What are the must-do activities in Phu Quoc?

Top activities include the Hon Thom cable car, island hopping tours, snorkeling, visiting the night market, and exploring the national park.

Is Phu Quoc good for families?

Yes, Phu Quoc is excellent for families with attractions like VinWonders theme park, Safari park, cable car, and calm beaches suitable for children.

Phu Quoc Cable Car: World Record Ride Over the Sea

Few experiences in Vietnam match the thrill of gliding high above turquoise water on the Phu Quoc cable car, a spectacular ride that links An Thoi Town to Hon Thom Island in southern Phu Quoc. Famous for being the world’s longest non-stop three-rope cable car over the sea, this engineering landmark is more than just transportation—it is one of the top Phu Quoc attractions for panoramic ocean views, island scenery, and easy access to Sun World Hon Thom. If you are planning a trip to Phu Quoc, this guide covers everything you need to know about the route, ticket prices, what to expect, and how to enjoy the best ride.

About the Cable Car

The Hon Thom cable car is one of the most iconic attractions in Phu Quoc and a must-do for first-time visitors. Officially launched in 2018, the cable car stretches nearly 7,900 meters from An Thoi Station on Phu Quoc Island to Hon Thom Island, also known as Pineapple Island. This impressive distance earned it recognition as the longest cable car world record in its category.

Why It Is So Famous

What makes the ride so special is not just its record-breaking length, but the fact that it crosses the sea between islands. During the journey, passengers travel above fishing boats, coral-colored shallows, and small islets scattered across the Gulf of Thailand. On clear days, the water below shifts between emerald, aqua, and deep blue, creating one of the most memorable scenic rides in Vietnam.

Technical Highlights

The Phu Quoc cable car uses a modern three-rope system, designed for stability and comfort. Cabins are spacious, air-conditioned, and typically hold around 30 passengers, making the ride smooth even on windy days. The trip lasts about 15 minutes each way, long enough to soak in the views but short enough to fit easily into a day trip.

Where It Starts

The departure point is An Thoi Station, located in the south of Phu Quoc. The station itself is surprisingly grand, with architecture inspired by Roman and Mediterranean styles. Many visitors spend time taking photos before even boarding the cable car.

Route & Views

The route is a major reason why the Hon Thom cable car stands out among all Phu Quoc attractions. It is not just a means of getting from one island to another—it is the attraction itself.

The Route

The cable car runs from:

An Thoi Station on southern Phu Quoc
Across the sea and nearby islets
To Hon Thom Island

Along the way, you pass above small islands such as Hon Dua and Hon Roi, depending on the viewing angle and weather conditions. From the cabin, you can see fishing villages, floating structures, and boats moving through the water below.

What You Will See

The panoramic views are the highlight of the ride. Expect:

Wide views of southern Phu Quoc’s coastline
Crystal-clear water in different shades of blue
Small islands and rocky outcrops
Fishing boats and local maritime life
Beaches and jungle-covered hills on Hon Thom

If you ride on a sunny day between late morning and early afternoon, the sea tends to look especially vivid. The sun lights up the shallow water beautifully, making this one of the most scenic coastal experiences in Vietnam.

Best Seat Tips

For the best views, try to stand near the windows rather than sitting in the middle of the cabin. If the cable car is not crowded, move around carefully to enjoy both sides. Every angle offers something different—open sea on one side, islands and coastline on the other.

Ticket Prices

Ticket prices for the Phu Quoc cable car can vary depending on the season, package type, and whether entry to Sun World Hon Thom or the water park is included.

Standard Ticket Options

In most cases, visitors will find these common ticket categories:

Cable car round-trip ticket
Cable car + Sun World Hon Thom access
Combo ticket including Aquatopia Water Park

Prices often range from around VND 500,000 to VND 700,000 for adults, while children’s tickets are typically lower. Promotional prices may be available during special events, local holidays, or through online travel platforms.

What the Ticket Usually Includes

Depending on the package, your ticket may include:

Round-trip ride on the Hon Thom cable car
Entry to parts of Sun World Hon Thom Nature Park
Access to Aquatopia Water Park
Limited entertainment zones or beach access

Always check what is included before buying, as ticket structures can change.

Where to Buy Tickets

You can buy tickets through:

The official Sun World website
Ticket counters at An Thoi Station
Hotel concierge services in Phu Quoc
Reputable online booking platforms

Practical Money-Saving Tip

Book online in advance if possible. This can save time at the station and may offer discounts compared with walk-up prices. If you are visiting during peak travel periods, advance booking is strongly recommended.

Sun World Hon Thom

Once you arrive on Hon Thom Island, the next big attraction is Sun World Hon Thom, a leisure and entertainment complex that turns the cable car trip into a full day out.

What to Expect

Sun World Hon Thom is designed for families, couples, and groups looking for more than a scenic ride. The island features a mix of beaches, entertainment areas, restaurants, and water-based fun.

One of the biggest draws is Aquatopia Water Park, known for its modern slides, themed zones, and family-friendly attractions. It is especially popular with travelers visiting Phu Quoc with children.

Main Attractions on Hon Thom

Popular things to do include:

Relaxing by the beach
Visiting Aquatopia Water Park
Enjoying scenic island viewpoints
Dining at local and tourist-friendly restaurants
Taking photos around the resort-style grounds

How Much Time You Need

To fully enjoy the Phu Quoc cable car and Sun World Hon Thom, plan for at least half a day. If you want to swim, play at the water park, have lunch, and take plenty of photos, a full day is better.

Good to Know Before You Go

Bring these essentials:

Swimwear and a towel
Sunscreen
Sunglasses and a hat
Waterproof phone pouch
Light clothes and sandals

The sun in Phu Quoc can be strong, especially around midday, so staying protected is important.

Best Time to Visit

Choosing the right time can make a big difference to your Phu Quoc cable car experience.

Best Season

The best time to visit Phu Quoc is generally during the dry season, from November to April. During these months, skies are often clearer, the sea looks brighter, and visibility from the cable car is much better.

Best Time of Day

For the best ride, aim for:

Morning: cooler temperatures, softer light, fewer crowds
Late morning to early afternoon: brightest sea colors
Late afternoon: beautiful golden light, though weather can be less predictable

If your main goal is photography, morning and late afternoon usually offer the most flattering light. If your goal is seeing the sea at its most vibrant, midday can be excellent on a clear day.

Weather Considerations

Because the cable car crosses the sea, operations can be affected by strong winds or storms. During the rainy season, occasional delays or temporary closures may happen. Check the forecast before heading south to An Thoi.

Crowd Avoidance Tips

To avoid long lines:

Visit on weekdays instead of weekends
Arrive early
Avoid Vietnamese public holidays if possible
Book tickets in advance

Photography Tips

The Hon Thom cable car is one of the most photogenic Phu Quoc attractions, so it is worth planning your shots in advance.

Best Places for Photos

Great photo spots include:

Outside An Thoi Station
Inside the cable car cabin
During the sea crossing
Viewing areas on Hon Thom Island
Beach zones and scenic walkways at Sun World Hon Thom

The station itself is visually impressive, so do not rush straight to the boarding line.

Tips for Better Shots in the Cabin

Taking photos through the cable car glass can be tricky. Use these tips:

Clean your phone or camera lens before boarding
Stand close to the glass to reduce reflections
Avoid using flash
Shoot at a slight angle if glare is strong
Use burst mode if the cabin is moving over your ideal scene

If possible, wear dark clothing to reduce reflection in the window.

Best Camera Settings

For smartphones:

Turn on HDR if the sky is very bright
Tap to focus on the sea or islands
Lower exposure slightly to keep highlights from blowing out

For cameras:

Use a fast shutter speed
Keep ISO moderate in bright daylight
A polarizing filter can help reduce glare, though window reflections may still appear

Drone Note

Drone use may be restricted in tourist zones or near cable car infrastructure. Always check local rules before flying in Phu Quoc, especially around Sun World and the station area.

For the best visual impact, capture:

A wide shot of the cable car over the sea
Close-ups of boats below
Island views on arrival at Hon Thom
Golden-hour beach scenes after the ride

Conclusion

The Phu Quoc cable car is more than a convenient link to Hon Thom Island—it is a signature island experience and one of the most unforgettable Phu Quoc attractions. With its record as the longest cable car world ride of its kind, stunning sea views, modern cabins, and easy access to Sun World Hon Thom, it deserves a place on every Phu Quoc itinerary. Whether you are visiting for the scenery, the beach, the water park, or the photo opportunities, the Hon Thom cable car delivers a memorable day out. Plan ahead, choose clear weather, and bring your camera—you will want to remember this ride long after leaving Phu Quoc.

Useful Resources

Ready for the Ultimate Phu Quoc Experience?

Don’t miss out on exclusive deals and VIP access to the best entertainment Phu Quoc has to offer. Get VIP Access Now

Phu Quoc Cable Car: World Record Ride Over the Sea