Phu Quoc: Cable Car Ride and 3 Islands Boat Tour with Lunch

This popular tour in Kien Giang province, Vietnam, combines scenic island hopping with thrilling rides and relaxing beach time. While I haven’t done it myself, reviews and detailed descriptions paint a tempting picture of what to expect.

What makes this experience stand out are the breathtaking cable car views, the chance to snorkel in clear waters, and the opportunity to explore multiple islands without rushing. You’ll get a mix of adventure and leisure that’s perfect for families, couples, or groups seeking a well-rounded day.

However, a possible drawback is the long boat ride and busy schedule, which might feel a bit rushed, especially on choppier days. Still, for those wanting a bit of everything, this trip offers genuine value.

This tour suits travelers looking for a combination of scenic vistas, water activities, and island exploration—especially if you enjoy a full day packed with varied experiences.

Key Points

• Spectacular views from the cable car offer a unique perspective of the islands and sea.
• Multiple island stops provide snorkeling, beach relaxation, and water sports.
• Inclusion of a water park adds fun, especially for families or kids.
• Guided experience ensures smooth transitions and informative commentary.
• Flexible itinerary allows some activities to be adjusted based on weather or preferences.
• Great value considering the diverse activities, meals, and transportation included.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at the Itinerary

Starting Point and Transportation

The tour kicks off early around 8:15 to 8:30 am with pick-up from John’s Tours office or your hotel in Duong Dong town. The pick-up is generally punctual, with a comfortable ride to the harbor, where the adventure begins. Expect a group size that’s large enough to be lively but still manageable, usually around 29 people based on reviews.

The transfer setup is straightforward, and the guides are praised for their friendliness and knowledge—reviewers often mention guides like Tuan and Ruby, who go above and beyond to make everyone feel comfortable.

The Boat and Island Hopping

Once aboard your boat, the journey to the three southern islands begins. The first stop is Xuong Island (or Gam Ghi Island), popular for snorkeling amid coral reefs teeming with colorful marine life. Reviewers like Ashlee and Sarah highlight that the snorkeling offers good views of reef and sea creatures, though some mention that the duration is around an hour, so it’s not an all-day underwater adventure.

The next stop is May Rut Trong Island, where the pristine white sands and calm waters invite you to relax or partake in water sports. The beach here is praised as peaceful, with some reviewers noting it’s a perfect spot for a quick break or a swim.

Finally, the boat reaches Thom Island, home to Sun World Nature Park and a lively water park with over 20 modern games. Many visitors like Lizlei and Goran mention how the water park adds a fun element to the trip, especially with the variety of slides and rides. If water parks aren’t your thing, you might find spending more time on beaches more appealing—several reviews note that the water park can take up a large chunk of the day, which might not suit everyone.

Lunch on Board

A standout feature is the included lunch on the boat, which reviewers like Anna and Sarah describe as delicious and plentiful. The menu offers a variety of dishes, and while some comments note that the food quality in comparison to other island trips might vary, overall, it’s well-received. The meal is served buffet-style, providing enough fuel for the afternoon activities.

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Thom Island and the Cable Car

After the water park, the tour moves to Thom Island for the cable car ride—an activity many reviewers consider the highlight. The 25-minute ride offers sweeping views of the sea and An Thoi Archipelago. Ashlee describes it as a “fabulous way to end the day with epic views and a smooth ride,” and many mention how impressive the height and scenery are from above.

The cable car ride also offers a chance to see the islands from a different perspective, especially at sunset, which adds a romantic touch. Guide insights help enhance the experience, and safety equipment like life jackets are provided, reassuring parents and cautious travelers.

Return and Overall Timing

The tour concludes around 5:30 pm with a return to your hotel or designated drop-off point. Reviewers consistently appreciate the well-organized schedule, though some mention the wait times at pickup or during transfers can be elongated, especially if the group is large or if weather impacts the day’s flow.

What Travelers Love About This Tour

Stunning Views and Unique Perspectives

The cable car ride garners high praise for its panoramic vistas—many reviewers say it’s “incredible just how high up you are,” and the sunset views are unforgettable. The aerial perspective of the islands and ocean is a highlight that sticks with most.

Variety of Activities

From snorkeling to water parks to beach relaxation, the tour packs in a diverse range of experiences. One guest mentioned, “It was a bit of everything—snorkeling, waterpark, cable car,” making it ideal for those who want a bit of adventure and downtime.

Knowledgeable and Friendly Guides

Guides like Tuan, Ruby, and Lya are repeatedly praised for their responsiveness, friendliness, and knowledge, which helps smooth out any logistical hiccups and enrich the experience.

Good Value for Money

Considering the transportation, multiple island visits, cable car tickets, water park entrance, lunch, and snorkeling gear, many find the $61 per person price reasonable. Reviewers note that the variety of included activities and hassle-free logistics make it a worthwhile spend.

Considerations and Potential Drawbacks

Time Constraints and Rushed Feel

Some reviewers feel the day moves quickly, especially the boat and water park portions. If snorkeling or water parks are your main focus, you might find the schedule a little tight, and the time spent on each activity varies based on weather or group size.

Water Conditions and Weather Impact

Weather can influence the experience—rough seas may limit snorkeling or the cable car ride may be shortened. It’s worth being flexible and understanding that certain activities might be swapped or shortened if conditions are less than ideal.

Food and Dietary Needs

While most reviewers find the food tasty, some mention it might not match the standards of other island trips, and special dietary options like vegan meals could be lacking. If food is a priority, consider bringing snacks or requesting special meals ahead of time.

Accessibility and Physical Demands

The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women or travelers with mobility issues, especially considering boat transfers and walking around islands. Baby strollers are not permitted, so plan accordingly.

Practical Tips for a Smooth Experience

• Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, swimwear, and towels—the sun can be intense, and you’ll want to dry off after snorkeling or beach lounging.
• Arrive early for pickup to avoid missing out or causing delays.
• Consider wearing comfortable shoes for walking around the islands and water parks.
• If you’re interested in snorkeling, be aware that fins might not be available in all child sizes, so bring your own if needed.
• Weather forecasts can influence the day’s activities, so stay flexible and trust your guide’s advice.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for families who want a packed day of activities, as well as couples or friends looking for a mix of adventure and scenic views. If you enjoy snorkeling, water parks, and cable cars, you’ll find plenty to love here.

It’s also a good choice if you’re after a hassle-free way to explore several islands without planning every detail yourself. The guides’ friendliness and knowledge mean you’re in good hands, ensuring a smooth experience.

However, if you prefer more time underwater or at a specific island, or if you’re seeking a more relaxed pace, this might feel a bit rushed or overly packed.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included, with transportation arranged by the tour provider.

How long does the boat ride take?
The boat visits three islands, but specific durations vary. Expect some time spent traveling and some on each island, with snorkeling lasting about an hour.

What is included in the price?
The tour covers transportation, cable car ticket, water park entrance, guide, one bottle of water, lunch, snorkeling equipment, and life jackets.

Can I customize activities?
You can choose to relax at certain stops or skip water sports if you prefer, especially since some reviewers appreciated flexibility. However, the itinerary is generally fixed.

Are children allowed?
Children under 1 meter get free cable car tickets; those from 1 meter to 1.4 meters need a child’s ticket. The tour is not suitable for babies in strollers or very young children who can’t handle boat transfers.

What should I bring?
Bring sunglasses, swimwear, towels, and sunscreen. Note that baby strollers are not permitted on the tour.

Final Thoughts

The Phu Quoc: Cable Car Ride and 3 Islands Boat Tour offers an engaging mix of sea, sky, and land. The combination of scenic rides, snorkeling opportunities, and a water park makes it a real value for a full day of fun. The experience is enhanced by friendly guides, stunning views, and well-organized logistics.

This tour suits those eager to experience multiple facets of Phu Quoc in one day—ideal for active travelers who don’t want to miss out on the best the region has to offer. While it can feel busy and a bit rushed at times, the variety and scenery ensure you leave with a hefty dose of sunshine, sea, and adventure. Whether you’re seeking family fun, romantic sunset views, or just a well-rounded day out, this trip is worth considering.

You can check availability for your dates here: