Light airport breakfast before departure — choose a café in T2 (coffee + toast) so you’re set for the flight. Leave extra time for check-in and immigration.
Arrive PQC, clear immigration, collect luggage and transfer to your Duong Dong/Long Beach hotel; settle in and freshen up. Hotels usually offer late check-in — confirm ahead.
Local seafood stalls and street vendors offering grilled fish, shellfish and Vietnamese favourites — lively, inexpensive and a great introduction to island food (market typically 6:00pm–11:00pm).
Boat tour departs An Thoi piers around 8:30–9:00am and visits a chain of small islands with snorkeling, swimming and beach stops; excellent coral and clear water — tours run daily, bring reef-safe sunscreen. (Typical duration 6–7 hours.)
Grab lunch inside VinWonders — convenient variety of Vietnamese and international options. VinWonders opens ~9:00am and closes ~17:30–18:00 depending on season.
Water rides, shows and family attractions — a full afternoon option if you enjoy amusement parks; park closes late afternoon, plan to catch rides early to avoid queues.
Cable car runs roughly 8:00–17:30 depending on season; it’s the world’s longest over-sea cable — stunning aerial views. Book tickets in advance for morning slots.
Sao Beach is renowned for powdery white sand and clear shallow water — public beach open all day but arrive early to avoid crowds; allow 1–2 hours for travel from Duong Dong depending on traffic.
Ham Ninh offers some of the freshest seafood on the island — a classic spot for lobster, crab and grilled fish; village stalls operate daytime, roughly 9:00am–5:00pm.
Learn about island history at the small Coi Nguon museum (check local opening hours) and visit a pepper farm / sim wine producer to sample local products.
Explore a short trail in the national park or visit a waterfall (seasonal) — national park access is daylight hours and trails can be hot; bring water and insect repellent.
The prison museum / relic site is open in daytime and offers sobering historical context of the island — combine with sightseeing in Duong Dong (markets, temples).
Join a Vietnamese cooking class (half-day classes available, typically afternoon-evening) or revisit the night market for different stalls and late snacks.
If you’re certified, book a two-dive trip; beginners can do discover dives with a centre. Alternatively, a relaxed beach/spa day is a restful choice. Dive shops open early; book ahead.