Hon Thom Cable Car Phu Quoc: 9 Best Tips Before You Go
If there is one attraction in Phu Quoc that can impress both first-time visitors and experienced travelers, it is the Hon Thom Cable Car Phu Quoc. The ride stretches for almost 8 kilometers above the sea, with the An Thoi islands below, fishing boats on the water and the feeling that you are flying rather than simply moving from one place to another.
This is not just transportation to Hon Thom Island. The cable car has become one of the main attractions in southern Phu Quoc and is officially recognized by Guinness World Records as the longest three-wire sea-crossing cable car in the world.
The ride takes around 15 minutes each way. In that short time, you see Phu Quoc from a completely different angle: not from a beach, road or hotel balcony, but from above the sea and islands.
Quick answer: Hon Thom Cable Car Phu Quoc is worth visiting if you want one of the most scenic experiences on the island. It works best as a half-day or full-day plan with Sun World Hon Thom, Aquatopia Water Park, beach time and possibly Sunset Town in the evening.
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What is Hon Thom Cable Car Phu Quoc?
Hon Thom Cable Car connects the An Thoi area in southern Phu Quoc with Hon Thom Island, also known as Pineapple Island. It is part of Sun World Hon Thom, a large tourist and entertainment complex with beaches, Aquatopia Water Park, Exotica Park, restaurants, photo spots and family attractions.
The cable car is the main reason many people come here, but the ticket is not only about riding there and back. Most visitors plan at least a few hours: first the cable car, then the island, beach time, water park, food and the return ride.
In simple words, Hon Thom Cable Car is both the journey and part of the attraction.
Why is Hon Thom Cable Car so famous?
The main reason is scale.
Hon Thom Cable Car is 7,899.9 meters long, which is almost 8 kilometers. It crosses the sea between southern Phu Quoc and Hon Thom Island through the An Thoi archipelago.
Key facts:
- Route length: 7,899.9 meters
- Travel time: around 15 minutes each way
- Tower height: up to 174 meters
- Maximum speed: up to 8.5 m/s
- Cabin capacity: up to 30 people
- System type: 3S three-cable system
- Technology associated with Doppelmayr, the Austrian cable car company
On paper, these sound like technical details. In reality, you understand the scale as soon as the cabin rises above the water. The islands become small, the boats look tiny, and the cable car towers feel enormous when you pass near them.
A little history and engineering context
The Hon Thom cable car opened on February 4, 2018. For Phu Quoc, it was not just a new attraction, but a major tourism infrastructure project.
Before the cable car, Hon Thom was mainly reached by boat. After the opening, the island became much easier for tourists to visit, and the south of Phu Quoc gained a major landmark.
The departure station in An Thoi is designed with ancient Roman-inspired architecture: arches, columns, wide open spaces and Mediterranean-style facades. It does not feel like a normal transport station. It feels more like the entrance to a themed resort area.
How the cable car ride feels
At the beginning, the cabin rises smoothly, and within a few minutes you are already above the sea. The strongest impression is not speed, but distance and height. The cabin moves calmly, but the route is huge, and you slowly move farther away from the shore.
From the panoramic windows, you can see:
- the An Thoi archipelago
- small green islands
- fishing boats and floating platforms
- clear water
- pale sandbanks
- huge cable car towers
- beaches and greenery near Hon Thom
On a sunny day, the water can look especially beautiful, with shades from turquoise to deep blue. On a cloudy day, the view is less postcard-like, but the scale of the ride still feels impressive.
What can you see from the cabin?
The An Thoi islands
The best part of the ride is the view of the islands. The cabin passes over long sections of water, and the view keeps changing: green hills, boats, reefs, shallow water and small islands below.
In clear weather, the sea seems to stretch far into the horizon, with the islands scattered across it like green pieces on blue water.
Fishing boats and platforms
From above, you can also see everyday life in southern Phu Quoc: fishing boats, nets, floating platforms and places where locals work on the water.
This is one of the interesting contrasts of the ride. You are inside a large tourist project, but below you can still see parts of ordinary island life.
The cable car towers
The towers are especially impressive when the cabin passes near them. In photos, they may look like normal engineering structures. In person, their size is much clearer. They stand among the sea and islands like giant markers along the route.
Arrival at Hon Thom
As the cabin approaches Hon Thom Island, you start to see the beach areas, greenery, Aquatopia Water Park and parts of the Sun World complex. This is a good moment for photos because the feeling changes from “flying over the sea” to “arriving at the island.”
Where to sit in the cabin for the best views
For photos and videos on the way to Hon Thom, try to sit or stand on the right side by the window. From that side, you get strong views of the islands, water, boats and open sections of the archipelago.
The cabins are spacious, and if there are not too many people, you can move between windows for different angles. Just try not to block other passengers who also want to enjoy the view.
What if you are afraid of heights?
I would not describe the ride as scary or extreme. The cabin moves smoothly, without sudden drops, shaking or sharp movements.
But the height is real. At some points, you are far above the sea, with no land directly below. If you are very afraid of heights, it is better to know this before you go.
The good part is that this is a large closed cabin, not an open chairlift. For many people, that makes the ride feel safer and more comfortable than expected.
What is on Hon Thom Island?
The end point of the cable car is Hon Thom Island, also known as Pineapple Island. Today, it is home to the Sun World Hon Thom complex, where you can spend several hours or almost a full day.
The main things to do on Hon Thom are:
- relax by the beach
- visit Aquatopia Water Park
- explore Exotica Park
- take photos
- eat at cafes or restaurants
- enjoy the sea views before returning by cable car
Beach time on Hon Thom
Hon Thom has beach areas with white sand, clear water, loungers, hammocks and photo spots. In good weather, it is a pleasant place to relax after the cable car ride.
If you do not plan to spend much time in the water park, you can keep the visit simple: swim, walk around, take photos, get a drink and return by cable car.
Aquatopia Water Park
One of the main reasons to visit Hon Thom is Aquatopia Water Park. It is a large water park with slides, family areas, children’s sections and themed zones.
For travelers who enjoy water parks, this makes the ticket much more valuable. The cable car becomes part of a full day, not just a scenic ride.
If you travel with children, check height and age restrictions before planning your day. Some slides and zones are better for older children rather than very small kids.
Exotica Park and other attractions
Sun World Hon Thom also has other attractions, such as Wrath of the Wooden Snake, Eagle Eye and family-friendly rides.
The exact list of working attractions can change, so check before visiting if you are going mainly for a specific ride or area.
Water activities and island tours
Around Hon Thom and the An Thoi archipelago, you can also find activities such as snorkeling, diving, kayaking, parasailing, fishing trips and boat tours to nearby islands.
Not all of these are included in a standard Sun World Hon Thom ticket. It is better to separate two things:
A basic Sun World Hon Thom ticket usually covers the round-trip cable car and access to the main complex areas.
Sea activities, island tours, snorkeling and fishing trips are usually paid separately.
This matters because Hon Thom can be both a theme-park day and a starting point for wider island activities, but they are not always the same ticket.
Food and cafes on Hon Thom
There are cafes, food courts and restaurants on Hon Thom. You can get snacks, drinks, ice cream or a full meal.
Sometimes there are combo tickets with lunch or buffet. If you plan to spend several hours on the island, a lunch combo can be convenient.
It is better not to rely on bringing your own food and drinks as the main plan. Tourist parks often have restrictions, and Sun World Hon Thom may limit outside food and beverages. If you want a longer visit, plan to use the cafes and restaurants inside, or check whether a lunch package makes sense for you.
How much time do you need?
If you only want to ride the cable car both ways and walk around a little, you may manage it in 2 to 3 hours.
But the better scenario is to plan at least half a day.
A normal visit includes:
- getting to the An Thoi station
- checking or buying your ticket
- boarding the cable car
- 15 minutes each way
- walking around Hon Thom
- beach time or Aquatopia
- food or drinks
- the return cable car
If you want to swim, visit Aquatopia and eat without rushing, plan around 4 to 6 hours.
Hon Thom Cable Car tickets and prices
A Sun World Hon Thom ticket is best understood as an entrance to the complex: round-trip cable car, Hon Thom Island, beach areas, Aquatopia Water Park and Exotica Park. It is not just a transport ticket.
At the time of checking, Trip.com showed Hon Thom Cable Car – Sun World Hon Thom tickets from $31.52, but the final price depends on the date and selected package.
Before buying, check:
- ticket with or without lunch / buffet
- whether transfer is included
- whether the ticket is for a fixed date
- cancellation conditions
- cable car schedule and possible midday break
- latest return time
If you plan to spend several hours on Hon Thom, a lunch combo can be useful. If your main goal is the cable car, views, beach and a short walk, a standard ticket may be enough, and you can decide about food inside the complex.
Check Hon Thom Cable Car tickets here
Opening hours and cable car schedule
Sun World Hon Thom usually operates during the day, roughly from morning to late afternoon. At the time of updating this guide, the general opening time was around 09:30 to 17:30, but the schedule can change.
The cable car may also have technical breaks during the day. This is important because it is not enough to know when the park is open. You also need to know when cabins are actually running.
Pay special attention to the return time. Do not leave the ride back to the very last moment. Near closing time, queues can grow, and missing the final cable car would be a very bad end to the day.
Best time to visit Hon Thom Cable Car Phu Quoc
The best time to visit is on a clear day with good visibility. That is when the cable car is at its most impressive: the water looks brighter, the islands are clear, and photos are much better.
There are two good timing options:
Morning: less heat, more time for Aquatopia and the beach.
Afternoon: softer light, but you must watch the cable car schedule and return time.
If you want fewer complications, arrive a little after opening and check the day’s operating schedule in advance. In high season, weekends and holidays, expect more visitors.
What to bring
For a day at Sun World Hon Thom, I would bring:
- sunscreen
- hat or cap
- sunglasses
- swimwear
- towel
- change of clothes
- flip-flops or comfortable shoes
- phone with enough storage for photos and videos
- power bank
- cash in VND
- waterproof phone pouch if you plan to visit the water park
There is limited shade in some open areas, and the sun in southern Phu Quoc can feel strong even on cloudy days.
Who will enjoy Hon Thom Cable Car?
Hon Thom Cable Car Phu Quoc is a good choice for travelers who:
- visit Phu Quoc for the first time
- enjoy scenic attractions
- want to see the An Thoi islands from above
- travel with children
- want to combine cable car, beach and water park
- take photos and videos
- plan a day in southern Phu Quoc
- want an easy route without complicated logistics
This is one of those attractions where the value is easy to understand. You get into the cabin, rise above the sea, and within a few minutes, the view explains everything.
Who may want to skip it?
Sun World Hon Thom may not be the best fit if you dislike tourist complexes, water parks, organized attractions and large infrastructure projects.
If you want only quiet local Phu Quoc, small cafes, empty beaches and places without crowds, Hon Thom may feel too commercial.
It is also worth thinking carefully if you have a strong fear of heights. The cabins are closed and smooth, but the route really does pass high above the sea.
How to fit Hon Thom Cable Car into a southern Phu Quoc itinerary
Hon Thom Cable Car works best as the base of a half-day plan in southern Phu Quoc.
Inside Sun World Hon Thom, you can choose your own scenario: ride the cable car and walk around, stay on the beach, visit Aquatopia, go to Exotica Park or use a lunch package.
After returning from Hon Thom, you can add other southern Phu Quoc places:
- Sunset Town – architecture, cafes and evening atmosphere
- Kiss Bridge – photos, sea views and sunset
- Kiss of the Sea – a large evening multimedia show
- Symphony of the Sea – a shorter water show in Sunset Town
- Vui-Fest Bazaar – food, market stalls and evening walk
- Khem Beach – a beautiful beach in the south
A good plan is: cable car and Hon Thom during the day, then Sunset Town, dinner, a walk and one evening show. But do not overload the day if you travel with children or want to enjoy Aquatopia slowly. Hon Thom alone can easily take several hours.
Is Hon Thom Cable Car Phu Quoc worth it?
Yes, if you want to see Phu Quoc from one of its most impressive viewpoints.
Hon Thom Cable Car is not just a way to reach the island. It is a scenic attraction: record-breaking length, sea below the cabin, the An Thoi islands, huge towers and the feeling of moving high above the water.
I would visit not only because it is the longest sea-crossing cable car of its type, but because the whole route works well: the views, the ride, Hon Thom Island, beach time, Aquatopia and the option to continue the evening in Sunset Town.
If you only have one or two days in Phu Quoc, choose based on your priorities. But if you plan to explore the south of the island, Hon Thom Cable Car is one of the clearest and most memorable things to add.
Useful links for planning your Phu Quoc trip
Where to stay in Phu Quoc
If you want to build a route around southern Phu Quoc – Hon Thom Cable Car, Sunset Town, Kiss Bridge, Khem Beach and evening shows – staying in the south of the island or near Khem Beach can be convenient. This reduces long rides across the island for southern attractions.
If you prefer the night market, cafes, central areas and more flexible logistics, look at Duong Dong or Long Beach.
Tickets and attractions
Check Sun World Hon Thom tickets and lunch combo packages before visiting. Prices, promotions and included options may differ between platforms.
Check Sun World Hon Thom tickets:
Flights to Phu Quoc
You can fly to Phu Quoc directly from some cities or connect through Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur and other hubs. Compare routes before booking because prices and travel time can vary a lot.
eSIM for Vietnam
For maps, taxis, bookings and communication, it is useful to have mobile internet ready before arrival. An eSIM can be convenient if you do not want to look for a SIM card after landing.
Travel insurance
Before your trip, check whether your travel insurance covers Vietnam, scooter or motorbike rides, active activities, water parks and buying a policy while already abroad.
Compare travel insurance options
Final thoughts
Hon Thom Cable Car Phu Quoc is one of the easiest attractions on the island to understand: the view is the reason to go.
The ride itself is already impressive, but the best experience comes when you treat it as more than a quick round trip. Give yourself time for Hon Thom Island, the beach, Aquatopia or a relaxed walk, then continue to Sunset Town in the evening if you still have energy.
For southern Phu Quoc, this is one of the strongest and most visual day plans.
What else to read about southern Phu Quoc
If you are planning a route around the south of the island, these guides may also help:
6 Days in Phu Quoc Without a Bike
A complete itinerary without renting a scooter, including Sunset Town, Kiss of the Sea, VinWonders, Grand World, Safari, Hon Thom, Khem Beach and other places.
Sunset Town Phu Quoc
My experience staying in Sunset Town and what to know about the area: atmosphere, accommodation, views, pros and cons.
Kiss of the Sea Phu Quoc
A large multimedia show in Sunset Town with water, fire, lasers, performers and a final fireworks display.
Symphony of the Sea Phu Quoc
A shorter water show in Sunset Town with flyboards, jet skis, fire and pyrotechnics.
Kiss Bridge Phu Quoc
What Kiss Bridge is, when to visit and how to combine it with Sunset Town and evening shows.
Khem Beach Phu Quoc
One of the most beautiful beaches in southern Phu Quoc, easy to combine with Sunset Town or the Hon Thom cable car.
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I also share shorter travel notes, quick place reviews and real-time trip ideas on Trip.com Moments. You can follow my updates there for more practical stops, cafes, viewpoints and route ideas.
