Phu Quoc South: Cable Car, Sao Beach & Aquatopia Water Park

Summary

Phu Quoc’s southern sights by cable car and island water park adventure

You’ll start your day with hotel pickup in Phu Quoc before learning about pearl farming and visiting Ho Quoc Pagoda’s ocean views. Explore Coconut Prison’s history, relax or swim at Sao Beach, then soar by cable car to Thom Island for Aquatopia Water Park thrills. Expect moments that surprise you — from quiet reflection to bursts of laughter.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the sound — that soft clinking of shells in the Pearl Showroom, mixed with the low chatter of people examining jewelry. Our guide, Minh, grinned as he explained how pearls are farmed here on Phu Quoc. I’ll admit, I zoned out for a second just watching a woman polish a necklace under the fluorescent lights. Sometimes you forget how much care goes into something so small.

We wound along the coast toward Ho Quoc Pagoda. The air smelled faintly of incense and sea salt — honestly, it’s hard to describe unless you’ve stood there yourself. Minh pointed out dragons carved into stone steps and told us how the pagoda faces the ocean for good luck. I tried to snap a photo but my lens fogged up from the humidity; everyone just laughed.

Coconut Prison was next. It’s not an easy place — heavy doors, old photos, that kind of silent heaviness you feel in your chest. I didn’t expect to be moved by it, but seeing those tiny cells made me quiet for a bit. Afterward we drove straight to Sao Beach where everything felt lighter again: white sand underfoot, kids splashing in turquoise water, some local guys selling grilled corn (I bought one — smoky and sweet). You can have lunch here or wait till Thom Island if you want more time swimming.

The cable car ride was wild — 25 minutes just floating above all these tiny islands and fishing boats. Minh joked about spotting his uncle’s boat (not sure if he was serious). When we landed on Thom Island, it was all bright colors and laughter from Aquatopia Water Park. I tried one of those big slides even though I’m not really a thrill-seeker… ended up screaming anyway. By late afternoon we were sun-tired and happy on the shuttle back to our hotel — still sandy, still grinning.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Southern Phu Quoc sightseeing tour

• Pick up from hotel at 9:00
• Visit Pearl Showroom
• Visit Ho Quoc Pagoda
• Visit Coconut Prison
• Swim at Sao Beach
• Take cable car ride
• Enjoy Aquatopia water park
• Return to hotel at 16:30

Top questions

What is included in this Phu Quoc south sightseeing tour?

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, bottled water, all entry tickets (including cable car and water park), air-conditioned transport, and an English-speaking guide.

Does this day trip visit Sao Beach?

Yes, there is time at Sao Beach for swimming or relaxing during the tour.

Is lunch included on this Phu Quoc day trip?

No lunch is included; you can buy food at Sao Beach or Thom Island.

How long is the cable car ride to Thom Island?

The cable car ride lasts about 25 minutes each way.

Are there activities for kids at Aquatopia Water Park?

Yes, Aquatopia Water Park has over 20 games suitable for families and children.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels according to the provider.

Can infants join this tour?

Infants are welcome but must sit on an adult's lap during transport.

Are service animals allowed on this tour?

Yes, service animals are allowed according to the additional info provided.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip hotel pickup in Phu Quoc by shuttle bus, bottled water throughout the journey, entry tickets for both the scenic cable car ride and Aquatopia Water Park on Thom Island, plus an English-speaking local guide who shares stories along every stop before returning you comfortably back to your hotel in the evening.