The ultimate Phu Quoc South Island tour covers the Guinness-record Hon Thom Cable Car, hidden snorkeling spots in the An Thoi archipelago, and pristine morning beaches—all just 25 km from Duong Dong town. In 2026, a standard adult round-trip ticket for the 15-minute cable car ride costs 839,000 VND (~$31.9 USD) and includes access to the Sun World water park and theme park. To beat the crowds, start your day at Sao Beach by 7:30 AM before heading south to the port and cable car station.
South Route Overview & Distances
The south of Phu Quoc concentrates the island's most dramatic attractions into a compact peninsula. Stretching south from Duong Dong town, the main transit corridor leads past pepper farms and pearl shops down to An Thoi. The driving distance from the town center to the An Thoi cable car station is approximately 25 km, taking 30 to 40 minutes by motorbike or private car.
Unlike the wilder north or the bustling central beaches, the south combines modern engineering feats like the Hon Thom Cable Car with untouched island nature. Because attractions like Sao Beach, An Thoi Port, and the cable car station are clustered within a few kilometers of each other, you can easily combine them into a seamless single-day itinerary without spending hours in transit.
| South Island Stop | Distance from Duong Dong | Recommended Duration | Key Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sao Beach | 30 km | 1.5 - 2 hours | Powder-white sand, best visited before 9:30 AM |
| An Thoi Cable Car | 25 km | 4 - 6 hours (with Hon Thom) | World-record 15-minute over-sea ride & water park |
| An Thoi Port | 26 km | 30 mins (departure point) | Hub for three-island snorkeling boat tours |
| Hon Thom Island | 7.9 km via cable car | Half-day | Aquatopia water park and quiet natural coves |
Sao Beach: Start Here at 7:30 AM
Sao Beach is widely recognized as Phu Quoc's most visually striking beach, featuring fine white sand and shallow, calm turquoise water. However, its popularity is also its biggest drawback. By 10:00 AM, the beach fills up with tour buses, loud music, and rows of commercial sun loungers.
To experience Sao Beach at its best, arrive right at 7:30 AM. At this hour, the water is glassy, the light is ideal for photography, and you can walk the entire shoreline in peace. There is no entrance fee for the beach itself, though parking costs 10,000 VND for a motorbike and 20,000 VND for a car. If you want a sunbed, expect to pay between 50,000 and 100,000 VND. Water quality peaks here during the dry season from November to April, while the summer months can occasionally bring washed-up seaweed.
Food and drinks at Sao Beach restaurants are heavily marked up, with basic meals costing 80,000 to 150,000 VND. Eat a hearty breakfast before arriving or pack light snacks in your daypack.
An Thoi Cable Car & Hon Thom Nature Park
The Hon Thom Cable Car connects the southern tip of the main island to Hon Thom (Pineapple Island). Measuring 7,899.9 meters long, it holds the official Guinness World Record for the longest three-rope over-sea cable car. The glass-bottomed cabins soar high above fishing villages, coral reefs, and emerald waters, completing the one-way journey in approximately 15 minutes.
In 2026, a standard round-office ticket for adults costs 839,000 VND (about $31.9 USD). Crucially, this ticket bundles the round-trip cable car ride with full access to Sun World's Aquatopia water park and the island's theme park attractions. The facility operates daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Make sure you know the exact time of the final return cable car down to avoid getting stranded on Hon Thom.
Best for clear views, gentle morning light, and minimal queue times at the station.
Peak tour group hours where wait times for cabins can stretch past 30 to 40 minutes in the heat.
An Thoi Port & Hidden Island Hopping
While the cable car links to Hon Thom, the broader An Thoi archipelago consists of roughly 15 islands that are entirely inaccessible by road. To explore these remote southern islets, travelers must embark on boat excursions departing directly from An Thoi port.
A standard 2026 three-island boat tour from An Thoi port starts at approximately 400,000 VND (~$15 USD) per person, often including a simple on-board lunch and snorkeling gear. Key stops on these routes include Hòn Móng Tay (Fingernail Island), Hòn Gầm Ghì (Dam Ngang Island), and Hòn Mây Rút. These locations are celebrated for crystal-clear visibility, thriving coral gardens, and a much quieter atmosphere than the main island beaches.
- Reef-safe sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat
- Dry bag for phones, cameras, and cash
- Snorkel gear (though often provided on boat tours)
- Change of clothes if you plan to visit Aquatopia water park
- A light rain jacket if traveling during the shoulder or wet season
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Hon Thom Cable Car ride?
The cable car ride from An Thoi station to Hon Thom takes about 15 minutes each way. Covering a distance of 7,899.9 meters, it offers panoramic views of the An Thoi archipelago and holds the Guinness record for the world's longest three-rope over-sea cable car.
How much does the cable car ticket cost in 2026?
In 2026, a standard round-trip ticket for adults costs 839,000 VND, which is approximately $31.9 USD. This ticket price includes the cable car ride, entry to the Sun World water park (Aquatopia), and access to the island's theme park areas.
What are the operating hours of the An Thoi cable car?
The cable car operates daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Visitors should note that the last return cable car from Hon Thom back to the main island typically leaves at 5:30 PM, so it is important to budget your time accordingly.
How much does a boat tour of the An Thoi islands cost?
A standard three-island boat tour departing from An Thoi port starts at about 400,000 VND, or roughly $15 USD, per person. These tours generally include stops at pristine islets like Hòn Móng Tay, Hòn Gầm Ghì, and Hòn Mây Rút for swimming and snorkeling.
How far is Sao Beach from Duong Dong town?
Sao Beach is located near An Thoi harbor in the south and is about 30 km from Duong Dong town center. The drive takes roughly 40 minutes by motorbike or car. Visiting early in the morning around 7:30 AM helps you avoid crowds and tour buses.
Can I visit the An Thoi islands without booking a tour?
The outer islands of the An Thoi archipelago are only accessible by water and cannot be reached by bridge or road. Independent travelers must charter a private wooden boat or join a shared island-hopping tour from An Thoi port to visit them.
Need help booking authentic southern island boat tours, renting a reliable motorbike for the 25 km ride to An Thoi, or organizing your PhuQoucc itinerary? Reach out to Sabrina Rental for local concierge support and honest pricing.
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