Rach Vem

Rach Vem is a fishing settlement in northern Phu Quoc with shallow coastal water, floating seafood rafts and a slower village atmosphere. Starfish sometimes appear in the shallows, but they are not guaranteed. If you do see them, leave them underwater and observe without touching or moving them.

Sao biển tại bãi Sao Biển phía bắc Phú Quốc năm 2019 — Sao biển tại bãi phía bắc Phú Quốc, ảnh năm 2019; số lượng thay đổi theo mùa. · Alexey Komarov

How to visit

A return trip from central Duong Dong takes several hours once driving and time at the coast are included, so check road and weather conditions before setting out, especially after heavy rain. On arrival, ask local people about the beach conditions that day instead of relying on old social-media photographs. If you plan to eat on a floating raft, confirm opening hours and how you get out to the raft beforehand.

Rach Vem is not one fixed “starfish beach”
Around 20-25 km from central Duong Dong, Rach Vem is a spread-out coastal area rather than one check-in point. The access road, beach, shallow-water areas and floating rafts all have different conditions.

With young children or older adults, allow extra time for driving, parking, walking on sand and resting. After rain, in strong wind or when the road is poor, the experience can differ significantly from promotional images.

Know before you go

Do not expect the beach to be covered with starfish every day. Water depth, clarity and the condition of each stretch of shore change with tide and weather. Even on a day with no starfish, the fishing-village setting and the northern drive can still make the outing worthwhile. If starfish are present, observe them in the water - never lift them out simply for a photograph.

What matters is how you interact with the beach
If you see starfish, leave them in their natural environment. Do not lift them from the water, place them on sand, pass them around or move them to another spot for photographs.

Floating rafts are also places where local people work, not stages built only for tourists. Ask before taking close-up photographs, keep working paths clear and respect the space.

Before you visit

Never lift starfish out of the water, even for a few seconds for a photograph.
Do not promise children that they will definitely see or touch starfish.
After rain, check whether the access road is muddy or difficult before travelling.
Allow enough time for the return journey; Rach Vem is well away from the central area.