Working as a tour operator in Phu Quoc for nearly a decade, the most common question I get from customers is always: “Should I take the 3-island or 4-island tour? Which one is more beautiful, which is less tiring?”. The truth is, amidst a maze of information online, finalizing a satisfactory itinerary is truly a headache. If you choose the wrong tour, you might get frustrated because the schedule is too exhausting, or regret missing out on a specific experience.
This article is here to help you sort it out. Using all my hands-on experience out at sea, I will break down the exact differences between the Phu Quoc 3 island vs 4 island tour, analyze the pros and cons of each route, and share small tips from a local so you can choose the most fulfilling journey. After reading this, I guarantee you will confidently book your tour without needing to ask anyone else!
Common Concerns for First-Time Island Visitors
Phu Quoc is famous for the beautiful An Thoi archipelago in the South. Most of the check-in photos with crystal clear blue water, sitting on a SUP board shot by flycam come from here.
However, the reality of going on a tour isn’t always as dreamy as on the internet:
- Fear of seasickness and exhaustion: Moving continuously between islands by speedboat under the hot sun can easily drain your energy, especially for older adults.
- Time pressure: Taking the 4-island tour with the cable car often means being rushed to catch the scheduled cable car ride.
- Cost confusion: The quoted tour price is one thing, but once you arrive, various extra costs pop up (filming, photography, scuba diving…).
Because of this, comparing the Phu Quoc 3 island vs 4 island tour before you go is extremely important to ensure your vacation is for relaxing, not enduring physical punishment.
The Easiest Way to Understand the Difference Between 3 and 4 Island Tours
Actually, the “framework” of both these tours is the same. They both use a speedboat to take you to explore the stunning, pristine islands in South Phu Quoc. The biggest difference lies in the “1” extra island and the transportation for the return trip.
- 3-Island Tour: Only visits 3 natural islands (usually Mong Tay Island, Gam Ghi Island, May Rut Trong/Ngoai Island). Both the departure and return are by speedboat.
- 4-Island Tour: Visits the 3 natural islands above + adds Hon Thom (Pineapple Island). On the return trip (or departure, depending on the schedule), you will experience the longest over-sea Hon Thom Cable Car in the world.
💡 Local insider tip: If you are wondering what the difference is between May Rut Trong and May Rut Ngoai? May Rut Trong has a long, soft white sand beach, suitable for swimming and taking beach photos. May Rut Ngoai is rockier and more pristine, usually a stop for having lunch and sightseeing. Depending on the tide and wind season, the speedboat will take you to whichever island is safest.
Phu Quoc 3-Island Tour Itinerary: A Leisurely Journey
Key Features
The Phu Quoc 3-island tour itinerary is the true love for those who like the sea, love nature, and want time to actually relax.
- Mong Tay Island: Compared to the Maldives of Vietnam. The beach is small but the water is extremely clear. We usually let guests stop here to swim and rest initially.
- Gam Ghi Island (Dam Ngang): This is the “coral kingdom”. The water level is very shallow (in some places only waist-deep), you just need to put your face down to see the coral. The snorkeling experience here is great.
- May Rut Island: A wide beach, shaded by coconut trees. An ideal place to have a seafood lunch on the island and take a good nap in a hammock in the afternoon.
Pros & Cons
- Pros: Slow, leisurely pace. You get to stay longer at each island (about 1.5 – 2 hours/island). No racing against time. Cheaper price.
- Cons: No cable car experience or water park.
Who is it for?
Absolutely suitable for families with young children, older adults, those who easily get tired, or tourists who want to spend the whole day just “chilling” with the blue sea and don’t like noise.
Phu Quoc 4-Island Tour Review: A High-Energy All-Inclusive Experience
Key Features
If you belong to the team of “gotta check-in everywhere when traveling” and have abundant energy, the Phu Quoc 4-island tour is made for you. You will visit the 3 islands mentioned above, then the speedboat will drop you off at Hon Thom.
At Hon Thom, you will have time to let loose at Aquatopia Water Park, playing thrill rides like the Roaring Timbers wooden roller coaster. At the end of the day, you will glide through the air watching the brilliant sunset from above via the cable car back to An Thoi station.
Pros & Cons
- Pros: “All-in-one” experience (speedboat, islands, snorkeling, water park, cable car). Get tons of virtual living photos with the flycam SUP photography combo usually included in the tour.
- Cons: The schedule is quite rushed. Each island stop is only about 45 minutes – 1 hour. Many guests report being exhausted and “having to get back on the speedboat before their pants even get wet” to catch the 4:30 PM cable car trip.
Who is it for?
This is the “national” tour for couples, groups of young friends, people with good health who like taking photos and want to optimize their time to visit as many places as possible in one day.
Local’s note: At Hon Thom or some stops at sea, you will be offered the Phu Quoc Seawalker Tour. This experience of wearing a copper helmet to walk on the seabed, breathing normally, and feeding fish is very interesting but is not included in the initial speedboat tour ticket price (extra cost is about 1,100,000 VND – 1,500,000 VND/person ≈ $45 – $60 USD). Please consider your budget.
Comparison Table & Prices for Phu Quoc 3-Island and 4-Island Tours
Note: The price table below is the average market rate. Prices may vary slightly depending on the company, meal quality, and whether hotel pickup is included.
| Criteria | 3-Island Tour | 4-Island Tour (With Cable Car) |
| Number of islands | 3 natural islands | 3 natural islands + Hon Thom |
| Transportation | Car pickup + Speedboat (round trip) | Car pickup + Speedboat + Cable Car |
| Main experiences | Swimming, Snorkeling, Lunch | Swimming, Snorkeling, Aquatopia, Cable Car |
| Pace | Slow, relaxing | Fast, lively, requires good stamina |
| Reference price | About 649,000 – 850,000 VND (≈ $26 – $34 USD) | About 1,450,000 – 1,650,000 VND (≈ $58 – $66 USD) |
Tips for Taking a Phu Quoc Island Speedboat Tour
To avoid your trip becoming an “ordeal,” save this Phu Quoc Travel Guide A-Z: Practical Handbook for First-Timers right now, especially when heading out to the islands:
- Pack appropriately: Bring 2 sets of clothes (1 swimsuit, 1 light dry outfit to change into for the cable car/lunch). A waterproof dry bag is mandatory for your phone.
- Protect your feet: When participating in Phu Quoc snorkeling at Gam Ghi Island, the coral reef here is beautiful but very shallow and full of sharp submerged rocks. If you have water shoes, bring them to avoid scratching your feet. Please do not step on the coral!
- Prevent seasickness: Although the speedboat glides very fast and causes less sickness than wooden boats, if you are prone to it, take motion sickness medication 30 minutes before boarding. Quick tip: sit in the rear half of the speedboat, this area has the least bumpy and heart-dropping moments.
- Mind the wind season: From November to April (dry season), the South Island sea is as calm as a lake, and the water is crystal clear. But from May to October (rainy season), the waves are bigger and the water can be slightly cloudy due to the currents.
- Cable car tip: If you take the 4-island tour with the return trip by cable car, you will board around 4-5 PM. This is the golden hour to hunt for the sunset. You can check out more Hon Thom cable car tips to get the best photo angles through the cabin glass.
Final Verdict: Which Tour Should You Choose?
In short, there is no “best” tour, only the “most suitable” tour for your physical condition and desires.
- Want complete peace, to relax and enjoy the sea, without being rushed by a schedule: Choose the 3-Island Tour.
- Want a diverse experience, take endless photos, and have maximum fun: Choose the 4-Island Tour.
If you are still hesitating and don’t know how to arrange a reasonable itinerary, or need more detailed advice about the tides and weather on your planned travel date, don’t hesitate to message us. Wishing you a truly memorable trip exploring Phu Quoc!
