Mong Tay Island, Phu Quoc – A Mesmerizing Pristine Paradise!

Leave the busy streets behind and let the sound of the ocean welcome you to Mong Tay Island.

Often called the “Maldives of Vietnam”, this beautiful spot is where all your stress fades away.

Here, you can swim in clear water, try snorkeling, or just relax on a hammock under the sun.

If you’re looking for a true beach escape, Mong Tay Island Phu Quoc is definitely worth adding to your trip.

Quick Guide – Mong Tay Island at a Glance

If you are in a hurry, here is the “scan-and-go” info for your trip:

• Also known as: Fingernail Island / Hon Mong Tay
• Location: 12km south of An Thoi Port, Phu Quoc.
• Best time to visit: before 10:00 AM or after 3:30 PM
• Top activities: Snorkeling, swimming, beach relaxation, photography, SUP
• Price: ~$30–60 USD/person (group island-hopping tour)
• Accommodation: None — day trips only
• Best paired with: Hon Gam Ghi, Hon May Rut, Hon Thom

Is Mong Tay Island really as beautiful as the photos?

We won’t say “picturesque” because paintings are still. Mong Tay Island is alive.

As your boat arrives, you’ll see a small curved beach of white sand hugging turquoise water, like an emerald in the sea.

However, fingernail Island is tiny, so don’t expect a long, wide beach like Long Beach Phu Quoc. Instead, it offers a “desert island” vibe with coconut trees and rocky corners.

Why people love it

• Crystal-clear water: On sunny days, visibility often reaches 5–8 meters.
• Soft sand: Fine and white, great for barefoot walks.
• Less crowded: Feels more private than Long Beach or Hon Thom if you go early.
• Authentic feel: Few buildings, simple and natural.
• Peace + adventure: Snorkeling, camping, or just relaxing.

During peak hours (11:00 AM to 1:30 PM), the beach can feel crowded with people taking photos.

So you need to arrive early (around 8:30 AM), it feels calm and quiet. You can hear the wind in the trees and the waves on the shore.

Mong Tay vs May Rut vs Gam Ghi – Which One Should You Choose?

These three are often combined in one route across the An Thoi islands, but they’re not interchangeable.

Mong Tay Island

Best for:

• First-time visitors
• Easy swimming
• Photos and relaxing
• Short visits on a tour

What to expect:

• Beautiful beach, shallow water
• Moderate snorkeling
• More crowded around midday

May Rut Island

Best for:

• Couples and social travelers
• Beach clubs and chill vibes
• Lounging and sunset drinks

What to expect:

• Better facilities than Mong Tay
• More Instagram-style setups
• More developed and touristy

Gam Ghi Island

Best for:

• Stronger snorkeling
• Coral-focused travelers
• More “nature” feel

What to expect:

• Less beach comfort, more reef exploration
• Better coral than Mong Tay in many spots
• Fewer photo props, more underwater life

Which one should you pick?

• Choose Mong Tay Island if you want a balance of beach, swimming, and photos
• Choose Gam Ghi Island if your priority is snorkeling in Phu Quoc
• Choose May Rut Island if you want a more social and comfortable island stop

Top 7 Things to do in Mong Tay Island

Stepping onto Fingernail Island feels like discovering a private sanctuary. To help you fully embrace the raw beauty of this part of the An Thoi islands, we’ve curated the top 7 activities that go far beyond just taking photos

Snorkeling in Mong Tay Island

Is the coral actually good? Yes. Better than you expected.

Don’t stay in front of the main beach, walk about 150 meters to the left (facing the ocean). Near the rocky area, the water is deeper and the coral is better.

Marine species to look out for:

• Clownfish (“Nemo”)
• Parrotfish, butterflyfish and angelfish
• Starfish and sea urchins
• Small reef sharks (Non-aggressive species)
• Colorful soft and hard corals

Tip: Bring an underwater camera to capture the stunning marine life!

Mong Tay Island is often regarded as a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers, proudly taking its place among the Phu Quoc best snorkeling spots thanks to its vibrant coral reefs and crystal-clear waters.

Swimming and beach time

If you prefer a laid-back experience, Mong Tay Island’s serene and untouched beaches offer the perfect escape.

• Secluded and quiet: No crowds, just the sound of waves and the breeze.
• Soft white sand & shade: Enjoy sunbathing under the tropical sun or relax under swaying coconut trees.
• Crystal-clear waters: Take a refreshing swim in warm, calm waters.

Tip: Bring a hammock or beach mat to fully enjoy the peaceful atmosphere!

Photography spots

You cannot visit Phu Quoc Fingernail Island without taking photos.

• Aerial drone shots: Capture the entire island’s beauty from above.
• Sunrise & sunset views: The golden-hour light creates magical beach scenes.
• Underwater snorkeling shots: Showcase the vibrant coral reefs and marine life.
• Rock formations & coconut trees: Add a tropical touch to your travel photos.

Tip: Wear bright-colored swimwear to make your photos pop against the turquoise waters!

For the best results:

• Shoot between 8:30–9:30 AM
• Avoid 12:00 PM overhead sun
• Use a dry bag for phone/camera

Watching the romantic sunset

Most tours leave Mong Tay Island around 4:00 PM. But if you’re camping or going by private boat, try to stay for sunset.

The sun slowly sets behind the mountains of Phu Quoc mainland, turning the sky orange and pink.

The water reflects golden light, creating a calm and beautiful scene—one of those moments you won’t forget.

For fewer crowds and better light, this sunset-focused tour is one of the most popular options: Phu Quoc Sunset Tour – Coral Snorkeling, A 1-0-2 Experience!

Camping under the stars

Camping on Mong Tay is possible in some seasons, but it depends on weather and local operators.

Why you may love it:

• Simple setup, not luxury.
• Quiet after day tours leave.
• Clear skies, sound of waves—great for a unique Phu Quoc hidden gems experience.

What to bring for a great camping experience:

• Tent, sleeping bag, and mat
• Enough water for 24 hours 
• Food and snacks
• Strong bug spray (mosquitoes are aggressive after sunset)
• Power bank and headlamp

Seafood by the water

While there aren’t big restaurants, you can often find locals selling freshly caught seafood.

• Fresh fish, squid, sea urchin.
• Eat barefoot in the sand, casual and fun.
• Prices vary—bring cash, ask before ordering extras.

Moments like this are what make Phu Quoc food special — simple, fresh, and right by the sea. If you want a deeper look into what to try, this guide covers it well: What to Eat in Phu Quoc – Must-Try Dishes & Food Guide

Exploring nearby islands

Hon Mong Tay is rarely the only stop. It’s usually part of a wider route through the southern islands. Nearby highlights include:

• May Rut Island: beach bars, swings, and social vibe
• Gam Ghi Island: stronger coral and better reef snorkeling
• Hon Thom area: cable car views and more developed attractions

If it’s your first trip to Phu Quoc, the easiest way to see this stretch of the archipelago is our island-hopping tour with the Hon Thom cable car. You get variety in one day without complicated planning.

What to pack for Mong Tay Island

Pack light but smart:

• Reef-safe sunscreen for snorkeling
• Rash guard or swim shirt
• Sunglasses
• Towel
• Dry bag
• Waterproof phone case/camera
• Water shoes (optional but useful)
• Cash

Preserving the raw beauty of Hon Mong Tay

Mong Tay island stays clean because people respect it. Just follow a few simple rules:

• Don’t touch or step on coral
• Don’t feed fish
• Take your trash with you
• Use reef-safe sunscreen only
• If you see other visitors breaking these rules, a polite word helps more than you’d expect

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you stay overnight on Mong Tay Island? No, overnight stays must be arranged in advance through licensed operators.

How much does it cost to visit? There’s no entrance fee, but tours usually cost $30–$200+ depending on the type.

Is it good for kids? Yes, the shallow water and sandy bottom make it safe for kids with a life vest.

Do I need to know how to swim? No, life vests are provided and the water is shallow near shore.

Are there bathrooms? Yes, basic facilities are available near the main beach.

Can I bring a drone? Yes, but you may need to register it in advance.

Is snorkeling gear included? Yes, most tours include basic snorkeling gear.

Is Mong Tay the same as Fingernail Island? Yes. Same place, different name.

Conclusion

So, is Mong Tay Island still worth visiting in 2026? Absolutely.

It may no longer be the secret it once was, but its charm remains unmatched in Phu Quoc. The way sunlight hits the turquoise water at Hon Mong Tay is something you won’t find on the main beaches.

Go early, pick the right snorkeling spot and you’ll see why this island is often the highlight of Phu Quoc travel.

Ready to experience the untouched beauty of Mong Tay Island? Start planning your trip today!

Rooty Trip

• Address: 191 Tran Hung Dao Street, Cua Lap Ward, Phu Quoc Special Zone, An Giang Province
• Phone: 0936 828 328
• Email: ota.rootytrip@gmail.com
• Website: https://rootytrip.vn/