Explore the Phu Quoc Ridgeback, Vietnam’s rare national dog breed! Learn its history, traits, where to see them, and tour costs. Book eco-tours with Legend Travel Group for a unique Phu Quoc adventure.
Capture the majestic spirit of Phu Quoc’s cultural gemPhu Quoc, a tropical ward of Kien Giang Province, Vietnam, is the country’s largest island, spanning 589 km² in the Gulf of Thailand, celebrated as the “Pearl Island” for its pristine beaches, lush forests, and rich cultural heritage within the UNESCO Kien Giang Biosphere Reserve. Among its treasures, the Phu Quoc Ridgeback (Chó Phú Quốc), a rare native dog breed, stands out as a symbol of the island’s unique identity. Known for the distinctive ridge of fur along its spine, this agile, intelligent canine has been a loyal companion to islanders for centuries, excelling as a hunter, guardian, and even fisherman with its ability to swim and climb trees. With fewer than a few thousand purebreds worldwide, visiting Phu Quoc’s dog farms offers a rare chance to witness this “royal canine” in its homeland. As a sustainable tourism leader, Legend Travel Group curates eco-friendly tours to connect you with this remarkable breed, with seamless booking via links around this guide. Ready to meet Phu Quoc’s legendary dogs? Reserve your tour today
Legend Travel Group delivers authentic Vietnam experiences with expert English-speaking guides, sustainable practices, and tailored itineraries. Our Phu Quoc Ridgeback tours blend visits to dog farms with island highlights like Sao Beach, fish sauce factories, and An Thoi Archipelago snorkeling, ensuring a holistic adventure. Committed to sustainable tourism, we support local conservation efforts and align with Phu Quoc’s 2030 goal to eliminate petrol vehicles, using eco-friendly transport like VinBus. With transparent pricing and free cancellations up to 48 hours before departure, we prioritize your satisfaction. Discover our curated packages to experience Phu Quoc’s canine heritage responsibly!
Dive into the unique charm of Phu Quoc Travel (Source: Source: Internet)The Phu Quoc Ridgeback, one of Vietnam’s “Four Great National Dogs” alongside the Bắc Hà, Lài, and Hmong Bobtail, is a primitive landrace breed native to Phu Quoc Island. Characterized by a ridge of fur growing in the opposite direction along its spine, it shares this trait with only two other breeds: the Rhodesian Ridgeback and Thai Ridgeback. Medium-sized (males 15–20 kg, females 12–18 kg; 48–55 cm tall), these dogs boast a sleek, muscular build, short coat in colors like jet black, tawny, brindle, or spotted, and webbed feet adapted for swimming. Their intelligence, loyalty, and agility make them exceptional hunters, capable of tracking prey like deer, fish, or mice, and climbing trees or fences.
Historically, the breed’s origins are debated, with theories suggesting ties to Thai Ridgebacks, French imports, or even Australian Dingoes, though genetic studies link them closely to Korea’s Pungsan dog. Folklore elevates their status, claiming descent from mythical Fu-dogs or crediting them with saving King Gia Long in the 18th century, earning the title “Great General of Divine Dogs.” Once near extinction due to interbreeding, conservation efforts since 2000 have revived the population to 700–800 purebreds on Phu Quoc, with growing global interest.
Photograph the athletic allure of Phu Quoc’s heritage (Source: Source: Internet)Unique Ridge: The dorsal ridge, shaped like a sword, arrow, or saddle, is a rare trait formed during embryogenesis, making them instantly recognizable.
Versatility: Known for hunting, guarding, and fishing, they swim expertly, climb trees, and navigate jungles, earning the nickname “canine athletes.”
Cultural Significance: As a national symbol, they’ve won accolades, including the 2011 FCI World Dog Show CACS prize and the 2013 Hanoi Dog Show.
Intelligence and Loyalty: Their sharp memory and devotion to owners, refusing food from strangers, make them exceptional companions, though they require experienced handlers.
Rarity: With fewer than a few thousand purebreds globally, they’re prized, with puppies fetching $130–$260 in Vietnam and $2,000–$10,000 abroad.
Experience Phu Quoc Tours with sustainable adventures (Source: Source: Internet)Phu Quoc’s dog farms and conservation centers offer immersive experiences to see these dogs in action. Below are top locations, with updated costs and details:
Location: Cay Thong Ngoai Hamlet, Cua Duong Commune, 15 km from Duong Phong.
Details: Established in 2000, this 15-hectare farm houses over 200 Ridgebacks, with breeding, training, and medical areas. Visitors can watch obstacle courses, fence jumping, and swimming displays, showcasing the dogs’ agility. Annual dog races (October–December) are a highlight.
Price: Entry $2–$3/adult (50,000–75,000 VND); children $1 (25,000 VND); guided tours $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND).
Hours: 8:00 AM–5:00 PM.
Contact: +84 297 384 9863.
Highlights: “Incredible athletic displays” (Tripadvisor, 4.3/5 stars).
Tip: Book tours for English guides; combine with a visit to Coi Nguon Museum nearby.
Location: Area 77, Suoi May Hamlet, Duong To Commune, near Tranh Stream, 10 km from Duong Phong.
Details: Opened in 2016, this 4.8-hectare sanctuary focuses on breeding and performance training, integrated with forest conservation. It features a wilderness area and obstacle courses.
Price: Entry $2–$3; tours $5–$10.
Hours: 8:00 AM–5:00 PM.
Highlights: “Eco-friendly and educational” (Legendtravelgroup.com).
Tip: Visit post-rain for lush surroundings; pair with Tranh Stream tour.
Location: 6 km from Duong Phong, Cua Duong Commune.
Details: Combines Ridgeback training with a museum showcasing Phu Quoc’s history, including fish sauce and pepper artifacts. Dog performances highlight agility and intelligence.
Price: Entry $3–$5 (75,000–125,000 VND, includes museum); tours $5–$15.
Hours: 7:30 AM–5:30 PM.
Highlights: “Cultural and canine immersion” (Tripadvisor, 4.2/5 stars).
Tip: Book morning tours to see active dogs; museum adds historical context.
Price in Vietnam: Puppies $130–$260 (3–6 million VND), depending on pedigree, color, and ridge shape (e.g., dual ridges are pricier). Thanh Nga farms are trusted sources.
International Costs: $2,000–$10,000 USD due to rarity and import fees, with notable sales like £10,000 in the UK.
Tip: Buy from reputable farms like Thanh Nga to ensure purebreds; verify health certificates and pedigree. Avoid street vendors to support conservation.
From Duong Phong:
Thanh Nga Old (15 km): Motorbike ($6–$10/day, 150,000–250,000 VND, 20–25 minutes); taxi ($6–$10, 150,000–250,000 VND, 15–20 minutes).
Thanh Nga New (10 km): Motorbike ($6–$10/day, 15–20 minutes); taxi ($4–$7, 100,000–175,000 VND, 12–15 minutes).
Coi Nguon (6 km): Motorbike ($6–$10/day, 10–15 minutes); taxi ($3–$5, 75,000–125,000 VND, 8–10 minutes).
From Phu Quoc International Airport:
Thanh Nga Old (15 km): Taxi $6–$10, 20 minutes.
Thanh Nga New (5 km): Taxi $3–$5, 10 minutes.
Coi Nguon (12 km): Taxi $5–$8, 15 minutes.
From Bai Vong Port:
Thanh Nga Old (25 km): Taxi $10–$14 (250,000–350,000 VND), 30 minutes.
Thanh Nga New (20 km): Taxi $8–$12, 25 minutes.
Coi Nguon (18 km): Taxi $6–$10, 20 minutes.
Our Tours: Include round-trip transfers from Duong Phong, airport, or port, ensuring eco-friendly travel.
Route Tip: For Thanh Nga New, take DT47 to Suoi May; for Coi Nguon, follow Cua Can Street north. Use offline maps for navigation.
Dry Season (November–April): Sunny, 25–32°C, ideal for farm visits and dog performances. October–December hosts dog races at Thanh Nga. Book 1–2 weeks ahead for peak season (December–February).
Shoulder Season (April–June, October): Warm, occasional showers, fewer crowds, 20–30% cheaper. Good for quieter tours.
Rainy Season (July–September): Budget-friendly with 30–50% discounts, but muddy paths may limit farm access. Focus on indoor museum visits at Coi Nguon.
Plan Ahead: Book tours 1–2 weeks in advance for dry season via farm contacts, Baolau.com, or Legend Travel Group; same-day bookings often available in rainy season. Check farm hours (typically 7:30 AM–5:30 PM).
Pack Smart: Comfortable shoes, light clothing, sunscreen, insect repellent, reusable water bottle; raincoats for rainy season. Bring a camera for dog performances.
Budget Wisely: Expect $15–$50/day (entry $2–$5, tours $5–$15, transport $3–$14, meals $3–$10, accommodation $20–$300). Use VND for entry and vendors; ATMs in Duong Phong (TPBank, VPBank).
Stay Safe: Follow farm rules; avoid startling dogs, as they’re wary of strangers; secure valuables; confirm tour prices to avoid overcharges.
Sustainability: Support conservation farms like Thanh Nga to preserve purebreds; dispose of waste properly; choose eco-friendly operators. Our tours align with Phu Quoc’s green goals and UNESCO status.
Respect Culture: Ask permission before photographing dogs or staff; engage with trainers for breed insights; tip guides ($1–$5) for excellent service.
Dog Care Tips: If considering a Ridgeback, ensure space for exercise, as they’re energetic and independent; they thrive in warm climates but need warmth in colder regions.
Join a Guided Tour: Our tours offer vetted farms, English-speaking guides, and sustainable itineraries for an authentic, eco-conscious experience.
Seize the vibrant spirit of Phu Quoc Travel (Source: Source: Internet)Our eco-friendly tours immerse you in the Phu Quoc Ridgeback’s world, blending farm visits with sustainable island adventures:
Half-Day Ridgeback Discovery Tour ($55–$75/person): Visit Thanh Nga Old ($2–$3 entry), watch dog performances ($5–$10 tour), and explore Duong Dong Market ($1–$3 snacks). Includes transfers and snacks.
Full-Day Canine & Coastal Adventure ($90–$130/person): Tour Coi Nguon ($3–$5), kayak Cua Can River ($4–$8), and dine on herring salad at Ham Ninh ($3–$7). Includes entry, meals, and transfers.
Private Ridgeback & Heritage Journey ($120–$180/person, min. 2): Customize with Thanh Nga New ($5–$10), visit Phu Quoc Prison ($8–$12), and a pepper farm ($5–$10). Includes private guide, dinner, and transfers.
Eco-Farm & Snorkeling Combo ($80–$110/person): Morning at Coi Nguon, afternoon snorkeling at An Thoi Archipelago ($15–$40). Includes transfers and lunch ($3–$10).
Multi-Day Phu Quoc Eco-Odyssey ($300–$500/person, 3–4 days): Cover two dog farms, VinWonders ($22–$30), Vinpearl Safari ($22–$30), and eco-lodge stays ($20–$50/night). Includes all activities and meals.
Prices include guides, transfers, activities, and meals/snacks. Group discounts (10% off for 10+ travelers) and seasonal promotions available. Book now via the links on this page!
Flights: Phu Quoc International Airport (PQC) serves direct flights from Ho Chi Minh City ($20–$80, 50 minutes), Hanoi ($30–$100), and Bangkok ($80–$150). Book via vietjetair.com or Traveloka.
Ferries: High-speed ferries from Rach Gia or Ha Tien ($7–$15, 1.5–2.5 hours) to Bai Vong or An Thoi Port. Book via superdong.com.vn.
Visa: 30-day visa-free entry for direct arrivals to Phu Quoc via international flights or same-day transit through Ho Chi Minh City/Hanoi; E-Visa ($25, apply at evisa.gov.vn 7 days in advance) for mainland Vietnam. Verify on official Vietnamese immigration websites.
The Phu Quoc Ridgeback is a living testament to Phu Quoc’s rich heritage, embodying the island’s spirit with its intelligence, agility, and iconic ridge. From their legendary role in saving King Gia Long to their modern resurgence as a national treasure, these rare dogs captivate visitors with their athletic prowess and loyalty. Exploring Thanh Nga or Coi Nguon dog farms offers a unique glimpse into their world, blending eco-tourism with cultural immersion. Legend Travel Group’s Phu Quoc Tours guide you through this canine legacy, ensuring a sustainable Phu Quoc Travel experience paired with Phu Quoc’s beaches, markets, and natural wonders. Don’t miss this chance to meet Vietnam’s “royal canine”—browse our featured tours and book your Phu Quoc Ridgeback adventure today!
Ready to discover Phu Quoc’s rare Ridgeback dogs? Reserve your tour with Legend Travel Group and explore Vietnam’s Pearl Island!
Author Bio: Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, guiding 100,000+ travellersacross Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys.
Sources:
Safety Information: holiday-weather.com, culturetrip.com, travel.state.gov, localvietnam.com
Environmental Information: news.mongabay.com
Phu Quoc Ridgeback Information: dogpackapp.com, en.wikipedia.org, rootytrip.com, vietnamdrive.com, pqrkc.com
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