Thuyen Bien Lang Chai is a floating, stilt-house seafood restaurant in Ham Ninh, one of the oldest fishing villages on Phu Quoc. Sit on the wooden deck with the water moving beneath your feet, fishing boats in the distance, and eat whatever came in that day.
It suits travellers who prefer a simple, authentic village restaurant to a polished one, and families: from some tables you can watch fish swimming in the pens below.
- Location: Ham Ninh fishing village, east coast
- Seating: open-air deck over the water
- Ordering: pick from the tanks, priced by weight
What to order
Ham Ninh flower crab, steamed or lightly stir-fried and seasoned with salt, lime and pepper to let the sweetness come through; mantis shrimp steamed or fried with garlic; grilled sea urchin with scallion oil; steamed snails; grilled fish with satay; and lobster or king prawns. What is available depends on the day's catch.
Atmosphere and timing
The deck is open to the breeze and the sun, with big round and square tables for groups. Late afternoon, when the heat eases, is best, and sunset over the bay is lovely. Bring sun protection and insect repellent.
Getting there
Ham Ninh is on the east coast; take a taxi or Grab from Duong Dong, or follow signs to Ham Ninh Pier if you ride a scooter. Allow more time if you are coming from the Long Beach resorts.
Seafood is usually sold at market price by weight. Before it is cooked, ask for the price per kg (or per 100 g) and the weight of what you picked, so the bill holds no surprises. Check whether tax and service are included and whether cards are accepted.
English may be limited, so a translation app or photos help when ordering.
