Hon Thom is the kind of view you remember, and this tour pairs it with island time by sea. I like the Hon Thom cable car ride for the high-up ocean views, and I also like the private setup with an English-speaking guide, so your day feels planned for you. One thing to consider: this is weather and sea-condition dependent, and the water can be rough on some days.

The itinerary is built around short, satisfying stop times instead of long stretches. You’ll get a cable car stop with time on the beach, then a private speedboat route hitting Gam Ghi, May Rut (Ocean Pearl), Bom Island, and Fingernail for swimming, snorkeling, and photos, plus lunch on the final island.

A possible drawback is that snorkeling quality isn’t guaranteed for everyone. On one day you might get clear water and coral life; on another day you may find water less calm and visibility not as good as you hoped.

Key Points You’ll Care About

• Hon Thom cable car views: high perspective of islands, fishing boats, and coastline during your ride
• Private speedboat pacing: multiple island stops in a half-day window without feeling rushed
• Bom Island snorkeling: shallow water area (about 10 meters deep) that’s set up for coral and fish spotting
• Lunch included at Fingernail (Mong Tay) Island: you’re not scrambling for food mid-cruise
• Drone memory video: a short video is made during the Fingernail stop and sent to you after the trip
• English-speaking guide attention: guides like Jackson can steer the day around your comfort level

Hon Thom Cable Car + Beach Time: The Day’s Big Visual Hit

The day starts with pickup from your hotel in Phu Quoc, then a drive to the south side for the cable car at Hon Thom Island. The cable car experience is the first standout. From up high you get the broad ocean view, island shapes, and that “Phu Quoc is bigger than it looks from shore” feeling.

When you reach Hon Thom, you’re not just riding and leaving. You get about an hour to stretch your legs, take photos, and hang on a small golden-sand beach. It also has a fun, jump-castle-style playground, which is handy if you’re traveling with kids or you just want a lighter, playful vibe before the boat part begins.

If you get motion-sensitive, the cable car may feel easier than you expect. Still, plan for some waiting and walking around the station area, and bring sun protection. It’s a sea-and-sky day, so the UV can be steady even if clouds show up.

From Gam Ghi Island to Ocean Pearl (May Rut): What “Island Hopping” Really Means

After the Hon Thom stop, you board your private speedboat for the island route. The timing is tight but doable, with stops spaced so you get actual water time rather than only sightseeing from afar.

Gam Ghi Island (first stop by boat) is described as an idyllic place with soft white sand and turquoise water, and there’s mention of coral teeming with marine life. Practically, this is where you’ll want to slow down. Don’t treat it like a quick photo stop. Use the time to swim, float, and look around at the edges where the water looks clearest.

Next is May Rut Ngoai, also known as Ocean Pearl Island. This stop is more about exploring and relaxing. The pace here tends to feel calmer: you get time to swim and unwind on one of the most beautiful beaches in the area. If you’re the type who likes a break between the more active moments—this is it.

One tip for getting more out of these beach stops: do your photos early. The midday sun can flatten color, and boats moving in and out can shift light quickly. If you care about the “postcard” look, try to catch it during the first half of each stop.

Bom Island Snorkeling: Coral Life in Shallow Water (When the Sea Cooperates)

The tour includes a dedicated snorkeling stop at Bom Island. This is where the snorkeling gear you’re provided actually becomes a key part of your plan. The water is shallow here—about 10 meters deep—which is the kind of setup that can make snorkeling more comfortable. You’re not relying on a far-off reef drop-off.

There’s also a clear expectation for fish spotting. The water situation can vary day to day, but the idea is that colorful fish show up around the snorkeling zone. Put simply: Bom is the “this is why you came” stop for many people.

Now the honest part. Snorkeling results depend on conditions. One review noted water quality not great and the sea quite rough, which can make it harder to see coral clearly or stay in position. If you’re planning this trip for snorkeling only, I’d treat it as a best-effort ocean moment, not a guarantee of perfect visibility every time.

For comfort, keep your swim session shorter if you feel the boat rocking or if you’re struggling to hold a steady stance. You’ll see more by doing a few calmer laps than by fighting the water for an extra long time.

Fingernail Island (Mong Tay): Lunch, Beach Time, and a Drone Keepsake

The final island stop is Fingernail Island, also called Mong Tay Island. This is where the tour shifts from water play to food and rest. You get about two hours here, and lunch is included.

This stop is also where the tour adds a modern touch: the guide makes a short drone video of you during the visit and sends it to you after the trip. It’s a fun memory because it captures the island’s scale from above and gives you something more dynamic than a standard beach photo set.

If you’re picky about timing, this is the moment to slow down. Eat first, then do your best photos after. Midday light can be harsh, so try to alternate: one set in the sun, another set under shade or closer to the waterline where reflections help.

If your group wants a bit of separation—some people snorkeling again while others just relax—this island’s longer stop time helps. It’s not a sprint.

The Private Guide Touch: How It Improves Your Day

A big reason this tour works is the private format. You’re not negotiating around strangers’ schedules or waiting your turn for the one guide per boat. Your guide comes with you and keeps the flow moving.

English speaking guides are included, and one name that comes up is Jackson, described as a local who loves the ocean. That kind of local knowledge matters in small ways: knowing where to stand for a better view, how to time your photos, and what to do if you feel unsure about snorkeling.

You’re also given practical extras that reduce hassle: snorkeling equipment and mineral water are included. That sounds minor until you’re already on an island and you realize you don’t want to waste precious stop time finding gear or buying drinks.

Even the stop order is designed to keep your energy stable. Cable car first (big views, lighter effort), then beaches (swim and relax), then the main snorkeling push at Bom, then lunch and decompression at Fingernail.

Price and Value: Does $250 Per Person Make Sense?

At $250 per person, this isn’t the cheapest way to do An Thoi islands. But the value isn’t only the sights—it’s the structure.

You’re paying for:

• Private speedboat time across multiple island stops
• Cable car tickets to Hon Thom included
• Snorkeling gear, lunch, and mineral water
• Air-conditioned vehicle for pickup and transfer
• An English-speaking guide with undivided attention

A cheaper group tour might drop you at fewer stops or keep you on a tighter schedule with less flexibility. This one is priced like an experience where you get to breathe between moments—especially helpful when you care about photos and want time that doesn’t feel like a conveyor belt.

If you’re traveling as a pair, families, or a small group of friends, private often starts to feel more reasonable. If you’re solo and already comfortable on boats, you might compare costs with group options. But if you want fewer hassles and clearer timing, private typically wins.

Weather, Sea Conditions, and When You Should Adjust Expectations

This is an ocean day. The tour explicitly notes it depends on good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund.

What that means for you: aim for a day when the sea looks calmer from your hotel. Also be realistic that snorkeling and water clarity are not guaranteed. One participant experienced rougher conditions and weaker water quality, which lowered snorkeling satisfaction.

So I’d frame your plan like this:

• You’ll likely get great views and good beach time.
• Snorkeling is a strong plan, but the quality can shift with wind and waves.

If you feel seasick easily, consider bringing your own anti-nausea plan. The data here doesn’t confirm boat ride length down to the minute, so don’t assume it’s always gentle.

Small Logistics That Help (and One You Should Plan For)

Pickup is included, and the activity ends back at the meeting point. You also receive what’s described as a mobile ticket, which reduces the need to chase paper vouchers.

Lunch is included, but tips are not. Tips aren’t required, but they’re highly recommended. If you’ve had a good guide day, this is one of those moments where a small extra gesture feels fair.

Bring basic beach day essentials even though key items are included. You have snorkeling equipment, mineral water, and lunch covered, but you’ll still want your own sunscreen, a hat, and a plan for drying off.

Should You Book This Cable Car and An Thoi Islands Tour?

I’d recommend this tour if you want a well-paced Phu Quoc day that combines land-and-sea beauty in one go. The Hon Thom cable car is the visual opener, and the private speedboat stops give you real beach time at multiple islands without the stress of figuring out transport.

Book it especially if:

• you care about photos and scenic viewpoints
• you want a private guide and smooth timing
• snorkeling is a highlight for you (with the understanding that conditions can change)
• you’d like lunch handled so you can focus on the water

Skip or adjust expectations if:

• you’re only chasing top-tier snorkeling and need guaranteed calm water
• you know you react strongly to rough seas

If your goal is a memorable island-hopping day with a mix of views, swim time, and a proper lunch stop, this hits the mark for most people at its price point.

FAQ

What is the duration of the tour?

It runs about 4 to 6 hours in total, depending on timing and conditions during the day.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at Truly Vietnam Travel at 90 Đường Trần Hưng Đạo, Dương Tơ, Phú Quốc, Kiên Giang, Vietnam, and it ends back at the same meeting point.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup is offered, and you’ll use an air-conditioned vehicle for transfers.

What does the tour include?

Included are the air-conditioned vehicle, private speedboat, cable car tickets to Hon Thom, all fees and taxes, an English-speaking tour guide, snorkeling equipment, mineral water, and lunch.

Which islands are visited?

You’ll include Hon Thom Island by cable car, then boat stops at Gam Ghi Island, May Rut (May Rut Ngoai / Ocean Pearl Island), Bom Island, and Fingernail Island (Mong Tay Island).

Is snorkeling included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is provided, and Bom Island is listed as a snorkeling stop.

Do I get lunch during the tour?

Yes. Lunch is included during the Fingernail Island (Mong Tay Island) stop.

Is the tour private?

Yes. It’s a private tour/activity, so only your group participates.

Is a drone video included?

Yes. During the Fingernail Island stop, a short drone video is made and sent to you after the trip.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, you won’t get a refund. If the tour is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund.

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