Phu Quoc: Private Day Tour with Cable Car & Sao Beach

Summary

Phu Quoc day trip with cable car ride history stop and Sao Beach swim

You’ll ride Phu Quoc’s famous cable car over three islands, walk barefoot along Sao Beach’s powdery sand, taste fresh pepper straight from the vine, and hear real stories from locals like Minh. Hotel pickup means no stress—just show up ready to explore.

What’s the experience like?

We’d barely finished our first sips of iced coffee when our guide, Minh, pulled up outside the hotel in Phu Quoc. He grinned like he’d been waiting all morning just for us, and honestly, that set the tone. The island air already smelled faintly sweet—maybe from those pepper farms we kept passing—and I remember thinking, “Okay, this is going to be a good day.” Our first stop was the pearl farm. I tried to open a scallop myself (not as easy as Minh made it look), and there was this moment where everyone around us burst out laughing when I nearly flung the shell into someone’s lap. The pearls themselves were slick and cool in my palm—didn’t expect that texture.

After that, we headed into the forest for Tranh stream. It was June so the water actually rushed over our toes—cold enough to make you yelp but not enough to keep you out. Minh told us how locals come here to picnic or just escape the heat. I liked watching families pick their way along the rocks, carrying plastic bags full of snacks. Then came Họ Quốc pagoda: all gold and red against this wild blue sky, with incense curling up in little threads. There was a breeze off the sea behind it that made everything feel lighter somehow.

The pepper farm surprised me—I always thought pepper grew on bushes but these vines climbed everywhere. The owner handed me a handful of green peppercorns and told me to chew one; it burned in this sharp way that stuck around for ages (Minh laughed at my face). Coconut Prison was next, which felt heavy in a different way—there’s no glossing over what happened there. Minh didn’t rush us through; he let us stand quietly if we wanted.

By late afternoon we were gliding above An Thoi Archipelago on the cable car—the main keyword for this tour is “Phu Quoc private guided tour,” but honestly all I could think about was how tiny the boats looked below us, like little toys scattered across turquoise water. We landed at Pineapple Island and splashed around at the water park for a bit (I skipped most slides—just wanted to float). Last stop: Sao Beach. The sand really is that white, almost blinding if you forget your sunglasses, and I still think about how soft it felt under my feet while we ate grilled fish right on the shore.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Phu Quoc island highlights

• Visit Phu Quoc pearl farm
• Walk and bathe at Tranh stream
• Tour Họ Quốc pagoda
• Learn at pepper farm
• Explore Coconut prison history
• Ride longest cable car
• Swim at Bãi Sao beach

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included in this Phu Quoc private guided tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included in your day trip booking.

Do I need to buy a separate ticket for the cable car?

The cable car ticket is not included in the tour price; you'll need to purchase it separately.

What can I do at Sao Beach during this tour?

You can swim in clear blue water, relax on white sand, and enjoy local food at Sao Beach.

Is lunch provided on this Phu Quoc day trip?

No set lunch is included; you can choose your own food stops during free time at places like Sao Beach.

When does Tranh stream have water for bathing?

The best time is June to October during rainy season; from January to May there's usually no water.

Is this tour suitable for families with young children?

Yes, infants can join (on laps or strollers) and it's suitable for all fitness levels.

How long does it take to get from one attraction to another?

The drive between stops varies but none are very far apart; your guide manages timing flexibly.

Will we visit any historical sites?

Yes, you'll visit Coconut Prison where you can learn about Phu Quoc's wartime history.

What’s included

Your day includes private hotel pickup and drop-off by car with an English-speaking local guide like Minh looking after you throughout. Bottled water is provided along the way so you won’t go thirsty between stops—from pearl farm demonstrations to quiet moments at Họ Quốc pagoda—all before heading back as evening falls over Phu Quoc Island.