Hòn Thơm Cable Car, Kien Giang

Overview

Best months: Nov - Apr (clear skies, calm sea). Nov-Dec: catch sunset on the afternoon crossing.
Entry fee: 750,000 VND/adult return (includes cable car + Hòn Thơm Nature Park). Buy online for faster entry and potential discounts.
Opening hours: 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM and 1:30 PM – 5:00 PM daily. Closed midday 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM.
Address: An Thới, Phú Quốc, Kiên Giang

Things to Know

Crowds: Arrives early at 9 AM opening for the shortest queues. Midday closure 11:30 AM-1:30 PM means two distinct visitor sessions - early morning is less crowded.
Difficulty: No physical difficulty for the cable car. The highest pylon is 174 metres - not recommended for those with a fear of heights. Water park slides involve stair climbing.
Safety: Cable car suspends operations in strong wind or heavy rain - check weather before visiting. Keep ticket throughout the visit as it is checked on return. Last cable car back at 5 PM.
Accessibility: Cable car cabin accessible. Water park slides require stairs. Island paths are paved.
Seasonal: Best Nov-Apr for clear views. Nov-Dec: afternoon crossings may catch sunset on the water. Cable car closes in bad weather year-round.

Gallery

About This Place

What Makes Hòn Thơm Cable Car Special

The Hòn Thơm Cable Car is the world's longest non-stop three-rope cable car, crossing 8km of open sea between An Thới at Phú Quốc's southern tip and Hòn Thơm island. Each cabin holds up to 30 people and travels at up to 8.5 metres per second, with the highest pylon reaching 174 metres above the water. The 15-minute crossing is an experience in itself before you even reach the island - on a clear day the water below is transparent enough to see the sea floor, fishing villages are visible in the distance, and children swimming around the village boats can be spotted far below.

In the late afternoon, when the sun lowers over the western islands, the three shades of blue - sky, sea, and island vegetation - merge into the kind of light that makes Phú Quốc's southern archipelago one of the most photogenic places in Vietnam.

How to Get There

How to Get to Hòn Thơm Cable Car

The cable car station is at An Thới, approximately 25km south of Dương Đông town - 35-40 minutes by motorbike. Take the main road south to the tip of the island. Taxis and Grab are available but expensive for this distance. Large car park and motorbike parking at the station.

What to Expect

What to Expect at Hòn Thơm Cable Car

The cable car operates in two sessions: 9:00-11:30 AM and 1:30-5:00 PM, closing at midday. The 15-minute crossing each way gives aerial views of the southern archipelago. On Hòn Thơm island, the Sun World Nature Park includes a water park with slides, a beach area, restaurants, and the Kiss Bridge sunset viewpoint. The Awaken Sea show runs in the evening. The whole experience - cable car crossing, island, and return - fills a half to full day depending on how much time is spent at the water park and beach.

Travel Tips

Travel Tips for Hòn Thơm Cable Car

The cable car crossing is worth doing regardless of whether you spend time at the water park on the other side - the aerial view of the southern Phú Quốc archipelago over 8km of open sea is a genuinely memorable experience. For the best conditions: early morning for the quietest crossing and clearest light; late afternoon in November-December to catch sunset on the return ride. Combine with Bãi Sao Beach or Khem Beach nearby for a full southern Phú Quốc day.

Insider Tips

Based on real traveler experiences and commonly mentioned advice from multiple visitors.

Sit close to the glass in the direction of travel - you'll see the islands below and get better airflow. Not recommended if afraid of heights.
November-December: take the late afternoon crossing back (~4:30-5 PM) to catch sunset over the sea
Keep your ticket in a secure pocket throughout the island visit - it's checked again at the return cable car and some rides make it easy to lose
Arrive at 9 AM when it opens - the first hour is the quietest and coolest. Queues build significantly as the morning progresses.
Buy tickets online in advance - faster entry and sometimes cheaper, especially in peak season
The cable car closes in strong wind or heavy rain - check the weather forecast before making the trip south. Announce your visit to the operator if conditions look uncertain.
Operating hours: 9:00-11:30 AM and 1:30-5:00 PM. Plan arrival and departure around the midday closure.
Sit close to the glass in the direction of travel for the best views and airflow - you'll see small islands like Hòn Dừa and Hòn Rơi before reaching Hòn Thơm. Not recommended if you have a fear of heights - the highest pylon reaches 174 metres.
On clear days the sea is transparent enough to see the bottom - fishing villages visible below, children swimming in the shallows around the village boats.
November-December: if taking the afternoon crossing, time the return ride for sunset - the 17h closing means you can take a late cable car back and catch the light on the water.
Keep your ticket safe throughout the visit - it's checked again on the way back and some of the rides on the island make it easy to lose.
On the island: the Kiss Bridge viewpoint is one of the most praised sunset spots in southern Vietnam. The Awaken Sea show runs in the evening. Both can be done after the water park.
Bring sun protection - umbrella, sunglasses, hat, sunscreen. The cable car platform and island are exposed and the sun is intense.
If planning to use the water park on Hòn Thơm, bring swimwear - it's not available to rent.
Last cable car back is at 5 PM - don't miss it.

FAQ

Common questions from travelers who've visited this place.

Is the cable car worth it even without the water park?

Yes - the crossing itself is the main attraction. 8km over open sea at up to 174 metres altitude, with views of the southern archipelago, transparent water below, and fishing villages visible from above. The water park and beach are bonuses. If water parks aren't your scene, spending an hour or two on the island beach and Kiss Bridge before returning is enough.

What are the operating hours and midday closure?

The cable car runs 9:00-11:30 AM and 1:30-5:00 PM daily. It closes for two hours at midday. The last cable car back to Phú Quốc departs at 5:00 PM - missing it means taking a boat back.

Can the cable car be cancelled on the day?

Yes - the cable car suspends operations in strong wind or heavy rain. Check the weather forecast before making the 25km trip south. Conditions in the southern part of the island can differ from Dương Đông town.

Nearby Locations

Khem Beach3.1 km6 min by motorbike Bãi Sao Beach4.9 km10 min by motorbike Hộ Quốc Pagoda9.6 km19 min by motorbike Bai Truong (Long Beach)14.3 km29 min by motorbike Hàm Ninh Fishing Village17.7 km35 min by motorbike Phú Quốc Night Market21.6 km43 min by motorbike

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