Visiting the South Island without stopping by Hon Thom is a huge miss. But amidst a “forest” of reviews online, you’re probably confused: should you go on your own or buy a tour, exactly how much are the cable car tickets, and really, what is there to do on Hon Thom Island that everyone praises so much?
This article is drawn from over 6 years of our local tourism experience at PhuQuocGo. We won’t “paint” a 100% perfect, cookie-cutter picture like an advertising brochure, but will provide an honest Hon Thom Island review. From the best ways to get there and updated ticket prices, to “hard-learned” tips so you don’t exhaust yourself waiting in line under the intense sun of the pearl island.
The “Haunting” Reality of Peak Season at the Cable Car Station
During the best season in Phu Quoc (November to April), An Thoi station is always packed. Independent travelers often make a common mistake: waiting until they arrive to buy tickets. As a result, you have to stand in long, snake-like lines, sweating profusely before you even see the ocean. Moreover, many tourists don’t know the cable car has a lunch break, which ruins their entire afternoon schedule. That is why you need to read this article carefully before setting off!
Where is Hon Thom Island and How to Get There?
Hon Thom Island (located in An Thoi ward, south of the main island) is the largest island in the An Thoi archipelago. Although it’s a separate island, Hon Thom is part of Phu Quoc and serves as the “heart” of the South Island’s entertainment ecosystem. If you open a Hon Thom Island map, you’ll see it is about 30 minutes by speedboat or 15 minutes by cable car from An Thoi port.
So, what is the best way to go to Hon Thom?
Most tourists choose the Hon Thom cable car (the longest 3-rope over-sea cable car system in the world).
- Real feeling: Suspended in the blue sky, with hundreds of colorful fishing boats anchored below, the sea breeze blowing through the window gaps. The view is truly stunning.
- Local tip: If you get severe seasickness, the cable car is your “true love”. The cabin runs very smoothly, rarely shaking except on days with strong winds.
How Much Does it Cost to Go to Hon Thom Island? (2026 Update)
To budget your trip, many people wonder how much it costs to visit Hon Thom Island. The Sun World Hon Thom ticket prices change by year and season. Currently, round-trip Hon Thom cable car ticket prices (including the water park) hover around:
- Adults (over 1.4m): ~800,000 – 850,000 VND (≈ $32 – $34 USD)
- Children (1m – 1.4m): ~650,000 – 700,000 VND (≈ $26 – $28 USD)
- Under 1m: Free.
💡 Local warning: Do not buy tickets from people waving along the road to the station to avoid fake or expired tickets. The most relaxing Hon Thom cable car experience is to check and book your Hon Thom cable car tickets in advance through a reputable agent. You will receive a QR code on your phone, and when you arrive, simply scan the code at the gate. It is cheaper than buying at the counter and saves you at least 30 minutes of waiting in line.
Reality Check: What is There to Do on Hon Thom Island? Is it Beautiful?
Many people ask us if Hon Thom Island is beautiful. The answer is: The sea water at Bai Trao is crystal clear to the bottom, and the sand is fine and white. But the central area is quite noisy because of the crowds. If you want peace and quiet, you have to walk further out to the edges of the beach.
In terms of entertainment, here are the experiences you shouldn’t miss:
1. Have a Blast at Aquatopia Water Park
It features over 20 thrill rides divided by intensity levels. The water here is filtered very cleanly, without a heavy chlorine smell like many other parks, and lifeguards are stationed heavily, so you feel very secure.
- Downside: During summer or holidays, you will have to wait quite a long time to get a tube for the slides. The “Snake Fight” ride is always the most crowded.
2. Heart-Pounding Thrills on Moc Xa Thinh No (Exotica Village)
This is the first wooden roller coaster in Vietnam. Unlike steel coasters, the feeling of the wooden frame vibrating violently, the creaking sounds mixing with the whistling wind as the train plunges, truly pushes fear (and excitement) to the peak. Those with weak hearts should think twice!
3. Snorkeling & Water Sports
If you only hang around on Hon Thom Island, you’ve missed the real specialty of the South Island. We always advise guests to rent a speedboat to the nearby small islets for snorkeling in Phu Quoc.
What if you don’t know how to swim but still want to see natural coral reefs with your own eyes? Try the Phu Quoc Sea Walker Tour. Initially, wearing the nearly 30kg copper astronaut helmet on shore feels a bit overwhelming, but once you touch the water, the pressure makes the helmet feel weightless. You simply walk on the sand at the bottom of the sea, with fish swimming around nibbling bread right from your hands—an experience worth every penny.
Should You Go Independently or Choose a Phu Quoc 3-Island Tour?
If you’re traveling with a young group and like freedom: Going independently is a fine choice.
But if your group includes elderly people, children, or if you’re traveling solo, we sincerely recommend considering a group tour.
| Criteria | Independent Travel | 3-Island + Cable Car Tour |
| Cost | You have to add it all up: 2-way taxi + Cable car tickets + Lunch (Around 1.2M – 1.5M VND/person) | All-inclusive around 1.1M – 1.3M VND/person (Includes round-trip transfer, speedboat, cable car, lunch on the island) |
| Experience | Only play on Hon Thom Island. | Visit multiple beautiful islands (May Rut, Gam Ghi), experience both wave-cutting speedboats and scenic cable cars. Includes free SUP flycam photos by the guide. |
| Convenience | Arrange your own transport, monitor cable car schedules, find your own restaurants. | Picked up right at the hotel lobby. A well-planned itinerary so you don’t miss any trips. |
👉 If you want a complete beach day without worrying about “what to eat today, which car to take,” you can check out the detailed itinerary of the Phu Quoc 3-Island Tour organized by us.
Preparation Guide: “Hard-Learned” Hon Thom Island Travel Tips
- Cable car lunch break: The cable car has a fixed break time (usually from 11:30 – 13:30). Plan to cross to the island in the morning or after 13:30. Avoid going to the station at 12:00 noon and sitting around waiting.
- Dress code: The water park requires tidy swimwear made of spandex/lycra materials (do not wear jeans/khakis with metal zippers on the tube slides to avoid scratching them).
- Sun protection: The South Island sun is intense and salty, so bring broad-spectrum sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat.
- Food regulations: Sun World does not allow raw/cooked food to be brought to the island to protect the environment. But if you have a baby, milk and baby food can still be brought normally.
To Sum Up
Hon Thom Island not only has the world’s longest cable car, but is also an entertainment complex worth dedicating a full day to explore. We hope with this highly local Hon Thom Island review, you feel more confident to plan a perfect itinerary.
Don’t forget, if you need itinerary advice or want to hunt for good-priced cable car tickets without waiting in line, we at PhuQuocGo are always ready to help you.
