What are the An Thoi Islands?
The An Thoi Islands are a group of small islands located off the southern coast of Phu Quoc. They are one of the most popular sea excursion areas on the island and are best known for island-hopping tours, snorkeling trips, and scenic boat rides through turquoise water.
Most travelers visit the An Thoi Islands on day tours departing from An Thoi Port. These tours usually stop at several islands for swimming, snorkeling, lunch, beach time, and optional activities such as jet skiing or sea walking. Private speedboat tours are also common for travelers who want more flexibility.
The area is popular because the water is often clearer than many mainland beaches around Phu Quoc, especially in the dry season. You also find coral areas, small sandy beaches, floating restaurants, and many islands that look great in photos. It is one of the easiest places in Phu Quoc to enjoy a tropical island setting without needing an overnight trip.
It is worth knowing that the An Thoi Islands are not untouched paradise everywhere. Some stops can be busy, commercial, or built mainly for tours, especially during peak season. If you expect empty beaches and total silence, choose your tour carefully or consider a private trip.
Best An Thoi Islands to visit
1. Hon Thom Island
Hon Thom Island is the largest and most developed island in the An Thoi group. It is the easiest island to visit independently thanks to the Hon Thom Cable Car, which connects the south of Phu Quoc with the island in a scenic ride over the sea.
The island is best known for Aquatopia Water Park, Exotica amusement rides, the Bai Trao beach area, and Sun World Hon Thom Nature Park. This makes it a strong choice for families, couples, and travelers who want an easy organized day with plenty to do.
Hon Thom is less about untouched nature and more about entertainment and convenience. Some areas are highly developed, with resort-style projects and ongoing expansion, so do not expect a remote island feeling.
2. Hon Mong Tay Island
Hon Mong Tay Island is one of the most popular stops on 3-island and 4-island tours. It is a small island known for clear water, white sand, leaning coconut trees, and classic tropical scenery.
Most visits here are short, giving time for swimming, relaxing, and photos before moving to the next stop. It is ideal if you want that postcard-style island look without needing to stay overnight.
The island is small, so space is limited. When several tour boats arrive at the same time, it can feel crowded and less peaceful than photos suggest.
3. Hon May Rut Trong and Hon May Rut Ngoai
Hon May Rut Trong and Hon May Rut Ngoai are two of the most common islands included in tours. They are popular for lunch stops, beach time, and optional activities.
You often find beach restaurants, swings, decorated photo areas, water sports, sunbeds, and calm swimming areas. These islands suit travelers who want an easy mix of beach fun, food, and photos rather than pure nature.
Because they are tourism-focused stops, prices for drinks, activities, or extras can be higher than on the main island. Some parts also feel more commercial than natural.
4. Hon Gam Ghi
Hon Gam Ghi is one of the better-known snorkeling spots in the An Thoi Islands. Many tours come here because the water can be clear and there are coral areas near the surface.
You usually snorkel from the boat rather than spend long on the island itself. Fish, rocks, and coral make it one of the better stops for travelers who mainly care about marine life.
Coral here is fragile, so avoid standing on it, touching it, or disturbing sea life. Good behavior helps protect one of the area’s main natural attractions.
5. Hon Roi
Hon Roi is mainly known for sea walking and coral park style activities. This is where some tours offer helmet diving, allowing non-swimmers to walk underwater while breathing normally.
It can be a fun first underwater experience for travelers who do not dive or snorkel confidently. Families and first-timers often find it appealing.
That said, sea walking is not for everyone. It can feel more structured and commercial than natural snorkeling, and some travelers prefer simply swimming in open water.
6. Hon Dam
Hon Dam is a quieter and less developed island compared with the main tour stops. It is better suited to travelers looking for a simpler island atmosphere and fewer crowds.
Most standard group tours do not focus heavily on Hon Dam, so it is more commonly visited on private or custom trips. If you prefer a slower and less commercial island feel, it can be worth considering.
Best things to do on and around the An Thoi Islands
1. Take an island-hopping tour
The most common way to experience the An Thoi Islands is by joining an island-hopping tour. These trips usually visit several islands in one day and combine swimming, snorkeling, lunch, beach stops, and optional paid activities.
Group tours are the cheapest and easiest option. They often include hotel pick-up, transport to An Thoi Port, speedboat transfers, lunch, and a guide. They are good for first-time visitors or travelers on a budget.
Private speedboat tours cost more but give a better overall experience for many travelers. You can start earlier, avoid the busiest times, stay longer where you like, skip stops you do not care about, and travel at your own pace. For couples, families, or small groups, this can be worth the extra cost.
2. Go snorkeling around Hon Gam Ghi and nearby reefs
Snorkeling is the main natural activity in the An Thoi Islands. Many tours stop near Hon Gam Ghi and nearby reef areas where you can swim above coral and see fish in shallow water.
Conditions depend a lot on weather, season, waves, and visibility. During the dry season, water is often calmer and clearer, which makes the experience better. Tour quality also matters, as some operators give more time in the water and better equipment than others.
This is a good activity for beginners, families, and casual snorkelers. Do not expect world-class diving standards, but when the water is clear it can still be one of the most enjoyable parts of visiting the islands.
3. Ride the Hon Thom Cable Car
The Hon Thom Cable Car is one of the most famous attractions in Phu Quoc and one of the easiest ways to enjoy the An Thoi Islands area.
The ride gives wide views over An Thoi Port, fishing boats, scattered islands, and turquoise sea. Even travelers who do not normally care about cable cars often enjoy this one because the scenery is the real attraction.
It works best as a separate day trip to Hon Thom Island or as part of some 4-island tours. If you want more details on tickets, timing, and what to expect, see our full guide to the Phu Quoc Cable Car.
4. Visit Aquatopia Water Park on Hon Thom
Aquatopia Water Park is a strong option for families and travelers who want a full entertainment day rather than only beaches and boat stops.
The park has water slides, pools, children’s zones, shaded areas, food outlets, and practical facilities. It is easy to combine with the cable car, which is why many visitors choose it.
Entry is often included with cable car tickets, but packages can change, so always check current ticket combinations. If this is one of your priorities, see our detailed guides to Aquatopia and Sun World Hon Thom Nature Park.
5. Relax on island beaches
Many travelers simply come for beach time. Popular beach stops include Hon Mong Tay Island, the May Rut islands, and beach areas on Hon Thom Island.
These beaches are good for swimming, sunbathing, taking photos, or enjoying a short tropical break between boat rides.
Be aware that some beaches are organized tour stops with restaurants, music, water sports, and many visitors. If you want a quiet deserted beach, expectations should stay realistic.
6. Try water sports
Many island stops offer extra activities such as jet skiing, parasailing, banana boat rides, SUP, kayaking, and drone photo packages. Availability depends on the island, weather, and your tour operator.
These activities are usually paid separately from the main tour price.
Always ask the full price clearly before joining, including photo or video charges if offered.
7. Try sea walking
Sea walking is also called helmet diving. You wear a large helmet that supplies air while you walk underwater on the seabed and look at fish around you.
No swimming experience is needed, which makes it popular with first-timers and travelers who are not comfortable snorkeling.
It can be fun as a one-time experience, but it is often expensive and more controlled than natural snorkeling. If you mainly want a real marine experience, snorkeling may feel more rewarding.
8. Eat seafood on the islands
Many tours include lunch, often served at beach restaurants on islands such as the May Rut group or other common stops.
Meals are usually simple set menus with seafood, rice, vegetables, soup, and fruit. Private tours may offer more flexibility or different lunch options.
Seafood, snacks, and drinks can cost more on the islands than on the Phu Quoc mainland because everything has to be transported there and prices are aimed at day-tour visitors.
9. Go diving around the An Thoi Islands
The An Thoi Islands are also the main diving area in Phu Quoc, with several reef sites located around the southern island group. Most dives are shallow and focus on coral reefs, small fish, and macro marine life rather than large ocean animals.
Diving trips usually follow a similar format to snorkeling tours, with boat transfers, two dives, and lunch included. You can join as a certified diver or try diving for the first time with an instructor. Conditions depend on the season, weather, and visibility, so the experience can vary from day to day.
This is a good option if you want to try diving during your trip or add a relaxed underwater experience to your island visit. If you want a full overview of dive sites, seasons, and what to expect, read our guide about diving in Phu Quoc.
How to get to the An Thoi Islands
Location and main departure point
The An Thoi Islands are located off the southern coast of Phu Quoc. This is the part of the island where many sea tours, cable car trips, and south-island attractions are based.
Most boats to the islands depart from An Thoi Port or nearby piers in the An Thoi area.
From Duong Dong or the Long Beach area, the drive usually takes around 30 to 45 minutes depending on traffic and your hotel location.
Boat tours from An Thoi Port
For most travelers, joining a boat tour from An Thoi Port is the easiest and most practical option. It allows you to visit several islands in one day without arranging separate transport.
Many tours include hotel pick-up from main tourist areas such as Duong Dong and Long Beach. You are then driven south to the port before boarding the boat.
Most better tours use speedboats, while some cheaper options may use slower boats. If your budget allows, speedboats are usually the better choice because they reduce travel time and give you more time for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing on the islands.
Private speedboat tours
Private speedboat tours are the best option for families, couples, small groups, photographers, or travelers who do not want to follow a large group schedule.
They cost more than standard shared tours, but they offer much more flexibility. You can often leave earlier, choose quieter times, adjust the route, stay longer at snorkeling spots, and skip stops or paid activities that do not interest you.
If you value comfort and a smoother experience, private tours are often worth considering.
Hon Thom Cable Car
The Hon Thom Cable Car is another way to reach part of the An Thoi Islands area, but it only goes to Hon Thom Island.
It does not take you to the smaller snorkeling islands such as Mong Tay, Gam Ghi, or May Rut.
The cable car is best for visiting Sun World Hon Thom Nature Park, Aquatopia Water Park, and Bai Trao beach. If you mainly want island hopping, a boat tour is the better option.
Getting to An Thoi by taxi, private car, or motorbike
To reach the departure area in An Thoi, taxi or private car is the easiest option. This is especially convenient if you have children, beach bags, or an early tour departure.
Motorbike rental is also possible if you are comfortable driving in Phu Quoc. Roads to the south are generally straightforward, but weather, traffic, and parking should be considered.
Parking areas and meeting points depend on the tour operator, so always confirm the exact location after booking.
Best time to visit the An Thoi Islands
The dry season from November to April is generally the best time to visit the An Thoi Islands. During these months, the sea is usually calmer, skies are sunnier, and water visibility is often better. This creates more reliable conditions for snorkeling, island-hopping tours, and speedboat trips.
May to October is the rainy season. Tours can still operate on good weather days, and rain often comes as short showers rather than nonstop rain. However, sea conditions are less predictable, waves can be rougher, and underwater visibility is sometimes weaker.
If you want the smoothest boat ride and clearest water, December to March is usually the safest choice. For a more detailed month-by-month guide, see our full article about the best time to visit Phu Quoc.
Practical tips for visiting the An Thoi Islands
What to bring on a boat tour
Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, a waterproof phone pouch, dry clothes, seasickness tablets, and some cash.
Towels are not always included on tours, so it is safer to bring your own. A light dry bag is also useful for keeping clothes and electronics protected.
Bring cash for extras
Not everything is included in the tour price. Many stops offer optional extras that need to be paid separately.
This can include water sports, sea walking, beach chairs, showers, drinks, toilets, snacks, and extra food. Small notes are useful, especially on island stops.
Ask what is included before booking
This is one of the best ways to avoid disappointment later. Some tours look similar online but include very different services.
Check whether hotel pick-up is included, if the boat is a speedboat or slow boat, lunch, snorkeling gear, drone photos, sea walking, Hon Thom Cable Car tickets, or Aquatopia Water Park access.
Go early if you want fewer crowds
Popular islands can become busy later in the morning, especially during peak season.
Private tours often have the advantage of leaving earlier than large group tours. This can mean quieter beaches, calmer snorkeling spots, and better photo conditions.
Be careful with coral and marine life
Coral reefs are one of the main reasons people visit the An Thoi Islands, but they are easily damaged.
Do not stand on coral, touch sea stars, chase fish, feed marine life unnecessarily, or remove shells and sea life from the water. Respectful behavior helps protect the area for future visitors.
Prepare for strong sun
The sun can feel stronger on the boat and islands because of open water and reflected light.
Use sunscreen, wear a hat, and drink enough water even if the sky looks cloudy. Many travelers underestimate the heat during boat trips.
Choose the right tour if traveling with kids
Families with small children often do better on a private speedboat or a shorter 3-island tour.
A 4-island day can feel tiring because of heat, transfers, waiting time, and multiple stops. Younger children usually enjoy a slower pace more.
Manage expectations
The An Thoi Islands are beautiful and fun to visit, but they are also one of the busiest tourist areas in Phu Quoc.
Expect clear water, scenic boat rides, beaches, and activities, but not always empty islands or untouched paradise. Choosing the right tour style makes a big difference.
Are the An Thoi Islands worth visiting?
Yes, the An Thoi Islands are worth visiting if you want island hopping, snorkeling, clear water, scenic boat trips, beaches, water sports, and the famous Hon Thom Cable Car. It is one of the easiest ways to enjoy the tropical side of Phu Quoc in a single day, especially if you do not have time for longer boat journeys or overnight island trips.
They are especially good for first-time visitors to Phu Quoc, families, couples, and travelers who want a simple day trip with transport, activities, and lunch often arranged for them. There is a wide choice between budget group tours, private speedboats, and cable car combinations, so most travel styles can find something suitable.
They are less ideal if you expect quiet untouched islands, serious diving, or a deeply local experience. Many stops are designed around tourism, some optional extras feel commercial, and the most popular islands can get crowded in peak season. The honest verdict: the An Thoi Islands are one of the best day trips in Phu Quoc, but choose the right tour style to match your expectations.
