Night fishing starts with sunset. This Phu Quoc outing pairs a sunset cruise over the Gulf of Thailand with 2 hours of night-time squid fishing, then wraps it up with dinner prepared on board. At $14 per person, it’s one of those simple, hands-on evening plans that feels more like an experience than a show.

What I like most is how the day’s timing builds the mood: you’re on the water as the light fades, then you fish at night from the boat. I also like that the crew will cook up your squid if you catch any, so it’s not just an activity—it becomes part of your meal. One thing to consider: squid is never guaranteed, and some departures can feel crowded, so you’ll want realistic expectations about how many people actually land squid.

If you’re fine with that, it can be a fun, local-feeling night. If you’re expecting nonstop action or guaranteed squid, you might feel let down.

Key things to know before you go

• Sunset views from the boat: your first payoff is the cruise right as the sun drops over the Gulf of Thailand
• Night squid fishing for about 2 hours: you’ll anchor at a spot and try your luck after dark
• Dinner is included on board: any squid you catch can be prepared by the crew, plus you’ll still eat
• Crowd levels can vary: some boats have had groups where few people caught squid
• Rainy season affects the sunset: in May–November, the boat may depart from other beaches and you might not get the same view

Sunset Over the Gulf of Thailand: The Part You’ll Remember

This trip starts in the late afternoon, with pick-up in Duong Dong town or at the Johns Tours office address (143 Tran Hung Dao). The plan is straightforward: you head to the harbor, step onto the boat, and settle in for the best hour of the evening.

Once you’re underway, the goal is simple—watch the sun sink over the Gulf of Thailand. Even if you’re not the type to get excited about scenery, sunset at sea has a way of slowing everything down. It’s also a good way to do something different without needing a full day.

The practical upside: this is the part that doesn’t depend on your fishing skills. Whether you catch squid or not, you still get the cruise atmosphere and the view. In some areas of Phu Quoc, it can be easy to default to beaches at sunset; this gives you a perspective from the water.

One heads-up: in the rainy season (May–November), the boat may depart from Sao Beach or An Thoi instead of the route where you’d expect the sunset view. If sunset is your top reason for booking, plan your timing accordingly.

From Harbor to Anchoring: What Actually Happens at Night

After sunset, the pace shifts from scenic cruising to hands-on fishing. You’ll cruise to a spot where the crew anchors, and that’s where the squid fishing begins.

You’re fishing at night with local gear provided by the operator. You’ll be surrounded by other people trying the same thing, and that’s part of the charm—this is a “together at night” activity. That said, squid fishing can be tricky. The lure-and-technique element matters, and the conditions matter too.

Here’s the reality check you should plan for: you might not catch squid even if you try hard. Some groups have experienced situations where only a small number of people landed squid, or where catches were very limited. You may also see that lures aren’t always brand-new or highly visible in the dark. (That doesn’t mean the trip is useless—it just means your goal should be participation, not guaranteed squid.)

Still, if you’re curious about how night squid fishing works, you’ll learn quickly. You’ll see how people position themselves, how the boat setting affects where you cast or drop, and how the crew responds if someone does get a catch. And if you are lucky enough to hook one, the crew is ready to help turn it into part of your dinner.

The fishing window is listed at about 2 hours, and then the boat moves back toward dinner and the return trip.

Dinner on Board: Included, but the Outcome Can Vary

Dinner is part of the deal, and it’s one of the better reasons to pick this specific tour instead of just booking a cruise. The boat meal is included, and if you catch squid, the crew will cook it for you.

What that means for you: the dinner experience depends on whether you catch anything. If you do catch squid, you’ll get the satisfaction of eating what you worked for. If not, you should still expect a meal, but it may feel more basic.

Some departures have been described as having a light or average meal spread, with reported additions like noodles/porridge and some barbecue shrimp. Also, there can be moments where snacks and drinks get offered separately on board—so don’t be surprised if the total spend creeps up. If you want to keep it simple, set a budget and decide in advance if you’ll buy extras.

Food quality is something you should be a little cautious about with any seafood-on-boat experience. A few people have raised cleanliness concerns, and that’s worth taking seriously. If you’re picky about food handling, it helps to keep your expectations modest and avoid lingering over how the kitchen area looks.

Bottom line: dinner is included, and catching squid can make it feel special. But it’s not a fine-dining dinner cruise.

Timing and Group Logistics: Where Value Meets Friction

The listed schedule puts you on the water in the late afternoon and returns you to your hotel around 21:00. The whole experience is built for a compact evening—sunset, then night fishing, then dinner.

At $14 per person, the value is clear: you’re paying for transportation by car and boat, an English-speaking tour guide, water, equipment, and dinner. That’s a lot bundled into a short window.

Where friction can show up is with group handling. Some people have reported late departures caused by waiting for additional passengers, especially when some guests didn’t use the included transport. If the boat ends up waiting on the harbor or on the road, your fishing time might feel squeezed. Another common theme is crowding—when there are many people on a small boat, the fishing feels more like a shared activity than a personal coaching session.

So I’d treat this as a good-budget night activity, not a private or luxury fishing charter. If you want lots of one-on-one help, this isn’t designed for that.

What’s Included (and What You Should Bring)

Here’s what you can count on as part of the ticket:

• Round-trip transport by car and boat
• An English-speaking tour guide
• 1 bottle of water
• Dinner on the boat
• Local fishing equipment

And here’s what you should bring so the evening doesn’t get uncomfortable:

• Swimsuit
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Anything else you consider essential for a wet night at sea

Also note the no-surprises rules: luggage or large bags aren’t allowed. If you’re bringing a daypack only, you’re probably fine. Keep it light.

If you need support for mobility, this trip may not be suitable. It’s a boat-based activity with limited room and stairs/steps possibilities—so take care.

Getting Pick-Up Right: The Fastest Way to Avoid Delays

Pick-up is included in Duong Dong town, specifically around a route described from the night market area (along Tran Hung Dao Street toward Eden Resort). If you’re staying outside the Duong Dong area, extra fees may apply, and you might need to coordinate more carefully.

If you want things to run smoothly, do two things:

• Share your hotel info during booking so pick-up can be set
• Be ready at your reception or pick-up point about 15 minutes before start time

Late arrival can affect the schedule, and your boat won’t wait. If you get lost, you can reach out to Ms. Rosie using the provided emergency contact method (Zalo/WhatsApp/etc., via the emergency phone number). Keep that number saved before you head out.

Should You Book This Tour?

Book it if:

• You want a low-cost evening on the water
• You care about seeing the sunset from a boat
• You’re okay with squid fishing being unpredictable
• You like the idea of a meal that connects to the activity (if you catch something)

Skip it or look for something else if:

• You need guaranteed squid catches (you won’t get that promise here)
• You’re very sensitive to crowding and schedule delays
• You expect a top-tier dinner setup or “restaurant” seafood quality
• You’re booking mainly for sunset and you’re traveling in May–November, when the route may change and sunset views might be less reliable

If you go in with the right mindset—sunset first, fishing as the fun gamble, dinner as the wrap-up—you’ll likely enjoy the evening.

FAQ

What time does the tour start and when do we return?

Pick-up is around 16:45–17:00, and the boat activity ends with a return to your hotel around 21:00.

Where is pick-up available?

Pick-up is included in Duong Dong town (center). Other areas may have an extra fee, and the operator notes that The Shells Resort is not in the Duong Dong area.

Where can I meet if I’m not picked up?

You can meet at the office address: 143 Tran Hung Dao, and you should arrive at least 15 minutes before the trip start.

How long is the squid fishing?

Night-time squid fishing is listed at about 2 hours.

Is dinner included?

Yes. You get dinner on the boat, and the crew can prepare squid for you if you catch any.

Do you need to bring towels and swimwear?

Yes. You’re advised to bring a towel, swimsuit, and sunscreen since it involves sea activities.

What’s included in the price?

The tour includes round-trip car & boat, an English-speaking guide, 1 bottle of water, dinner on the boat, and local fishing equipment.

What should I know about luggage?

Luggage or large bags are not allowed.

Is there an extra charge for certain holidays?

Yes. There is a 10% extra charge when traveling on New Year/Lunar New Year, paid directly on-site.

Is the tour refundable if I cancel?

The activity offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

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