
Starfish Beach Phu Quoc
A picturesque beach known for its vibrant red starfish, offering a unique natural spectacle and charming floating restaurants.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best for starfish sightings

Starfish Beach Phu Quoc
Best Time
Best for starfish sightings

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A picturesque beach known for its vibrant red starfish, offering a unique natural spectacle and charming floating restaurants.
"Many visitors report Starfish Beach being a tourist trap with inflated prices and unhealthy starfish practices."

🎯 Check Tide Times First
Starfish are most visible during low tide. Aim for early mornings or late afternoons for the best chance to see them.
💰 Bargain Boat Fares
Boat prices to the beach can vary wildly. Be prepared to negotiate firmly and agree on a price beforehand.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Vibrant Red Starfish
Shoreline
Spot the iconic bright red starfish dotting the shallow, clear waters. A truly unique natural spectacle.

Scenic Beach Views
Starfish Beach
Enjoy the soft white sands and calm, clear waters. Perfect for photos and a relaxing afternoon.

Floating Restaurants
Offshore
Dine with a view at charming restaurants built on stilts over the water.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beware of Tourist Traps
Timing is Key for Starfish Sightings
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Check Tide Times First
Starfish are most visible during low tide. Aim for early mornings or late afternoons for the best chance to see them.
💰 Bargain Boat Fares
Boat prices to the beach can vary wildly. Be prepared to negotiate firmly and agree on a price beforehand.
🚫 Avoid Touching Starfish
While tempting, avoid picking up or disturbing the starfish. They are delicate and can be harmed.
🚗 Bumpy Road Ahead
The road to the jetty can be rough and unsealed. Consider a taxi or be prepared for a bumpy motorbike ride.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Check Tide Times First
Starfish are most visible during low tide. Aim for early mornings or late afternoons for the best chance to see them.
💰 Bargain Boat Fares
Boat prices to the beach can vary wildly. Be prepared to negotiate firmly and agree on a price beforehand.
🚫 Avoid Touching Starfish
While tempting, avoid picking up or disturbing the starfish. They are delicate and can be harmed.
🚗 Bumpy Road Ahead
The road to the jetty can be rough and unsealed. Consider a taxi or be prepared for a bumpy motorbike ride.
📸 Photo Ethics
Be mindful of how you take photos. Avoid stressing or harming the starfish for a picture.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Starfish Beach offers a unique visual experience with its namesake marine life and offshore floating restaurants. However, many visitors report it feels like a tourist trap, with inflated prices for boat transfers and services, and concerns about the welfare and authenticity of the starfish. The beach's natural beauty is also sometimes marred by pollution.
"Lovely beach. It might seem like a tourist trap at first because they’ll tell you that you can only reach the beach by boat, but that’s not true, you can walk there as well. If you’re not willing to pay for the boat ride, just walk straight and you’ll get there in about 15 minutes.
We also loved the floating Jerry’s Bar, a true gem in paradise with wonderful people. It’s easy to reach, and they can even come pick you up with a paddle. Truly recommend it."
Giada Cattaneo
"Classical tourist trap ,first off the road to the starfish beach is like the Vietnam war ended yesterday,when you get there you’re informed that this isn’t the starfish beach it’s just the first stop and that you have to take a boat(300-400k for 2people) to get to the “real” starfish beach but since you already came all that way on a road that goats would break their necks you agree.👍 Now the boat drops you off at the famous beach where you’ll find half dead and dead starfish that are probably purposefully harvested and just dropped there so people can take photos with them. Overall really wouldn’t recommend this to anyone."
Angela Atinyan
"The beach is small and full of trash along the shore. Most of the starfish are not natural — they were brought from elsewhere just for tourists to take photos. Boat prices are random (we were charged 600K for two people while others paid 250–300K), and even beach chairs cost 50K each. It feels like a tourist trap rather than a real attraction. DO NOT COME!"
Harrison Wu
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Getting to Starfish Beach involves a few steps. You can drive or take a taxi to the Rach Vem jetty, but be prepared for a bumpy, unsealed road. From the jetty, you'll need to charter a motorboat to reach the actual beach, which is about a 10-15 minute ride. Some visitors suggest renting a motorbike or taking a cab directly to the beach location on Google Maps, which takes about 30-40 minutes.
While taxis (like Grab) can take you to the general area or the Rach Vem jetty, the final leg to the beach often requires a boat. The roads leading to the jetty can be challenging, so confirm with your driver if they can navigate them.
The road leading to the Rach Vem jetty, where you catch boats to Starfish Beach, is often described as unsealed, bumpy, and sometimes littered with trash. It's advisable to use a sturdy vehicle or be prepared for a rough ride.
Yes, renting a motorbike is a popular option for reaching the vicinity of Starfish Beach. However, be aware of the road conditions, especially closer to the jetties.
Yes, typically you will need to take a motorboat from the Rach Vem jetty to reach Starfish Beach. The boat ride is usually around 10-15 minutes.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to Starfish Beach itself is often free, but the cost comes from the mandatory boat transfer from the Rach Vem jetty. Prices can range significantly, with reports of VND 300,000 per person or US$10 per person after bargaining for a round trip. It's crucial to negotiate prices beforehand.
While there isn't a direct entrance fee for the beach itself, you will likely incur costs for the boat transfer to get there. Some sources also mention charges for beach chairs.
Starfish Beach doesn't have official opening hours as it's a natural attraction. However, for the best chance of seeing starfish, visiting during low tide (early morning or late afternoon) is recommended.
There are no advance tickets to purchase for Starfish Beach. You pay for the boat transfer upon arrival at the jetty.
Be aware of potential hidden costs. Besides the boat fare, some visitors have reported being charged for beach chairs or other services. It's wise to clarify all costs upfront.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The best time to see starfish is during low tide, which usually occurs in the early mornings or around 5 PM. Visiting from November onwards is also considered peak starfish season.
This is a point of concern for many visitors. Some reviews suggest that many starfish are brought to the shore specifically for tourist photos and may not be in their natural habitat or even alive. It's important to be mindful and avoid disturbing them.
The main activity is observing and taking photos with the starfish (responsibly). You can also relax on the beach, swim in the calm waters, and enjoy meals at the floating restaurants.
Starfish Beach can get crowded, especially during peak season or when influencers promote it. Visiting during low tide and off-peak hours can help mitigate crowds.
Unfortunately, some reviews describe Starfish Beach as polluted and littered, which detracts from its natural beauty. This is a significant concern for many visitors.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are floating restaurants located offshore from Starfish Beach. These offer a unique dining experience with views of the sea.
The floating restaurants typically serve fresh seafood, a specialty of Phu Quoc.
Prices at the floating restaurants can be on the higher side due to their unique location. It's advisable to check menus and prices before ordering.
There are no specific restrictions mentioned about bringing your own food, but it's generally expected that visitors will patronize the local establishments.
Information on vegetarian options is limited, but given the focus on seafood, it's best to inquire directly with the restaurants upon arrival.
📸 📸 Photography
The main attraction for photos is the starfish themselves in the shallow waters. The floating restaurants also offer scenic backdrops. The beach itself, with its white sand and clear water, provides a beautiful setting.
It's crucial to be ethical. While many people take photos with starfish, it's important not to harm them. Avoid picking them up for extended periods or placing them in unnatural positions.
A waterproof camera or a phone with a waterproof case is ideal for capturing shots of the starfish in the water. Standard cameras are fine for beach and restaurant shots.
Try to capture the starfish in their natural environment. Golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) can provide beautiful lighting. Be mindful of other visitors and avoid disturbing the marine life.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's best to check local advisories before flying a drone to ensure compliance and avoid disturbing wildlife or other visitors.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Starfish Situation: Reality vs. Expectation
It's important to approach Starfish Beach with realistic expectations. While you might still see starfish, be prepared for the possibility that the scene might not be as pristine or natural as depicted in some social media content. Responsible tourism practices, such as observing from a distance and avoiding any interaction that could harm the marine life, are highly encouraged. The peak season for starfish is generally from November onwards, and they are most visible during low tide.
Navigating the Journey to Starfish Beach
Once at the Rach Vem jetty, you'll need to arrange a motorboat to take you to Starfish Beach. This boat trip typically lasts about 10-15 minutes. A significant point of contention for many travelers is the boat fare, which can be highly variable and subject to negotiation. Reports range from VND 300,000 per person to US$10 per person after bargaining. It's crucial to agree on a price before boarding to avoid unexpected charges. Some visitors have also noted that beach chairs might incur additional costs.
Responsible Tourism at Starfish Beach
Furthermore, be mindful of the environmental impact. Reports of pollution and trash on the beach are concerning. Choosing to support businesses that prioritize sustainability and avoiding single-use plastics can make a difference. By being a conscious traveler, you can help preserve the natural beauty of Starfish Beach for future visitors and protect its delicate ecosystem.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit