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Hello, travelers preparing to fly to Phu Quoc Island for vacation! If you want to choose a must-visit attraction in the southern part of Phu Quoc Island that satisfies both breathtaking aerial views and fun at a top-tier water park, it has to be the "Sun World Hon Thom Nature Park." Sitting in a cable car cabin nearly 100 meters above sea level, with the gradient blue ocean and fishing boats below, this journey across the strait is not only a means of transportation to Hon Thom but also a world-class visual feast that takes your breath away! After arriving at Hon Thom, you'll find Asia's top water park and thrilling wooden roller coasters waiting for you. Today, I’ve compiled the most detailed guide to the Hon Thom cable car and nature park, helping you understand ticket prices, cable car schedules, must-try attractions, and itinerary suggestions!
Sun World Hon Thom Nature Park: Attraction Introduction and Highlights
Sun World Hon Thom Nature Park is located in the An Thoi Archipelago in the southern part of Phu Quoc Island, and it is a comprehensive island entertainment resort developed by the Sun Group of Vietnam. The park's biggest highlight is the super-large cross-sea cable car system that connects the main island of Phu Quoc's Sunset Town with Hon Thom.
This cable car stretches approximately 7,899.9 meters (nearly 8 kilometers) and has been certified by the Guinness World Records as "the longest three-rope cross-sea cable car in the world." The cable car cabins are spacious and well-lit, with a one-way journey taking about 15 to 20 minutes. Along the way, the cable car passes through several small islands, allowing travelers to enjoy a 360-degree view of the gradient emerald green sea, coral reef terrain, and traditional colorful fishing boats in the southern part of Phu Quoc Island.
Three Core Highlights and Recreational Areas of Hon Thom Park
1. Aquatopia Water Park
Aquatopia is the most representative core area of Hon Thom Park, once hailed as one of the top water parks in Southeast Asia. The park is divided into multiple themed water play areas, featuring over 20 high-quality water slides and attractions created by international manufacturers. Whether you seek the thrill of giant tube slides, the excitement of lazy rivers, or safe water play castles designed for young children, the whole family can enjoy a refreshing escape under the tropical sun.
2. Exotica Village
If you think Hon Thom only has water attractions, you underestimate it! Exotica Village offers a variety of thrilling land-based attractions, the most famous of which is the "Roaring Timbers" wooden roller coaster. This is Vietnam's first giant wooden roller coaster, where the train speeds through winding wooden structures, making sharp turns and drops, providing an unparalleled experience of gravitational acceleration. Additionally, the park features a 360-degree rotating observation tower called "Eagle’s Eye," allowing travelers to enjoy panoramic views of Hon Thom's coastline from above.
3. Bai Trao Beach and Leisure Area
While enjoying the park's attractions, Hon Thom itself also boasts a high-quality natural white sand beach—Bai Trao. Here, the coconut trees sway, and the sea breeze blows, with the park providing free beach chairs and hammocks for guests to relax. You can experience stand-up paddleboarding, jet skiing, or order a tropical juice to enjoy pure island vacation time.
Suitable Types of Travelers
Sun World Hon Thom Nature Park is a highly versatile island paradise:
- Families with Children: Aquatopia Water Park features a rich array of children's water play castles and gentle lazy rivers, making it perfect for cooling off with kids.
- Couples and Friends: The dreamy sea views from the cable car, the Roman-style architecture of Anh Duong Station, and Hon Thom's white sandy beaches are all excellent backdrops for Instagram-worthy photos.
- Adventure and Thrill Seekers: The wooden roller coaster "Roaring Timbers" and various high-speed water slides provide a truly thrilling sensory experience.
Recommended Activities and Itinerary Suggestions
Since Sun World Hon Thom Nature Park is located in the southern part of Phu Quoc Island, I highly recommend linking it with nearby landmarks in the south:
- Visit Sunset Town: The cable car's departure station, "Anh Duong Station," is located within the Mediterranean-style Sunset Town. The station's exterior is designed to resemble an ancient Roman amphitheater, exuding a strong exotic charm.
- Stroll the Kiss Bridge: With the Hon Thom cable car ticket, you usually receive a free visit to the Kiss Bridge. It’s recommended to take the cable car back to the main island in the afternoon and head directly to the Kiss Bridge to enjoy the iconic golden sunset of Phu Quoc Island.
- Watch the Night Ocean Show: In the evening, you can savor local seafood or American cuisine in Sunset Town, and then enjoy the live fireworks show "Kiss of the Sea" or the extreme jet ski stunt show "Symphony of the Sea."
Transportation and Visiting Arrangement Suggestions
Getting to Anh Duong Station is very convenient. If you are staying in the Long Beach area or Duong Dong, you can take the free VinBus shuttle, call a Grab taxi, or rent a car to get there. For travelers riding motorcycles, Anh Duong Station also has a large parking lot.
Key Reminder: Cable Car Lunch Break! This is a detail that many first-time visitors easily overlook. The Hon Thom cross-sea cable car will suspend operations daily from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM for maintenance. Therefore, it is strongly recommended to plan to take the cable car to Hon Thom between 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM, and return to the main island around 2:00 PM to avoid the midday suspension period and the evening return crowds.
Important Notes and Useful Tips
- Sun Protection and Attire: Hon Thom enjoys plenty of sunlight, so be sure to bring high-SPF sunscreen, a sun hat, and sunglasses. Prepare swimwear, swim trunks, and non-slip sandals for the water park.
- Water Park Lockers: Renting towels and lockers in the park incurs a small additional fee, so it is advisable to carry some cash or electronic payment tools.
- Dining Arrangements: The park features Mango Restaurant, which offers a rich buffet lunch, and purchasing the "cable car + buffet combo ticket" is usually the most cost-effective option.
- Beverage Vouchers: Don’t forget the beverage vouchers included with your admission ticket, which can be redeemed for craft beer or fresh watermelon juice at designated counters in the park.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: How long does it take to ride the Hon Thom cable car one way? Is it scary?
A1: The one-way ride takes about 15 to 20 minutes. The cable car uses an advanced three-rope suspension system, operating very smoothly. Even with a slight sea breeze, it doesn't sway violently, ensuring a high level of comfort and safety.
Q2: Will the cable car continue to operate in case of rain or strong winds?
A2: In the event of extreme weather such as thunderstorms or strong gusts, the park will temporarily stop cable car operations to ensure passenger safety. It is advisable to check the weather forecast before departure or stay updated with official announcements on-site.
Q3: Do you need a whole day to enjoy Hon Thom Nature Park?
A3: It is recommended to allocate 4 to 6 hours. If you want to fully enjoy the water park, ride the wooden roller coaster, and relax on the beach, planning for most of the day is ideal; you can return to Sunset Town in the evening to watch the sunset and night performances.
