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Khem Beach Phú Quốc (also known as Kem Beach) is one of the most beautiful and unique beaches on the pearl island of Phú Quốc. Curving gracefully along the emerald green waters, this beach is famous for its smooth white sand stretching beneath the canopy of pristine forests. Not only does it possess a charming, untouched beauty, Bai Khem also hides an interesting story about its name and history, making visitors even more curious to explore. In 2018, the beauty of Bai Khem was honored when it was included in the list of the 50 most beautiful beaches in the world, as selected by the Canadian travel organization Flight Network. Let's find out why Bai Khem is called “Kem Beach” and discover the unique experiences, cuisine, culture, and useful tips for traveling to this paradise island.
Where is Khem Beach Phú Quốc?
Khem Beach is located in the southern part of Phú Quốc Island, in An Thoi Ward, about 25 km from the center of Duong Dong Town. From An Thoi Town, visitors only need to travel about 2 km east to reach this beautiful beach. Bãi Khem is near the famous Bãi Sao area, but it is smaller and quieter. Previously, due to its secluded location, far from residential areas and within a military zone, Bãi Khem was virtually unmarked on maps. Phu Quoc tourism. This area was once managed by the Vietnamese Army and used as a naval landing site due to its isolated and secure location. It wasn't until 2014 that the beach was handed back to the local authorities and opened to welcome visitors from all over. As a result, Bai Khem Phú Quốc has transformed from a “hidden gem” into a new and attractive destination on the tourism map, renowned for its rare, pristine beauty.
Regarding transportation, the roads to Bai Khem are now much more convenient. Visitors can travel by motorbike or car from Duong Dong towards the south of the island, passing through the historical site. Phu Quoc Prison (Coconut Prison) then turn according to the sign to Khem Beach. Another route is to follow the road leading to the JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay resort, which has been paved and is very easy to drive on. Whichever route you choose, the journey to Khem Beach will take you through the lush, peaceful natural scenery of the pearl island.
The origin of the name “Bãi Khem”
Name Khem Beach actually originates from the colloquial term “Kem Beach”The name comes from the fact that the sand at Khem Beach is exceptionally fine and white, like cream or powder, rarely matched anywhere else. The word “khem” is pronounced similarly to “kem” in Vietnamese, praising the pure white color of the sand and the cool, sweet feeling that the beach brings. Indeed, when stepping onto Bãi Khem, visitors will feel as if they are walking on a layer of smooth, soft cream under their feet. Combined with the emerald green sea water and gentle rays of sunshine, the scenery here evokes a feeling of freshness and exhilaration, just as the name “bãi Kem” suggests. This unique name accurately describes the beach's most distinctive feature while sparking curiosity in anyone hearing it for the first time, making Bãi Khem even more appealing on the tourism map of Phú Quốc.
The captivating, untouched beauty of Khem Beach
Unlike the beaches crowded with tourists on the island, Khem Beach Phú Quốc It possesses a rare, pristine beauty and tranquility. The beach curves gently like a crescent, embracing crystal-clear waters so transparent you can see the seabed. Along the gently sloping, pure white sandy shore, two strips of lush green forest encircle the area, creating a harmonious scene between sea and forest. Nature has generously gifted Bai Khem not only with fine white sand but also with unique turquoise waters mixed with jade hues. Seen from afar, the sea water shimmers under the sun, both clear blue and emerald green, leaving visitors in awe. Because of this magical water color, many people compare Bai Khem to the beautiful name “Emerald Bay”. Here, visitors will immediately feel the fresh, peaceful atmosphere; only the sound of waves lapping against the shore and the chirping of forest birds create a soothing natural harmony.
Another unique feature at Khem Beach is Fairy Well – The ancient well sits right on the sand at the southernmost tip of the beach. The Fairy Well is small and rustic, but the water in it remains completely sweet and crystal clear year-round, even though it is only a few steps from the sea. Strangely, even when the tide is high, the well water remains completely fresh and never runs dry. This mystery has woven many interesting legends around the Fairy Well, making it even more sacred and attracting curious explorers. From the Fairy Well, visitors can gaze out to take in the entire view of the gracefully curved Khem Beach and, further beyond, the vast ocean stretching to the horizon.
Right near Khem Beach, there is also Mr. Doi's nose, A unique promontory juts out into the sea with two sides bordering the water. This is a special spot on Phú Quốc Island where visitors can watch both sunrise and sunset from the same location. In the early morning, the sun rises from the eastern sea horizon, painting the romantic waters of Khem Beach pink. In the afternoon, if you walk to the other side of Ong Doi Cape facing west, you can admire the beautiful sunset. The scene of the red sun gradually disappearing behind the sea and the forest creates an unforgettable experience for those lucky enough to witness it.
With its pristine, picturesque scenery and private atmosphere, Khem Beach is truly an ideal “island paradise.” Although not as large as Bai Dai or as famous as Sao Beach, Bãi Khem continues to captivate visitors with its simplicity, tranquility, and unique charm. It is a place where everyone can find moments of relaxation and immerse themselves completely in nature.
Must-try experiences at Khem Beach
Come to Khem Beach Phú Quốc, visitors will enjoy many exciting experiences, from relaxing vacations to exploring nature:
- Swimming and sunbathing: With its emerald-green waters lapping against the soft white sand, Khem Beach is the perfect place to immerse yourself in the cool water or relax on the sun-kissed sand. What could be more relaxing than lying down listening to the gentle lapping of the waves, feeling the cool sea breeze and the gentle golden sunlight on your skin? Rarely is there a place where the color of the sea and the color of the sand harmonize so beautifully as here – which is why the locals affectionately call this place “Kem Beach,” sweet and refreshing like ice cream on a hot summer day.
- Check-in amidst stunning natural beauty: Khem Beach boasts countless picturesque natural scenes for photography enthusiasts. Along the coastline, every corner can become an ideal backdrop for stunning photos—from the white sand curves along the turquoise waters, to the natural rock formations jutting out from the shore, or the lush green forests hugging the sea. Visitors should remember to bring a camera or fully charged phone, along with bright outfits that complement the blue sea and white sand scenery, to capture memorable photos.
- Snorkeling to view coral reefs: The underwater world around Bãi Khem is just as vibrant as the scenery on shore. Thanks to the clean and clear seawater, this area boasts colorful coral reefs and a diverse marine ecosystem. Snorkeling and diving services are now available at Bai Khem, offering visitors the opportunity to witness the sparkling coral reefs and schools of tropical fish swimming right beneath their feet. The sensation of diving beneath the cool waters to explore the enchanting coral “garden” is sure to captivate those who love the sea and enjoy adventure.
- Walking and playing on the beach: In the afternoon on Khem Beach, when the tide recedes to reveal a wider stretch of sand, visitors can organize beach games with friends or family. With its smooth, firm sand, this is an ideal spot for beach volleyball, badminton, or simply walking barefoot along the water's edge, picking up seashells, and enjoying the vast ocean space. Occasionally, you will see round boats (a traditional type of boat used by fishermen) anchored on the beach. Visitors can try renting a round boat with the locals to row out to sea near the shore – the experience of balancing on the rocking boat is sure to bring lots of laughter.
- Discover life in a fishing village: Nestled above the beach is a small fishing village that has retained its inherent tranquility. Early in the morning, you can see fishermen pulling their boats back after a night of fishing, hurriedly bringing fresh fish and shrimp ashore. The simple daily life of the locals creates a vivid and authentic cultural picture. Visitors can stroll around the fishing village, chat with the friendly locals to learn more about the local culture, or buy fresh seafood that has just arrived at the shore at very affordable prices. It is these simple, everyday experiences that make the trip even more memorable and meaningful.
Culinary specialties at Bai Khem
A trip to Bai Khem is incomplete without sampling the local cuisine, rich with the flavors of the sea. Thanks to its proximity to a fishing village, the seafood in Bai Khem is always fresh and abundant. Among the many delicacies, the famous Phú Quốc mackerel salad is a must-try for any visitor. Fresh mackerel is cleaned, thinly sliced, and mixed with grated coconut, onions, herbs, and roasted peanuts, then drizzled with a little Phu Quoc fish sauce The special sweet and sour flavor. Roll a piece of mackerel salad in rice paper with fresh vegetables, then dip it generously into a bowl of rich fish sauce, and diners will fully experience the sweet and fatty taste of coconut fish, the harmonious blend of sour, spicy, salty, and sweet flavors—a symphony of ocean flavors that only Phú Quốc can offer. Notably, many visitors comment that the mackerel salad at Bai Khem Beach is not only fresh and delicious but also more affordable than other places on the island, making it even more appealing.
In addition to mackerel salad, grilled sea urchin with scallion oil (grilled sea urchin) is another specialty you should try when visiting Bai Khem. The round, spiky sea urchins are split in half, cleaned, and grilled over hot coals, drizzled with fragrant scallion oil. The cooked sea urchin meat is fragrant and served with salt, pepper, and lemon, creating a unique sweet and savory flavor. In addition, other fresh seafood such as shrimp, crab, squid, and sea snails at Bai Khem can be enjoyed right at the seaside restaurants. Visitors can choose a casual seafood restaurant near the fishing village and order a BBQ feast of fresh seafood caught that day. Sitting under a simple thatched roof right on the sand, enjoying fragrant grilled shrimp and fish, sipping a cold beer, and listening to the gentle sound of the waves is a wonderful seafood experience that everyone will love.
If you want to buy seafood as gifts, you can also visit the market or the dried seafood stalls here. Fish sauce Phú Quốc, black pepper, sim wine, or locally farmed pearls are also famous specialties suitable for buying as gifts for loved ones after your trip.
Stay at Bãi Khem Phú Quốc
Although it has only been developed for tourism in recent years, Khem Beach now has a diverse range of accommodation options, from homestays and budget guesthouses to luxury 5-star resorts. Depending on their budget and preferences, visitors can easily find a suitable place to stay when visiting this beach.
If you're looking for a luxurious getaway, enjoying top-notch services amidst stunning natural scenery, Bai Khem is the “golden spot” with many high-end resorts. The most notable is JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa – an international 5-star resort located right next to Khem Beach, designed in a unique architectural style and honored in various international travel magazines. Additionally, the area boasts Premier Residences Phu Quoc Emerald Bay, New World Phu Quoc Resort, Premier Village Phu Quoc (at Ong Doi Cape), all offering private retreats with modern amenities and breathtaking ocean views. This is also where many billionaires and international celebrities have chosen as their vacation destination, even hosting important events (such as the lavish wedding of an Indian billionaire couple in 2019 at JW Marriott Emerald Bay). This partly demonstrates the appeal and prestige of Bãi Khem tourism today.
For travelers prioritizing reasonable costs or wanting to experience local life, there are also some budget accommodation options around Khem Beach. You can find guesthouses, small hotels, or homestays in the fishing village of An Thoi at affordable prices. These places may not be fancy, but they still provide basic amenities, and the hosts are very friendly and knowledgeable about the area, always willing to share their travel experiences with guests. Choosing this type of accommodation gives travelers the opportunity to get closer to local life and enjoy local cuisine right at the family dinner table.
Note: Bai Khem is becoming increasingly popular with tourists, especially during the peak season (from late November to the end of March the following year). Therefore, if you plan to travel during these months, you should proactively book your hotel or resort room about 4-6 weeks in advance to have more good options at discounted prices. This is even more important if you are targeting luxury resorts, as rooms are often fully booked quite early in the tourist season.
The ideal time to visit Bai Khem
Phú Quốc has a temperate tropical climate with two distinct seasons: dry season and rainy season. In general, Weather Phú Quốc Cool year-round, visitors can visit Khem Beach at any time of the year with relative ease. However, to fully enjoy the beauty of the beach and participate in outdoor activities, you should consider the characteristics of each season:
- Dry season (approximately November to April of the following year): This is considered the ideal time to visit Bai Khem. During the dry season, there is little rain, the weather is warm but not too hot, and the sea is calm and clear. Temperatures range from 25-30°C, which is very comfortable for swimming, snorkeling, or strolling. Especially during the end of the year and the Lunar New Year, Bai Khem attracts a large number of tourists who come to enjoy the winter and the festive atmosphere. You will find the beach much livelier with many bustling tourist services. If you love a cheerful atmosphere and want to meet many people, the dry season is the perfect choice.
- Rainy season (from approximately May to October): During this season, Phú Quốc experiences more rainfall, but most of the rain is concentrated in short showers in the early morning or late afternoon, rarely lasting all day. The weather is generally warm, but the sea can be a bit rough on days with heavy rain. The advantage of traveling to Bai Khem during this season is that there are fewer visitors, it is quieter, and service costs (airfare, hotels) are often lower than during the peak season. If your schedule does not allow you to travel during the dry season, a trip to Bai Khem in the summer is also entirely feasible. Remember to check the weather forecast before your trip to plan your itinerary accordingly. As long as you avoid a few days of heavy rain, you can still enjoy a comfortable vacation because between the showers, Phu Quoc There are still beautiful clear skies that touch the heart.
In general, Khem Beach Phú Quốc Each season has its own unique charm: the dry season is bright and bustling, while the rainy season is peaceful and dreamy. Depending on personal preferences and plans, visitors can choose the most suitable time to experience this beautiful beach.
How to get to Khem Beach Phú Quốc
Phu Quoc It is a large island, located off the coast of Kien Giang province, so visitors have two main options for reaching the island: by air (plane) or by sea (high-speed boat/ferry). If you choose travel by air, you can take a flight to Phú Quốc International Airport, Then take a taxi or rent a car to Bai Khem (about 30 km from the airport). This option is quick and convenient, but the cost is usually higher and you miss out on the scenic views.
For many travelers who enjoy experiences sea route, Traveling by high-speed ferry is both cost-effective and offers a novel experience as you glide along the sea. Currently, travelers can choose between two popular high-speed ferry routes to reach Phú Quốc:
- Line Rạch Giá – Phú Quốc: The high-speed ferry departs from Port Rạch Giá (located in Rạch Giá City, Kien Giang Province). This is a familiar departure point for travelers from the Southwest provinces, especially from Ho Chi Minh City and its surrounding areas. The travel time by high-speed ferry from Rạch Giá to Phú Quốc is approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. On this route, the Phú Quốc Express company provides modern, safe high-speed ferries with large capacity, helping to shorten travel time and provide a comfortable experience for passengers.
- Line Hà Tiên – Phú Quốc: If you are departing from the Southwest border area or the city of Hà Tiên, you can choose a boat trip from the port of Hà Tiên (city of Hà Tiên, Kien Giang province). The Hà Tiên – Phú Quốc route is shorter, so the travel time is only about 1 hour and 30 minutes on the high-speed boat. This is a convenient option for travelers from Kiên Giang, An Giang provinces, and even Cambodia (via the Hà Tiên border gate). The Phú Quốc Express high-speed ferry also operates this route with new vessels, ensuring safety and regular daily departures.
Both of the above high-speed train lines arrive at Bai Vong Port (Ham Ninh Commune, Phú Quốc). From Bai Vong Port, visitors continue approximately 20 km by road to reach Bai Khem (about 30 minutes by taxi). To plan your trip, please visit the website. phuquocexpress.com or call hotline 0901868878 To book high-speed train tickets to Phú Quốc in advance. Phú Quốc Express offers daily (or weekly depending on the season) train schedules that are very flexible, making it easy for travelers to arrange their trips at any convenient time.
Useful travel tips for Bãi Khem for tourists
For a complete and memorable trip to Khem Beach, you can refer to the following tips and experiences:
- Book services early during peak season: If you plan to visit Phú Quốc during the peak tourist season (when it's crowded), book your hotel in advance., ticket book your transportation about a month in advance. This will help you secure your preferred accommodation and convenient travel schedule, avoiding situations where rooms are fully booked or ticket prices increase closer to your departure date.
- Prepare all your luggage: Don't forget to bring essential personal items for your island trip. Must-have items include: swimwear, towels, flip-flops, wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent, as well as a camera or camera phone and a backup charger. Some luxury resorts provide towels and swimming gear, but if you are staying at a more modest place, you should bring your own.
- Visit the beach in the morning: The best time of day at Khem Beach is early morning, when the air is cool and pleasant and the beach is quiet. You should take advantage of the early morning to watch the sunrise and take photos while the sunlight is still soft. At noon, the sun is stronger, so it's better to rest, and in the late afternoon, return to the beach for swimming or playing, which will be more comfortable.
- If you are traveling independently, please refer to the map: If you rent a self-drive motorbike to Bai Khem, check the map beforehand or ask locals for directions. There are now road signs, but some side roads may be narrow and less traveled. Being well-prepared will help you avoid wasting time getting lost, especially when traveling at night.
- Be careful when buying pearls and specialties: The area near Khem Beach has many souvenir shops selling goods. Pearl Phú Quốc – renowned for its quality. However, tourists should choose to buy from reputable establishments or carefully inspect products to ensure they do not purchase fake or poor-quality pearls. Similarly, if buying fish sauce or dried seafood as gifts, be sure to choose branded products or those that are carefully packaged, and ask about the price before purchasing.
- Combine visits to attractions near Bãi Khem: During your itinerary, you can take time to visit Prison Phú Quốc (Coconut Tree Prison) – a historical site located not far from Khem Beach – to learn about a heroic period in the island's history. Additionally, An Thoi Market is also an interesting destination if you want to explore local life and enjoy street food before returning to your hotel.
- Enjoy fresh seafood at affordable prices: Seafood in Phú Quốc in general and Bãi Khem in particular is very fresh and cheaper than on the mainland. Take advantage of the opportunity to enjoy many delicious dishes on the spot, and you can also buy some dried seafood or fish sauce to bring back as gifts for your loved ones. Please note to pack bottles of fish sauce or fresh seafood carefully when bringing them on the plane to ensure safety and hygiene.
With all its pristine natural beauty, unique culinary experiences, and increasingly refined tourism services, Khem Beach Phú Quốc It is a must-visit destination on your journey to discover this pearl island. Bai Khem will offer visitors moments of relaxation by the peaceful sea, breathtaking moments before the wonders of nature, and unforgettable culinary experiences.
What are you waiting for? Plan your trip now to enjoy a peaceful sea journey, admire the stunning ocean views, and discover the heroic history of this legendary island! If you're dreaming of conquering the pearl island of Phú Quốc, don't hesitate to choose the Phú Quốc Express high-speed boat as your companion to experience all the wonders mentioned above. Book your ticket today and get ready for an unforgettable trip to Phú Quốc – the sacred, beautiful land of the Motherland!
Photo source: Collected
