Marina Area in Phu Quoc: A Quiet Place for Those Who Want to Live on the Island
If you’re planning to stay in Phu Quoc for more than just a few days and actually spend some time living on the island, the Marina area is worth considering first. It’s a quiet, clean, and relatively uncrowded part of the island located in the central-southern section, just south of the airport. Here you can rent an apartment at a reasonable price, enjoy well-maintained beaches, and easily travel to both the northern and southern parts of the island.
We personally spent a month here in May and quickly realized that Marina moves at its own pace, without crowds, traffic, or tourist chaos.
Where Is the Marina Area Located?
Marina is located in the central part of Phu Quoc, slightly south of the airport. The beach is about 500 meters away, so it’s not beachfront property, but it’s still within walking distance. The island’s main road runs nearby, making it easy to reach any part of Phu Quoc by scooter or taxi. Since transportation is almost essential anywhere on the island, Marina’s location is more convenient than many other neighborhoods.
A “Ghost Town” Feel: What Makes Marina Unique?
The most unusual thing about Marina today is its reputation as a “ghost town.” Only about 20% of the buildings are actually occupied and operating. Large beachfront hotels and villas are active, but many residential buildings further inland remain empty.
This creates a unique atmosphere: wide roads, modern buildings, and very few people around.
For some travelers that’s a drawback. For others, it’s the biggest advantage.
Pros and Cons of Marina Phu Quoc
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Quiet and uncrowded | Limited infrastructure away from the beach |
| Clean beaches nearby | No major shopping mall |
| Convenient location for exploring the island | About 500 m walk to the beach |
| Reasonable rental prices | Partially undeveloped and unoccupied |
| Swimming pools in residential complexes | Limited selection of cafés and stores |
Beaches: Clean and Almost Empty
The large beachfront resorts maintain their beaches in excellent condition, and in many cases you can access them for free to swim and relax. This is one of Marina’s biggest advantages: you get clean, well-kept beaches without the crowds often found in more touristy parts of Phu Quoc.
Accommodation: Apartments, Villas, and Hotels
The Marina area offers accommodation for almost every budget, from simple studio apartments to luxury villas.
We found our apartment through a local Phu Quoc Telegram group, contacted the owner, viewed the property, and moved in the same day.
Typical rental prices:
- Studio apartment without a balcony: from approximately $350–400 per month
- One-bedroom apartment with a balcony: around 15 million VND (~$570 per month)
Look at the Pacific and Antares residential complexes. They’re easy to find on the map and both offer multiple swimming pools for residents. There are also several beach club areas nearby.
Infrastructure: What’s Nearby?
To be honest, infrastructure is not Marina’s strongest point. There is a small local market, a few cafés, and several restaurants along the main road. For larger supermarkets, shopping centers, or a wider range of dining options, you’ll need to travel to other parts of the island.
However, if you enjoy a slower pace of life and don’t mind occasional trips elsewhere, this usually isn’t a problem.
Who Is Marina Best For?
- People staying in Phu Quoc for a month or longer
- Couples and travelers who value peace and quiet
- Visitors planning to explore the island regularly and need a convenient base
- Anyone looking for uncrowded beaches and swimming pools nearby
We spent the entire month of May here and never regretted it. Marina turned out to be exactly the kind of place where you can slow down, enjoy the island, avoid the tourist crowds, and still remain conveniently connected to every part of Phu Quoc.
FAQ
Where is the Marina area in Phu Quoc?
Marina is located in the central-southern part of Phu Quoc, just south of the airport. The beach is about 500 meters away, and the island’s main road runs nearby.
Why is Marina sometimes called a ghost town?
Only a portion of the planned development is currently occupied. Many buildings remain empty, creating wide open streets and a very quiet atmosphere.
How much does it cost to rent an apartment in Marina?
Studio apartments typically start around $350–400 per month. One-bedroom apartments with balconies are usually around 15 million VND ($550–600 per month).
Which residential complexes are popular in Marina?
Pacific and Antares are two of the most popular options for long-term stays. Both offer swimming pools and are easy to locate on Google Maps.
Are there beaches near Marina?
Yes. Several clean and well-maintained beaches are located within walking distance, many of them associated with nearby resorts.
Is Marina suitable for long-term living?
Yes. Its central location, affordable rental prices, quiet atmosphere, and convenient access to the rest of the island make it one of the better areas for long-term stays in Phu Quoc.