What is the Phu Quoc Cable Car?
The Phu Quoc Cable Car is more than just a scenic ride. It works as both a tourist attraction and the main transport link to Hon Thom Island, which is part of a larger entertainment complex in the south of Phu Quoc. Understanding this helps set the right expectations before you go.
What it is and where it goes
The Phu Quoc Cable Car is also known as the Hon Thom Cable Car. It connects An Thoi Station, located in the Sunset Town area in the south of the island, with Hon Thom Island.
The entire route runs over the sea, passing several small islands along the way. This southern part of Phu Quoc is less developed than the main town area, which makes the setting feel more open and scenic.
Why it is famous
The cable car is known for holding a Guinness World Record as the longest sea-crossing cable car in the world, with a length of around 7.9 kilometers.
Because of this, it has become one of the main landmarks and most recognizable attractions in south Phu Quoc. Even travelers who are not interested in theme parks often consider doing it at least once.
What the ride is like
The ride takes about 15 to 20 minutes each way. Cabins are large and can carry many people, although how crowded it feels depends on the time of day.
Overall, the ride is smooth and stable. There can be slight movement when passing the support towers, but most people find it comfortable.
The main reason people take the cable car is not just to get to Hon Thom, but for the experience itself. You are essentially “flying” over the sea, which is something you do not get anywhere else on the island.
What you can see from the cable car
From the cabin, you get wide views over the An Thoi archipelago. This includes open sea, scattered small islands, fishing boats, and parts of the coastline.
The water below often changes color depending on the light, from deep blue to lighter turquoise. You may also see speedboats moving between islands and local fishing activity.
For many visitors, this part is the real highlight. Even reviews that are mixed about the island itself are very positive about the cable car ride and the views.
Part of Sun World Hon Thom Nature Park
The Phu Quoc Cable Car is not a standalone attraction. It is part of Sun World Hon Thom Nature Park and works as the entrance to this park on Hon Thom Island.
Sun World is a Vietnamese entertainment group that also operates well-known attractions like the cable car to Fansipan in Sapa and Ba Na Hills near Da Nang (home of the Golden Bridge). On Phu Quoc, they have developed Hon Thom Island into a theme park-style destination with a mix of rides, beach areas, and leisure facilities.
This also means you do not buy a separate ticket just for the cable car. Your ticket gives you access to the park, and the cable car is simply how you get there.
Here is what you can find on Hon Thom Island:
- Aquatopia Water Park
A large water park with slides, pools, and themed areas. This is one of the main reasons families visit. - Exotica and other attractions
A smaller area with dry rides, viewpoints, and photo spots. Some attractions may be limited or under development depending on the time of your visit. - Beach areas
There are places to relax by the sea, but this is not a quiet, untouched beach. It is part of the developed park environment. - Restaurants and cafés
You will find several dining options on the island. Prices are generally higher than in local areas, and the food is more about convenience than a highlight experience. - Photo spots and themed areas
Many parts of the park are designed for photos, with colorful themes and built scenery rather than natural landscapes.
Phu Quoc Cable Car opening times and ticket prices
This is one of the most important things to understand before visiting. The Phu Quoc Cable Car does not work like a simple ride ticket — you are buying access to the full Sun World Hon Thom experience, with the cable car included.
Current opening times
The cable car usually operates in two main time windows:
- Morning: around 09:00 – 11:30
- Afternoon: around 13:30 – 17:00
There is typically a midday break of about 2 hours, when the cable car does not run.
This is important when planning your visit. If you arrive at the wrong time, you may have to wait quite a while before the next departure.
Operating hours can change depending on season, weather, or visitor numbers, so always check the latest schedule before you go.
Current ticket prices
Ticket prices can change, but these are typical ranges:
- Adults: around 850,000 VND
- Children (1m – 1.4m): around 700,000 VND
- Under 1 meter: free
There are also combo tickets available, for example including a buffet lunch. These are more expensive but can be convenient if you plan to stay on the island for several hours.
One important point:
You cannot normally buy a ticket for only the cable car. The price is for entry to Sun World Hon Thom Nature Park, which includes the cable car ride.
What the ticket includes
A standard ticket usually includes:
- Round-trip cable car ride
- Access to Aquatopia Water Park
- Access to Exotica and other areas on the island
Depending on the ticket type or promotion, it may also include:
- A drink (such as beer or juice)
- Access to Kiss Bridge at certain times
Always check what is included at the moment of booking, as this can change.
Is it worth buying online?
In many cases, yes.
Buying online can help you avoid queues at the ticket counter, especially during busy periods or holidays. It is also easy to book through platforms like Klook or directly via Sun World.
However, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Tickets are usually tied to a specific date
- Changes or cancellations may not be flexible
- Promotions vary depending on the platform
If your plans are fixed, booking online is convenient. If you prefer flexibility, buying on the spot may be better, as long as you avoid peak times.
What to expect and practical tips for visiting the Phu Quoc Cable Car
This section focuses on things that are useful to know once you decide to go, without repeating basic info or what we already covered.
Plan your timing carefully
The cable car does not run continuously throughout the day. There is a midday break, and outside the operating windows, nothing runs.
Arriving at the wrong time can easily cost you 1–2 hours of waiting. Try to go early in the morning or later in the afternoon.
Late afternoon is also a good moment if you want to combine the ride back with sunset views.
Expect crowds, especially at peak times
This is one of the busiest attractions in Phu Quoc.
- Cabins are shared with other visitors
- Waiting lines can build up before departure times
- The return trip can get crowded when many people leave at the same time
If you prefer a more relaxed experience, avoid weekends, holidays, and the busiest midday periods.
The cable car ride is the highlight
For most visitors, the ride itself is the best part of the experience.
Even reviews that are critical about the island still say the cable car views are impressive. If your main goal is scenery, focus on enjoying the ride rather than expecting too much from the island itself.
Hon Thom is a developed attraction, not a natural island
Once you arrive, you step into a modern entertainment area.
This means:
- Built attractions and themed areas
- Ongoing development or construction in some parts
- A more commercial and busy atmosphere
Some travelers enjoy this, especially families. Others find it too artificial if they were expecting a quiet island.
Bring the right things for your visit
What you bring depends on how you plan to spend your time on the island.
- Swimwear → for the water park and beach
- Sunscreen and sunglasses → very little shade in many areas
- Water → useful, although you can buy drinks on the island
- Light clothing → it gets hot, especially around midday
Food and facilities are convenient but not a highlight
There are restaurants, cafés, and basic facilities on the island, so you don’t need to worry about access to food or toilets.
However:
- Prices are higher than elsewhere on Phu Quoc
- Food quality is generally average
It is fine for a day visit, but not something to plan your trip around.
Give yourself enough time
Although the cable car ride is short, the full experience is not.
Most people spend at least half a day here, and many stay longer if they use the water park. Going just for the ride and immediately returning is possible, but not how the experience is designed.
Combine it with other places in the south
Since the cable car station is in the south of the island, it works well to combine your visit with nearby stops such as:
- Sunset Town: A modern Mediterranean-style area with cafés, viewpoints, shops, and evening entertainment.
- Kiss Bridge: A famous sea bridge designed for sunset views, photos, and evening shows.
- Sao Beach or Khem Beach: Two of the best-known beaches in south Phu Quoc, known for white sand and clear water.
- Ho Quoc Pagoda: A scenic Buddhist temple on a hillside with sea views and peaceful surroundings.
This makes the trip feel more complete, especially if you are staying in central Phu Quoc.
Is the Phu Quoc Cable Car worth it?
For many travelers, yes — the Phu Quoc Cable Car is worth it. The ride itself is the main reason to go, and it really delivers. Flying over the sea for nearly 8 kilometers, with views of small islands, fishing boats, and the coastline below, is something you do not experience anywhere else in Vietnam. It is especially enjoyable for first-time visitors, couples, and families looking for an easy, scenic activity.
That said, it is not for everyone. If you are mainly looking for quiet nature, dislike crowds, or are not interested in theme park-style attractions, the overall experience may feel less rewarding. You also pay for the full Sun World package, even if you only care about the cable car. The Phu Quoc Cable Car is worth it mainly for the ride and the views, but whether it feels like good value depends on if the Sun World-style experience fits your travel style.
