 km unpaved red dirt stretch, drive slowly, and ask your rental provider about recent road conditions if it has rained heavily.
How much is a private car to Starfish Beach?
A private car round trip from northern hubs like Corona Resort costs between 300,000 and 400,000 VND ($12 to $16 USD). If traveling from Duong Dong or Long Beach via ride-hailing apps like Grab, a one-way trip costs roughly 200,000 to 280,000 VND ($8 to $11 USD), though securing a return ride from Rach Vem can sometimes require arranging a waiting fee with your driver.
Why are water shoes recommended at Starfish Beach?
Water shoes are strongly recommended because the shallow sandy seabed and shoreline areas around Rach Vem frequently hide live sea urchins and sharp, broken seashells. Wearing protective footwear lets you wade safely through the crystal-clear water without worrying about accidental punctures or cuts.
Need a reliable motorbike, a private car transfer, or local tips for exploring Phu Quoc's northern beaches? Contact Sabrina Rental today to book your gear and start your island adventure!
Contact Sabrina Rental
