Phu Quoc Sunset and Night Squid Fishing with Dinner

The main draw is simple: you watch the sun drop over the Gulf of Thailand, then sit on a boat with a hand line and try to catch squid in the dark. At $14, this is one of Phu Quoc’s cheaper ways to get on the water after sunset.

I like the sunset view from the boat and the easy three-hour schedule. I also like that dinner, equipment, transport, and a bottle of water are included, so you do not need to arrange several separate extras.

The catch is far from certain. Some outings produce only a few small squid, and some produce none. Crowded boats, late departures, old fishing lures, and basic food are the main points to consider before booking.

Key points to know before you book

• The sunset is the strongest part: You get a broad view from the Gulf of Thailand before the boat moves to its fishing area.
• Squid fishing lasts about two hours: It is a hands-on activity, but nobody can promise a catch.
• Dinner is included: The crew cooks the catch when there is one, then serves the included meal on board.
• The boat may hold more than 20 people: Past trips have had around 20 to 25 people, which can mean limited space and a slower departure.
• Central Duong Dong pickup is free: Pickup runs from the night market along Tran Hung Dao Street to Eden Resort.
• Rainy-season plans can change: From May through November, departure may shift to Sao Beach or An Thoi, and the sunset view may not be available.

From Duong Dong to the Gulf of Thailand

The evening starts between 16:45 and 17:00. You can arrange pickup from your hotel in central Duong Dong, or meet the operator at the Johns Tours office at 143 Tran Hung Dao. The free pickup zone covers the area from Phu Quoc Night Market along Tran Hung Dao Street to Eden Resort.

This location matters. Duong Dong is the most useful base for a short evening trip, and staying nearby keeps the transfer brief. If your hotel is outside the free area, you may pay an extra pickup fee. The Shells Resort is specifically outside Duong Dong, so confirm the charge before you commit.

Be ready at reception or at the office at least 15 minutes early. The bus may arrive 5 to 30 minutes late because of traffic or other delays, but the operator says it will not wait if you are not ready. Add your hotel details to the booking and contact Ms. Rosie at least 24 hours before the trip to confirm the pickup point and time. She can be reached by text message and several messaging apps, including Zalo and WhatsApp.

The transfer takes you to the harbor, where you board the fishing boat. The exact boat and group size can vary. This is not a private cruise, and you should be prepared to share the space with a sizeable group. Reports of around 20 to 25 people help explain why boarding and departure can sometimes feel slow.

Sunset before the fishing begins

Once on board, the first part is a cruise for sunset. The boat gives you a panoramic view across the Gulf of Thailand as daylight fades. This is the most dependable photo opportunity of the evening, since squid activity depends on conditions and luck.

I would treat the sunset as the main fixed feature and the fishing as the bonus. You can enjoy the changing light, take photos, and settle into the evening before the practical business of fishing starts. Bring sunscreen for the early part of the trip, since the sun can still be strong before it drops.

The rainy season changes this part of the plan. From May through November, the boat may depart from Sao Beach or An Thoi instead of the usual harbor. The operator notes that the sunset may not be visible on these rainy-season departures. If the sunset is your main reason for booking, ask about the departure point and expected views before paying.

Two hours with a hand line and lure

After sunset, the boat cruises to an anchorage for night squid fishing. Local fishing equipment is supplied, so you do not need to pack a rod or buy gear. The activity uses simple equipment, making it accessible for beginners who want to try something local without signing up for a serious fishing charter.

The crew shows you how to use the equipment, then you lower the lure and wait. This is not a fast-moving activity. Much of the two-hour period involves repeating the same motion, watching the line, and hoping for a bite. If you enjoy quiet, patient activities, that can be pleasant. If you need constant action, the wait may feel long.

Your chances of catching squid are modest. One recent outing produced catches for only two people, while another group of more than 20 caught nothing. An older lure without a glowing feature was also noted, which may affect the fishing experience at night. These details do not mean every trip will fail, but they make one point clear: the dinner should not depend on your catch.

The boat may also stay in one spot for a long time before moving. On one poorly attended trip, the group waited more than an hour before trying another fishing area, with no better result. That kind of delay can make the second half of the evening feel dull, especially if the sea is calm and no squid are biting.

Bring a light attitude. The fun is in trying the local method and sharing the moment with the group, not in expecting a full bag of squid. If you catch one, it is a nice extra. If you do not, the included dinner still goes ahead.

Dinner on board, with some uncertainty

When squid are caught, the crew is happy to prepare and cook them for the group. Eating something caught during the outing gives the evening a local touch, though the quantity will depend on the catch. With only a few squid available, you should not expect a full seafood feast made entirely from the group’s fishing.

The included dinner has received mixed reactions. Some diners found the food tasty, while others described it as basic, with noodles, porridge, and a few barbecued shrimp. One person found the dinner disappointing, and another raised concerns about food preparation and cleanliness. Since the meal is prepared on a boat, keep your expectations closer to a simple group meal than a restaurant dinner.

There can also be seafood and drinks sold separately. Clams, mussels, snails, beer, and soft drinks have been offered at extra prices, and some people felt these prices were high. You are not required to buy them, so ask for the price before ordering. The best way to protect the value of this inexpensive trip is to regard the included meal as the package and treat all additional seafood or drinks as optional.

The food setup is worth considering if you are especially cautious about hygiene. The supplied information does not provide a formal food-safety standard, and some past comments question the preparation area. If you have a sensitive stomach, you may prefer to eat a light meal beforehand and use the boat dinner as a sample rather than your only substantial meal.

What the $14 price really covers

At $14 per person, the package includes round-trip car and boat transport, an English or Vietnamese-speaking guide, local fishing equipment, one bottle of water, and dinner. That is a fair price for an evening transfer, boat ride, sunset outing, and organized activity.

The value depends on what you want. If you mainly want a cheap sunset boat trip with a simple dinner, the price works well. You receive several services in one booking, and the three-hour length fits neatly into an evening.

The value is weaker if your priority is reliable fishing, a quiet boat, or a polished seafood meal. A large group can reduce personal space, delays can shorten the useful time on the water, and a poor catch removes the most distinctive part of the activity. At this price, you are buying a budget group outing, not a private charter.

There is a 10 percent extra charge during New Year and Lunar New Year, paid directly on site. If you are visiting during either holiday period, include that in your budget.

Timing, group size, and comfort

The advertised duration is three hours, with a return to your hotel around 21:00. In practice, the schedule can be affected by late arrivals and port delays. Some departures have started 20 to 30 minutes late, and one group waited in the harbor for people who had not arrived.

That makes this a poor choice if you have a fixed dinner reservation, airport transfer, or evening show afterward. Give yourself extra time after the stated return. The trip is more suitable for an open evening when you can accept a flexible finish.

A towel, swimsuit, and sunscreen are recommended for sea activities. You may not need the swimsuit for the fishing itself, but the operator asks you to bring one. Wear clothes that can handle a little spray and shoes that are comfortable on a boat.

Large bags and luggage are not allowed. Pack lightly, using a small day bag for items such as sunscreen, a towel, phone, and cash. Keep valuable electronics protected from water.

The outing is not suitable for people with mobility impairments. Boarding and moving around a boat require care, and the supplied information gives no indication of special access equipment or assistance.

Rainy-season planning from May through November

Phu Quoc’s rainy season can change the character of the trip. From May to November, the boat may leave from Sao Beach or An Thoi rather than the normal harbor, and the sunset may not be visible.

This is not a minor detail if you are booking for the sunset. Contact the operator before the date of travel and ask where the boat will depart. You may still get the squid fishing and dinner, but the first part could be different from the usual sunset cruise.

The operator also offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and a reserve-now, pay-later option. Those policies are useful when weather forecasts are uncertain. Check the exact booking conditions at the time you reserve, then keep your phone available for pickup updates.

Who will enjoy this evening most

I would recommend this trip to a budget-minded visitor who wants a straightforward evening on the water. It suits couples, friends, and families with older children who can handle a patient activity and do not need a guaranteed catch.

It is also a reasonable choice if you are staying in Duong Dong and want transport included. The pickup zone makes the trip simple, and the short duration leaves most of the day free for beaches, markets, or other activities.

You should think twice if you dislike group tours, waiting, or basic meals. You may also prefer a different excursion if catching squid is your main goal. This trip gives you a chance to fish, not a promise of success.

I would not choose it for a special anniversary dinner or a quiet romantic cruise. The group size, possible delays, and optional sales on board make it more of a casual budget outing than a refined evening.

Practical tips for a better trip

• Confirm your hotel pickup with Ms. Rosie at least 24 hours ahead.
• Arrive 15 minutes early, even if traffic can cause the vehicle to arrive later.
• Bring sunscreen, a towel, and a swimsuit as requested.
• Carry only a small bag, since luggage and large bags are not allowed.
• Ask about the departure point if you are visiting from May through November.
• Bring patience for the fishing period and do not count on catching squid.
• Ask the price before buying extra seafood, beer, or soft drinks.
• Leave room in your schedule after 21:00 in case the boat returns late.
• Consider eating something before departure if you need a substantial or carefully controlled meal.

Should you book Phu Quoc night squid fishing?

Book it if you want an inexpensive, easy-to-arrange boat outing with a sunset, a local fishing activity, and dinner included. The strongest parts are the Gulf of Thailand views, the chance to try a traditional-style night fishing method, and the low all-in price.

Skip it if you need a dependable catch, excellent food, a small group, or a strict timetable. The most honest way to view this experience is as a simple group evening with uncertain fishing results. At $14, it can be good value when you accept those limits and keep your expectations modest.

FAQ

How long does the Phu Quoc sunset and squid fishing trip last?

The activity lasts three hours. Pickup begins around 16:45 to 17:00, and the planned return to your hotel is around 21:00.

What is included in the price?

The price includes round-trip car and boat transport, an English or Vietnamese-speaking guide, one bottle of water, dinner on the boat, and local fishing equipment.

Where is pickup available?

Free pickup is available in central Duong Dong, from Phu Quoc Night Market along Tran Hung Dao Street to Eden Resort. Pickup from other areas may cost extra.

Can I meet the group at the tour office?

Yes. You can meet at the Johns Tours office at 143 Tran Hung Dao. Arrive at least 15 minutes before the scheduled start.

Is catching squid guaranteed?

No. The activity provides fishing equipment and time to try, but a catch is not guaranteed. Some outings catch only a few squid, and some catch none.

What happens if I visit during the rainy season?

From May through November, the boat may depart from Sao Beach or An Thoi. The sunset may not be visible on these departures.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel, swimsuit, sunscreen, and only a small bag. Large bags and luggage are not allowed.