Hon Thom Island Phu Quoc: Beaches, Views & Tips
26/02/2025Hon Thom Island Phu Quoc is one of the most talked-about day trips in the southern part of Pearl Island — but what makes it stand out isn’t just the views.tr
It’s the contrast.
On one side, you have turquoise water, soft sandy beaches, and moments that still feel like a tropical escape. On the other, a record-breaking oversea cable car, Aquatopia Water Park, and a growing lineup of attractions that turn the island into a full-day experience rather than just a quick stop.
That mix is exactly why Hon Thom keeps pulling travelers in.
In 2026, it is no longer just a place you visit — it is a place you experience, from sky to sea.
Quick Answer: Everything You Need in 60 Seconds
- What it is: The largest island in An Thoi, connected by the world-famous cable car
- Worth it? Yes — for views, convenience, and first-time visitors
- Skip if: You want untouched beaches or serious snorkeling
- Operating hours: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM daily
- Price: ~850,000 VND (cable car + parks combo)
- Time needed: Half day is enough
- Best for: Families, couples, “easy experience” travelers
- Experience: Enjoy a breathtaking aerial view of the pristine seascape, feel the refreshing ocean breeze, and capture unforgettable moments.
Insider tip: Book the cable car combo with the buffet lunch. The 11:30 AM–1:30 PM cable car break leaves day-trippers scrambling for food otherwise.
What Hon Thom Actually Feels Like in 2026
Hon Thom (Pineapple Island) sits in the An Thoi Archipelago, just south of Phu Quoc. Since Sun World Hon Thom Nature Park first opened, it has evolved into a full coastal entertainment ecosystem. In 2026, you’ll find:
- Kiss of the Sea show: nightly water-music spectacle in Sunset Town
- Symphony of the Sea: synchronized jet ski and flyboard performances
- Kiss Bridge: Marco Casamonti’s sunset-framing walkway
- Roaring Timbers: Vietnam’s first wooden roller coaster (80 km/h)
- Eagle Eye: 120 m, 360° observation tower in Exotica Park
Hon Thom is no longer a quick cable car stop. It’s now a half-to-full-day destination competing with major regional attractions.
Is Hon Thom Cable Car still the main highlight?
The Hon Thom Cable Car holds the Guinness World Record as the longest 3-wire sea-crossing cable car at 7,899.9 m.
It’s not just a way to reach the island. It is an experience.
The 20-minute ride is cinematic:
- The Colosseum-inspired Anh Duong Station
- Fishing villages below
- The open Gulf of Thailand at 174 m
- The rocky islets of Hon Dua and Hon Roi
Morning vs sunset ride — which to pick?
- Morning → clearer water, fewer crowds, less heat
- Sunset → better light, but last return is 5:00 PM (aim for ~4:30 PM)
What’s included in your ticket
- Round-trip cable car
- Aquatopia Water Park
- Exotica Park
- Kiss Bridge access
- 1 free drink (Sun Kraft beer or watermelon juice)
That bundle is why the ~850,000 VND ticket feels reasonable for the overall experience.
Is Hon Thom Island Phu Quoc worth it ?
Hon Thom is worth it if you want:
- A beautiful cable car ride
- A simple family-friendly itinerary
- Water park fun
- Easy beach time
- Sunset Town add-on after returning
It may not be worth it if you want:
- A budget island trip
- Wild snorkeling
- Local village culture
- Completely quiet beaches
- A non-commercial nature escape
Best things to do on Hon Thom Island
Hon Thom (Pineapple Island) doesn’t overwhelm you with endless options but the few things it does offer are easy to follow and surprisingly well-connected.
Aquatopia Water Park
Aquatopia Water Park Phu Quoc is the most obvious activity on Pineapple Island.
It’s large, colorful, and built for families or groups who want an active day, with 20+ slides including the King Cobra.
The best way to enjoy Aquatopia is not to force yourself to do everything. Pick a few rides, cool down, rest, then continue. The heat in Phu Quoc can make a full water park day tiring if you do not pace yourself.
Bring:
- Swimwear
- Sunscreen
- Waterproof phone pouch
- Sandals
- A dry bag
- Extra clothes
Compared with major Asian water parks in Singapore or Bangkok, Aquatopia is not the most world-class, but it is solid, clean, and surprisingly fun for Phu Quoc.
Aquatopia Park is best in the morning or early afternoon. By late afternoon, you may want to slow down and move toward the beach or cable car return.
Exotica Park
Exotica Park is the underrated highlight. While Aquatopia gets attention, Exotica completes the experience with two standouts:
- Roaring Timbers (Moc Xa Thinh No) — Vietnam’s first wooden roller coaster
- Eagle Eye — a 360° tower with panoramic island views
If Aquatopia feels crowded, this is the smarter move.
Lines are often faster, and the views from the tower help you understand the geography of the An Thoi Archipelago better than any map.
Sunset Cable Car Ride
For couples, this may be the most romantic part of Hon Thom.
A late afternoon ride back toward Sunset Town gives you soft light, sea views, and a dramatic approach toward Kiss Bridge and the Mediterranean-style townscape.
The cable car is especially good for:
- First-time visitors to Phu Quoc
- Couples who want scenic photos
- Families with kids
- Travelers who want something easy but memorable
- Anyone visiting South Phu Quoc for the first time
Just plan carefully: if the last cable car is around 5:00 PM, you need to board earlier than you think.
Snorkeling Around Hon Thom
Hon Thom has coral areas, especially around the southern side, but it is not the best snorkeling spot in Phu Quoc.
Better reefs are usually found around:
- Mong Tay Island
- May Rut Island
- Gam Ghi Island
- Hon Roi Island
A smart option is to choose a Hon Thom tour with canoe, cable car & buffet. That way, you still get the aerial cable car experience, but your actual sea time happens in better snorkeling zones.
Slow Down at Bai Trao Beach
Bai Trao Beach is where the pace changes.
After the cable car, water slides, and walking around, Bai Trao gives you a softer moment. You can swim, sit by the water, take photos, or simply rest.
The beach is pretty and easy to access, but it is not a secret beach. You will still feel the organized tourist setup around you.
That does not make it bad. It just means you should enjoy it for what it is: a comfortable beach stop inside a larger entertainment island.
Best things to do at Bai Trao:
- Take shoreline photos
- Swim when the sea is calm
- Rest after Aquatopia
- Sit in the shade
- Enjoy a slower hour before returning
They are clean and convenient, but they do not feel as naturally impressive as a perfect-weather day at Bai Sao, nor as relaxed as smaller islands on a speedboat tour. Come here to rest between attractions, not to chase the Maldives fantasy.
Kiss of the Sea and Symphony of the Sea
These shows happen in Sunset Town but they matter because many visitors combine them with a Pineapple Island day trip.
Kiss of the Sea is a multimedia show in Sunset Town, commonly listed around 21:00 and lasting about 30 minutes. Some ticket pages note Tuesday as a day off, so check the exact schedule before you go.
Symphony of the Sea is another evening spectacle in Sunset Town, with Sun World information listing a 19:45 start time.
The honest take: these shows are pricey, but they give southern Phu Quoc a proper night-time attraction. If you are already staying near Sunset Town, they are easier to justify.
Jet Skiing & Parasailing
If you still have energy after the cable car and Aquatopia, on-water activities like jet skiing and parasailing can add a quick burst of excitement to your day.
- Jet skis typically run around 400,000–600,000 VND for 20–30 minutes
- Parasailing usually costs 600,000–900,000 VND per person, with flights lasting about 10–15 minutes
The experience itself is solid. The water around Hon Thom is generally calm, visibility is decent, and the aerial view gives you that classic “Phu Quoc from above” perspective.
The honest take: These activities are noticeably more expensive on Hon Thom compared to Bai Truong or even Bai Sao Beach. You are paying for convenience and location, not better quality.
Fishing and Savoring Fresh Seafood
Fishing trips do exist around Hon Thom, usually offered as short excursions near Bai Trao.
- Expect 300,000–500,000 VND per person for a basic half-day experience
- Gear and bait are typically included
- Common catches include reef fish or squid, depending on conditions
You can bring your catch back and have it cooked at nearby restaurants for an additional fee.
The honest take:
- On-island restaurants are convenient, but more limited and priced higher
- The real seafood culture is still stronger in places like Ham Ninh fishing village or An Thoi
A full breakdown of where to find these dishes and which spots are actually worth your time is covered in our What to Eat in Phu Quoc: A Complete Culinary Guide.
Discovering the Local Fishing Village
Hon Thom still has a small local fishing community, mostly located along the quieter eastern side of the island.
You may notice:
- Wooden boats anchored along the shore
- Fishermen working in the early morning
- Floating fish farms further offshore
Compared to places like Ham Ninh fishing village or Duong Dong harbor, Hon Thom’s village feels smaller and less active. Much of the island has shifted toward tourism, so what remains is more of a quiet backdrop than a destination on its own.
Best hotels near Hon Thom, Phu Quoc Island
Hon Thom itself has very limited accommodation options, so most travelers stay nearby — mainly around Sunset Town (An Thoi) or Bai Khem.
| Hotel | Tier | Pick this if… |
| JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay | 5★ | Honeymoon or special occasion |
| Premier Residences Phu Quoc Emerald Bay | 5★ | Family with kids, longer stays |
| La Festa Phu Quoc | 4★ | Walking distance to cable car |
| Rova Hotel Phu Quoc | 3★ | Sunset Town nightlife on a budget |
| Cybele Sunset Hotel | 3★ | Couples wanting sunset views |
What to eat in Hon Thom Island
Food on Hon Thom Island Phu Quoc is about convenience, not discovery.
There’s no real signature dish here — just a few safe options to keep your day moving.
What’s worth trying:
- Grilled seafood (shrimp, squid, fish) → fresh, simple, easy
- Grilled sea urchin → worth trying once, but quality varies
- Buffet meals → fast, practical, especially with combo tickets
For a proper food experience, head to Phu Quoc Night Market, Ham Ninh, or Duong Dong after your trip.
A full breakdown of what to actually eat and where to find it — is covered in our What to Eat in Phu Quoc: A Complete Culinary Guide.
Travel tips for visiting Hon Thom Island Phu Quoc
To ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip to Hon Thom, keep these tips in mind:
- Check the cable car schedule in advance
- Don’t overpack your itinerary
- Go early for calmer seas and fewer crowds
- Bring swimwear if visiting Aquatopia
- Pack sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, and sandals
- Use a waterproof phone pouch for beach and water activities
- Keep your ticket until the end of the day
- Bring cash
- Expect higher prices on the island
- Plan your transport to/from An Thoi in advance
- Combine with Sunset Town or nearby beaches for a smoother itinerary
Final Verdict: Should You Visit Hon Thom Island in 2026?
Hon Thom Island Phu Quoc is worth visiting in 2026 if you understand what it is.
It is not the quietest island. It is not the best snorkeling spot. It is not where you go for untouched local life.
But it is one of the easiest and most visually impressive South Phu Quoc experiences. The cable car is genuinely beautiful, Aquatopia adds value for families, Bai Trao gives you a beach break, and Sunset Town makes the whole day feel more complete.
Go for the views, the convenience, and the full-day flow. Skip it if your dream Phu Quoc trip is only about quiet beaches and raw nature.
FAQ: Hon Thom Island Phu Quoc 2026
How much is the Hon Thom cable car ticket in 2026? Prices typically range around 800,000–900,000 VND for adults, depending on season and combo packages.
Can I visit Hon Thom without the cable car? Yes, by boat or speedboat from An Thoi Port — but you’ll miss the main highlight.
Does the ticket include the Kiss of the Sea show? Usually not. You’ll need a combo ticket or separate purchase.
How long should I spend on Hon Thom? Plan at least half a day. If you want Aquatopia, lunch, Bai Trao Beach, and Sunset Town afterward, make it a full-day trip.
Is Hon Thom better than a 3-island tour? Not exactly. Hon Thom is better for comfort and entertainment. A 3-island tour is better for snorkeling, canoe rides, and a more natural island-hopping experience.
Does Bus 11 still run? Not reliably. Most visitors now use taxi, Grab, or scooter.
When is it least crowded? Weekday mornings and shoulder months (May, September, early October), weather permitting.
If you’re planning to snorkel at Hon Thom, be sure to check out the available snorkeling tour options and prices in Phu Quoc to choose the best experience for your needs.
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/
