The Ultimate Guide to Phu Quoc’s Best-Kept Secret: A Local’s Guide to the Island’s Cheapest Seafood Market

In terms of historical origin, An Thoi market has a long history, initially just a small market serving the trading needs of coastal residents. Over time, along with the strong development of Phu Quoc tourism, the market gradually expanded and became a bustling destination.

From the simple stalls specializing in fresh seafood and agricultural products, the market has developed into a diverse commercial center, preserving the traditional cultural values of the fishing community. The market’s architecture is a blend of ancient and modern styles, with a simple but convenient design, reflecting the transformation from a small fishing village into an attractive tourist destination of the island.

A paradise of delicious fresh seafood

When it comes to An Thoi market, it is impossible not to mention the fresh seafood caught directly from the sea of Phu Quoc. Tourists can easily find a variety of seafood such as sardines – the main ingredient of the famous sardine salad, Ham Ninh crab with sweet and firm meat, as well as fresh squid and cuttlefish.

The highlight of seafood at An Thoi market is the freshness guaranteed by fishermen bringing their catch directly to the market upon docking. The prices here are quite reasonable, ranging from 150,000 – 300,000 VND/kg depending on the type, making it convenient for tourists to choose according to their needs and budget.

According to unofficial statistics, 85% of visitors to Phu Quoc have visited An Thoi market at least once, of which 70% highly appreciate the quality of seafood and the friendly attitude of the traders here.

Specialties to buy as gifts at the market

Phu Quoc Fish Sauce

As the most famous specialty of this region, Phu Quoc fish sauce at An Thoi market is produced using a traditional method: fermenting anchovies with salt in wooden barrels for a period of 12 to 15 months. With a high natural degree of nitrogen (40°N and above), the fish sauce here has a rich and pungent flavor, creating a completely different experience from industrial products.

Tourists can buy small bottles ranging from 50,000 – 100,000 VND to try, or larger bottles from 200,000 – 500,000 VND as gifts for relatives and friends. This is not only a meaningful gift but also a way for tourists to bring a part of the island’s flavor home.

Local Dried Specialties and Fruits

In addition to fresh seafood, An Thoi market also offers a variety of dried specialties such as shrimp with prices ranging from 500,000 – 700,000 VND/kg, sun-dried squid from 300,000 – 400,000 VND/kg, and various other types of dried fish. Local fruits such as Siamese coconuts, Hoa Loc mangoes, and red dragon fruits are also abundantly available here.

These products not only meet culinary needs but also serve as meaningful souvenirs, conveniently packaged for tourists to take home after their trip.

Attractive Street Food Experience

The cuisine at An Thoi market is a perfect combination of the flavors of the sea and traditional processing techniques. Crab noodle soup, a must-try dish when visiting, features soft and chewy noodles, sweet broth made from pork bones and crab meat, all for just 30,000 – 50,000 VND/bowl.

Bún kèn, a unique specialty of Phu Quoc, attracts diners with its broth made from ground fish, served with fresh herbs and sweet and sour fish sauce, priced at only 25,000 – 40,000 VND/bowl. Fresh sardine salad, mixed with grated coconut, herbs, and roasted peanuts, offers a harmonious blend of sour and spicy flavors, priced at 50,000 – 70,000 VND/plate.

Surrounding the market are small eateries serving fresh seafood prepared according to the customers’ requests. Visitors can enjoy steamed crab with lemongrass (200,000 – 300,000 VND/kg), sweet and sour stir-fried squid (150,000 – 250,000 VND/plate), or mixed seafood hot pot (300,000 – 500,000 VND/pot). These eateries are usually open from morning to evening, providing convenience for tourists to enjoy their meals at any time of the day.

Tips for Exploring An Thoi Market

The ideal time to visit An Thoi market is from 6:00 to 10:00 in the morning, when the seafood is brought directly from the fishing boats to the shore. This is when the market is at its busiest, and tourists have the best chance to select the freshest fish and squid. In the afternoon, the market is still open, but mainly sells dried goods and packaged specialties.

Haggling is common at An Thoi market, especially when buying in bulk. Tourists can negotiate a 10-20% discount off the listed price, but it is important to maintain a polite attitude. Cash is the primary accepted payment method, although some larger stalls have started accepting bank transfers.

For those who wish to buy fresh seafood to take home, the traders at the market provide a service to pack it in ice-filled foam boxes for a fee of 20,000 – 50,000 VND depending on the size. Dried seafood should be tightly sealed in vacuum bags to ensure quality during transport.

An Thoi market welcomes hundreds of visitors daily, especially during the tourist season from November to April. The diversity of products and local cultural experiences are the main attractions for domestic and international tourists.

Here, visitors not only shop but also participate in the trading activities with the fishermen, learn how to choose fresh seafood, and even try their hand at preparing local dishes under the guidance of enthusiastic traders. Conversations with the locals about their fishing life or traditional fish sauce-making techniques offer a genuine and profound insight into the culture of Phu Quoc.

An Thoi market serves not only as a commercial center but also as an important cultural symbol of Phu Quoc. The harmonious blend of tradition and modernity, from the manual fishing methods to the professional tourist services, creates a unique appeal for this market. In the future, the development of infrastructure alongside the preservation of traditional beauty will help An Thoi market continue to be an indispensable destination in the journey of exploring the island for domestic and foreign tourists.

With all the aforementioned values, it can be affirmed that An Thoi market in Phu Quoc is not just an ordinary shopping place but also a unique cultural destination, where visitors can feel the daily rhythm of life and get closer to the local culture.