Visitors to Sunset Town can easily get “lost” among hundreds of European-style old-fashioned street corners, unsure where the Dragon Staircase in Phu Quoc is or worried about arriving during a crowded time and ending up with too many people in their photos. As a tour operator with years of experience in southern Phu Quoc, I understand that mix of excitement and confusion very well. In this article, we will share our complete guide to visiting and taking photos at the Dragon Staircase in Phu Quoc, covering its exact location, architectural inspiration, tips for getting photos worthy of “a million likes,” and how to plan the best possible walk around town!
1. Background & Why the Mediterranean-Style Dragon Staircase Has Become a “Hot” Destination
Sunset Town was built on gently sloping hillsides facing the sea in southern Phu Quoc. Its terraced urban layout requires smart connections between streets at different elevations. And the Mediterranean-style Dragon Staircase in Phu Quoc is just such a masterpiece — serving its role as a pedestrian route exceptionally well while providing a scenic stop filled with colorful flowers.
However, because it runs between two rows of shophouses in The Center district, many first-time visitors struggle to find it or pass through during peak hours (16:30 – 18:30) and have to squeeze through the crowds. In addition, quite a few online sources describe the costs or design origins inaccurately, leaving visitors confused. That is why this article will provide the most practical and accurate insights from a local.
2. Where Is the Mediterranean-Style Dragon Staircase in Phu Quoc & What Makes It Special?
Exact Location in Sunset Town
If you are wondering where the Dragon Staircase in Phu Quoc is, it is right in the heart of The Center district in Sunset Town, An Thới Ward, southern Phu Quoc. The staircase connects rows of colorful shophouses, forming a gently winding walking route along the hillside.
Design Inspiration from Lombard Street in San Francisco
Many news sites call it a “replica,” but the Dragon Staircase in Phu Quoc actually draws artistic inspiration from the famous sloping Lombard Street in San Francisco, USA. Both address steep terrain with gently winding zigzag routes surrounded by greenery and arches of colorful flowers. The Dragon Staircase in Phu Quoc does not copy the original American road for vehicles; instead, it adapts the idea into a pedestrian staircase with a distinctly Mediterranean architectural feel.
Architectural Details and Colorful Bougainvillea Landscaping
What makes the Dragon Staircase in Sunset Town so irresistibly appealing is the thoughtful combination of materials and nature:
- 124 old-fashioned stone steps: The sturdy stone-paved steps are accented with decorative tiles featuring vintage patterns, creating a feel that is both elegant and welcoming.
- Phu Quoc’s bougainvillea staircase: Bougainvillea trellises run along the railings on both sides, casting shade onto the stone steps. Pink, red, and purple flowers bloom year-round under the coastal sun, creating a colorful natural scene.
- Distinctive depth in every shot: The winding curves of the walkway, combined with the multistory shophouses on both sides and the blue sky and white clouds above, create a wonderful visual effect in every photo.
3. How to Get There & the Best Times to Photograph the Dragon Staircase
An Easy Way to Get to the Dragon Staircase in Phu Quoc
From central An Thới Ward or the resorts around Bãi Khem, head toward Sunset Town. After parking in the town’s centralized parking lots or near An Thới Station, walk into the district where the Dragon Staircase in The Center is located. The entrance sits between lively rows of commercial shophouses and is easy to recognize by the bougainvillea hanging over the street corner.
Ideal Times of Day to Photograph the Dragon Staircase
For photos you will be happiest with, consider the weather and visitor numbers during these two time slots:
- Morning (9:00 – 10:30): This is the best time to photograph the Dragon Staircase if you want few people in your shots. The soft early-morning sunlight shines through the bougainvillea trellises, making the colors of the patterned tiles and shophouses look especially clear and fresh in photos.
- Late afternoon at sunset (16:30 – 18:30): During this time, Sunset Town is bathed in romantic orange and purple tones. However, this is also when the largest crowds arrive to stroll around town. You will need a little patience to frame your shots without other people in them.
Photo Tips for the Dragon Staircase from a Local Photographer
- Shoot upward from a low angle: Stand at the foot of the staircase and position your camera low to capture the full zigzag curves, the bougainvillea trellises on both sides, and the layered Mediterranean-style rooftops.
- Shoot downhill from above: Use the hillside’s height to capture the full depth of the walkway, along with a glimpse of the blue sea in the distance.
- Make use of close-up shots (Portrait): Lean gently against the patterned-tile railing or pose shyly beneath the bright purple bougainvillea for a romantic portrait.
- Keep the walkway clear: The Dragon Staircase is a shared pedestrian route, so move around as needed and avoid blocking the middle of the walkway for too long so you do not inconvenience other visitors.
4. Is There a Fee to Visit the Dragon Staircase? Practical Information Table
A very common question from visitors is whether there is a fee to visit the Dragon Staircase? The answer is COMPLETELY FREE. You can freely visit, stroll, and take photos here at any time of day.
| Item | Practical Details | Tour Operator’s Notes |
| Admission | 100% free | Open access 24/7 |
| Number of Steps | 124 stone-paved steps | Moderate incline with landings |
| Additional Costs | Parking, food and drinks, hiring a photographer | Charged separately depending on the services you choose |
| Time Needed | 20 – 30 minutes | Enough time to stroll and take a lovely set of photos |
| Suggested Outfits | Maxi dresses, flared dresses, white/yellow/blue tones | Choose flats or sandals to make walking on the steps easier |
A Local’s Note: Although visiting the Dragon Staircase costs nothing, if you want to combine your visit with a cable car ride or world-class artistic performances in town, you should book tickets in advance to avoid them selling out during peak season.
5. Suggested Itinerary: Combine the Dragon Staircase with Photo Spots in Sunset Town
To make the most of your trip to southern Phu Quoc, you should not simply visit the Dragon Staircase and leave. Combine it with a colorful afternoon outing around town:
- 15:00 – 16:30: Start your outing in The Center district, stroll and take photos at the Mediterranean-style Dragon Staircase, and visit La Festa Square, the Central Village Clock Tower, the King of The Sun Fountain, and the Amalfi Ceramic Road.
- 16:30 – 17:30: Walk through the colorful streets toward the waterfront to admire the architectural masterpiece that is Kiss Bridge in Phu Quoc, glowing in the late-afternoon light.
- 17:30 – 19:00: Join the lively atmosphere at Vui Fest Night Market, filled with delicious street food and impromptu performances.
- 19:30 onward: Enjoy an elegant dinner with the Sun Bavaria Dinner & Symphony of the Sea Ticket Combo, or catch a multisensory show with Tips for Watching Kiss of the Sea and its brilliant fireworks over the sea. If you love the artistry of extreme water sports, save these Tips for Watching Symphony of the Sea so you do not miss the spectacular performances.
If you have extra time in the morning, you absolutely should experience the Phu Quoc Cable Car, the world’s longest over-sea cable car route to Hòn Thơm, before returning for a leisurely stroll in Sunset Town in Phu Quoc.
6. Preparation Guide & Tips to Avoid Hassles During Your Photo Visit
- Choose suitable footwear: Given the 124 steps and the sloping terrain typical of this Mediterranean-style town, prioritize comfortable sneakers or flat sandals. Avoid stilettos, which can cause sore feet or lead to slips and falls.
- Protect yourself carefully from the sun: The sun in southern Phu Quoc is quite intense from midday through late afternoon. Bring a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
- Take care of the shared landscaping: The bougainvillea trellises along both railings are part of the shared landscaping, so please do not break branches, pick flowers, or climb dangerously onto the railings.
- Rainy-season weather: During the rainy season (June – October), the stone steps can be a little slippery just after rain. Walk carefully and bring a clear umbrella, which can keep you dry and also make a lovely photo prop.
7. Conclusion
The Mediterranean-style Dragon Staircase in Phu Quoc is more than just a route connecting different elevations in The Center district; it is also an exceptionally romantic artistic touch in the heart of Sunset Town. Its colorful bougainvillea trellises, distinctive zigzag curves, and vintage patterned tiles promise beautiful keepsake photos. Save these local tips now for a rewarding and joyful trip to southern Phu Quoc!
8. Frequently Asked Questions About the Mediterranean-Style Dragon Staircase
Where is the Mediterranean–style Dragon Staircase in Phu Quoc, and how do I get there?
From central An Thới, follow Nguyễn Văn Cừ Street or ĐT975 into Sunset Town. After parking in a centralized parking lot, walk into The Center district, where you will immediately see the winding staircase with its distinctive bougainvillea trellises.
Is there a fee to visit the Dragon Staircase, or do I need an admission ticket?
The walkway is freely accessible, with no ticket gate or operator charging a walking fee. Costs such as parking, restaurant meals, outfit rentals, or tickets to nearby artistic performances are charged separately according to your needs.
What time has the fewest people and the best light for photos at the Dragon Staircase?
Fewer people pass through in the morning, allowing you to adjust your camera angles freely without worrying about people appearing in your shots. The 16:30 – 18:30 time slot offers romantic orange sunset light but is very crowded, so consider this if you want photos with few people around.
How many steps does the Dragon Staircase in Phu Quoc have, and is it tiring for older adults or children?
The staircase follows gentle zigzag turns and has short landings, helping reduce leg fatigue. Children and older adults can comfortably stroll at a relaxed pace, enjoy the scenery as they walk, and rest beneath the flower arches on either side.
Can I get a full view of the sunset over the sea when passing through the Dragon Staircase?
The Dragon Staircase is best suited to photos of architecture, bougainvillea, and the depth of the old-fashioned streetscape. For a full view of the sun setting into the sea, walk down to La Festa Square, Kiss Bridge, or the waterfront restaurants.
What should I wear to stand out most in photos at the Dragon Staircase?
White and yellow help you stand out clearly against the patterned tiles and pink-purple bougainvillea trellises. Prioritize accessories such as a straw hat, a rattan bag, and sunglasses, and wear flats or lightweight sandals to make walking across the 124 steps easier.
