An independent guide to Phu Quoc island
Region · South
The south and the An Thoi islands
The southern end of Phu Quoc combines two white-sand beaches that stay swimmable in summer, the island's wartime prison site, and An Thoi, the port and cable-car station for the An Thoi islands. It is also where the APEC 2027 convention centre is being built.
The south at a glance
The south has two faces. On the south-east coast, Bai Sao and Bai Khem are sheltered from the south-west wind, so in summer when the west coast is rough, swimmers come here. Around An Thoi is the port for the islets and the cable car.
Since 2025 the area has also been a building site. Tien Phong (May 2026) reported the APEC convention centre on reclaimed land at Bai Dat Do, over 16 ha, started in June 2025, and road DT975, about 18 km, being widened to ten lanes with a target of early 2027. Expect barriers, trucks and dust on the way south.
Sources: An Giang tourism department — Bai Sao; Bao Van Hoa — Bai Kem in southern Phu Quoc (Nov 2018); Tien Phong — APEC 2027 project progress (8 May 2026) · checked .
Bai Sao and Bai Khem
Bai Sao lies about 25 km from Duong Dong, the An Giang tourism department says, with a shoreline of up to 7 km, fine white sand and shallow water in an area sheltered from the south-west wind. Vietnam Airlines' guide gives about 30 km, so sources differ on the distance.
Bai Khem (also spelled Bai Kem) is about 25 km from Duong Dong, according to Bao Van Hoa, and was described by VnExpress in June 2024 as calm and clear from June to September.
- Ask the price of chairs and seafood before you sit down.
- The sun on white sand is harsh: go before 10 am or after 3 pm.
- Even sheltered beaches turn rough on some windy days; check with your hotel.
Sources: An Giang tourism department — Bai Sao; Vietnam Airlines — Bai Sao guide; Bao Van Hoa — Bai Kem in southern Phu Quoc (Nov 2018); VnExpress — Bai Kem in summer (Jun 2024) · checked .
The An Thoi islands
Off the southern tip lies a cluster of small islands. Vietnam Airlines' guide counts about 15, with a total area of about 7.2 km², of which Hon Thom, Hon Roi and Hon May Rut are inhabited; VnExpress writes of 17 small islands. Sources differ on the count. The snorkelling spots Vietnam Airlines names are Hon Mong Tay, Hon Gam Ghi and May Rut. The special zone's portal puts Hon Mong Tay about 30 minutes by canoe from An Thoi port.
The Phu Quoc Marine Protected Area's coral-reef conservation zone, about 9,720 ha, is in the Hon Thom island cluster, according to the special zone. Read responsible travel before you snorkel.
Sources: Vietnam Airlines — An Thoi islands guide; VnExpress — Gam Ghi island; Phu Quoc special zone portal — Hon Mong Tay; Phu Quoc special zone portal — Phu Quoc Marine Protected Area (12 Sep 2025) · checked .
The Hon Thom cable car
The cable car from An Thoi to Hon Thom opened on 4 February 2018. It crosses via Hon Roi and Hon Dua and is 7,899.9 m long, recognised by Guinness World Records as the longest non-stop three-rope cable car. The ride takes about 15 minutes. Its builder, Doppelmayr, describes a tricable system with 30-passenger cabins carrying up to 3,500 people an hour in each direction. The height of the tallest tower is given as 164 m by Doppelmayr and 174 m by VnEconomy.
The investor is Sun Group, VnEconomy reported. We do not list ticket prices because we could only find them on reseller sites; check the operator's own channels.
Sources: Guinness World Records — longest non-stop three-rope cable car; VnEconomy — Hon Thom cable car opens (6 Feb 2018); Doppelmayr newsroom — Hon Thom 3S system (Feb 2018) · checked .
Island boats after July 2026
On 11 July 2026 a tourist canoe returning from Hon May Rut Ngoai to An Thoi capsized in strong wind and waves, and 15 of the 32 tourists on board died; on 14 July the special zone ordered that canoes be registered and inspected, carry life jackets and rescue gear, not be overloaded and not sail in bad weather.
- 01
Look at the boat
Ask whether it is registered and inspected for coastal waters; a reputable operator will answer.
- 02
Count the jackets
There should be a life jacket for every person, and you should wear it before departure.
- 03
Watch the load
Do not board a boat with more people than seats.
- 04
Check the weather
If wind or waves pick up, ask to turn back or postpone; it is your right.
Sources: Viet Nam News — tourist canoe capsized (11 Jul 2026); Tuoi Tre — special zone tightens canoe rules (14 Jul 2026); Bao Xay dung — tighter control of shore-to-island boats (14 Jul 2026) · checked .
Phu Quoc Prison
The former Phu Quoc prison camp, at 350 Nguyen Van Cu in An Thoi, is a special national relic under Decision 2408/QD-TTg of 31 December 2014. Vietnam Airlines' guide lists opening hours of 7:30 to 11:00 and 13:30 to 17:00, with free entry; confirm before going. Its history, and what you will see, are on our culture and history page.
Sources: Department of Cultural Heritage — Phu Quoc Prison historic site; Vietnam Airlines — Phu Quoc Prison guide · checked .
Who the south suits, and when it does not
- Suits swimmers between May and October, families wanting shallow water, and anyone planning island or cable-car days.
- Suits visitors interested in the war history of the island.
- Does not suit people who want a town with nightlife on foot, or quiet roads, until the APEC works end.
- Does not suit island-hopping in the south-west monsoon, when boat days are often cancelled.
For the opposite end of the island, see the north and the national park.
The south in pictures
Common questions
Questions readers send
Are canoe trips to the An Thoi islands running again?
Several operators paused them in July 2026 while vessels were reviewed. Check with the operator, and only board a registered boat with life jackets for everyone.
How long is the Hon Thom cable car ride?
About 15 minutes for the 7,899.9 m crossing from An Thoi to Hon Thom.
Is Bai Sao good for children?
The water is shallow and sheltered from the south-west wind, which suits children with an adult watching. Midday sun on the white sand is strong.
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