Phu Quoc Four Islands Tour: Canoe & Cable Car Experience – A Review

Visiting Phu Quoc and trying to pick an excursion? Well, the Four Islands tour, which includes canoeing and a ride on the Hon Thom cable car, is something that sounds interesting, actually. I will get you the details, what to expect, and whether I would say it’s worth doing.

What the Four Islands Tour Involves

The Four Islands tour, at its heart, aims to give you a little peek into what the southern part of Phu Quoc is all about. Usually, that’s seeing spots like Hon Mong Tay (Fingernail Island), Hon Gam Ghi (Dam Ngang Island), Hon May Rut Trong (Inside May Rut Island) and Hon Thom (Pineapple Island). Thing is, that actual list of stops could be swapped around a bit depending on the tour outfit and, well, the weather that day.

You’ll typically spend your time going for a swim, doing some snorkeling to get a peek at the reefs, lazing around on the beaches, and checking out what life is like in the local fishing villages. The canoeing part usually shows up when you’re close to one of the islands, which gives you a chance to do a little exploring around the shores and into smaller caves and inlets. It’s a great way to feel like you’re getting up close with everything.

Also, this cable car bit? This is what links Phu Quoc to Hon Thom, and it’s known as one of the longest sea-crossing cable cars on Earth! Getting on it offers what can only be described as a breathtaking view of the sea, along with those little islands and the ships down below.

A Day on the Water: My Experience

Alright, so my own day began super early; I had to get picked up from my hotel, just so I could get to the harbor. After we’d all piled in – a mixed bunch, ranging from solo wanderers such as myself to little families – we hopped onto the boat. In my case, the first pit stop was Hon Mong Tay, also known as Fingernail Island, just so you know. I tell you what, the water there was clear as crystal and, to be honest, very inviting, as a matter of fact. Honestly, I jumped right in for a swim and a snorkel. There wasn’t a huge range of sea life that day, just a little, still, I enjoyed the opportunity to cool down quite a bit.

We then moved on to Hon Gam Ghi. Over there, the coral was certainly more vibrant, yet I’m sorry to say the crowd made it somewhat hard to fully appreciate what I was seeing. Right after a fairly hearty lunch served on the boat – think Vietnamese spring rolls, fried noodles, grilled seafood, that kind of fare – it was time to do a little canoeing. Honestly, the guides steered us towards some awesome lagoons where we could paddle at a reasonably gentle pace; this was great for getting closer to the limestone karsts and taking snapshots.

Thing is, the part I was very, very excited about was Hon Thom! The cable car really did deliver on the views, that’s for sure; I had a fantastic time checking out the panoramas. Over on Hon Thom, Sunset Town, with its odd architecture, really did give off major Mediterranean vibes – yet this area seems to be, perhaps, still a work in progress. Of course, after getting my fill of everything, I hopped on a bus which went all the way back to my hotel. The trip wasn’t what I’d call perfect; there were moments where everything felt rather busy. On balance though, it proved to be a solid method for sampling what Phu Quoc’s islands provide.

Snorkeling, Swimming, and Canoeing: A Closer Look

For snorkeling, I mean, the visibility is usually dependent on when you go. Rainy season (that’s usually May to October), isn’t the prime time, I can tell you. The spots at Hon Gam Ghi generally give you something interesting, even if they’re not what you’d consider mind-blowing; just don’t think that you’ll compare it to places such as the Great Barrier Reef.

When you take a moment to swim around these islands, just so you know, the waters can feel super invigorating. I mean, they’re perfect for beating the Vietnamese heat! That said, based on the season and the specific location, just be wary of currents, especially if you aren’t that confident when you’re swimming.

When it’s time to go canoeing, this offers something fairly unique – you get a chance to reach those small, secluded lagoons. You could explore inlets at your own speed, taking in the raw landscape; do take precautions so you’re respectful of the ecosystem, such as not leaving any rubbish and giving all fauna lots of space.

Hon Thom Cable Car: Worth the Hype?

Yes, let’s discuss this Hon Thom cable car, alright? It might just be one of those key features of this tour; you’ll take what might be the longest cable car ride over water. The sights up there are fairly amazing, truly. As you’re heading over to Hon Thom, honestly, you can see it all; the islands dotted around below, turquoise waters and the fishing boats. Keep an eye out to spot various marine life.

When you step off the cable car, one of the first things you’ll come across might just be Sunset Town; this is, too, what many think to be a Mediterranean-inspired place filled with cool buildings and attractions, I guess. That said, some visitors tend to think it seems a little too artificial – this town still has building work taking place. So just manage your expectations!

Is taking this cable car worth the money and your precious time? You might enjoy it if panoramic sights and contemporary architecture appeal to you. Yet, for those that are more into things that seem real, and that celebrate local design and flair, maybe you should skip this thing.

Things to Keep in Mind for the Tour

Here’s what you have to bring along: remember, sun cream is critical; I mean, the Vietnamese sun is seriously no joke! Plus, take a hat and UV sunglasses. Next thing you will be pleased that you did take with you? Just a little towel, to ensure that you aren’t damp all day. Really, bring along suitable swimwear and light clothes – honestly, I prefer something that dries pretty quickly!

A small waterproof backpack or dry bag is an exceptionally solid idea for things such as electronics, and to generally help protect them from any splashes. Those that like getting lots of underwater pictures would do really well taking an underwater camera (or one of the waterproof phone cases). Furthermore, you’ll need local currency – the Vietnamese Dong. Small amounts work really well for any purchases on the islands; of course, you can use things such as credit cards over at Sunset Town.

Here’s what to do so you remain hydrated during the duration of your visit. Even if the tour group provides beverages, packing some extra water is the best decision that you will take all day. Moreover, if motion on a boat sometimes bothers you, bring what the doctor tells you is helpful. At last, don’t leave all your common sense and judgment back at the hotel. Taking care near coral is critical, just so it won’t break, while not littering assists in ensuring all sites retain the appeal.

The better you are at preparing in advance, that’s what makes you have a truly stress-free journey.