Not long ago, Phu Quoc’s evenings were almost exclusively measured in sunsets: a table by the sea, a cold drink, the last light slipping below the horizon. Still in its early chapters, the local bar culture is a scene in the making – part classic, part experimental, with a distinctive sense of place expressed through native ingredients and flavours.
The island’s luxury resorts have long been a beacon of creativity and sophistication, setting increasingly ambitious standards for Phu Quoc hospitality. Different in character, but united by ambition, these three bars put their own spin on the classic playbook: confident, innovative, and unapologetically Vietnamese.
Department of Chemistry at JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa
Few bar interiors in Vietnam catch first-time visitors quite so completely in their tracks as the Department of Chemistry. Playing on the resort’s university concept, the beachfront pavillion is a quirky take on an experimental laboratory. Perusing the menu is half the thrill: liquid formulas presented in test tubes and beakers become a fitting part of the spectacle. The compelling mixology narrative, complemented by signature Bensley theatrics, makes the entire experience feel almost imagined – less about textbooks and more about curiosity, discovery, and a touch of mischief. Who said science was boring?
Equal parts chemistry and soul, the menu is a curated journey of artisanal blends, premium botanicals, and global wines, paired with elevated bar food that you will genuinely crave.
Anchored by exclusive spirits, house-made infusions, and fresh local ingredients such as black pepper, lemongrass, pandan, and jasmine, the cocktail list is where the experimental side truly comes to the fore. Start with Dr. Bensley’s Spritz, a refined nod to the bar’s creative energy, before moving to Same-Same But Different, an inventive blend of Vietnamese rum, lemongrass, chilli, calamansi juice, and coconut water. For something more unexpected, try the Phu Quoc “Pho”, a clever interpretation of Vietnam’s most iconic dish.
Bar Jade at Regent Phu Quoc
Promising all the class one would expect from a luxury resort, Bar Jade is a hidden gem that reveals itself only at dusk. Its old-world interiors reference the undeniable glamour of a bygone era where every detail lands with cinematic precision.
If creativity is the question, “The Spirit of Gemstones” is the answer! The bespoke cocktail programme pays homage to Vietnam’s rich gemological tradition, making every order feel like destiny. Brought to life by talented resident mixologists, it displays nine exquisite libations and four spirit-free blends that transform the essence of precious stones into liquid art through modern techniques such as clarification, rotary evaporation, and sous-vide fermentation. Garnished with green rice paper, vegetable caviar and topped with foam infusions, each pour reveals a different facet of the collection.
“The Spirit of Gemstones” is best savoured as a progression of textures, aromas, and unexpected pairings. Begin with Jade, the bar’s namesake, where white cacao, dry Junmai sake and matcha-coconut foam create an elegant interplay of creamy texture and delicate umami. A showstopping serve, Rutile marries tequila and Ardbeg whisky with agave nectar beneath a shimmering dome that bursts to release aromas upon presentation. For a fresher counterpoint, turn to Malachite, where Tanqueray No. Ten meets house-made cucumber syrup, clarified lemon juice, and basil foam in a beautifully composed, garden-fresh finish.
Adding to the atmosphere of a private, insider-only salon, the resident bartender channels her expertise into something altogether more personal, ensuring that every greeting, every drink recommendation and every story is individually tailored.
INK 360 at InterContinental Phu Quoc Long Beach Resort
Crowning the InterContinental Phu Quoc, INK 360 extends the hotel’s narrative beneath the ocean and into the sky.
The brainchild of Australian interior designer Ashley Sutton, this avant-garde rooftop bar takes its cue from seafaring legends and the island spirit of Phu Quoc. Layered with Sutton’s hallmark whimsy and immersive storytelling, the venue unfolds as a mystical realm inspired by the deep.
Referencing the Kraken, the fabled sea monster of Scandinavian folklore, each design element has been meticulously handcrafted. Spiral ceilings and a tentacle-like bar counter create the illusion of being underwater, while mother-of-pearl finishes and white marble surfaces evoke the shimmering beauty of the ocean floor.
Few places take their sundowners as seriously as INK 360. Exuding kinetic energy, the highest open-air rooftop bar on the island creates one of the most coveted panoramic viewpoints for Phu Quoc’s golden-hour spectacle. Named Best Design at the Tatler Best of Vietnam 2025 Awards, INK 360 is a destination shaped by perspective.
Drawing on both classic templates and house innovations, the cocktail list is as imaginative as the setting. Adventurous palates can set off on a celestial journey with Lucky Coral, a sailor’s ritual for good fortune, before turning to the uncharted world of Fountain of Youth, inspired by Jack Sparrow’s legendary quest for eternal youth. For those who are looking for something more familiar, the menu lists an impressive selection of premium whiskies, gin, wines, local spirits, and ice-cold beers.
