Khem Beach

Khem Beach sits on Phú Quốc's southeastern coast near An Thới, approximately 25km south of Dương Đông.

The name's origin is debated - one theory traces it to the Khmer word for salt, as the area was historically used for salt production. The more widely believed explanation is simpler: the sand here is so fine, white, and soft that it feels like cream (kem) underfoot, and the name evolved from that sensation.

The beach is a long, gently curving arc of approximately 1.3km of fine white sand with water that runs from pale turquoise in the shallows to deep blue further out, backed by forested hills. Unlike most of Phú Quốc's famous beaches which face west, Khem faces southeast - which means it is sheltered from the southwest winds in summer, but exposed to the northeast monsoon from November to March when conditions deteriorate significantly. Timing the visit correctly is the single most important factor for Khem.

From Dương Đông, head south approximately 25km to An Thới, then follow signs toward Khem Beach - the final descent is steep and requires care on a motorbike. Total journey: 40-45 minutes by motorbike. No public transport serves this route.

The beach is a natural stop on a southern Phú Quốc day that also includes Hòn Thơm Cable Car or Bãi Sao Beach.

The beach is approximately 1.3km long and divides into two sections. The northern public end is quieter with no facilities. The southern section has resort infrastructure: sunbeds, beach bar, restaurant, paid bathrooms, and lifeguards.

The water is very shallow throughout - chest-deep at 100 metres out - making it safe for children and non-swimmers. In peak summer conditions (May-September), the water is genuinely vivid turquoise and calm, with morning hours the flattest. SUP rental is available.

At the far end of the beach, fishing boats moor each morning next to a small local seafood market - the adjacent local restaurant is where Vietnamese visitors eat rather than the resort options. The beach is one of the few on Phú Quốc still free for local residents, which keeps the far end more authentic in character.

The most common mistake at Khem is visiting in the wrong season. Most visitors to Phú Quốc come November-April, which is exactly when Khem is at its worst due to the northeast monsoon hitting the southeast-facing coast directly. If your trip falls in this window, prioritise the west-coast beaches (Bãi Sao, Long Beach) and treat Khem as a secondary stop rather than a highlight.

May-September visitors should put Khem near the top of the list. For a full southern Phú Quốc day: Khem Beach in the morning for sunrise and swimming, then Bãi Sao for comparison, then Hòn Thơm Cable Car in the afternoon.