Phu Quoc Islands: Cable Car, Speedboat & Lunch With Guide

Summary

Phu Quoc cable car ride with private boat tour and snorkeling

You’ll ride Vietnam’s record-breaking Hon Thom cable car with a local guide, then hop by private speedboat between Phu Quoc’s quiet southern islands. Snorkel vibrant reefs at Gam Ghi and Bom islands, enjoy lunch on Mong Tay beach, and relax under swaying palms. With hotel pickup included and plenty of time for swimming or lounging, it’s a day you’ll remember long after you’ve rinsed off the salt.

What’s the experience like?

“You’ll see the water change color three times before we even reach Hon Thom,” our driver grinned as we left the hotel — and he was right. I kept pressing my face to the window like a kid. The cable car to Hon Thom was longer than I expected (I think it’s actually the longest in the world?), and there was this moment halfway across when everything went quiet except for the wind. You could see tiny fishing boats below, just dots in that unreal blue. Our guide, Linh, pointed out where the coral started — she said her uncle still dives there sometimes for sea urchins.

The first stop after we hopped off the cable car was Gam Ghi Island. I’d never seen sand that soft — it got everywhere, but honestly I didn’t care. The water was so clear you could spot fish from above without even getting wet. Linh handed us snorkels and kind of laughed at my awkward attempt to put mine on (I always forget which way is up). Floating over those corals felt like drifting through someone else’s dream. There were flashes of yellow and blue fish everywhere; I lost track of time until someone called me back for lunch.

Lunch happened on Mong Tay Island — Finger nail island — under palms that creaked in the breeze. We ate grilled fish and rice while a local guy flew a drone overhead (he promised to send us a video; I’m still waiting but honestly it’s fine). After eating, most people just sprawled out on deck chairs or wandered down to the swings tied between palm trees. The sun felt heavy but not harsh, if that makes sense. At one point Linh showed us how to crack open fresh sea urchin shells — she made it look easy but mine ended up a mess.

I keep thinking about that stretch between islands on the speedboat: salt spray in my hair, everyone half-shouting over the engine, trying to remember all the island names (May Rut Ngoai? Bom? They blur together now). It wasn’t perfect — my mask fogged up and I got sand in my sandwich — but honestly those are just details you laugh about later. If you want a day trip from Phu Quoc with real moments and not just postcard views… well, this is probably it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Cable Car & Island Hopping Tour

• Hotel pickup and drive to South Phu Quoc
• Cable car ride to Hon Thom island and beach time
• Speedboat to Gam Ghi Island beach
• Explore and relax on May Rut Ngoai island
• Snorkeling at Bom island
• Lunch and relax at Finger nail island with drone video

Top questions

How long is the Hon Thom cable car ride?

The Hon Thom cable car ride takes several minutes each way and is one of the longest sea-crossing cable cars in the world.

Which islands are visited on this Phu Quoc tour?

The tour visits Gam Ghi Island, May Rut Ngoai (Ocean Pearl) Island, Bom Island for snorkeling, and Mong Tay (Finger nail) Island for lunch.

Is lunch included during this day trip?

Yes, lunch is included during your visit to Mong Tay (Finger nail) Island.

Are snorkeling equipment and transfers provided?

Snorkeling equipment is provided along with hotel pickup and drop-off by air-conditioned vehicle.

Is this tour suitable for children or infants?

Infants can join but must sit on an adult's lap; it's suitable for all fitness levels but not recommended for pregnant travelers.

Will there be a local guide during this island tour?

Yes, an English-speaking local guide accompanies you throughout the trip.

How deep is the water where we snorkel?

The snorkeling spots have shallow water around 10 meters deep with abundant marine life.

Does this Phu Quoc day trip include hotel pickup?

Yes, hotel pickup from your accommodation in Phu Quoc is included in your booking.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup by air-conditioned vehicle, all entry fees including tickets for Vietnam’s famous Hon Thom cable car ride, private speedboat transfers between islands with an English-speaking local guide throughout, use of snorkeling equipment plus mineral water to stay refreshed along the way—and a traditional lunch served right on Mong Tay beach before heading back in the afternoon.