An Thoi Islands

Explore the Tropical Islands and Coral Waters of Southern Phu Quoc

The An Thoi Islands form a beautiful tropical archipelago off the southern tip of Phu Quoc. Scattered across the Gulf of Thailand, the islands are known for their blue-green water, coral habitats, sandy beaches, rocky coastlines, fishing activity, and popular island-hopping routes.

Speedboat and wooden-boat tours commonly visit islands such as May Rut, Gam Ghi, Mong Tay, and Hon Thom. Depending on weather and marine conditions, visitors can snorkel, swim, relax on an island beach, enjoy seafood, or combine a boat trip with the Hon Thom cable car.

The exact stops vary between operators because routes may change according to wind, waves, tides, crowd levels, conservation requirements, and port authority instructions.

Why Visit the An Thoi Islands?

The An Thoi Islands are ideal for travelers who want to experience the marine side of Phu Quoc.

Visitors can:

• Travel between tropical islands by speedboat
• Snorkel above seasonal coral areas
• Swim in clear water when conditions are safe
• Relax on small island beaches
• Visit May Rut and Gam Ghi
• Experience local fishing activity
• Ride the cable car to Hon Thom
• Enjoy seafood during an island tour
• Photograph the archipelago from the water
• Combine nature with family entertainment

Where Are the An Thoi Islands?

The archipelago lies south of Phu Quoc Island, near An Thoi Town.

Most island-hopping tours depart from an authorized pier or harbor in southern Phu Quoc. The precise boarding location depends on the operator, weather, and daily marine regulations.

From Duong Dong, traveling to the southern departure area generally takes approximately 40 to 60 minutes by road. Visitors staying near An Thoi, Sunset Town, or Khem Beach require less transfer time.

The islands are accessible primarily by organized boat, private charter, or the cable car serving Hon Thom.

Top Islands to Visit

May Rut Island

May Rut is one of the most popular names on An Thoi island-hopping itineraries.

The area is associated with tropical beaches, coconut trees, swimming, photography, and beachfront meals. Tours may visit May Rut Trong, May Rut Ngoai, or another nearby beach depending on the day’s conditions.

Some beach areas are operated commercially and may contain restaurants, sunbeds, decorative photography installations, and water activities.

Gam Ghi Island

Gam Ghi is commonly included as a snorkeling location.

Its surrounding waters contain rocky formations and coral habitat, although coral condition and underwater visibility vary between sites. Visitors should follow the guide’s route and avoid standing on or touching coral.

Strong currents or poor visibility may require the operator to replace this stop.

Mong Tay Island

Mong Tay Island is often promoted for its small beaches and tropical coastal scenery.

The name “Mong Tay Island” may be used for different locations around Phu Quoc, so travelers should confirm which island is included in the tour.

When conditions are favorable, visitors may swim, snorkel, or relax on the beach. Facilities are limited or commercially managed depending on the landing point.

Hon Thom Island

Hon Thom is the largest and most developed island commonly associated with the An Thoi archipelago.

Visitors can reach it using the sea-crossing cable car from southern Phu Quoc. The island includes beaches, water activities, restaurants, and an entertainment complex.

A visit to Hon Thom is different from a traditional island-hopping tour. It is more suitable for families and travelers who prefer organized attractions, while smaller-island excursions focus more on boating, swimming, and snorkeling.

Check current operating schedules and ticket conditions through the

Top Experiences in the An Thoi Islands

Join an Island-Hopping Tour

An organized island-hopping tour is the easiest way to explore the archipelago.

A typical itinerary may include:

• Hotel transfer
• Travel to a southern pier
• Speedboat or wooden-boat transportation
• Two or three island stops
• Snorkeling equipment
• Lunch or a light meal
• Swimming and beach time
• Return transportation

Do not choose a tour based only on the advertised number of islands. Compare boat capacity, safety equipment, snorkeling time, guide quality, lunch arrangements, environmental practices, and the actual locations visited.

Travel by Speedboat

Speedboats reduce travel time between islands and allow tours to include more stops.

However, the ride can feel rough when waves are strong. Travelers with back problems, mobility concerns, pregnancy, recent surgery, or severe motion sickness should discuss the conditions with the operator before booking.

Seats near the rear of the boat may provide a less forceful ride, although comfort depends on the vessel and sea conditions.

Cruise by Wooden Boat

Larger wooden boats generally travel more slowly than speedboats.

They may offer additional shade, space, toilets, and a more relaxed journey. They are often suitable for groups that prefer comfort over the maximum number of island stops.

Because wooden boats are slower, the itinerary may cover fewer locations.

Snorkel Around the Islands

Snorkeling is one of the archipelago’s principal attractions. Coral areas are scattered around several islands and can be reached by boat from An Thoi or as part of an organized excursion.

Visibility changes according to:

• Rainfall
• Wind direction
• Waves
• Tides
• Boat traffic
• Sediment
• Time of day

Coral reefs are living ecosystems rather than entertainment installations. Never stand on coral, break coral, chase marine animals, or feed fish.

Swim at an Island Beach

Several tour routes include time for swimming and relaxing on a sandy beach.

Not every island has a wide beach, and the usable shoreline can change with the tide. Some beaches have developed visitor facilities, while others offer only basic services.

Wear water shoes when entering unfamiliar areas because the seabed may contain rocks, coral fragments, shells, or sea urchins.

Try Sea Walking or Scuba Diving

Some companies offer sea walking, introductory diving, or guided scuba experiences.

These activities are usually sold separately from the standard tour price. Before participating, confirm:

• Operator certification
• Instructor qualifications
• Medical restrictions
• Insurance conditions
• Equipment quality
• Maximum depth
• Environmental procedures
• Emergency arrangements

Travelers should never touch coral or marine animals during underwater activities.

Ride the Hon Thom Cable Car

The cable car between southern Phu Quoc and Hon Thom provides panoramic views over the sea, fishing boats, and surrounding islands.

Cable-car tickets may be purchased independently or included in a combination tour. A combined itinerary often includes morning island hopping followed by an afternoon at Hon Thom.

Schedules can change because of weather, maintenance, or operational requirements. Confirm the final return time before beginning other activities on the island.

Enjoy Lunch on an Island

Depending on the tour, lunch may be served onboard, at a beach restaurant, or on one of the developed islands.

Typical meals may include rice, vegetables, fish, soup, eggs, and other Vietnamese dishes. Seafood upgrades and drinks are not always included.

Travelers with allergies, vegetarian diets, religious requirements, or other dietary needs should notify the operator in advance.

Speedboat Tour or Hon Thom Cable Car?

These experiences can be combined, but they offer different styles of travel.

Island-Hopping Speedboat	Hon Thom Cable Car
Visits several smaller islands	Travels directly to Hon Thom
Focuses on snorkeling and swimming	Focuses on panoramic views and entertainment
Route depends heavily on sea conditions	Operation depends on weather and maintenance
More active and adventurous	More convenient for families
Limited facilities between stops	Restaurants and visitor facilities available
Suitable for marine exploration	Suitable for an organized full-day experience

Choose island hopping for snorkeling and changing scenery. Choose Hon Thom for convenient access, family attractions, and cable-car views.

Private or Shared Tour?

Shared Tour

A shared tour is generally more affordable and suitable for solo travelers, couples, and small groups.

The schedule and stops are fixed, and additional hotel-transfer fees may apply outside the standard pickup zone.

Private Speedboat

A private boat offers more flexibility with timing, activity level, and island stops.

However, even private tours must follow weather restrictions, permitted routes, operating hours, and marine safety regulations.

Ask whether fuel, crew, lunch, snorkeling equipment, entrance charges, insurance, and hotel transfers are included in the quoted price.

Best Time to Visit

The An Thoi Islands can be visited throughout the year when marine conditions are safe.

• November to April: Generally drier weather and more favorable conditions for boating and snorkeling
• May to October: Greater possibility of rain, wind, rough water, storms, and itinerary changes

Underwater visibility cannot be guaranteed, even during the dry season.

Tours may be postponed, shortened, rerouted, or canceled when conditions are unsafe. These changes should be treated as safety decisions.

How Long Should You Spend?

A full day is recommended for a standard island-hopping tour.

Half-day tours are available but provide less time for snorkeling and beach activities. A full-day combination tour may include several islands and the Hon Thom cable car.

Travelers who want a slower experience can spend one day island hopping and visit Hon Thom separately.

What to Wear and Bring

Bring:

• Swimwear and a towel
• Lightweight clothing
• Reef-conscious sunscreen
• Sunglasses and a hat
• Water shoes or secure sandals
• A waterproof phone pouch
• A dry bag
• Personal medication
• Motion-sickness medication
• A reusable water bottle
• Cash for optional activities
• A change of clothes

Avoid carrying unnecessary valuables. Salt water, spray, and sudden rain can damage electronic equipment.

Boat and Snorkeling Safety

Visitors should:

• Wear a life jacket during boat transfers
• Listen to the safety briefing
• Remain seated while the speedboat is moving
• Keep hands inside the vessel
• Enter the water only with permission
• Stay close to the guide
• Use a flotation device if not a confident swimmer
• Avoid snorkeling alone
• Stay away from boat propellers
• Never dive into unfamiliar water
• Supervise children continuously
• Inform the crew about medical conditions
• Avoid alcohol before swimming
• Return to the boat at the agreed time

Do not participate in marine activities during thunderstorms or when the operator suspends access.

Getting to the An Thoi Islands

Tours usually include road transportation from hotels in Duong Dong or other central areas, followed by boat travel from southern Phu Quoc.

Independent travelers can reach the departure area by:

• Private car
• Taxi
• Motorbike
• Hotel transfer
• Organized tour vehicle

Confirm the following before departure:

• Hotel pickup time
• Exact pier
• Boat type
• Included islands
• Lunch arrangements
• Additional entrance fees
• Cable-car ticket conditions
• Return location
• Cancellation policy

The word “An Thoi” may refer to the town, port, archipelago, or wider southern area. Verify the meeting point rather than relying only on the destination name.

Accessibility and Visitor Considerations

Island hopping may involve high boat steps, wet decks, floating piers, beach landings, and movement between vessels.

Travelers with limited mobility should ask about:

• Distance from the vehicle to the boat
• Boarding assistance
• Ladder or stair access
• Toilet availability
• Beach landing conditions
• Shade onboard
• Alternatives to snorkeling
• Emergency support
• Speedboat suitability

The Hon Thom cable-car experience may be more manageable than a multi-island speedboat tour, but visitors should still confirm accessibility at stations and attractions.

Nearby Attractions

Combine the An Thoi Islands with other southern Phu Quoc destinations:

• An Thoi Town: A working southern community and maritime gateway
• Hon Thom: An island with beaches, water activities, and entertainment
• Sao Beach: A popular pale-sand beach on the southeastern coast
• Khem Beach: A sheltered beach near southern resorts
• Ho Quoc Pagoda: A coastal Buddhist complex with sea views
• Phu Quoc Prison: A historical site connected with Vietnam’s wartime history
• Sunset Town: A developed waterfront area near the cable-car station
• Southern Phu Quoc fishing communities: Areas reflecting the island’s continuing relationship with the sea

Responsible Visiting

The marine environment around the An Thoi Islands is sensitive to pollution, careless anchoring, and excessive tourism activity.

Visitors should:

• Never stand on or touch coral
• Do not collect shells, coral, or marine life
• Avoid feeding fish
• Keep plastic and rubbish out of the sea
• Use a reusable water bottle
• Choose operators with responsible waste practices
• Avoid tours that encourage wildlife handling
• Use established moorings where available
• Keep a safe distance from fishing equipment
• Respect island residents and workers
• Follow all protected-area regulations
• Leave beaches cleaner than you found them

Discover the An Thoi Islands with Joyous Travel

Explore the tropical waters of southern Phu Quoc with Joyous Travel. We can arrange shared tours, private speedboats, snorkeling excursions, family-friendly journeys, and itineraries combining the An Thoi Islands with the Hon Thom cable car.

We help travelers compare routes according to boat quality, group size, snorkeling conditions, safety standards, included services, and the amount of time spent at each island.

Sail beyond Phu Quoc’s main shoreline and discover the beaches, coral waters, and tropical island scenery of the An Thoi archipelago.