Phu Quoc's Southern Islands in One Day: What to See and What to Pack

Short answer: in one day you can comfortably see two or three islands of the An Thoi archipelago off southern Phu Quoc — snorkeling over the Gam Ghi reef, a beach stop on May Rut and a seafood lunch — and, if you like, add the cable car to Hon Thom with its water park. The best months are November to April, when the sea is calmer and the water clearer. Pack water-resistant SPF 30+ sunscreen, a long-sleeved swim top, some Vietnamese dong in cash and motion-sickness tablets if boats get to you.

Which islands are on the route

The An Thoi archipelago is a cluster of small islands just off Phu Quoc's southern tip, opposite An Thoi port and town. A southern islands day trip usually revolves around three stops:

• Gam Ghi (Hòn Gầm Ghì) — the main snorkeling spot. A shallow reef close to shore where corals and fish are easy to see, even if it's your first time with a mask.
• May Rut (Hòn Mây Rút) — actually two islands, May Rut Trong (inner) and May Rut Ngoai (outer). People come for the white sand, palm trees, swimming and photos; the beaches are full of photo spots.
• Hon Thom (Hòn Thơm) — the largest island in the archipelago, home to the Sun World park and Aquatopia Water Park. You get there on a 7,899.9 m cable car, billed as the world's longest three-rope cable car over the sea; Guinness World Records recognised it in 2018.

Heads-up: drinks, coconuts and activities on May Rut and the other small islands usually cost more than on the main island, so bring small cash.

How the day works

A southern islands boat trip takes up the whole day. Here's how it runs on our tour:

1. 8:00 — hotel pickup and transfer south to An Thoi port. The drive takes up to an hour, depending on where you're staying.
2. Morning — boarding and the first stop at Gam Ghi. Snorkeling goes first for a reason: the water is clearer and the sea is calmer in the morning.
3. Midday — seafood lunch.
4. Afternoon — the May Rut islands: swimming, time on the white sand and a photo session, including drone shots.
5. Around 16:30 — back at your hotel.

If you're after sea time and snorkeling at an easy pace, the southern islands cruise is the one: hotel transfer, a Russian-speaking guide, masks, snorkels and life jackets, a seafood lunch and drone photos are all included.

Tour #1Sea cruise to the southern islandsfrom 70$ · 08:00 — 16:30Details →

Boat only or cable car + boat: which to choose

The question we hear most: should you go by boat only, or combine the islands with the Hon Thom cable car? Both fit into a single day, but they feel quite different.

The cable car is all about the view: from the cabin you see the whole archipelago, with fishing boats and turquoise shallows below. Cabins run in several time slots a day (as of October 2026, roughly between 9:00 and 17:00 — check exact times), so on your own it's easy to lose time in the queue. On an organised trip the schedule is built around those slots.

If you want to glide over the sea and snorkel on the same day, go for the combo: cable car and water park tickets, a boat trip with snorkeling at Gam Ghi, lunch and transfers are included. Tickets are bought in advance, so the booking is confirmed once the prepayment is made.

Tour #2Cable car + Sea island cruisefrom 90$ · 08:00 — 18:30Details →

Snorkeling at Gam Ghi: what you'll see and how to protect the reef

According to VinWonders, around 250 coral species and some 170 fish species have been recorded in Phu Quoc's waters, and the southern islands are one of the best places to see them without diving. A few tips for a better swim:

• Can't swim? That's fine. Wear a life jacket and stay close to the guide.
• Test your mask on the boat. It should seal without pulling the strap tight; to stop it fogging, the glass is wiped on the inside — your guide will show you how.
• Don't touch the coral or stand on the reef. Coral grows extremely slowly, breaks under a single step, and its edges cut skin easily.
• Don't feed the fish or take shells or coral as souvenirs.
• Wear water shoes if you walk in from the shore: there are sharp fragments around the rocks and reef.

What to pack

The short list we give every guest before an island day:

• swimwear and dry clothes for the ride back;
• a rash guard or light long-sleeved shirt, a hat and sunglasses;
• water-resistant SPF 30+ sunscreen and SPF lip balm;
• a towel;
• a dry bag or waterproof phone pouch;
• water shoes;
• drinking water;
• Vietnamese dong in cash for drinks, coconuts and small purchases on the islands;
• motion-sickness tablets if you're prone to it;
• your own mask and snorkel — only if you prefer them: they're provided on the boat trip.

How not to get sunburnt

Phu Quoc sits at roughly 10° north of the equator, so the sun is strong all year, and the water and white sand reflect even more of it. Burning on an island day is easier than you'd think, especially when it's overcast and you don't feel the heat.

• Use sunscreen properly. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher: apply it 15 minutes before going out and reapply about every two hours and after every swim. An adult needs about 30 ml — a full shot glass — to cover the body.
• Snorkel in a rash guard. You float face down, so your back, neck and the backs of your legs burn first.
• Don't forget ears, feet and your hair parting — the spots people miss most.
• Stay in the shade on the boat and the beach around midday, when the sun is strongest.
• Drink water throughout the day, not only when you feel thirsty.

If you do get burnt: a cool shower, a moisturiser and no sun the next day. If you get blisters, chills or a fever, see a doctor.

When to go and how to deal with seasickness

The dry season, November to April, is the best time for the southern islands: the sea is usually calm and the water clear. Late October is a transition period, with the weather gradually settling.

From May to October Phu Quoc has its rainy season with the southwest monsoon. Waves are more frequent, underwater visibility drops, and in bad weather boat trips are cancelled or rerouted for safety. The sea is usually roughest from July to September. The decision to sail is made on the day based on the weather, so ask your manager about rescheduling terms when you book.

If you get seasick:

• have a light breakfast and go easy on alcohol the night before;
• sit near the middle of the boat, where the motion is gentlest;
• look at the horizon rather than your phone, and stay in the fresh air;
• take motion-sickness tablets in advance as directed on the label; for children, use only paediatric versions and check with a doctor first;
• some people find ginger sweets or ginger tea help.

One last tip: don't plan the islands for your first day after a long flight. Sleep it off, get used to the sun, and the sea day will be all good memories.

Tours from this article

Tour #1Sea cruise to the southern islandsfrom 70$ · 08:00 — 16:30Details →Tour #2Cable car + Sea island cruisefrom 90$ · 08:00 — 18:30Details →