Last updated:
Ham Ninh fishing village on Phu Quoc’s east coast is one of the island’s long-standing fishing communities. Here you will find a wooden pier stretching into the sea, fishing boats coming in, stilt houses along the water and, above all, the famous Ham Ninh crab.
This guide covers how to get there, when to go, what to eat and buy, and a few tips for your visit.
Where is Ham Ninh?
Ham Ninh is on the east coast, about 15km from Duong Dong, roughly 25–30 minutes by road. It is even closer to Phu Quoc Airport and the Bai Vong port area. The road is paved and easy to ride.
When to visit
- Early morning: watch boats return and the lively seafood trade.
- Late afternoon: softer light for pier photos and an early seafood dinner.
- Note: Ham Ninh faces east, so there is no sea sunset here, but sunrise can be lovely.
Seasonal weather is covered in the best time to visit Phu Quoc.
Things to do
- Walk the wooden pier: a classic photo spot, especially at low tide.
- See village life: fishermen mending nets, drying seafood and trading.
- Ham Ninh market: a small market with fresh and dried local seafood.
- Sunrise: if you are up early, the east coast sunrise is worth it.
What to eat
The star dish is Ham Ninh crab: small but meaty blue swimmer crabs, usually steamed or boiled and dipped in salt, pepper and lime. You will also find prawns, squid, fish, snails and sea urchin. Buy fresh seafood and have a restaurant cook it, or order at the eateries along the pier.
Tip: ask the price per kg, watch the weighing and agree on the cooking style first. More dishes in our Phu Quoc food guide.
What to buy
- Dried seafood: dried squid, fish and shrimp made by local families.
- Handicrafts: souvenirs made from shells.
- Ask about origin and expiry dates and compare prices before buying.
Reference costs
| Item | Reference price |
|---|---|
| Village and pier | Usually free |
| Steamed crab | Priced by kg, varies by season and size |
| Seafood meal per person | About 250,000–500,000 VND |
Prices are for reference only and change over time.
Tips
- Respect local life and ask before taking close-up photos of people.
- Parts of the wooden pier can be slippery; walk carefully, especially with kids.
- Do not throw rubbish into the sea.
Plan your visit
Ham Ninh is close to the airport and town, so it fits well in a morning before your flight or an afternoon before dinner at the Phu Quoc Night Market. Check locations on our Phu Quoc map.
FAQ
How far is Ham Ninh from the town centre?
About 15km from Duong Dong, around 25–30 minutes by road.
When is Ham Ninh crab best?
Crab is available year-round, but quality depends on tides and weather. Ask for crab caught that day.
Can you see the sunset at Ham Ninh?
Ham Ninh faces east, so it is better for sunrise. For sunsets, head to west coast beaches.
See more things to do in Phu Quoc.