The Hon Thom cable car is the one Phu Quoc attraction that’s genuinely worth the hype: the world’s longest three-wire cable car over the sea, gliding almost 8 kilometers from the southern tip of Phu Quoc across an archipelago of green islands and hundreds of fishing boats to Hon Thom (“Pineapple Island”). In 2026 a ticket costs from about $33 USD (roughly 850,000 VND) and includes the Aquatopia water park on the far side — making it one of the better-value big attractions in Vietnam.
Here’s everything you need to know before you go: current ticket prices, what’s actually included, how to time your visit around Sunset Town, and the small mistakes that waste people’s money.
What Exactly Is the Hon Thom Cable Car?
- Route: Sunset Town station (An Thoi, southern Phu Quoc) → Hon Thom island
- Length: 7,899 meters — a Guinness World Record for an oversea cable car
- Ride time: about 15 minutes each way
- Height: up to ~160 meters above the sea
- Cabins: large gondolas holding up to 30 people — this is a big, stable cable car, not a tiny two-seater
- Operator: Sun World (Sun Group), the company behind Ba Na Hills’ Golden Bridge in Da Nang
The ride itself is the attraction. You cross directly over the An Thoi fishing fleet — hundreds of blue wooden boats scattered across turquoise water — then over a chain of small islands with empty white beaches, before descending into Hon Thom.
Hon Thom Cable Car Ticket Prices (2026)
Prices below are the current standard rates — Sun World adjusts them periodically and runs frequent online promotions, so treat these as a close guide and check the current price when you book:
- Adult round-trip: from ~$33 USD (≈850,000 VND)
- Children (1m–1.4m tall): roughly 30–40% less; kids under 1m ride free
- What’s included: the round-trip cable car ride, Aquatopia Water Park, Exotica Park attractions on Hon Thom, and typically a drink voucher (beer or fresh juice) — check your specific ticket tier
- Not included: food on the island (and you can’t bring your own — bags are checked), the buffet lunch, and premium activities like jet skis or the zipline
Where to buy: you can pay full price at the ticket counter, but booking online in advance (Klook sells official e-tickets) is usually 10–20% cheaper and lets you skip the ticket line — worth it in peak season when queues get long. Book the night before; instant confirmation is standard.
The Ride: What to Expect
Boarding is at the grand Sunset Town station — an over-the-top Mediterranean-revival building that sets the tone for the whole Sun World experience. Cabins depart continuously; you rarely wait more than a few minutes outside holiday peaks.
Sit on the right side heading to Hon Thom for the best view of the fishing fleet. The ride is smooth and, honestly, gentler than it looks from the ground — vertigo-prone travelers in our family have done it without drama. It runs in most weather, but strong wind or storms pause operations (one more reason dry season visits are easier).
What’s Waiting on Hon Thom Island
- Aquatopia Water Park — genuinely one of Southeast Asia’s better water parks: 20+ slides, wave pool, lazy river, kids’ zones. Included in the standard ticket, and the main reason to make this a full-day trip. Bring swimwear; lockers and towels rent cheaply.
- Exotica Park — the “dry” attraction zone: alpine coaster, viewpoints, gardens. Some rides included, some charge extra.
- The beach — Hon Thom’s main beach is pleasant white sand with calm water, though the developed strip gets busy by late morning. Walk further along for quieter sand.
- Food — restaurants and a buffet on the island. Prices are theme-park-level (think $8–15 a meal). Eat a solid breakfast before you come.
Sunset Town: Time Your Return Right
The cable car station sits inside Sunset Town, Sun Group’s Mediterranean-fantasy district built down the hillside to the sea — pastel Italianate buildings, a clock tower, the Instagram-famous Kiss Bridge (two bridge arms almost touching over the water, aligned with the setting sun). It’s kitsch, it’s completely artificial, and at golden hour it’s undeniably beautiful.
The smart itinerary: ride the cable car over in the morning (it opens at 9:00 AM — go early to beat both heat and crowds), spend the day at Aquatopia and the beach, come back around 4–5 PM, then stay in Sunset Town for sunset and the evening show. Walking around Sunset Town itself is free; you only pay for specific attractions and the nightly multimedia/fireworks-style show if you choose to watch from the paid zones.
Practical Tips (Save Money, Skip Mistakes)
- Book online the day before — cheaper than the counter and skips one queue.
- Go on a weekday if you can; weekends bring domestic tourist crowds to Aquatopia.
- Arrive for opening (9 AM) — you’ll have the water park nearly to yourself for two hours.
- Wear swimwear under your clothes and pack light: sunscreen, hat, dry bag for your phone (you’ll want it out on the ride).
- No outside food — bags are checked at the station. Budget for island food or eat before.
- Check the weather — in monsoon months (May–Oct) afternoon storms can pause the cable car; morning rides are safer bets.
- Half-day option: if water parks aren’t your thing, ride over mid-afternoon, walk Hon Thom’s beach for an hour, ride back for sunset — you’ll still feel the ticket was worth it for the views alone.
FAQ
Is the Hon Thom cable car scary?
Less than you’d think. The cabins are large (up to 30 people), fully enclosed and stable. The scale of the view distracts from the height for most people.
How long should I plan for the whole trip?
A full day if you’re using Aquatopia (9 AM–6 PM including Sunset Town at the end). A half day (3–4 hours) if you’re only riding and walking the island.
Is it worth it if I skip the water park?
At full adult price it’s borderline for the ride alone — but the 15-minute crossing over the fishing fleet is the single best view in southern Phu Quoc, and pairing it with a free Sunset Town evening makes the day feel complete.
Can I visit Sunset Town without a cable car ticket?
Yes — Sunset Town is free to enter and walk around, and it’s worth an evening even if you never ride the cable car.
Does the cable car run every day?
It runs daily from 9:00 AM, with occasional pauses for weather or maintenance. Schedules can shift with seasons and events — your hotel can confirm the current hours, or check when booking your e-ticket.
The Verdict
The Hon Thom cable car earns its place on every Phu Quoc itinerary: a world-record ride with the best aerial views on the island, a legitimately good water park bundled into the ticket, and a free Mediterranean sunset stage waiting when you return. Book online, go early on a weekday, stay for golden hour at Kiss Bridge — and you’ll have gotten more out of $33 than almost anywhere else in Vietnam charges for a big-ticket attraction.
Some links in this guide are affiliate links: if you book through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It helps keep our guides honest and free.