Phu Quoc: 3 Island Boat Trip, Cable Car, Water Park| Vietnam

If you’re considering a day trip around Phu Quoc’s southern waters, this 3 Island Boat Trip combined with a cable car ride and water park visit promises a blend of relaxation, adventure, and spectacular scenery. While it’s popular among travelers seeking diverse experiences, it’s worth knowing what to expect before booking.

We love the stunning island views from the cable car, the opportunity to snorkel in crystal-clear waters, and the fun-filled Aquatopia Water Park. These highlights make the trip memorable and Instagram-worthy. However, some travelers have found the overall experience a bit inconsistent, especially with guide quality and the commercial feel at certain stops. So, this tour suits those who enjoy a mix of nature, adventure, and a lively atmosphere, but perhaps not if you’re after an in-depth cultural or untouched nature experience.

Key Points

• Scenic cable car ride offers panoramic views of islands and fishing villages.
• Snorkeling at Xuong Island provides a chance to explore coral reefs and marine life.
• May Rut Island features pristine beaches and lagoons, perfect for relaxing or water sports.
• Sun World Nature Park on Thom Island is a highlight for thrill-seekers.
• The boat trip offers a full-day itinerary, combining multiple activities for good value.
• Guides can vary in attentiveness and knowledge, influencing the overall experience.
• Cost is around $76 per person, which includes most activities, making it a convenient package.
• Some reviews warn that the trip can feel somewhat commercialized and rushed.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

Starting Point and Transportation

Your day begins bright and early with a hotel pickup from Duong Dong or Tran Hung Dao areas—conveniently included if you’re staying centrally. Expect to leave around 8:30 AM, and spend roughly 30 minutes on a bus or coach to reach the harbor. The journey is straightforward, and the small group size (about 10 people) helps keep things intimate, though some reviews mention guides rushing ahead or appearing inattentive.

The Island Stops: What’s on Offer?

Xuong Island: Snorkeling and Coral Reefs

The first island, Xuong Island, is where most travelers will get their underwater fix. Equipped with masks, snorkels, and fins (though fins may not fit all sizes), you’ll descend into waters renowned for their coral reefs. The reef’s clarity makes for excellent visibility, and if you’re lucky, you’ll spot a variety of marine life. Our sources mention that this stop is genuinely worthwhile, with reviewers like Natasha praising the excellent snorkeling experience.

However, some reviews indicate that not all guides provided detailed info about the marine environment, which could be a missed opportunity for curious snorkelers. Still, the natural beauty of Xuong Island’s reef is a definite highlight.

May Rut Island: Relaxation and Water Sports

Next is May Rut Island, which offers a different vibe. Expect soft, white sandy beaches and calm lagoons ideal for swimming or sunbathing. The island can feel crowded due to tourist traffic, as one reviewer mentioned, with some areas dominated by commercialism rather than pristine tranquility. Still, the beach’s beauty is undeniable, and you can enjoy activities like lounging under coconut trees or trying water sports if available.

The tour includes a guided visit, and you’re free to explore at your own pace. You can also grab a drink at the Beach Bar or simply unwind. It’s a perfect spot for some downtime amid the day’s busy schedule.

Thom Island and Sun World Nature Park

On Thom Island, you’ll disembark for the Sun World Nature Park, home to the Aquatopia Water Theme Park. This is a big hit for families or anyone who enjoys water-based fun, with over 20 modern rides and games from international brands. The park offers a nice break from island-hopping and adds a lively, playful element to the trip.

Following the water park, the highlight is the 25-minute cable car ride back over the islands. The views are breathtaking—you’ll see fishing villages, beaches, and islands stretching out in all directions. Several travelers, including Natasha, appreciated this part immensely, describing it as a “spectacular panoramic view of islands and sunset.”

Lunch and Return

Most of the day is spent on the water, with a lunch served on the boat. The menu typically features rice, and while some reviews mention the lunch as simple, it’s enough to keep you energized for the rest of the day. The boat departs around midday and returns to Duong Dong by 5:30 PM, giving you a full 8-hour adventure.

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The Guide and Overall Value

The experience’s quality heavily depends on the guide. Some reviews praise guides like Jun for making the day engaging and worthwhile, highlighting that charismatic guides can elevate the trip. Conversely, others, such as Frank, felt their guide was inattentive, rushing ahead and providing little insight into the stops or scenery.

At $76 per person, the trip offers a fairly good deal considering it includes most activities—snorkeling gear, entrance fees, cable car, and water park access. However, this price may feel steep if some stops don’t meet expectations or feel too commercialized.

What’s Missing or Could Be Better?

While the trip covers a lot, some travelers wish for more authentic, less crowded experiences—particularly at May Rut Island. The lack of detailed commentary about the sites and the guide’s varying attentiveness** can impact the overall enjoyment. Also, travelers should bring their own swimwear, towels, and sunscreen, as these aren’t included.

Who is This Tour Best For?

This trip is ideal for families, groups of friends, or solo travelers looking for an active day with a mix of natural beauty and fun attractions. It suits those who enjoy snorkeling, water parks, and scenic cable car rides. If you prefer off-the-beaten-path, untouched environments or detailed cultural insights, you might find this tour a bit commercial or rushed.

It’s also perfect for travelers on a budget who want convenience—a single tour package that covers a variety of activities in one day. But, if you’re after quiet, secluded beaches or detailed local history, you might want to explore other options.

Final Thoughts

This tour provides a well-rounded snapshot of Phu Quoc’s southern attractions. The combination of island hopping, snorkeling, and panoramic views from the cable car creates a lively, visually stunning experience. The inclusion of the water park adds a fun, energetic element, making it especially appealing to families or those wanting a bit of everything in a single day.

While the experience can feel somewhat commercial, the natural beauty and the variety of activities make it a good value for money. The key to enjoying it fully lies in having realistic expectations and selecting a guide who makes the day engaging.

If you’re after a diverse, active day out with plenty of photo opportunities and fun, this trip is worth considering. Just pack your sunscreen, wear comfortable shoes, and get ready for a lively adventure on Phu Quoc’s waters and islands.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included if you’re staying in Duong Dong or Tran Hung Dao areas. Other locations may incur an extra fee.

What time does the tour start?
The tour generally departs around 8:30 AM, but it’s best to check availability for specific starting times.

Are snorkeling masks and fins provided?
Yes, the tour supplies snorkeling equipment such as masks, snorkels, and fins (though fins may not be available in child sizes).

Can I bring my own towels or sunscreen?
The tour does not include towels or sunscreen, so bring your own to stay comfortable and protected.

How long is the cable car ride?
The cable car ride lasts approximately 25 minutes, offering sweeping views of the islands and fishing villages.

What activities are available at May Rut Island?
You can stroll along the beaches, swim in lagoons, enjoy water sports, relax at the beach bar, or sunbathe under coconut trees.

Is the water park suitable for all ages?
Yes, with over 20 modern water games, it caters to a wide range of ages and thrill levels.

What should I bring on the tour?
Pack comfortable clothes and shoes, swimwear, towels, sunscreen, and perhaps a hat or sunglasses for sun protection.

This tour offers a blend of scenic beauty, fun activities, and convenience—perfect for travelers who want a lively, varied day exploring Phu Quoc’s southern coast.

You can check availability for your dates here: