On the north coast, beyond the national park, the fishing village of Rach Vem faces a wide, shallow, sheltered bay. Its sandy bottom is home to large red cushion starfish, and the water is so shallow that you can see them while standing knee-deep — hence the name Starfish Beach. Wooden seafood restaurants stand on stilts over the water.
The starfish are living animals and are harmed when lifted out of the water. Look, photograph them where they lie, and do not pick them up — even if others do. The road here crosses forest and village landscapes, and the northern coast is far quieter than the south and west.
What to see and do: Starfish Beach (Rach Vem)
Spot the starfish
Walk gently in the shallows. The calmer and clearer the day, the easier they are to see.
Lunch over the water
Stilt restaurants serve seafood caught nearby. Confirm prices before ordering.
Kayak the north coast
Several north-island tours add kayaking and a bee farm to the visit.
Visit Ham Ninh on the way
The east-coast fishing village of Ham Ninh, known for crab and seafood, is a natural detour on a northern loop.
How to get to Starfish Beach (Rach Vem)
- By road: about 45 minutes to an hour from Duong Dong, through the north of the island.
- On a tour: the easiest way, often combined with kayaking, a bee farm or Grand World.
Insider tips
- Do not lift starfish out of the water.
- Water shoes help on the sandy, sometimes muddy bottom.
- The north coast is calmest in the dry season.
Best tours & tickets for Starfish Beach (Rach Vem)
These bookable experiences are the easiest way to include Starfish Beach (Rach Vem) in your trip:
North-island day tour from €43 Phu Quoc: Kayaking with Starfish Beach and Bee Farm Tour
The best-reviewed day tour of the quieter north: kayaking, the shallow bay at Rach Vem known for its starfish, and a bee farm. More than three hundred reviews with a good average.
- Kayaking in the north
- Starfish Beach at Rach Vem
- A bee farm visit
North-island day tour from €44 Phu Quoc: Rach Vem Starfish Beach, Cua Can & Grand World
A northern day that ends at Grand World after visiting Starfish Beach and the Cua Can river area. Reviews are mixed (around four stars); read them before booking.
- Starfish Beach at Rach Vem
- The Cua Can river area
- Evening at Grand World
North-island day tour from €57 Best Seller Northern Phu Quoc & Kayak Adventure Full Day
A full day exploring the north of the island with a kayak session. A solid alternative to the Starfish Beach tour above if it is full on your date.
- Sightseeing in the north of the island
- Kayaking
- Full day with transport
