Discover Phu Quoc’s Sim wine, a sweet, aromatic specialty made from rose myrtle berries. Learn where to buy, taste, and book culinary tours with Legend Travel Group for an authentic island experience.
Phu Quoc, a tropical ward of Kien Giang Province, Vietnam, is celebrated for its stunning beaches and vibrant culinary scene, with Sim wine (rượu sim) standing out as a must-try local specialty. Crafted from the rose myrtle berries that grow wild in the island’s lush forests, this sweet, magenta-hued beverage offers a unique flavor profile, blending fruity notes with a mild, digestive-friendly kick. Perfectly paired with Phu Quoc’s fresh seafood, Sim wine is a cultural gem that embodies the island’s heritage. As a premier local tour operator, Legend Travel Group offers immersive tours that include Sim wine tastings, factory visits, and culinary adventures. Our featured tours, displayed around this guide, make it easy to explore Phu Quoc’s flavors. Sip the essence of the island and book your tour today!
Legend Travel Group delivers authentic Vietnam experiences with expert English-speaking guides, sustainable partnerships, and seamless planning. Our Phu Quoc tours combine Sim wine tastings with visits to markets, fishing villages, and top restaurants, ensuring a deep dive into the island’s culture. With transparent pricing and free cancellations up to 24 hours before departure, booking with us is effortless. Discover our curated tours on this page to start your Sim wine journey!
Sim wine, also known as rose myrtle wine, is a traditional Phu Quoc beverage made from the ripe berries of the rose myrtle tree (Rhodomyrtus tomentosa), which thrives in the island’s Ham Ninh and Duong To forests. With an alcohol content of 7.5–29%, it ranges from light and sweet to robust and bold, offering a violet-colored drink with a floral aroma and a taste reminiscent of fermented blackcurrant. The production process involves:
Harvesting: Berries are hand-picked in spring for optimal sweetness.
Fermentation: Mixed with white sugar and sometimes rice wine, fermented for 12–18 months.
Blending: Some producers use modern techniques to enhance flavor and consistency.
Sim wine is prized for its digestive benefits, especially when paired with protein-rich seafood like herring salad or Ham Ninh crabs, and is believed to aid blood circulation and relieve fatigue. Its unique flavor and cultural significance make it a perfect souvenir or gift.
Sim wine is widely available across Phu Quoc, from markets to dedicated factories offering tastings and tours. Below are the top places to experience and purchase this island specialty, with updated prices (1 USD ≈ 25,000 VND):
A leading producer since 2000, Sim Son combines traditional fermentation with modern technology, offering wines (10–29% alcohol), syrups, and gummies. Their factory tour includes a walk through a rose myrtle garden and free tastings.
Address: DT47, Duong To, Phu Quoc.
Hours: 7:30 AM–6:00 PM daily.
Price: Bottles (750ml) $6–$10 (150,000–250,000 VND); tastings $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND).
Highlights: “Fruity, light wines with a great tour experience” (Tripadvisor, 4.3/5 stars).
Tip: Try the 12% wine for a balanced flavor; book our Sim Son Factory Tour ($55–$75).
Founded by Mac Van Nghiem, Bay Gao is renowned for its premium wines (10–29%) and traditional methods. Their factory offers guided tastings and insights into Phu Quoc’s winemaking history.
Address: Cua Lap Hamlet, Phu Quoc.
Hours: 7:00 AM–6:00 PM daily.
Price: Bottles (750ml) $6–$10 (150,000–250,000 VND); tastings $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND).
Highlights: “Authentic and aromatic, a true island gem” (Legendtravelgroup.com).
Tip: Buy as a gift; included in our Culinary Village Tour ($70–$90).
Thanh Long uses a longer aging process (4 months) for premium wines (10–39%) and offers sim-based products like jam and chocolate. Their factory tour is both educational and engaging.
Address: Suoi May Hamlet, Phu Quoc.
Hours: 7:30 AM–6:00 PM daily.
Price: Bottles (750ml) $6–$20 (150,000–500,000 VND); other products $2–$5 (50,000–125,000 VND).
Highlights: “High-quality wines with unique souvenirs” (Tripadvisor, 4.4/5 stars).
Tip: Sample the 29% wine for a bold taste; book our Thanh Long Wine Experience ($60–$80).
This bustling market offers affordable Sim wine from local vendors, ideal for budget travelers or bulk purchases.
Address: Duong Dong Town, Phu Quoc.
Hours: 5:00 AM–7:00 PM daily.
Price: Bottles (750ml) $5–$8 (125,000–200,000 VND).
Highlights: “Great deals on authentic bottles” (Legendtravelgroup.com).
Tip: Check labels to ensure quality; included in our Market Foodie Walk ($50–$70).
A vibrant evening spot with stalls selling Sim wine alongside seafood and souvenirs, perfect for tasting with dinner.
Address: 6 Bach Dang St., Duong Dong.
Hours: 6:00 PM–11:30 PM daily.
Price: Bottles (750ml) $6–$10 (150,000–250,000 VND); tastings $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND).
Highlights: “Fun vibe with seafood pairings” (Legendtravelgroup.com).
Tip: Pair with herring salad; book our Night Market Food Tour ($50–$70).
Our culinary tours immerse you in Phu Quoc’s Sim wine culture, blending tastings, factory visits, and island adventures. All include transportation, English-speaking guides, and entrance fees:
Half-Day Sim Wine and Market Tour ($55–$75/person): Visit Sim Son or Bay Gao, taste wines ($1–$2), and explore Duong Dong Market. Includes transfers and snacks.
Full-Day Culinary and Sim Wine Adventure ($90–$130/person): Tour Thanh Long factory, dine on seafood in Ham Ninh ($3–$10), and visit a fish sauce factory. Includes lunch and tastings.
Private Sim Wine and Island Escape ($120–$180/person, min. 2): Combine Sim wine tasting, Long Beach sunset, and snorkeling ($12–$20). Includes dinner and transfers.
Sim Wine and Night Market Combo ($80–$110/person): Taste Sim wine at Phu Quoc Night Market, enjoy bún quậy ($2–$4), and shop for souvenirs. Includes transfers.
Multi-Day Phu Quoc Foodie Explorer ($250–$400/person, 3–4 days): Visit all Sim wine factories, Vinpearl Safari ($25–$35), and Sao Beach. Includes eco-lodge stay ($20–$50/night) 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!
The dry season (November–April) is ideal for visiting Sim wine factories and dining outdoors, with pleasant weather (26–32°C). The wet season (May–October) offers lush forests and fewer crowds, with indoor tasting rooms available. Spring (February–April) is peak harvest time for rose myrtle berries, ensuring the freshest wines. Peak season (December–February) requires advance bookings for tours and factory visits.
Sim Son Phu Quoc: 15 km from Duong Dong; taxi $4–$7 (100,000–175,000 VND) or motorbike $8–$12/day (200,000–300,000 VND).
Bay Gao Sim Wine: 10 km from Duong Dong; taxi $3–$5 (75,000–125,000 VND).
Thanh Long Sim Wine: 12 km from Duong Dong; taxi $4–$6 (100,000–150,000 VND).
Duong Dong Market: Central Duong Dong; walk or taxi $2–$3 (50,000–75,000 VND).
Phu Quoc Night Market: Central Duong Dong; walk or taxi $2–$3 (50,000–75,000 VND).
Island Access: Fly to Phu Quoc International Airport from Ho Chi Minh City ($30–$80), Hanoi ($50–$100), or Bangkok ($80–$150). Ferries from Rach Gia or Ha Tien cost $10–$15 (1.5–2.5 hours).
Tip: Our tours include round-trip transfers from Duong Dong, airport, or ferry ports for a seamless experience.
Sim wine production supports Phu Quoc’s local economy and aligns with the island’s UNESCO Kien Giang Biosphere Reserve status. Factories like Sim Son and Bay Gao work with local farmers to sustainably harvest rose myrtle berries, preserving forest ecosystems. Legend Travel Group promotes eco-friendly tours, partnering with producers to ensure authentic, community-driven experiences that respect Phu Quoc’s heritage.
Plan Ahead: Book factory tours and our packages 1–2 weeks in advance for peak season (November–April).
Pack Smart: Bring reusable bags for bottle purchases and a camera for factory gardens.
Budget Wisely: Expect $5–$20 for bottles, $1–$2 for tastings, $2–$7 for transport. Carry small VND notes (5,000–20,000).
Taste Wisely: Start with lighter wines (7.5–12%) to appreciate flavors; avoid overindulging.
Check Labels: Ensure bottles are from reputable brands like Sim Son, Bay Gao, or Thanh Long to avoid counterfeits.
Respect Culture: Engage with producers about winemaking traditions; support local vendors.
Join a Guided Tour: Our tours offer vetted factories, expert insights, and crowd-free tastings.
Ready to taste Phu Quoc’s iconic Sim wine? Legend Travel Group makes it effortless:
Browse Tours: Explore our curated packages displayed on this page.
Customize Your Trip: Contact us for private tours, vegetarian pairings, or factory-focused itineraries.
Book Seamlessly: Reserve with a small deposit and enjoy free cancellations up to 24 hours before departure.
Savor Phu Quoc: Our guides deliver an authentic, flavorful experience.
Book Now via the links around this guide and let Legend Travel Group craft your unforgettable Sim wine journey!
Phu Quoc’s Sim wine, a culinary jewel crafted from wild rose myrtle berries, is more than a drink—it’s a taste of the island’s soul, steeped in tradition and Kien Giang’s lush forests. From the aromatic bottles of Sim Son to the premium blends of Thanh Long, this specialty captivates with its sweet, tangy flavor and cultural significance. Legend Travel Group’s Phu Quoc Tours ensure you experience Sim wine authentically, blending sustainable factory visits to Sim Son and Thanh Long with seafood pairings at Ham Ninh and eco-friendly island adventures. Don’t miss this unique delicacy—browse our featured tours and book your Sim wine adventure today!
Ready to sip Phu Quoc’s signature Sim wine? Reserve your eco-friendly tour with Legend Travel Group and indulge in Vietnam’s island treasure!
Author Bio: Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, guiding 100,000+ travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys.
Sources:
Phu Quoc Sim Wine Information: vinpearl.com, phuquocislandexplorer.com, vietnampathfinder.com, phuquocislandguide.com, cassiacottage.com
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