Discover Phu Quoc’s sim gardens, home to unique rose myrtle wine! Explore top facilities, tasting costs, and eco-tours with Legend Travel Group for an authentic Vietnam experience.
Phu 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 and rich biodiversity within the UNESCO Kien Giang Biosphere Reserve. Among its cultural treasures, Phu Quoc’s sim gardens stand out, cultivating rose myrtle (Rhodomyrtus tomentosa), or sim, a fruit used to craft the island’s iconic sim wine—a sweet, aromatic beverage with alcohol content ranging from 7.5% to 39%. These gardens, nestled in lush conservation forests across Ham Ninh, Duong To, and Cua Duong, offer a unique eco-tourism experience, blending scenic beauty with culinary heritage. Visitors can explore sim orchards, learn traditional wine-making, and savor products like sim syrup, jam, and chocolate. As a sustainable tourism leader, Legend Travel Group curates eco-friendly tours to immerse you in this vibrant tradition, with seamless booking via links around this guide. Ready to taste Phu Quoc’s signature drink? Reserve your tour today
Legend Travel Group delivers authentic Vietnam experiences with expert English-speaking guides, sustainable practices, and tailored itineraries. Our Phu Quoc sim garden tours combine wine tastings 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 producers 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 savor Phu Quoc’s sim wine tradition!
Sim gardens are sprawling orchards where rose myrtle trees, known for their purple-black berries, thrive in Phu Quoc’s conservation forests. Unlike grapes, sim fruits are smaller, with a sweet-tart flavor ideal for fermenting into wine, syrup, or jam. The gardens, primarily in Duong To and Ham Ninh, are both agricultural hubs and eco-tourism sites, attracting over 10,000 visitors annually. Key facilities like Thanh Long (Sim Island), Sim Son, and Bay Gao offer tours showcasing sim cultivation and wine production, using technology from Ho Chi Minh City’s Tropical Biology Institute. Sim wine, with its violet hue and floral notes, ranges from light (7.5–16% alcohol) to robust (39%), often paired with seafood feasts. The spring harvest (January–March) yields the sweetest berries, making it the best time for visits.
Phu Quoc’s sim gardens are a unique draw due to their cultural and ecological significance:
Unique Beverage: Sim wine, a Phu Quoc specialty, offers a sweet, fruity taste akin to blackcurrant liqueur, distinct from grape wines, with varieties from syrup-like (7.5%) to high-proof (39%).
Eco-Tourism: Gardens in conservation forests like Ham Ninh showcase sustainable agriculture, preserving Phu Quoc’s biodiversity.
Cultural Heritage: Rooted in ethnic minority traditions from Vietnam’s Central Highlands, sim wine production reflects Phu Quoc’s culinary identity.
Scenic Beauty: Purple sim blooms (March–June) create a stunning backdrop, ideal for photography and nature walks.
Diverse Products: Beyond wine, facilities offer sim jam, syrup, candy, and chocolate, perfect as eco-friendly souvenirs.
Phu Quoc hosts several reputable sim wine facilities, each offering tours, tastings, and product sales. Below are the top gardens, with updated costs and details:
Location: DT47, Duong To Commune, Phu Quoc, Kien Giang Province.
Details: A pioneer in modern sim wine production, Thanh Long uses technology from Ho Chi Minh City’s Tropical Biology Institute, producing 12–39% alcohol wines with a slightly bitter, robust flavor. Its orchard and fermentation kilns attract eco-tourists.
Price: Free entry; guided tours $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND); wine bottles (600ml, 12–39%) $6–$8 (150,000–200,000 VND); syrup/jam $2–$4 (50,000–100,000 VND).
Opening Hours: 7:30 AM–6:00 PM.
Contact: +84 297 384 9863.
Highlights: “Authentic and informative” (Legendtravelgroup.com).
Tip: Try the 39% wine for a bold taste; book tours for English guides.
Location: Group 1, Cua Lap Hamlet, Duong To Commune, Phu Quoc, Kien Giang Province.
Details: Known for its quaint orchard and English-style castle decor, Sim Son offers tastings of 16–40% wines, though the garden is modest. Its chocolates are a highlight.
Price: Free entry; tours $5–$10; wine (600ml) $5.60–$8 (140,000–200,000 VND); chocolates $2–$5 (50,000–125,000 VND).
Opening Hours: 7:00 AM–6:00 PM.
Contact: +84 297 384 1234.
Highlights: “Fruity, light wines” (Tripadvisor, 4.2/5 stars).
Tip: Check labels to avoid buying syrup ($2–$4) instead of wine; visit in spring for blooms.
Location: 124 30/4 Street, Duong Dong, Phu Quoc, Kien Giang Province.
Details: The oldest sim wine producer since 1997, founded by Mac Van Nghiem, Bay Gao is certified by Kien Giang’s Department of Health for quality and safety. Its orchard is a tourist favorite.
Price: Free entry; tours $5–$10; wine (600ml) $7.20–$10.80 (180,000–270,000 VND); candy/syrup $2–$4.
Opening Hours: 7:30 AM–10:00 PM.
Contact: +84 297 384 5678.
Highlights: “Historic and high-quality” (Legendtravelgroup.com).
Tip: Buy small bottles (100–200ml, $1–$2) for travel; pair with seafood at nearby eateries.
Visiting a sim garden offers a blend of education, tasting, and eco-tourism. Here’s what to expect:
Guided Tours: 30–60-minute tours ($5–$10) explore sim orchards, explain cultivation, and showcase fermentation in modern kilns. English-speaking guides available at Thanh Long and Bay Gao.
Wine Tastings: Sample light (12–16%) and strong (39%) wines, noting their floral, blackcurrant-like flavors. Tastings are often free with tours; standalone $2–$5.
Shopping: Purchase PDO-certified sim wine ($5.60–$10.80/600ml), syrup ($2–$4), jam ($2–$4), or chocolates ($2–$5). Vacuum-sealed packs ensure safe travel.
Orchard Walks: Stroll through sim gardens, vibrant with purple blooms in spring (March–June), ideal for photography. Trails are short (15–30 minutes) but scenic.
Culinary Pairings: Pair sim wine with Phu Quoc’s seafood, like herring salad ($2–$7), at nearby restaurants or markets.
Note: Sim gardens are modest compared to vineyards; expect functional orchards rather than expansive estates. Some Tripadvisor reviews note limited signage in English at Sim Son, so guided tours are recommended.
Entrance Fee: Free at all facilities.
Tours and Tastings: Guided tours $5–$10; standalone tastings $2–$5.
Products: Wine $5.60–$10.80/600ml; syrup/jam/candy $2–$4; chocolates $2–$5.
Transport:
Motorbike: $6–$10/day from Duong Phong (5–10 km to Duong To, 15–20 minutes).
Taxi/Grab: $2–$5 (50,000–125,000 VND) to Duong To; $3–$7 to Duong Dong facilities.
Private car: $30–$50/day for multi-stop tours.
Dining Nearby: Meals at local eateries (e.g., Ham Ninh) $3–$10; drinks $1–$3.
Total Daily Cost: $15–$50 (budget: $15–$25 for tours and purchases; mid-range: $25–$40 with dining; luxury: $40–$50 with private transport).
Tip: Buy travel-friendly packs (100–200ml, $1–$2); use VND for small vendors; ATMs in Duong Phong (TPBank, VPBank).
From Duong Phong:
Sim Son/Thanh Long (Duong To, 5–10 km): Motorbike ($6–$10/day, 10–15 minutes); taxi ($2–$5, 8–12 minutes); walk (30–40 minutes to Sim Son).
Bay Gao (Duong Dong, 1–2 km): Walk (10–15 minutes); taxi ($2–$3, 5 minutes).
From Phu Quoc International Airport:
Sim Son/Thanh Long (3–5 km): Taxi $3–$5 (75,000–125,000 VND), 5–10 minutes.
Bay Gao (10 km): Taxi $7–$9 (175,000–225,000 VND), 15 minutes.
VinBus: Free to Duong Phong, then taxi ($2–$5) to gardens.
From Bai Vong Port:
Sim Son/Thanh Long (15–20 km): Taxi $6–$10, 20–25 minutes.
Bay Gao (14 km): Taxi $3–$5, 20 minutes.
Our Tours: Include round-trip transfers from Duong Phong, airport, or port.
Route Tip: For Sim Son, take Tran Hung Dao Street to Cua Lap Hamlet; for Thanh Long, follow DT47 to Duong To. Use offline maps for navigation.
Dry Season (November–April): Sunny, 25–32°C, ideal for orchard walks and tastings. Spring (January–March) yields the sweetest sim berries. Book 1–2 weeks ahead for peak months (December–February).
Shoulder Season (April–June, October): Warm, occasional showers, vibrant sim blooms (March–June), 20–30% cheaper. Best for photography.
Rainy Season (July–September): Budget-friendly with 30–50% discounts, but afternoon showers may limit orchard access. Tastings and indoor tours remain enjoyable.
Plan Ahead: Book tours 1–2 weeks in advance for dry season via facility contacts, Baolau.com, or Legend Travel Group; same-day bookings often available in rainy season. Check hours (typically 7:00 AM–6:00 PM, Bay Gao until 10:00 PM).
Pack Smart: Light clothing, comfortable shoes, sunscreen, reusable bags for purchases, raincoats for rainy season. Bring a face mask if sensitive to fermentation odors.
Budget Wisely: Expect $15–$50/day (tours $5–$10, products $2–$10.80, transport $2–$10, meals $3–$10, accommodation $20–$300). Use VND for small transactions; ATMs in Duong Phong.
Buying Sim Products:
Choose certified facilities (Thanh Long, Sim Son, Bay Gao) for quality.
Check labels for alcohol content (12–39%) and type (wine vs. syrup); prices $140,000–270,000 VND/600ml ($5.60–$10.80).
Vacuum-sealed bottles ($1–$2 extra) ensure safe travel; Vietnam Airlines prohibits fish sauce but allows sim wine in checked luggage.
Stay Safe: Watch for slippery paths in orchards during rain; secure valuables; confirm tour prices to avoid overcharges.
Sustainability: Support facilities with eco-practices (e.g., Thanh Long’s modern kilns); avoid littering in orchards to preserve Phu Quoc’s forests. Our tours promote sustainable tourism.
Cultural Respect: Ask permission before photographing workers; engage with producers for wine-making insights; tip guides ($1–$5) for excellent service.
Join a Guided Tour: Our tours offer vetted facilities, English-speaking guides, and eco-friendly itineraries for an authentic, sustainable experience.
Our eco-friendly tours immerse you in Phu Quoc’s sim wine tradition, blending tastings with sustainable island adventures:
Half-Day Sim Garden & Tasting Tour ($50–$70/person): Visit Thanh Long or Sim Son ($5–$10 tour), taste sim wine ($2–$5), and explore Dinh Cau Night Market ($2–$10 meals). Includes transfers and snacks.
Full-Day Culinary & Eco-Adventure ($90–$130/person): Tour Bay Gao ($5–$10), visit a pepper farm ($5–$10), and dine on herring salad at Ham Ninh ($3–$7). Includes meals and transfers.
Private Sim Wine & Heritage Journey ($120–$180/person, min. 2): Customize with Sim Son, Sung Hung Pagoda, and Sao Beach sunset. Includes private guide, sim products ($2–$8), and transfers.
Sim Garden & Snorkeling Combo ($80–$110/person): Morning at Thanh Long, afternoon snorkeling at An Thoi Archipelago ($15–$40). Includes transfers and lunch ($3–$10).
Multi-Day Phu Quoc Eco-Explorer ($300–$500/person, 3–4 days): Cover two sim gardens, 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; E-Visa ($25, apply at evisa.gov.vn 7 days in advance) for mainland Vietnam. Verify on official Vietnamese immigration websites.
Phu Quoc’s sim gardens are a vibrant testament to the Pearl Island’s culinary and ecological heritage, offering an eco-tourism experience centered on the unique rose myrtle wine. From Thanh Long’s robust 39% brews to Sim Son’s fruity delights and Bay Gao’s historic legacy, these orchards blend tradition, sustainability, and scenic beauty. Whether tasting floral sim wine, strolling purple-bloomed gardens, or buying eco-friendly souvenirs, visitors discover a slice of Phu Quoc’s soul. Legend Travel Group’s Phu Quoc Tours guide you through this cultural gem, ensuring a sustainable Phu Quoc Travel experience while exploring the island’s beaches, markets, and natural wonders. Don’t miss this flavorful adventure—browse our featured tours on this page and book your Phu Quoc sim garden experience today!
Ready to sip Phu Quoc’s signature sim wine? Reserve your tour with Legend Travel Group and immerse in Vietnam’s island jewel!
Author Bio: Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, personally guiding and organizing tours for over 100,000 travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys.
By Tony Bùi at Legend Travel Group
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