Charm Phu Quoc 3 Island Tour by Boat and Cable Car

Exploring Phu Quoc’s Islands by Boat and Cable Car: An Honest Look at the Charm Tour

If you’re eyeing a day of adventure mixed with scenic beauty on Phu Quoc, the Charm Phu Quoc 3 Island Tour by Boat and Cable Car promises just that. This nearly 9-hour excursion offers a blend of island hopping via boat, a thrilling cable car ride, and opportunities to relax on pristine beaches. It’s a packaged experience designed to showcase some of the most stunning spots in the archipelago.

One of the highlights is the chance to see multiple islands in a single day, embracing both land and sea. The tour includes stops at Gam Ghi Island, known for its white sands and healthy coral reefs, as well as May Rut Island, perfect for a laid-back lunch and photo ops. The cable car ride across Hon Thom Island, with its panoramic views, stands out as a major attraction. Plus, the professional guidance and included amenities like lunch make it a convenient option for travelers wanting a guided experience.

However, this tour isn’t without its quirks. Reviewers have pointed out some areas for improvement, such as the condition of the boat and onboard facilities. Some found the boat tired and not very clean, with broken chairs and staff smoking onboard, which might impact your comfort. These are important considerations if you prioritize pristine boat experiences.

This tour is best suited for those looking for a full-day, mixed-landscape adventure, especially if you enjoy seeing multiple islands, panoramic aerial views, and having a knowledgeable guide to navigate the logistics. It’s ideal for travelers who value a well-organized, guided experience but are flexible with minor comfort issues on the boat.

Key Points

• Diverse Experience: Combines island hopping, boat rides, and a cable car, providing variety in one trip.
• Stunning Scenery: Features some of the most beautiful beaches and panoramic views of Phu Quoc’s land and sea.
• Guided Convenience: Includes a knowledgeable guide and essential amenities like lunch.
• Potential Comfort Concerns: The boat has been noted as tired and not always well-maintained, which could be a downside.
• Timing & Group Size: Lasts about 9 hours with groups capped at 30 travelers, making it intimate but busy.
• Cost & Value: At $70 per person, it offers a broad experience, but the boat’s condition might temper perceived value.

A Deep Dive into the Itinerary and Experience

Starting Point: Phu Quoc Center (Duong Dong)

The tour begins in Duong Dong, the bustling hub of Phu Quoc, where the vibrant local life and markets are a good prelude to your island adventure. After pickup, you’ll spend about 30 minutes here, giving you a brief overview of the island’s heart. This initial stop is more about logistics — gathering everyone and setting the tone for a day of exploration.

An Thoi Port and Archipelago Exploration

Next, you’ll head to An Thoi, a lively port that acts as the gateway to the smaller islands. This stop is free of charge and provides a chance to see where the boats are docked, giving a sense of the bustling activity that fuels island hopping. From here, the adventure truly begins.

Gam Ghi Island: The Natural Beauty Spot

The highlight for many is Gam Ghi Island. It’s a place of natural charm, with white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters. The coral reefs close to shore are accessible for snorkelers, offering a glimpse of marine life. The two-hour stop allows you to relax, swim, or just soak in the scenery. One reviewer appreciated the “wild beauty” of this island, noting how unspoiled and tranquil it remains. The downside? Some found the boat’s condition less than ideal, which could impact your comfort during transit.

May Rut Island: Lunch and Leisure

After Gam Ghi, you’ll visit May Rut Island, a small island with a quiet beach, perfect for a relaxed lunch — typically included in the tour. It’s a spot to unwind, take photos of the blue waters, and maybe catch a few rays. The two-hour stay is enough to refresh and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Here, the included lunch is a nice bonus, especially if you’re hungry after the morning’s activities.

Hon Thom Island: The Cable Car Marvel

The most talked-about part of the tour is the ride across Hon Thom Island via cable car — one of the longest in the world. From up high, you’ll enjoy sweeping views of the lush island landscape and the sea below. It’s a photo-worthy moment and a highlight for many travelers. The 3-hour stop allows time to soak in the views, explore the island’s entertainment options, or relax as the sunset approaches. The reviewer, Nigel, called the cable car ride “the best part,” emphasizing the stunning scenery.

Sunset Town: The Farewell

The tour wraps up in Sunset Town, where you’ll be transferred back to your hotel. It’s a convenient way to conclude the day, with the chance to reflect on your island-hopping adventures.

Additional Details and Practical Tips

The tour includes lunch, air-conditioned transportation, and an English-speaking guide, making logistics easier. If you’re vegetarian, a heads-up to the provider in advance is recommended. There’s an extra $9 fee for pickup outside Duong Dong, which is worth considering if your accommodation is further afield.

The tour operates from 8:30 am, and with a group cap of 30, it maintains an intimate vibe, though it can feel a bit crowded during peak season. The cable car ride is free for children under 1.4 meters, so families with kids might find this appealing.

From reviews, the guides seem to be a bright spot, with Nigel praising his guide for being “amazing and so helpful.” Such knowledgeable guides can really enrich your understanding and enjoyment of the places.

What’s the Value?

At $70 per person, this tour offers a comprehensive look at Phu Quoc’s islands, combining scenic beauty with cultural and leisure elements. The inclusion of lunch and guided service enhances value, especially if you prefer a stress-free day. However, the boat’s condition, as pointed out by a reviewer, is a point to consider — it might diminish the comfort level for some travelers.

If you’re a traveler who loves panoramic views, appreciates a guided experience, and is flexible with minor boat discomforts, this tour can be a worthwhile choice.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect for those wanting to see several islands in one day without the hassle of organizing transportation and logistics. It suits travelers interested in beach relaxation, scenic viewpoints, and guided commentary. If you’re wary of boat conditions or expecting pristine vessel environments, this might not be your best fit. Families with kids can enjoy the cable car, and anyone keen on a full-day, scenic adventure will find plenty to love here.

The Sum Up

The Charm Phu Quoc 3 Island Tour offers a rich blend of natural beauty, unique perspectives, and guided convenience. The standout moments, like the panoramic cable car ride and visits to unspoiled beaches, make it a memorable way to experience Phu Quoc’s diverse landscape. The main caveat is the boat, which some travelers found less than perfect, so if comfort on water is a priority, you might want to consider other options or be prepared for a more rustic experience.

This tour is particularly well-suited for travelers eager to see multiple islands, enjoy scenic views from above, and have a guide to enhance the journey. It’s a good value for those who want an organized, all-in-one day of exploration, especially if you’re comfortable with minor boat inconveniences for the sake of convenience and scenery.

FAQs

Is pickup included in the tour?
Yes, pickup is offered, but there’s an additional fee of $9 if your hotel is outside Duong Dong downtown area.

What is the duration of the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 9 hours, starting at 8:30 am and concluding with a transfer back to your hotel.

Are meals included?
Yes, lunch is included, typically served on May Rut Island during the stop.

Can children join this tour?
Yes, children under 1.4 meters ride free on the cable car, making it family-friendly. The tour is suitable for most travelers.

What about the boat condition?
Some reviews mention the boat being tired and not very clean, with broken chairs and staff smoking onboard. Keep this in mind if comfort is a priority.

Is the cable car ride safe?
Yes, the cable car is a major attraction and considered safe, offering stunning views during the ride.

How many people are on each tour group?
The group is capped at 30 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience.

What should I wear or bring?
Comfortable clothing, swimwear if you plan to swim, sun protection, and possibly a towel. The tour provides most amenities, but bringing your own essentials is always wise.

This detailed look at the Charm Phu Quoc 3 Island Tour should help you decide if it fits your travel style. With scenic highlights, guided ease, and a few considerations, it can be a memorable part of your Phu Quoc adventure.