Phu Quoc Highlights With Spectacular Cable Car Ride

Experience the Best of Phu Quoc in One Day

If you’re visiting Vietnam’s Phu Quoc Island, this eight-hour guided tour offers a fantastic way to see the island’s most iconic sights without the hassle of planning every detail yourself. For $150 per person, you’ll visit a local pearl farm, soar above Pineapple Island on the spectacular cable car, explore the Phu Quoc Prison Museum, and end with a peaceful visit to Ho Quoc Pagoda.

What we love about this tour is its personalized approach — it’s limited to just your group, meaning fewer crowds and a more tailored experience. Plus, lunch and round-trip transfers from Duong Dong are included, saving you both time and money.

A minor consideration is the tour’s fixed schedule, which might feel a bit rushed for those wanting a more leisurely exploration. But if you’re eager to maximize your day and hit the island’s highlights, this is a solid choice.

This tour suits travelers who appreciate well-organized itineraries, authentic local sights, and stunning views — especially if you’re keen on learning about Vietnam’s history and culture while enjoying some truly spectacular scenery.

Key Points

• Comprehensive Experience: Covers major highlights in just one day, perfect for limited time.
• Excellent Value: Includes cable car, entrance fees, lunch, and transfers.
• Personalized Group Size: Small-group format offers a more intimate experience.
• Knowledgeable Guides: Reviews highlight guides with impressive local knowledge.
• Breathtaking Views: The cable car ride over Pineapple Island is a standout.
• Cultural Insights: Visits to the prison and pagoda deepen your understanding of local history.

A Deep Dive into the Phu Quoc Highlights Tour

When you’re planning a trip to Phu Quoc, the challenge is deciding how to see the highlights without feeling overwhelmed or rushed. This tour strikes a good balance, condensing the must-see sites into a manageable day with helpful guidance and logistics sorted out for you.

Starting Bright and Early at the Pearl Farm

Your day begins with a pick-up from your hotel — a nice touch that keeps transportation simple. The first stop is Quoc An Pearl — a fascinating introduction to one of Phu Quoc’s most famous products. The pearl farm isn’t just a shop; it’s a chance to observe the pearl-growing process firsthand. You’ll learn how pearls are cultivated and harvested, which adds depth to the experience. Reviewers like Nigel highlight that the admission fee is included, making this an easy and insightful start.

The Highlight: Hon Thom Cable Car to Pineapple Island

Next, the cable car ride from An Thoi to Hon Thom (Pineapple Island) is undoubtedly the star of the show. The new cable car system is a world-record cableway that offers an unparalleled bird’s-eye view of the island’s lush landscape and turquoise waters. As you glide above the sea, you’ll appreciate the stunning vistas and understand why this ride is often called breathtaking.

People like Colleen mention how unbelievable the views are and how the ride alone makes the trip worthwhile. The ride takes roughly two hours including the trip to and from the island, giving you enough time to enjoy the scenery, take photos, and soak in the unique perspective of Phu Quoc’s coastline.

Discovering History at Phu Quoc Prison Museum

In the afternoon, the tour takes a more serious turn with a visit to the Phu Quoc Prison, a site that echoes Vietnam’s turbulent past. Although the prison is no longer operational, it’s a powerful reminder of the island’s history, used during the Vietnam War to detain political prisoners. Visitors often find this site both sobering and educational, gaining insight into the struggles faced during wartime.

Reviewers like Marite note that the visit is well-organized and informative, helping visitors understand the significance of the site without feeling overwhelmed.

Serene Reflection at Ho Quoc Pagoda

The tour concludes with a peaceful stop at Ho Quoc Pagoda, perched along the eastern coast overlooking the Gulf of Thailand. The temple’s spectacular location—just 18 km from Duong Dong—offers a tranquil setting to reflect on the day. The architecture is traditional, and the views are often described as breathtaking, particularly at sunset.

Booking reviews mention that this stop provides a calming end to a busy day, making it a favorite for those seeking a moment of quiet amid scenic beauty.

What’s Included and What’s Not

This tour offers excellent value considering everything included: air-conditioned transportation, bottled water, local lunch, admission tickets for the cable car, water park, and the prison museum, and an English-speaking guide.

The lunch is generally well-reviewed, with a buffet offering a good variety of dishes, making it an easy way to refuel without extra fuss. The round-trip transfers from Duong Dong mean you don’t have to worry about navigating the often confusing local transport.

Not included are tips, personal expenses, and travel insurance — typical for guided tours. It’s worth bringing some cash for souvenirs or extras if you wish.

Transportation and Timing

The air-conditioned vehicle ensures comfort, especially on a hot tropical day. The schedule is tight but well-paced, with the guide often adjusting timing based on your interests, as some reviewers appreciated.

The morning starts at 8:30 am with hotel pickup, and the day wraps up around 5 pm, giving a full but not exhausting experience.

Authentic Experiences and Insights from Travelers

Reviewers consistently praise the knowledgeable guides, like Het, for their depth of local knowledge. They appreciate the ability to customize the tour to avoid unnecessary activities like the water park for those more interested in cultural sites.

Several reviewers mention the stunning cable car ride as a highlight — Colleen calls it “unbelievable,” and Samantha describes it as “amazing.” The insights from guides about the sites and local culture add a layer of understanding that enriches the experience.

The Value for Money

While $150 might seem steep for some, the all-inclusive nature — covering transportation, entrance fees, and lunch — makes it a worthwhile investment for travelers wanting an overview of Phu Quoc’s highlights without stress. Multiple reviews mention that the tours are well-organized, and the guide’s enthusiasm and knowledge elevate what could otherwise be a basic sightseeing trip.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour is ideal for first-time visitors who want a rundown of Phu Quoc’s top sights in one day. It’s also great for travelers with limited time who prefer organized logistics over DIY planning. Families, couples, or small groups will find the small-group setting adds a personal touch.

However, if you prefer a more relaxed pace or want to spend longer at each site, you might find this tour a bit rushed. It’s best suited for those eager to see several highlights efficiently, enjoying stunning views, cultural insights, and some history along the way.

The Sum Up

This Phu Quoc Highlights Tour offers a well-rounded, value-packed experience that captures the island’s natural beauty and cultural depth. You’ll love the spectacular cable car ride, the insightful visits to historical sites, and the chance to learn about local crafts like pearl farming. The small-group format and knowledgeable guides make it more than just a sightseeing trip — it’s an engaging introduction to Phu Quoc’s soul.

While the schedule is somewhat tight, it’s perfect for travelers who want a full day of exploration without the hassle of organizing each stop. If you’re looking for a balanced mix of scenery, history, and local flavor, this tour will serve you well.

For those who relish authentic experiences, stunning vistas, and informative guides, this tour provides an enjoyable, memorable day on one of Vietnam’s most beautiful islands.

FAQ

What does the tour include?
It includes round-trip transfers from Duong Dong, a guide, bottled water, lunch, and all entrance fees for the cable car, water park, and prison museum.

Is the cable car ride safe and comfortable?
Yes, the Hon Thom cable car is a modern, safe system that offers spectacular views. Reviewers describe it as “unbelievable” and “breathtaking.”

What is the best time of day for the cable car ride?
Most travelers do the ride around midday, when the sun illuminates the sea, creating vibrant blues. It’s a bright, sunny day that enhances the spectacular scenery.

Can I customize the itinerary?
The tour is private, so guides are often willing to adjust timing or skip certain stops if you prefer.

Are meals included?
Yes, a local buffet lunch is included and generally well-reviewed for its variety and quality.

Is this tour suitable for children or elderly travelers?
Most travelers can participate, but not recommended for those with back problems or heart conditions. Stroller accessibility is limited, so check if needed.

What’s the cancellation policy?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Weather cancellations are also fully refundable or can be rescheduled.

This tour balances adventure, culture, and stunning scenery into a single day, making it a smart choice for travelers eager to experience the best of Phu Quoc without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.