Gam Ghi Island: A Tropical Highlight in South Phu Quoc
- rootytriptravel
- Jun 6
- 3 min read
If you're exploring the south of Phu Quoc, one small island deserves a place on your list: Gam Ghi Island. Set in the An Thoi Archipelago and nicknamed the "Coral Kingdom," it's a tropical highlight that trades resorts and beach clubs for clear water, living coral and genuine quiet.
A different side of the Pearl Island
Much of Phu Quoc's reputation rests on its developed west coast — busy beaches, big resorts and lively nightlife. Gam Ghi Island (also called Dam Ngang) offers the opposite. There's no resort, no restaurant and no beach club here, just white sand, coconut palms, rocky outcrops and a reef just beneath the surface. For travelers who want a wilder, more natural slice of the island, that simplicity is the whole point.
What makes it special
The heart of Gam Ghi Island is its coral. The reef lies in shallow water — around 2–5 m — so it's easy to explore without diving, and it's considered the richest in the An Thoi Archipelago. Sheltered by surrounding islands that block strong seasonal winds, the reef here stays relatively healthy, with colorful coral and tropical fish that make it a favorite among snorkelers.
To see how it stacks up against other reefs, Rooty Trip's guide to snorkeling in Phu Quoc is a helpful overview.
Beyond snorkeling
Even if you're not a keen snorkeler, Gam Ghi Island has things to offer. You can kayak along the sheltered shoreline, relax on a beach with no vendors or loudspeakers, or walk up to the rocky viewpoints for a look over the reef and neighboring islands.
The island is tiny — crossable in about 15 minutes — which makes it easy to slow down and simply enjoy the surroundings. A few hours here feels like a genuine break from the busier parts of the island, and the lack of crowds is part of the charm.
Best time to visit Gam Ghi Island
Gam Ghi Island is at its best in the dry season, roughly November to April, when seas are calm and the water is clear. Within the day, early morning — about 7:30 to 9:30 AM — offers the clearest water, before boat traffic stirs up the sediment. The wet months from May to October, especially July to September, can bring rough seas and reduced visibility.
How it fits a South Phu Quoc itinerary
Because it's uninhabited and has no overnight options, Gam Ghi Island is a day trip, typically combined with nearby islands such as May Rut and Mong Tay on a three-island An Thoi route. That pairing gives you the archipelago's best coral plus relaxed beach and swim time in one outing.
If you're comparing tours, Rooty Trip's breakdown of Phu Quoc snorkeling tour options & prices explains what changes from one package to the next.
As a tropical highlight of South Phu Quoc, Gam Ghi Island delivers exactly what many travelers come to the island hoping to find — clear water, a living reef and calm. Rooty Trip's 3-island speedboat tour is timed to reach Gam Ghi Island first, so you experience the Coral Kingdom while the water is at its clearest.
Rooty Trip
Address: 191 Tran Hung Dao Street, Cua Lap Ward, Phu Quoc Special Zone, An Giang Province, Viet Nam
Phone: 0936 828 328
Email: ota.rootytrip@gmail.com
Website: https://rootytrip.vn/
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