2025 ‘Land 3 – John’s Tours Private car South & North Together Full Day Phu Quoc’ – A Candid Review

Dreaming of seeing Phu Quoc? And, what about seeing as much of it as possible in just a day? You, perhaps, came across John’s Tours’ “Land 3” private car option that says it hits both the South and North of the island. The very big question, of course, becomes: Does it live up to what it says? I recently took this tour, and I want to share the real deal on my experience. My aim is it helps folks determine if it’s right for them, almost like your own personal recommendation.

The Allure of a Private Car Adventure

Okay, so what makes doing Phu Quoc in a private car seem, possibly, amazing? Well, right off the bat, there’s the sheer flexibility, obviously. No being stuck on a bus schedule with, perhaps, 20 other tourists; it’s just you (or your travel group) and the driver. You know, you can go where you feel like and, just a little bit, customize things. This is something I really wanted. After having a look around and trying to settle on just where to go in Vietnam this trip really stood out, perhaps more than places like Ho Chi Minh. What sold it for me for sure, was reading other people’s reviews of the way drivers with John’s Tours appear to make the effort to shape your experience just right. This type of travel is really suited to places like Phu Quoc. Read our full review: Phu Quoc Private Tour Full Review and Details

What I Expected Going In

I really did expect, very understandably, to cram quite a lot into a single day. To see it all, it did sound rather ambitious, in my humble opinion! John’s Tours have such amazing feedback, I thought, almost definitely, they knew what they were doing with timings and route choices. Still, a part of me thought “No way am I seeing both North and South in one day”, you know? The pictures I had seen were beautiful so to experience this place I had to take a chance. And honestly, the main driver in this case was that they use private car to get you around and you’re not sitting in one of those tourist buses like cattle.

First Impressions and Pickup

Well, as a matter of fact, right on time, our driver arrived in a sedan-style car. He introduced himself and his English seemed, usually, decent enough to manage the day, even if he didn’t quite strike me as fluent. It all kicked off so, it’s almost like, we jumped straight into figuring out the ‘plan’. As anticipated, hitting both ends of Phu Quoc would require choices; we talked about what was doable. What really made me happy was that, from the start, he paid close attention to the couple of things I really wanted to see and what I thought seemed kinda ‘meh’.

South Phu Quoc: Beaches, Fish Sauce, and a Prison’s Story

You see, our first stop ended up being Sao Beach. Yup, all that hype? Actually earned, believe it or not! White sands and clear turquoise water. Of course, there were other people there. Yet, it wasn’t too packed, that’s a good thing, that’s a bonus for most. It was great for photos and simply chilling a little while. The next spot, you could say, was more about the culture: a fish sauce factory. If you have never checked how fish sauce is made, let me say this, it is not, probably, for the faint-hearted. Yet, this is Vietnam, and it’s a big taste over here. The smells can be pretty potent but it does showcase one, actually pretty integral, part of the local scene. Read our full review: Sao Beach Phu Quoc Full Review and Details

The Phu Quoc Prison – A Heavy Reminder

Very understandably, the most thought-provoking spot was Phu Quoc Prison. Now, let’s be clear, it’s tough going. Seeing how prisoners were kept during the French and American wars. Seeing all this hit me hard, like your conscience all comes at once. But, to be honest, it also provided, clearly, some useful insights, putting into perspective a lot of Vietnamese resilience. It showed me more, in a way, of what these people had been through. We spent a bit of time there, you know, so you actually get what things were like.

Lunch with a View?

I had thought that something great would be grabbing lunch someplace scenic in the South. Our driver had a recommendation at a little place, and, by the way, he was spot on with it. This location was not too touristy. With some really yummy local dishes, also it did have awesome seaside views, that was a winner. It’s something great when they know their island well!

North Phu Quoc: Pepper Farms, Temples, and a Touch of Paradise

Next up, off to North Phu Quoc! One thing which you’ll notice a lot is the landscape switching so wildly. Soon, you are not anywhere near beachside. Next you find the pepper farms that show up pretty quickly. Now, honestly, I wasn’t so sure, initially, I’d love this, though it was way more interesting than I had expected. To get to learn about growing pepper, a huge export here? Yeah, it’s kinda cool. Getting some fresh peppercorns to bring back with me was really worth it. After that pepper stop, our next stop ended up at a temple. The temple did offer something very peaceful amidst a day full of sightseeing. Then, checking out the pretty architecture? Always worthwhile, in my opinion. We paused to soak in those views before, then, heading toward our ‘big’ North Phu Quoc moment. Read our full review: Phu Quoc pepper farm Full Review and Details

Starfish Beach (Rach Vem Beach) – Paradise Found?

Yup. Pretty much exactly as you picture paradise – Starfish Beach delivered completely, that is what you would call a home run! I’ve read places say “It’s packed now”. But, seemingly, because we got there later in the day (nearly the back end of the afternoon) we found, quite simply, loads of room and so, so many starfish. I mean, the sand was like pure silk. Incredibly, clear water, lots of starfish! You, too, need to remember to respect their place, of course. Also, keep them underwater, obviously. This location has its’ reputation entirely warranted. I, maybe, could’ve chilled there for hours, to be honest.

The Driver: More Than Just Transportation

Alright, our driver’s contribution to all this truly made that whole thing much better. Because he knew the island really well, also knew local shortcuts. That meant more time at the locations, as a matter of fact. Plus, he gave suggestions which suited precisely what I said I loved – seaside views. What I also rate very highly, seemingly, he was really patient. Letting us wander when we felt like it. In other words, he had great flexibility when we changed our minds.

A Few ‘Little’ Downsides

Yup, there were just some minor things to consider. So, seemingly, although the driver spoke adequately enough English. Also, occasionally, he could not tell you super specific information when prompted. He certainly got us about brilliantly. Just, I guess, you shouldn’t expect guided tour levels of detail at each spot. That aside, considering we crushed South and North in one go, these were small potatoes to be honest!

Final Verdict: Worth It?

Now, circling back to our beginning, I must provide my complete and honest opinion. So, If you realize you will see snippets of lots. So also, if you are fine not sitting on some enormous tour bus. Yes, absolutely, that John’s Tours “Land 3” Phu Quoc full day private car thing becomes hugely worth the cost. This tour hits beaches to temples. And a little Vietnamese history and some amazing scenery jammed in there for you too! The private vehicle becomes something amazing if like most tourists, you cannot get around via scooter or motorbike. Being taken around like this actually enhanced my own experience way beyond expectation. In a very, very short period I understood so much more about the charm of Phu Quoc than If I tried any public or group style travel. Getting personal recommendations from the local guy too, are really something different altogether.

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