Vietnam’s Largest Island! Recommended Souvenirs from Phu Quoc
Phu Quoc, Vietnam’s largest island, has become one of the most talked-about resort destinations. In recent years, resort hotels and shopping malls have sprung up, and the opening of Phu Quoc International Airport has made access incredibly easy. Known as Vietnam’s “last frontier” or “last paradise,” Phu Quoc is famed for its crystal-clear waters and pure white sands—its sunsets from the beach are simply breathtaking!
With night markets and shopping spots in abundance, visitors flock here from all over the world. Here are our top souvenir picks from Phu Quoc—be sure to keep them in mind on your next trip!
table of contents
[x] close
Vietnam’s Largest Island! Recommended Souvenirs from Phu Quoc
1. Sim Fruit Snacks & Drinks
Have you heard of the sim berry? This local, berry-like fruit is increasingly celebrated as a Phu Quoc specialty. Products made from sim include sim wine, which is said to aid digestion and fight fatigue. It’s tangy, delicious, and reputedly good for your health—an ideal gift!
On Phu Quoc you’ll find distilleries producing sim wine; many offer tours. Beyond the wine, you can buy sim-based sweets, juices, and jams at both these distilleries and the gift shops in Phu Quoc International Airport. Locals and tourists alike often buy extra for themselves, so be sure to give it a try!
2. Pepper
Phu Quoc’s most popular souvenir is its pepper. Vietnam is the world’s top pepper exporter, and Phu Quoc is dotted with pepper farms you can visit. Many farms even let you sample freshly harvested peppercorns—and then purchase your favorites right from their on-site shop.
You’ll find coarse or fine grinds, black, white, green, and red pepper, as well as flavored varieties like garlic or lemon pepper. Cooking enthusiasts will love how Phu Quoc pepper instantly elevates any dish—and it even pairs surprisingly well with fruits like mangoes and guavas. Night markets and souvenir shops carry a wide range, so you can pick the perfect pepper blend to take home.
3. Pearls
Phu Quoc is also renowned for its pearl farms, making its pearls a top local specialty. The island’s pearl farms produce high-quality pearls at affordable prices, so they make a very popular souvenir. You can tour a pearl farm to watch the harvesting process and see beautiful pearls emerge from their shells.
While night markets often sell pearl necklaces, bracelets, and earrings, it can be hard to verify authenticity. If you’re concerned, purchase directly from a shop affiliated with a pearl farm to ensure you’re getting genuine Phu Quoc pearls.
◎ Summary
Here are some of the best souvenirs from Vietnam’s largest island, Phu Quoc. What did you think? Another famous local product is nuoc mam (fish sauce), a staple of Vietnamese cuisine—but it has a strong aroma and can’t be carried on the plane, so be sure to sample it while you’re there! Enjoy discovering and bringing home these unique Phu Quoc specialties.
