Khem Beach Phu Quoc: What to Know Before You Go (2026)

Bãi Khem (Khem Beach) sits at the southern tip of Phu Quoc, about as far from the island’s busy resort corridor as you can get. The crescent-shaped bay faces east, the sand runs cream-white, and the water stays calm enough for children to wade without hesitation. 

In 2018, the Canadian travel company Flight Network named it one of the top 50 beaches in the world – and if anything, it has grown quieter and more polished since. 

Whether you’re planning a full day here or a quick half-day escape, this guide covers everything you need for a smooth visit in 2026.

Overview of Khem Beach

Khem Beach is in An Thoi ward, on the southern coast of Phu Quoc island. It sits approximately 17 km from Phu Quoc International Airport and 25 km from Duong Dong, the island’s main town.

View Khem Beach on Google Maps

Khem Beach earns its reputation through geography as much as scenery. The crescent bay creates a natural wind break, which keeps the water noticeably calmer here than on the island’s open-coast beaches. 

That sheltered geometry also explains the name: “Kem” (an alternate spelling) translates loosely as “cream” or “ice cream,” a nod to both the sand color and the silky texture underfoot.

Best Time to Visit Khem Beach

The dry season runs from November through April. January and February are the most reliably clear months, with low rainfall, gentle seas, and the kind of light that makes the water look brighter than it is. This is peak season, especially on weekends and public holidays.

May marks the start of the southwest monsoon, but Khem’s sheltered position means it stays swimmable longer into the shoulder season than the island’s western beaches. Rain in the wet season (June through October) typically arrives in afternoon bursts. Mornings are often fine, the beach is less crowded, and the jungle backdrop turns a vivid deep green.

What to Do at Khem Beach?

Swimming is the main draw, and the gentle slope into the water makes it safe for most ages. SUP boards and kayaks are available for hire from vendors near the beach entrance, typically at around VND 100,000 to VND 200,000 per hour. Snorkeling gear is also rentable on-site. There are no jet skis or motorized water sports at Khem, which is part of its character.

For those wanting to extend the day, Mũi Ông Đội (Ong Doi Cape) is a short drive south and offers a shaded trail to a headland with open views across the water. It is consistently undervisited relative to the beach and worth the 20-minute detour.

Khem Beach also sits close to An Thoi port, the departure point for the Hon Thom cable car to Hon Thom Nature Park. Combining a morning swim at Khem with an afternoon cable car crossing makes a logical itinerary for a full day in the south. To explore what else Phu Quoc has to offer beyond the beach, see the Phu Quoc discovery guide.

Food and Drink Near Khem Beach

Seafood stalls operate along the approach road to the beach and around An Thoi town. Herring salad (gỏi cá trích), grilled sea urchin with scallion oil (nhum nướng mỡ hành), and grilled squid are the local staples. An Thoi’s small wet market, five minutes by scooter, has fresh produce and the kind of no-frills lunch that costs a fraction of beachside prices.

At the beach itself, beach clubs rent sunbeds for around VND 150,000 for four hours, typically with a drink included. Cafés along the shore cover the basics: cold drinks, light snacks, and shade. Bring your own water and sunscreen regardless; the midday tropical sun is stronger than it looks.

For a wider range of dining back at base, Pullman Phu Quoc’s dining venues include a beachfront seafood grill, a casual bar, and several other concepts, most of which are open to non-resident guests.

How to Get to Khem Beach from Pullman Phu Quoc?

Pullman Phu Quoc Beach Resort sits on Long Beach, the long west-coast beach that runs through the island’s main resort zone. From the resort, Khem Beach is approximately 22 km by road, a 25 to 30-minute drive through An Thoi town.

The resort’s shuttle service is the most straightforward option for guests who want a round trip without arranging their own transport. For those who prefer independence, scooter rentals are widely available in the area, and Grab operates reliably between Long Beach and the south.

Staying on Bãi Trường rather than directly at Khem is a deliberate trade: you gain proximity to the island’s dining and activity options, direct beach access on a long and open stretch of sand, and the flexibility to visit multiple beaches across the island. Khem becomes a day trip rather than a base, which suits travelers who want to move around. 

Browse rooms and suites at Pullman Phu Quoc Beach Resort for accommodation options on Bãi Trường.

Conclusion

Khem Beach works best as an early start: arrive before 9:00 AM, take the water at its calmest, watch the light shift over the bay from the east, and clear out before midday crowds arrive. The 30-minute drive from Long Beach is the only real friction, and it is easy to solve. Combine it with Ong Doi Cape or An Thoi for a full day in the south, then return to the resort stretch for dinner.

If you are looking for a base on Phu Quoc that keeps the whole island within reach, book direct at Pullman Phu Quoc Beach Resort for the best rate.

Frequently Asked Questions