The Phu Quoc cable car is the longest in the world – so that might excite or scare you! Either way, here’s a full guide with all you need to know.
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Phu Quoc: Cable Car Ride and 3 Islands Boat Tour with Lunch
To get the most out of your Phu Quoc cable car experience, it’s best to combine it with an island hopping tour that includes lunch too! You’ll get to spend time at the amazing Aquatopia waterpark, go snorkelling to see some gorgeous reefs and of course, get to see the incredible views from almost 200m high!
The Phu Quoc Cable Car Guide
Travelling on the Phu Quoc cable car is a must-do activity for anyone visiting the island! You’ll be treated to incredible views of Hon Thom Island (also known as Pineapple Island) and the gorgeous surrounding waters.
If you’re not quite sold on the idea of the Phu Quoc cable car, keep reading this post because I’m sure you’ll change your mind once you’re finished – it really is an amazing thing to do!
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Cost
Prices do vary throughout the year, especially as Vietnam (well, and the rest of the world!) recovers from a lack of tourism.
Originally you could buy a ticket for just the Phu Quoc cable car alone. However, that seems to have changed so I’ll show you the prices for the combo ticket which includes access to Aquatopia. The waterpark is awesome so I think the fact that you essentially get the cable car ticket for free when you buy a waterpark pass is great anyway!
Key Information
- Tour Duration: All day
- Pickup Included: No
- Age Suitable For: All
- Need To Take: Cash
- Start Time: From 9 am
- Lunch Included: Optional
Click here to check availability and prices
Don’t forget that you can also book a Phu Quoc cable car tour that includes a snorkelling stop, an island stop and lunch. This is what we did and we had an absolutely fantastic day. Check out the details of this below:
Key Information
- Tour Duration: 8 hours
- Pickup Included: Yes (from Dương Đông)
- Age Suitable For: All (<1m go free)
- Need To Take: Swimwear etc
- Start Time: 8:30 am
- Lunch Included: Yes
Click here to check availability and prices
Schedule
This can change throughout the year, so check the official Facebook page for up-to-date times. As of September 2022, here are the Phu Quoc cable car ride times:
| 09:00 – 09:30 |
| 10:30 – 11:30 |
| 13:30 – 14:00 |
| 15:30 – 17:00 |
| 20:00 – 20:30 (only valid on Saturdays) |
The waterpark opens at 10 am and closes at 4:30 pm so make sure you time your visit right! I would take the earliest and latest cable car to maximise time inside Aquatopia as it really was such a good waterpark. A good tip is to wear your swimming costume underneath your clothes so that you can be ready to jump on the slides in the quickest time possible!
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If you haven’t already got a swimming costume then what the hell are you doing?! Have a look at this gorgeous high waist bikini and get a swimsuit before you leave. I absolutely love the dual colour option but there are loads of colour options available. Take a look here.
The queues for the Phu Quoc cable car do get quite busy though so take that into consideration, especially on your way back if you’ve got a tour or transport arranged for a specific time. It took us around 5 minutes to walk from the exit of Aquatopia (through the gift shop etc) and then another 10 minutes to get through the line.
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Duration
The Phu Quoc cable car ride takes around 20 minutes which is the perfect amount of time to take in the breathtaking scenery.
It also took about an hour to travel from the main town of Duong Dong by coach. Most tour companies will have pick-up and drop-off stops here, so you might have to make your way there.
Download the taxi app Grab and aim to get to the designated point at least 30 minutes before your bus leaves.
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What To Expect On The Phu Quoc Cable Car
Whether this is your first time on aerial transport or you’re a regular high flyer, the Phu Quoc cable car is probably going to be unlike anything you’ve ever experienced before!
At almost 8km long, the cable car in Phu Quoc is in the Guinness World Record Book for being the longest non-stop 3-rope cable car in the world! It only opened in 2018, which means it’s using the most modern technology and systems (good news if you were worried about safety records!) and everything is lovely and clean.
At its highest point, the Phu Quoc cable car reaches 174m which is pretty impressive. It also means that you have unrivalled views of the stunning An Thoi archipelago.
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You can choose to ride from the main island, or from Hon Thom (Pineapple Island). This depends on whether you take a tour or go directly onto the car, and you can also buy a one-way or return ticket.
The actual cars are comfortable and do not sway too much on the journey. We were pretty scared about the trip if I’m honest – neither of us is too fond of heights – but I have to say that the ride was actually really fun! There were a few parts that tickled our tummies but overall it was good.
Once you’ve gone past a pillar, there is a tiny dip where the cable car drops back to its regular height. We had a few children in our car screaming when this happened – but they were doing it for the absolute thrills and were actually loving life! If people are screaming on your trip. don’t be alarmed – they’re just adrenaline junkies!
Each car holds up to around 30 people and there are seats for everyone. You can even open the windows if you want a bit of fresh air or a better photo opportunity!
If you don’t have a camera then I HIGHLY recommend the Panasonic Lumix ZS70K. It is an affordable point-and-shoot camera that can be picked up and used by anyone of any ability. The camera captures gorgeous images and surprisingly excellent video whilst fitting in your pocket. The main difference between this and your phone’s camera is that it also has an incredible optical zoom so you won’t miss any of the shots you need to take. Check it out here.
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How To Get There
There are two main ways to get to the Phu Quoc cable car station on the main island. You can also hire a scooter but we never recommend doing this in busy areas as a) the chances that you’ll be fully insured are slim and b) they’re dangerous!
Tour
Taking a tour is by far the easiest way of getting to the cable car in Phu Quoc. You can just jump on the bus to the harbour and not have to worry about extra costs on the day.
On the tour that we took, we actually rode the cable car at the end of the day back to the main island. We went by boat on the way there as we had two other islands to visit first, and then we were dropped off at Hon Thom after lunch.
Taxi
You can speak to your hotel and ask them if they will arrange a taxi for you. Make sure it’s confirmed the night before your journey and double-check the price before they book it.
Alternatively, you can order a Grab when you need it. We used Grab all over Asia and most trips went well. The only problem we did have a few times was that the driver would accept the job but then cancel it when we were in the car because they wanted us to pay them directly instead of having to share the far with Grab. When this happened, we always got out and ordered a new car because we preferred to have the safety features and insurance of a Grab ride.
The drivers accepted this and just drove on, so if this happens to you just explain that you want a Grab ride and then wait for another car. Even on a small island like Phu Quoc, there are plenty of drivers around.
The journey to the Phu Quoc cable car station from Duong Dong is around 23km so in a normal car, this would take around half an hour. Account for a little bit of traffic early in the morning.
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Other Things To Do On Phu Quoc
Phu Quoc is a great place to spend a week or even just a few days, to escape the hustle and bustle of the big cities on the mainland. It’s not the remote and quiet island that it used to be but it’s still a gem and there are loads of things to see and do!
Starfish Beach
With gorgeous soft sand and clear waters at the right time of year, Starfish Beach is a must-visit place in Phu Quoc! Not only that, but it gets its name from the hundreds of brightly coloured starfish that call the beach home. Check out the full article right here!
You might spot people picking them up for photos but please don’t do this – it’s so harmful to them!
The best time to go is between November and April for the clearest water – unfortunately, we went in July so the water was quite murky!
If you’re looking for a snorkel kit then check out this Greatever mask and snorkel. We have been on so many snorkel and boat tours where the snorkel hire was dreadful and it ruins the experience. If you have room then definitely take your own set. Take a look at our recommended kit here.
There are restaurants sitting above the water on the wooden piers, there is a toilet and shower block on the beach (you need to pay 10,000 VND but there is toilet paper!) and you can buy a fresh coconut or even a beer on the mainland.
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Night Market
The Phu Quoc night market is our favourite of all of the ones we’ve been to! It’s on every evening from around 6 pm, but I’d recommend going at 7 or 8 to get the full vibes! There are stalls selling street food, jewellery, handmade souvenirs and clothes. Check out our video below to get a little taster of what to expect!
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Island Tours
Phu Quoc is surrounded by pretty islands, and you can take a day tour snorkelling, lounging and eating your way around them.
If you don’t take the Phu Quoc cable car tour which includes island visits, then you can still choose to tour the islands on a separate day.
You’ll stop at places like Kim Quy Island, May Rut Ngoai, Buom Island and Fingernail Island. Snorkelling equipment will be provided and you’ll enjoy an all-inclusive lunch on the beach. It’s a great day out for all of the family and definitely an experience to remember from your trip!
Key Information
- Tour Duration: 7 hours
- Pickup Included: Yes
- Age Suitable For: All (under 4s go free)
- Need To Take: Swimwear
- Start Time: 8:30 am
- Lunch Included: Yes
Click here to check availability and prices
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Sea Walking
If snorkelling isn’t your thing, or you’re not a confident swimmer but you still want the chance to watch the sea life in the gorgeous reefs, then take a sea walking tour! You’ll be geared up in your helmet to explore the bottom of the ocean and the marine life up close and personal.
There will be a professional coach guiding you and teaching you all about how to protect marine life and its habitat. You can upgrade from the basic package to include photos, videos, pick up and multi-island visits. You can even combine it with a trip to Sunworld Hon Thom Nature Park which includes a cable car ride too!
Key Information
- Tour Duration: All day
- Pickup Included: No (optional)
- Age Suitable For: 5+
- Need To Take: Swimwear
- Start Time: Confirm after booking
- Lunch Included: No (optional)
Click here to check availability and prices
Sunset Kayaking
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Private Sea Kayaking + Sunset Dinner
Kayaking is a great peaceful activity at any time, but adding in a sunset makes it all the more spectacular! Take a private tour along the northwest coastline, and then enjoy a romantic candlelit dinner at the remote Half-moon Beach.
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Watersports
Dotted around the island are plenty of beaches to visit where you are spoilt for choice with watersports! From banana boats and jet skis to parasailing and windsurfing, there will be something satisfying your adrenaline thirst! If you love being in the water but want something a little less crazy, then you can take kayak tours, go scuba diving or even just rent a snorkel mask and swim at your own leisure!
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What To Pack
For a day trip to Hon Thom via the Phu Quoc cable car, there are a few things that will be really helpful to take with you. I’ll assume that you are staying on Phu Quoc island for a few days and can leave your main belongings in your accommodation, and you can take a day bag for your essentials.
Our Top Pick
For city exploring and shorter hikes, you’ll need a decent day pack. We recommend one like Osprey’s Arcane, as not only can it hold a 15″ laptop, water bottle and everything else you would need day to day but it is also incredibly stylish (we think). We have used Osprey for loads of different bags over the years and they have all been perfect. Check out the Osprey Arcane on Amazon here.
Our Top Pick
If you’re planning on going to the beach then make sure you have some flip-flops in the bag. There is nothing worse than getting sand in your shoes or socks and there is nothing better than feeling the sand on your feet. We recommend an affordable pair like these Old Navy casual flip-flops. They will get the job done and shouldn’t break almost immediately as other brands might. Check them out in more detail here.
Our Top Pick
If you’re in the market for an action camera then our current recommendation is the GoPro Hero 9. Yes, the Hero 10 is currently the flagship but it doesn’t have that much more than the Hero 9 and costs a lot more. The front-facing screen is a godsend for selfies and video and you get the famous GoPro durability and stabilisation that they are now renowned for. Check out current deals here.
Our Top Pick
If you’re stuck on what kind of towel to take with you then take a look at this microfibre poncho. We absolutely love ours and it is insanely helpful when you need to change on the beach. They dry fast and pack down super small so you’ll be able to fit one in your day pack easily enough. Check out the price here.
Our Top Pick
If you’re looking for a snorkel kit then check out this Greatever mask and snorkel. We have been on so many snorkel and boat tours where the snorkel hire was dreadful and it ruins the experience. If you have room then definitely take your own set. Take a look at our recommended kit here.
Our Top Pick
Don’t even think about stepping out in the sun without protection! This factor 50 sun cream from Sunbum is vegan, reef-safe and smells like summer, as well as being dermatologist approved! It’s non-greasy, easy to apply and doesn’t leave a white cast so you can quickly rub it in and get on with your adventures! Take a look on Amazon here.
Our Top Pick
If you need some sunglasses then take a look at our recommended pair right here. Kev has just done 7 months without a pair because he couldn’t find any he liked on the trip and it was just a lot of complaining about the sun. Don’t be a Kev… Find out the price of not being a Kev right here.
Our Top Pick
If you haven’t already got a swimming costume then what the hell are you doing?! Have a look at this gorgeous high waist bikini and get a swimsuit before you leave. I absolutely love the dual colour option but there are loads of colour options available. Take a look here.
Packing List Essentials
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Where To Stay
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Duong Dong
With a restaurant, a gorgeous outdoor pool and garden views, this is the perfect choice for a stay in Duong Dong. WiFi is available too.
Ong Lang
Breakfast is included and you’re only a short walk away to the beach. The pool is gorgeous and the rooms all have balconies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the Phu Quoc cable car?
To take a ride on the Phu Quoc cable car, you’ll need to buy a combo ticket which includes entrance to the waterpark and the rest of the island. These cost around 540,000 VND for adults.
How long is the Phu Quoc cable car?
The Phu Quoc cable car is almost 8km long – 7899.9 metres to be exact! That’s 4.9 miles.
Is the Phu Quoc cable car the longest in the world?
It’s the longest non-stop 3-rope cable car in the world!
Have I convinced you to take a ride on the Phu Quoc cable car yet? Trust us – it’s worth it for the views (and the price!) Let us know if you conquered your fear of heights to jump on!