Hon Thom Island, also called Pineapple Island, is a tropical paradise located in southern Phu Quoc. With its beautiful water, lush greenery, and fun activities, it’s a place you can go to relax, but it definitely has adventure as well.
Introduction To Hon Thom Island
Hon Thom or “Pineapple Island”, is the largest island in the An Thoi Archipelago, located at the southern tip of Phu Quoc, Kien Giang Province. With an area of around 5.7 km², it features beautiful white-sand beaches (Bai Nam, Bai Nom, Bai Chuong, Bai Trao), clear marine waters, green coconuts, and calm bays. It provides a pristine natural wilderness experience with modern facilities and tourism leisure activities.
What makes Hon Thom so attractive is the combination of adventure, entertainment, and relaxation. Visitors travel to Hon Thom on the world-record tri-cable over-sea cable car from An Thoi, which covers a vast expanse of the sapphire waters of the Archipelago. On the island itself, you can find the Sun World Hon Thom complex, Aquatopia Water Park, sea sports, coral snorkeling, and a resort-style experience. It is a versatile island entertainment aspect, whether you seek lounging at a beach, submerged marine life, or family fun.
History Of Hon Thom Island
Local legend has it that centuries ago, people from Central Vietnam came to the small island to mine grinding stones; after their work, they planted pineapple trees that they had also brought from their homeland. Over the years, the island became populated with these pineapples with their enticing scent, which led to the name of “Hon Thom,” meaning “Pineapple Island.”
Hon Thom is also one fair-sized island of only a few in southern Phu Quoc, which has long been home to settlers. Residents primarily earn a living from cage fish farming and offshore fishing in a way of life that has retained its simplicity and coastal vitality through generations.
Unique Structure Of Hon Thom Island
Hon Thom Island, commonly referred to as the “Maldives of Vietnam,” captivates visitors with its breathtaking turquoise sea, tall coconut trees, and soft white sandy beaches that appear to run infinitely along the coast. The water glistens and shines in the sun, scattering dazzling light all around the island like a mirror, which leads to a dream-like experience of being in paradise.
As the largest island in the An Thoi Archipelago, Hon Thom is around 3.5 km long, 1.2 km wide, and covers over 3 km². The untouched beauty of Hon Thom Island, the gentle waves, and the beautiful beaches such as Bai Nom, Bai Nam, and Bai Chuong are just perfect for nature lovers.
Another interesting aspect of Hon Thom life is the adaptation of the locals to the winds. Although only approximately 3,000 people live on the island, most families own two houses, one on the eastern side of the island and the other on the western side of the island. The ability to live in two houses is a convenient way to adapt to the two different wind seasons (Gio Nam, Gio Truong). This ultimately makes life on the island much more comfortable and safer throughout the year.
6 Unforgettable Experiences You Shouldn’t Miss
Hon Thom Island has the perfect combination of adventure, relaxing landscapes, and island spirit. Whether you want the thrill of water sports or the serenity of nature, each experience offers something special for every type of traveler.
Kayaking Across The Calm Water
If you prefer a more relaxing experience, kayaking is another way to experience the unique splendor of Hon Thom. Paddle through the warm, crystal-clear waters while you admire the plush mountains, listen to the gentle rhythm of the water, and allow yourself to unwind as the light sea breeze stirs your thoughts. The pace of the kayak is natural and allows a slow and detailed examination of the view, the sunset colors, and birds sitting on rocks. This is one experience you will never want to forget. The rental is approximately 200,000 VND for 120 minutes.
Jet Ski Adventure
The thrill of riding a jet ski over Hon Thom’s turquoise sea will get your heart racing. Jet skiing is like riding a scooter, using balance and a calm state of mind while dodging the splash from the sea breeze. You can either drive or enjoy a guided experience behind an expert. Nothing compares to cruising over the open sea and breathing in the scent of salt and sunshine. The rate is about 550,000 VND for 10 minutes, and every second is worth it!
Sea Walking At Namaste Coral Park
Namaste Coral Park is located in Ky Lan Cape, which is home to more than 100 marine species and 200 kinds of colorful corals. Namaste Coral Park is known as Phu Quoc’s first coral conservation center, which is modeled to look like a little underwater world, complete with sand paths and tall rock walls. You’ll have a special diving helmet while you take a stroll across the ocean floor and see the fish up close! It can feel a bit relaxing, but also a little magical experience in Phu Quoc.
Parasailing Over The Ocean
Elevate your excitement to the next level with parasailing – one of the most thrilling experiences on Hon Thom. Once you safely ascend upward, you’ll be amazed by the bird’s eye views of the stunning, white, sandy beaches of the island. Depending on the wind, you may be able to fly solo or as a tandem crew. High above the ocean, you may feel a sense of stillness as you behold the splendor of the view below you. Prices are 700,000 VND per person; definitely a bargain for such an exhilarating venture.
Canoe Tour Around An Thoi Islands
Moving past Hon Thom is the An Thoi of many beautiful small islands such as Hon Gam Ghi, Hon May Rut again, and Hon Mong Tay. Join the canoe tour and hit the three or four islands in one day, while it’s a fun, affordable, exciting adventure. You can snorkel at each island, fish, and even eat lunch in a little floating restaurant. The dessert won’t be something you’ll want to miss, especially after swimming in the ocean, and that is to see the sunset over the ocean!
Enjoy The Local Dishes Of Phu Quoc
No journey to Hon Thom is complete without sampling the well-known seafood dishes Phu Quoc is famous for. You can enjoy fresh herring salad, grilled scallops dipped in onion fat, steamed crabs, or grilled Grouper wrapped in foil. Each dish is packed with local flavors and caught straight from the ocean. If you’d like to have a complete dining experience, head to one of the restaurants in Sun World Hon Thom that are set on the beach, where food and ocean views combine.
Entrance Fee
Knowing the entrance and cable car prices for Hon Thom Island before your trip can help you plan out your budget. Prices will vary depending on whether you decide to include admission to Sun World Hon Thom Nature Park, a major attraction on the island.
Opening hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily.
| Ticket Type | Adults | Children (1m – 1.4m) | Children (under 1m) |
| Round-trip cable car (includes Sun World Hon Thom Nature Park) | 700,000 VND/person | 550,000 VND/person | Free |
| Round-trip cable car (without Sun World Hon Thom Nature Park) | 400,000 VND/person | 300,000 VND/person | Free |
Best Time To Visit Hon Thom Island
Would you like an unforgettable trip to Hon Thom Island? You should pick the right time to admire the natural beauty to the fullest!
- Dry season (from November to April): This is the best time to travel to Hon Thom. The weather is sunny, pleasant, and stable, the sea is calm, and it is the perfect time for cable car rides and water activities.
- Rainy season (from May to October): You can still travel to Hon Thom, but it is best to check the weather forecast and have a backup plan in case you have rain and rough seas.
How To Get To Hon Thom Island
Visitors have two main options for arriving to Hon Thom Island from Phu Quoc: boat or cable car, both leaving from An Thoi Town in Phu Quoc District, Kien Giang Province. Each option offers its own experiences; one option immerses you in the rhythm of the sea, while the other option allows you to view stunning panoramic views from above.
By Boat To Hon Thom Island, Phu Quoc
Every day, boats run frequently and on set schedules from An Thoi Port to Hon Thom Island to accommodate travelers looking to explore the southern part of Phu Quoc. In the morning, there are two scheduled departures from An Thoi at 9:30 AM and 11:30 AM. Then in the afternoon, the scheduled return times from Hon Thom to An Thoi are 1:45 PM, 2:30 PM, and then the last boat at 5:00 PM.
The journey lasts approximately 30 minutes, giving travelers time to enjoy the emerald-tinted sea and gentle waves, and then scattered islands along the way. This experience is a magnificent way to see the coast at an affordable price of around 50,000 VND per person.
Additionally, if you would like to see an amazing sunset along the Gulf of Thailand, you can catch the last boat at 5:00 PM. At this hour, the sky produces a magnificent sight with stunning colors that will reflect off the ocean.
By Hon Thom Cable Car, Phu Quoc
The Hon Thom Cable Car, which goes nearly 7,900 meters from An Thoi Station, is presently the longest three-wire sea-crossing cable car in the world. During the ride, you get to float over Hon Roi, Hon Dua, and finally arrive at Hon Thom Island, where you can enjoy the spectacular “bird’s-eye view” of the blue waters of Phu Quoc, the beautiful green islands, and the fishing boats gliding across the sea.
Another unique feature of using the cable car is that you can check in at both An Thoi and Hon Thom Stations. An Thoi Station is designed in a style inspired by Mediterranean architecture that feels like an ancient Roman arena and has stone pillars and rustic brick walls, making it a perfect spot for Instagram photos.
Things To Know Before Traveling To Hon Thom Island
Prior to traveling to Hon Thom Island, you will want to invest a little time in preparing before enjoying a great island experience. Here are some helpful recommendations for your trip:
- Purchase your cable car tickets in advance to beat the line in case you have to wait a little while, especially on the weekends and holidays.
- If you swim, plan on bringing your swimwear and flip-flops, and a few waterproof pouches for your phone and valuables.
- That sun can be really strong, so sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses may want to have in your bag also.
- Keep a little cash on hand because some food stalls and local shops may not accept the card.
- Be sure to check the weather in advance to travel before you arrive or during the rainy season.
- Be on time to get the best views from the cable car and spend more time at Sun World Hon Thom Nature Park.
Final Thoughts: Is Hon Thom Island Worth Visiting?
Anyone who wants adventure and relaxation on Phu Quoc should visit Hon Thom Island. The island is a perfect tropical getaway with beautiful natural scenery, blue water, and the world’s longest sea-crossing cable car. People can snorkel among colorful coral reefs, experience the rides at Aquatopia Water Park, or relax on a sandy beach shaded by tropical trees. Honor Thom Island is waiting for you to discover its charms and plan your next island escape with Seni World today!
