Red River Tour – Deep Sea Fishing By Boat In Phu Quoc

The main attraction here is simple: you leave before dawn, watch the sun come up over the sea, then spend the morning trying to bring in a 3 to 5 kilogram fish from offshore waters. I like the early start because the sea is at its most peaceful then, and I like that breakfast, lunch, bait, fishing gear, and an English-speaking guide are included rather than added one by one.

The small-group limit of 10 people is another strong point. It should give you more room around the fishing gear than a large party boat. The tradeoff is the 5:00 AM pickup, plus the fact that fishing depends on conditions and luck. The advertised catch is a goal, not a promise.

Key points to know before you book

• Sunrise start: Pickup begins at 5:00 AM, with the boat leaving from An Thoi Port.
• Fishing-focused morning: After a short lesson from the captain, you fish from an anchored boat at an offshore spot.
• Meals included: Breakfast is served on the way out, and lunch includes your catch if there is one.
• Small group: The boat accepts up to 10 participants, a useful limit for a hands-on activity.
• Duong Dong pickup: Hotel pickup and return are free inside Duong Dong town, with surcharges for other areas.
• One-day value: The $170 price includes transport within the main pickup area, guide, meals, equipment, insurance, and a full morning at sea.

Why this Phu Quoc fishing trip begins before sunrise

This is not a late breakfast cruise with a fishing rod added as an afterthought. The day starts at about 5:00 AM, when you are picked up at your hotel and driven toward An Thoi Port in southern Phu Quoc.

That early hour matters. You get the sunrise over open water, and the boat reaches its fishing area by about 8:00 AM. I like this use of time. You are not paying for a short fishing stop squeezed between sightseeing activities. Fishing is the main event.

The schedule is demanding, though. If you stay out late the night before, the pickup may feel harsh. Bring a light layer for the early ride and protect yourself from the sun later in the morning. Towels and sunscreen are not included, so pack both if you need them.

The tour is listed at $170 per person. That is not a budget boat outing, but the fee covers several items that can quickly add up: transport within Duong Dong, the fishing boat, an English-speaking guide, fishing equipment, bait, breakfast, lunch, snorkeling equipment, bottled water, and tourism insurance up to 30,000,000 VND per case.

The value depends on what you want from the day. If you only want to cast a line for an hour, this will be too much. If you want a complete early-morning sea outing with meals and transport, the price is easier to justify. The small group of no more than 10 people also helps. You are not being packed into a huge crowd, although the exact boat setup is not specified.

Reaching An Thoi Port at 6:00 AM

The first scheduled stop is An Thoi Port, reached at about 6:00 AM. From there, you board the vessel and settle in for breakfast.

An Thoi is the departure point for many sea activities in southern Phu Quoc, and its location makes sense for a fishing trip that needs to reach offshore waters during the cooler part of the day. The transfer from your hotel is included if you stay inside Duong Dong town.

If your hotel is in Ong Lang, Cua Can, Vung Bau, Bai Dai, or Ganh Dau, expect an extra pickup fee. The listed surcharges are:

• Ong Lang: 100,000 VND per person
• Cua Can and Vung Bau: 200,000 VND per person
• Bai Dai and Ganh Dau: 400,000 VND per person

Hotels in areas such as Vinpearl, VinHolidays, Radisson Blu, Movenpick, Fusion, Nam Nghi, Green Bay, The Shell, Ocean Bay, Camia, Chen Sea, and Mango Bay fall into those surcharge zones. For another location, contact the operator before booking so the price is clear.

Breakfast on board while the sun comes up

Breakfast is served after boarding. The menu includes a sunny-side-up egg, bread, vegetable salad, coffee or tea, and fresh fruit.

It is a practical meal rather than a major food experience, but that is exactly what you need at this hour. Having food on the boat means you do not lose time searching for breakfast before departure. Coffee or tea is useful when the day begins before most of the island is awake.

The sunrise is one of the quieter pleasures of the morning. You are out on the sea rather than watching the sky from a hotel terrace. The view is weather-dependent, of course. Clouds and rough conditions can change the mood, and the operator can cancel for serious weather or other force majeure events.

Bring only what you need. Personal items are not covered by the tour, and the supplied information specifically says towels and sunscreen are not included. A small bag, sun protection, and a bottle of water are sensible. One bottle of water per person is included.

Learning the basics from the captain

Before fishing begins, the captain gives the group a short lesson on how to fish like a local in Phu Quoc. This is important if you are new to boat fishing.

You will learn how the equipment is handled and how to work with the rod and reel. The supplied details do not give a lesson length or a list of target species, so you should not expect a formal fishing course. Think of it as a quick practical briefing before the lines go in.

The English-speaking guide helps with communication, while the captain brings the local boat knowledge. No individual guide names are provided, so do not book this expecting a named guide or a particular personality. The useful point is that instruction is part of the program, not something you must arrange separately.

The group size can make this portion easier. With a maximum of 10 people, there should be less confusion than on a crowded boat, though the amount of space for each person will still depend on the vessel used that day.

Fishing from 8:00 AM until lunch

The boat is scheduled to reach the fishing area at about 8:00 AM. The crew anchors, and the main fishing session begins.

This is where expectations matter most. The tour promotes fish weighing around 3 to 5 kilograms, but no catch can be guaranteed. Sea conditions, timing, bait, and plain luck all play a part. You may land a sizeable fish, or you may spend much of the session waiting and trying again.

That uncertainty is part of the activity, but it can also be frustrating if you want a guaranteed result. The tour is a better match for someone who enjoys the process of fishing, not only the photograph at the end.

Fishing equipment and bait are included, so you do not need to bring your own rod, reel, or tackle. The boat is specified for sea fishing, and the guide and captain are there to help you use the setup. The exact fishing method and species vary by conditions and are not listed.

Snorkeling equipment is also included: a mask, snorkel, and life jacket. However, the published schedule focuses on fishing and does not promise a separate snorkeling stop. Treat the equipment as an extra possibility or safety provision, not as a guaranteed snorkeling session.

The morning may feel long if you are not interested in fishing. There is no listed island sightseeing stop, beach visit, or extended snorkeling program. You spend the core of the day at sea, focused on the rod and reel.

Lunch with the day’s catch at noon

Lunch is scheduled for 12:00 noon, followed by more fishing if you wish. The menu includes fried chicken, soup, stir-fried noodles, fresh fruit, and caught fish.

The caught fish is the most personal part of the meal. If the boat lands fish suitable for lunch, it can become part of the food served on board. The wording does not promise that every person will catch a fish or that the menu will always include a catch. Seasonal changes may also affect the menu.

I like the practical rhythm: fish in the morning, eat around midday, then have the option to continue fishing. You are not rushed off the boat immediately after lunch. Still, if you are prone to seasickness, eating on a moving boat may be worth considering. The supplied information does not mention seasickness medicine or special provisions, so bring anything you normally use.

The lunch is designed to keep you going rather than serve as a formal meal. Fried chicken, soup, noodles, fruit, and fish give you a filling spread after several hours outdoors. Menu items can change with the season.

Returning to An Thoi by 1:30 PM

The boat is scheduled to return to An Thoi Port at about 1:30 PM. From there, you are transferred back to your hotel.

This makes the activity a full morning and early afternoon, not a full late-night excursion. You still have time afterward for a quiet evening, though the early wake-up and time on the water may leave you ready for a rest.

The schedule is clear, but sea conditions can affect exact timing. The operator reserves the right to cancel for natural disasters, poor weather, epidemics, or war. If the company cancels for such a reason, the stated policy is to return paid tour tickets and extra service charges, but not other costs you may have arranged separately.

What the $170 price really covers

At $170 per person, this tour is best judged as a packaged boat day rather than a simple fishing rental.

Included are hotel pickup and drop-off inside Duong Dong, the fishing boat, an English-speaking guide, fishing equipment, bait, breakfast, lunch, one bottle of water, snorkeling equipment, and tourism insurance. That reduces the number of separate arrangements you need to make.

The price is less attractive if you are staying far from Duong Dong and must pay a pickup surcharge. It is also less useful if you do not care about the included meals or have no interest in spending several hours fishing.

A small group of up to 10 gives the price some added value. You get a more limited outing than a large public boat, with fewer people competing for equipment and attention. The listing does not state whether the $170 price changes for a private charter, so ask before booking if you want the boat for your own party.

VAT is not included, and personal expenses are extra. Confirm the final total before payment, especially if your hotel is outside Duong Dong or your date falls during a public holiday.

Who will enjoy this morning at sea

I would point this tour toward a few specific types of people:

• You want fishing to be the main activity, not a small part of an island cruise.
• You enjoy the patience and uncertainty of waiting for a catch.
• You are comfortable waking before sunrise and spending several hours on a boat.
• You prefer a small group with a guide and captain available to help.
• You want breakfast, lunch, transport, and equipment included in one booking.
• You are staying in Duong Dong, where the basic pickup is free.

Families should check the medical limitations and decide if young children will handle the early start and time at sea. The activity is not recommended for people with certain medical conditions, including high blood pressure and epilepsy. If you have a health concern, ask the operator before reserving.

The tour is less suitable if you want a relaxed sleep-in day, a guaranteed catch, or a long snorkeling session. It is also a poor fit if you dislike being outdoors in strong sun or do not enjoy waiting for fish.

Booking details worth checking first

The operator is Red River Tour, based at 379 Tran Hung Dao in Duong To, Phu Quoc. The listed contact numbers are 0297 7309 986, 0297 730 9986, and +84 2977 303 339.

You need to provide your full name, phone number, and hotel address. The activity is valid for one day, and the available starting time should be checked when booking.

The general booking information says you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Separate terms give different deadlines for shared and private tours, so confirm which rule applies to your reservation. A 20 percent surcharge applies on the stated public Tet holiday dates and other listed national holidays.

Should you book the Red River fishing tour?

Book it if you want an organized fishing morning with a real early start, local instruction, meals, and equipment already arranged. The best reason to choose it is the complete setup: you reach the fishing area early, learn the basics from the captain, and have the chance to eat a fresh catch on board.

Do not book it only because you expect a 3 to 5 kilogram fish. That is the hoped-for prize, not a sure result. Choose this outing for the hours spent at sea and the fishing itself. If that sounds like a good use of a Phu Quoc morning, the small group and included services make the $170 price reasonable, especially from a Duong Dong hotel.

FAQ

What time does the tour begin?

Hotel pickup begins at about 5:00 AM. You are scheduled to reach An Thoi Port around 6:00 AM.

How long does the tour last?

The planned day runs from the 5:00 AM pickup until the return transfer after arriving back at An Thoi Port at about 1:30 PM.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup and drop-off are free for hotels inside Duong Dong town. Surcharges apply to listed areas outside Duong Dong, including Ong Lang, Cua Can, Vung Bau, Bai Dai, and Ganh Dau.

Are fishing equipment and bait provided?

Yes. Deep sea fishing equipment and bait are included, along with snorkeling equipment consisting of a mask, snorkel, and life jacket.

Are breakfast and lunch included?

Yes. Breakfast and lunch are served on the boat. Breakfast includes eggs, bread, salad, coffee or tea, and fruit. Lunch includes fried chicken, soup, stir-fried noodles, fruit, and caught fish. Menus can change by season.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

The general booking information allows cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Separate terms apply to some shared and private bookings, so confirm the cancellation rule for your specific reservation.