Phu Quoc to An Thoi Islands: Boat Transfer Guide (YEAR)

You can reach the An Thoi Islands independently without booking a tour. Charter a private speedboat from An Thoi harbor for 1,500,000-2,500,000 VND ($60-100 for the whole boat), hire a longtail for 800,000-1,200,000 VND ($32-48), or take the Hon Thom cable car for a single island visit. This guide covers every option, what each costs, departure points, which islands are reachable, and exactly how the process works so you can arrange everything yourself.

The An Thoi archipelago sits off Phu Quoc's southern tip — 18 small islands and islets surrounded by the clearest water near Phu Quoc. Most visitors see these islands only from a group tour boat. Going independently gives you control over timing, which islands you visit, and how long you stay at each one.

An Thoi Islands Overview

The An Thoi archipelago consists of 18 islands south of Phu Quoc. Not all are accessible or worth visiting. The islands spread across roughly 40 square kilometers of shallow sea, with distances between them ranging from 500 meters to several kilometers.

Key geography to understand: The islands sit in relatively shallow, protected water. This means the sea between them is calmer than the open ocean, making boat transfers comfortable even in smaller vessels. Water depth between islands is typically 5-15 meters, creating excellent visibility and rich snorkeling conditions.

The archipelago divides into two practical zones for visitors. The inner islands (Hon Thom, Hon May Rut Trong, Hon Dua) are closer to An Thoi harbor and reachable in 15-25 minutes by speedboat. The outer islands (Hon Mong Tay, Hon Kim Quy, Hon Gam Ghi) require 25-40 minutes and slightly more exposed crossings.

Getting to An Thoi Harbor

An Thoi harbor is the departure point for all boat transfers to the islands. It sits at Phu Quoc's southern tip.

From Duong Dong town: 28 km south, approximately 35-45 minutes by motorbike or car. Take the main road (DT46) south through the island. The road is well-paved the entire distance. A Grab car costs 200,000-280,000 VND ($8-11) one way. A Grab motorbike costs about 100,000-140,000 VND ($4-6).

From Long Beach (central hotel area): 22-28 km depending on your hotel location, approximately 30-40 minutes. Same route south on DT46.

From An Thoi town: The harbor is right in town, walkable from local guesthouses.

Arrive Early
Get to An Thoi harbor by 7:30-8:00 AM. This gives you time to negotiate a boat, the water is calmest in the morning, and you maximize your time on the islands. Boat captains congregate at the harbor from early morning — finding one is not difficult.

Three Boat Options Compared

There are three ways to reach the An Thoi Islands by water, each suited to different budgets and group sizes.

Public Boats

Public boat service to the An Thoi Islands is limited. There is no regular ferry schedule to most islands the way you might expect from other Southeast Asian destinations.

What exists:

  • Occasional public boats run to Hon Thom when the cable car is not operating (maintenance periods or very bad weather). These are infrequent and unreliable for planning.
  • Some local fishermen offer informal passenger service from An Thoi harbor to Hon Thom or Hon May Rut during high season (December-March). Expect to pay 100,000-150,000 VND per person one way. Departures happen when enough passengers gather — this can mean waiting 30-60 minutes or more.
  • There is no guaranteed daily public boat to any island other than the cable car to Hon Thom.

Verdict: Public boats are not a reliable option for most visitors. The savings over a private charter are minimal once you factor in waiting time and uncertainty. If you are a solo traveler on a tight budget, you may find shared boat options at the harbor — but plan for the possibility of not finding one.

Private Speedboat Charter

This is the most common and practical option for independent island visits.

How it works: Go to An Thoi harbor in the morning. Several boat operators have speedboats (fiberglass, 40-100 HP outboard engines, covered seating for 6-10 people) docked and waiting. Approach any captain and negotiate your route, duration, and price. No advance booking is required, though you can arrange one through your hotel if you prefer certainty.

Typical prices (YEAR):

  • Half-day (4-5 hours, 2-3 island stops): 1,500,000-2,500,000 VND ($60-100) for the whole boat
  • Full-day (6-8 hours, 3-4 island stops, lunch break on an island): 2,500,000-4,000,000 VND ($100-160) for the whole boat
  • Single island transfer (drop off and pick up): 800,000-1,200,000 VND ($32-48) round trip

What is included: Boat, captain, fuel, life jackets. Snorkeling gear is sometimes included — confirm before agreeing. Lunch is not included. Some captains can arrange a basic seafood lunch grilled on an island beach for 150,000-250,000 VND per person extra.

Speed and comfort: Speedboats reach the nearest islands in 10-15 minutes, the farthest in 30-40 minutes. The ride is generally smooth in the protected waters between islands. Morning crossings are the calmest.

Negotiation Note
Prices are always negotiable. The first price quoted will be higher than what you end up paying. Be polite, state your budget, and be prepared to walk to the next captain. Prices drop significantly in low season (May-October). For groups of 4 or more, a private speedboat is almost always cheaper per person than joining a group tour.

Longtail Boat Charter

Longtail boats (wooden boats with long propeller shafts, the traditional Vietnamese fishing vessel design) are the budget alternative to speedboats.

How it works: Same process — find a captain at An Thoi harbor. Longtail boats are the smaller, simpler wooden boats. Many belong to fishermen who offer charter services as supplementary income.

Typical prices (YEAR):

  • Half-day (4-5 hours, 2-3 islands): 800,000-1,200,000 VND ($32-48) for the whole boat
  • Full-day (6-7 hours): 1,200,000-1,800,000 VND ($48-72) for the whole boat
  • Single island round trip: 500,000-800,000 VND ($20-32)

Trade-offs: Longtails are significantly slower — expect 25-40 minutes to reach the nearest islands versus 10-15 by speedboat. They sit lower in the water so you feel the waves more. Shade cover is minimal. The engines are loud. However, they cost roughly half the price of a speedboat and carry a certain charm that fiberglass speedboats do not.

Best for: Budget travelers, couples, photographers who enjoy the aesthetic of traditional boats, and anyone visiting only 1-2 nearby islands where speed is less important.

Not recommended for: Families with young children (less stable, more exposure), anyone prone to seasickness, or trips to the outer islands where the crossing is more exposed.

Which Islands Are Accessible

Not all 18 islands in the archipelago are open to visitors. Here is what you can actually reach and what you will find.

Hon Thom (Pineapple Island)

Access: Cable car from An Thoi or boat (15 minutes by speedboat). This is the largest and most developed island. Sun World Aquatopia covers a significant portion — it is a water park and amusement complex. The beaches on Hon Thom are maintained and clean. This is the easiest island for families and visitors who want facilities (restaurants, restrooms, shade structures). Not the choice for a castaway experience.

Hon May Rut Trong (Inner May Rut)

Access: 20 minutes by speedboat from An Thoi. The island most independent visitors target and for good reason. The beach here is genuinely beautiful — fine white sand, shallow turquoise water extending far from shore, minimal development. A few simple restaurants operate on the beach serving grilled seafood and drinks. This is where you go for a half-day of swimming and lounging on a beautiful island beach without resort crowds.

Hon May Rut Ngoai (Outer May Rut)

Access: 25 minutes by speedboat. Less visited than the inner island. Rougher, more natural shoreline. Better snorkeling than the inner island due to less foot traffic on the coral. No facilities.

Hon Mong Tay (Fingernail Island)

Access: 30 minutes by speedboat. A tiny island with a crescent beach that photographs remarkably well — the classic tropical island shot. The beach is small (maybe 100 meters), backed by dense jungle. No facilities whatsoever. Bring everything you need including water. Best visited as a 1-2 hour stop combined with other islands.

Hon Gam Ghi

Access: 25 minutes by speedboat. Good snorkeling and diving site. Rocky coastline with small sandy patches. The underwater landscape is more interesting than the above-water scenery. Popular stop for snorkeling-focused trips.

Hon Dua (Coconut Island)

Access: 15 minutes by speedboat. Close to An Thoi, making it an easy add-on. Decent coral for snorkeling on the southern side. Small beach. Often included as a snorkeling stop on half-day charters.

Island Access Restrictions
Some islands are periodically closed for environmental protection or military purposes. Your boat captain will know which islands are accessible on any given day. Hon Kim Quy and several smaller islets may be restricted. Always confirm your planned route with the captain before departing.

Hon Thom Cable Car Alternative

If you only want to visit Hon Thom, the cable car is the fastest and most scenic option — but it is a different experience than a boat trip.

Key facts:

  • Length: 7.9 km over the sea — the world's longest over-water cable car
  • Duration: Approximately 15 minutes one way
  • Departure: An Thoi cable car station (not the harbor — located nearby)
  • Hours: 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM daily
  • Price (YEAR): Approximately 350,000 VND ($14) round-trip for adults, 250,000 VND ($10) for children. Prices may include access to Sun World Aquatopia — check current packages.

The views are genuinely spectacular. You pass directly over the turquoise water and several small islands at a height that gives you the aerial perspective most people only see in drone footage. On clear days, you can see the entire archipelago spread below you.

Limitation: The cable car only goes to Hon Thom. You cannot reach Hon May Rut, Hon Mong Tay, or any other island by cable car. If your goal is island hopping between multiple islands, you need a boat.

Combination strategy: Take the cable car to Hon Thom in the morning for the views and the park, then take a boat from Hon Thom to other islands in the afternoon. Some boat captains will pick you up from Hon Thom. Arrange this at An Thoi harbor before taking the cable car, or ask at the Hon Thom pier.

Price Comparison Table

<PriceTable title="An Thoi Islands Boat Transfer Prices (YEAR)" headers={["Option", "Duration", "Price (whole boat)", "Per Person (4 pax)", "Best For"]} rows={[ ["Speedboat half-day", "4-5 hours", "1,500,000-2,500,000 VND ($60-100)", "$15-25", "Groups, families, multi-island"], ["Speedboat full-day", "6-8 hours", "2,500,000-4,000,000 VND ($100-160)", "$25-40", "Full exploration, 3-4 islands"], ["Speedboat single transfer", "Return trip", "800,000-1,200,000 VND ($32-48)", "$8-12", "Beach day on one island"], ["Longtail half-day", "4-5 hours", "800,000-1,200,000 VND ($32-48)", "$8-12", "Budget, couples, 1-2 islands"], ["Longtail full-day", "6-7 hours", "1,200,000-1,800,000 VND ($48-72)", "$12-18", "Budget full day"], ["Hon Thom cable car", "All day access", "350,000 VND per person ($14)", "$14", "Hon Thom only, best views"], ["Group tour (comparison)", "Full day", "400,000-600,000 VND per person ($16-24)", "$16-24", "Solo travelers, no planning"] ]} />

When the private boat wins: With 3 or more people, a private speedboat costs the same or less per person than a group tour — and you control the itinerary, timing, and which islands to visit. With 4-6 people, it is clearly cheaper and vastly better.

When the group tour wins: If you are traveling solo and cannot find other travelers to split a boat, a group tour at $16-24 per person is the most economical way to see the islands. The trade-off is a fixed itinerary, crowded stops, and limited time at each island.

Practical Tips

What to bring on a private boat trip:

  • Reef-safe sunscreen (the coral around these islands is fragile and you will be swimming directly above it)
  • Snorkeling gear if your boat does not provide it — you can rent masks and fins at An Thoi harbor for 50,000-80,000 VND
  • Drinking water (at least 2 liters per person — dehydration happens quickly on the water)
  • Waterproof bag or dry bag for phone and valuables
  • Cash for island restaurants and tips
  • Towel — boats do not provide them
  • Light long-sleeve shirt for sun protection on the boat

Sea conditions by season:

  • November to April (dry season): Calmest water, best visibility, most reliable crossings. Peak months for island visits.
  • May to June: Still generally good. Occasional afternoon rain. Morning departures are fine.
  • July to October (wet season): Rougher seas on some days. Crossings to outer islands (Hon Mong Tay) may not be possible. Inner islands (Hon May Rut Trong, Hon Thom) remain accessible most days. Your captain will refuse to go if conditions are dangerous — trust their judgment.

Safety note: Life jackets should be on every boat. If they are not visible, ask. Verify the boat has a working radio or the captain has a phone with signal. These are short crossings in protected waters, but basic safety gear is non-negotiable.

Skip the negotiation and the early harbor visit. I arrange private speedboat transfers to the An Thoi islands with a trusted captain — fixed fair price, flexible schedule, snorkeling gear included.

Book Private Boat Transfer

FAQ

Can I visit the An Thoi Islands without joining a tour?

Yes. You can charter a private speedboat or longtail boat directly from An Thoi harbor — no tour company needed. Walk up to the harbor in the morning, pick a captain, negotiate the price, and go. For Hon Thom specifically, the cable car gets you there without any boat at all. The only island that is difficult to visit independently is if every boat is already booked during peak holiday periods like Tet.

How much does a private boat to the An Thoi Islands cost?

A private speedboat for a half-day visiting 2-3 islands costs 1,500,000-2,500,000 VND ($60-100) for the entire boat — not per person. A longtail costs 800,000-1,200,000 VND ($32-48) for the same duration. Split between 4 people, a speedboat works out to $15-25 per person, which is competitive with or cheaper than group tours and incomparably better in terms of experience.

Which An Thoi island is the best to visit?

Hon May Rut Trong for the best beach — white sand, shallow turquoise water, a few simple beach restaurants. Hon Mong Tay for the most photogenic tiny island. Hon Thom for the easiest access and most facilities. For snorkeling, the water around Hon Gam Ghi and Hon Dua has the healthiest coral. If you have a half-day, visit Hon May Rut Trong and Hon Mong Tay together.

Is the Hon Thom cable car worth it instead of a boat?

The cable car is worth doing once for the views alone — 7.9 km over turquoise water at altitude is spectacular. But it only takes you to Hon Thom island. If you want to visit Hon May Rut, Hon Mong Tay, or go snorkeling at different islands, you need a boat. The best approach if you have two days is to do the cable car one day and a boat charter the next.

What time do boats leave An Thoi harbor for the islands?

There is no fixed schedule. Charter boats depart whenever you agree with the captain — typically between 8:00-9:00 AM for the best conditions. The Hon Thom cable car runs 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM. Morning departures are strongly recommended because the sea is calmest before noon and afternoon weather becomes less predictable during the wet season.

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