Phu Quoc: Private Guided Southern Island Sightseeing Tour

Phu Quoc: Private Guided Southern Island Sightseeing Tour offers a thoughtfully curated 8-hour adventure exploring the best of Vietnam’s largest island. For just $100 per group (up to 4), you’ll enjoy the comfort of a private vehicle and the insights of a knowledgeable English-speaking guide. Stops include Vietnam’s biggest Pearl farm, the world’s longest sea crossing cable car, Khem Beach, the Coconut Prison, and the Ho Quoc Zen Buddhist monastery. It’s a well-rounded day that balances sightseeing, history, and natural beauty.

What we truly appreciate about this tour is its flexibility and personal touch. The guide’s local knowledge helps you see beyond the typical tourist spots, revealing authentic stories and local craftsmanship. Plus, the private vehicle means you’re not rushed or crowded, which makes the entire experience feel more intimate and relaxed. A highlight is the Coconut Prison, which offers a sobering glimpse into Vietnam’s past, and the cable car ride gives you stunning views—perfect for photo ops.

One thing to keep in mind is that the cable car ticket isn’t included in the base price, so you’ll want to budget around $27 USD for that if you choose to ride. Also, while this tour is flexible about skipping certain stops, it’s best suited for travelers wanting a comprehensive yet customizable overview of southern Phu Quoc. If you love authentic cultural sites and natural beauty, this private day trip hits just the right notes.

This tour is perfect for travelers who value personalized attention, want to learn about local history from a friendly guide, and enjoy a mix of outdoor activities and cultural sites. It suits those who prefer a flexible itinerary that can adapt to their interests, rather than rigid group tours.

Key Points

• Customizable Experience: The private guide tailors the day to your interests.
• Authentic Insights: Learn about local crafts, history, and religious architecture.
• Stunning Views: Ride the world’s longest sea crossing cable car for unforgettable vistas.
• Natural Beauty: Relax at Khem Beach, one of the top 50 beaches worldwide.
• Historical Significance: Visit the nearly 200-year-old Coconut Prison.
• Value for Money: For $100, you get a full day’s private tour including transportation and entrance fees (excluding cable car).

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Phu Quoc Southern Island Tour

Starting the Day: Personalized Pickup and Briefing

The tour begins with a hotel pickup within a 10 km radius of Duong Dong Night Market—your guide will be waiting with a sign bearing your last name, making it easy to find. From there, you’ll settle into a private, well-maintained vehicle—a Hyundai Elantra or similar—that offers comfort without the crowd. Expect a friendly guide, like Linh, who comfortably speaks excellent English and is eager to share local insights, as one reviewer noted, “Linh speaks excellent English, so we learned a lot about everyday life on Phu Quoc.”

The first stop is the Pearl Farm, Vietnam’s largest, where you’ll tour the workshop and see how pearls are cultivated and harvested. This spot isn’t just a tourist trap; it’s a glimpse into a vital local industry. You’ll get to observe handmade pearl accessories and see dried coral reefs, which are part of the farm’s collection. The guide typically provides a quick, informative overview, helping you appreciate the craftsmanship behind those gleaming necklaces.

Crossing the Sea: The Longest Cable Car Ride

Next, you’ll head to the Sun World – Sunset Town cable car station. This isn’t just a ride; it’s an experience. Spanning the sea, it’s the world’s longest sea-crossing cable car—a breathtaking way to see the island from above. The ticket costs around $27 USD per adult, which covers both ways, and includes access to the waterpark and rollercoasters if you choose the full package.

The cable car lasts about 15-20 minutes each way, offering panoramic views of the ocean and lush islands. Many visitors find this the highlight of their day, especially for photos and just soaking in the scenery. If you’re not keen on amusement park rides, you can opt to skip the waterpark or rollercoaster, but the cable car itself is worth the price for the views alone.

Relaxing at Khem Beach

After the cable car adventure, your next stop is Khem Beach, renowned as one of the top 50 beaches worldwide. Its white powdery sand and crystal-clear waters make it a perfect spot to unwind. Whether you want to take a swim, walk along the coast, or snap photos, this stretch of paradise offers a peaceful break from sightseeing.

A reviewer praised it, saying, “Where you could enjoy the sea breeze, swim at the beach, or just easily walk along the coast for photos.” It’s a seasonal but generally reliable spot, almost year-round beautiful and free from the crowds that might plague other beaches.

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A Glimpse into Vietnam’s Past: Coconut Prison

Next, you’ll visit the Coconut Prison, a site with nearly 200 years of history. Closed after the Vietnam War, it now serves as a sobering reminder of the country’s struggles. The guide will walk you through the grounds, explaining the prison’s history and its role during wartime. Expect about 30–40 minutes here.

This site offers a stark contrast to the natural beauty of the beaches and the thrill of the cable car, providing context about Vietnam’s resilience and history. As one reviewer pointed out, “We had a true understanding of the Vietnam Civil War and the prison’s story,” which adds depth to your trip.

The Spiritual Stop: Ho Quoc Pagoda

The tour culminates at the Ho Quoc Zen Buddhist Monastery, a spiritual retreat that’s both serene and architecturally impressive. Your guide will share insights into Buddhism and highlight the monastery’s design and Vietnamese religious architecture. It’s a peaceful place to reflect and enjoy sweeping views of the coastline.

Visitors often appreciate the calm atmosphere and the chance to see a different side of Vietnamese culture. It’s a fitting way to end a day of diverse experiences—nature, history, spirituality.

Practical Details: Transport, Cost, and Flexibility

Transport is a key part of this tour’s appeal. The private vehicle ensures a smooth, comfortable ride, and your guide coordinates the timing, so you can enjoy each stop without feeling rushed. The price of $100 covers the entire day’s transportation, guide, and entry fees (except cable car tickets). This makes it a solid value compared to larger group tours, which might not offer the same flexibility.

You’ll find the tour is very accommodating, with reviews noting the guide’s flexibility and ease of planning. Some choose to skip the cable car or adjust the schedule, which the guide can usually accommodate.

Considerations for Travelers

The main extra expense is the cable car ticket, so budget around $27 USD if you wish to ride. If you’re not interested in the amusement park features, you can simply enjoy the cable car ride, which many find worthwhile for the views.

This tour is ideal for those who want a personalized experience and prefer not to be part of a large group. It’s perfect for travelers who enjoy a mix of outdoor activities, cultural insights, and historical sites, all within a flexible schedule.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re seeking a well-rounded overview of southern Phu Quoc with a personal touch, this tour fits the bill. It’s especially suitable for those who appreciate authentic local stories from guides who speak good English, enjoy panoramic views, and want to visit meaningful historical sites. It’s also good for travelers who prefer to skip crowds, as this is a private, customizable experience.

Plus, if you value comfort and flexibility, this tour’s private vehicle and flexible itinerary will keep you comfortable and engaged. It suits couples, small families, or friends who want to explore at their own pace without the pressure of a group setting.

Final Thoughts

This private-guided tour of southern Phu Quoc offers a comprehensive look at the island’s highlights, balancing natural beauty, history, and cultural insights. For $100, you’re getting a personal guide, private transport, and a chance to explore at your own pace—making it good value. The stops are thoughtfully chosen to provide a well-rounded experience that appeals to a variety of interests, from relaxing on a pristine beach to learning about Vietnam’s past.

The flexible nature of the tour means you can skip some stops if you prefer, or spend more time enjoying a particular site. The guide’s local knowledge elevates the experience, turning a simple sightseeing day into an educational and visually stunning adventure. The cable car ride alone is a highlight, offering some of the best views of the island’s coast and ocean.

In summary, if you want an authentic, intimate look at Phu Quoc’s southern side with a knowledgeable guide and no crowds, this tour is a fantastic choice. It’s especially suited for travelers who value customization, comfort, and meaningful insights over rigid schedules and large groups.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included in this tour?
Yes, the tour includes pickup and drop-off within a 10 km radius of Duong Dong Night Market, with your guide holding a sign for easy recognition.

Can I skip certain stops if I’m not interested?
Absolutely. The tour is flexible, and you can choose to skip stops like the cable car or waterpark if you prefer, as long as you communicate your wishes with your guide.

How much does the cable car cost?
The cable car ticket is not included in the base price and costs approximately $27 USD per adult for a round trip. This includes the waterpark and rollercoaster if you opt for the full package.

What is the duration of the tour?
The tour lasts around 8 hours, with starting times subject to availability. Your guide will confirm the schedule during booking.

Is the tour suitable for children or elderly travelers?
Yes, the private nature and smooth transportation make it suitable for most ages. However, consider individual mobility and interest in outdoor activities.

Are meals included?
No, meals are not included, but you can choose to purchase lunch at the cable car’s buffet or bring snacks. The full-day experience is primarily sightseeing and cultural.

This private southern Phu Quoc tour offers a rich, flexible, and personal way to explore Vietnam’s largest island. Whether you’re soaking up the views from the cable car, learning about Vietnam’s history at Coconut Prison, or relaxing on Khem Beach, you’ll come away with authentic memories and a deeper appreciation of what makes Phu Quoc special.

You can check availability for your dates here: