Dubbed “the Maldives of Vietnam,” “the hidden gem of Southeast Asia,” and “a luxury tropical paradise,” Phu Quoc has recently earned glowing praise from top global media outlets such as The New York Times, Condé Nast Traveller, and leading travel platforms like Lonely Planet, Travel Lemming, Travel Off Path, as well as reputable South Korean publications like Yonhap News and AsiaA.

Each outlet offers its own take on what to explore in Phu Quoc — Lonely Planet recommends sun-soaked beaches with white sand, Yonhap suggests staying at southern island resorts or strolling around Sunset Town, while AsiaA highlights local experiences such as visiting fish sauce factories and pepper farms.

Among all these experiences, one that most media agree travelers must try is riding the Hon Thom Cable Car — a world-record-breaking attraction that stunned the globe when it debuted as the longest three-rope cable car in the world, certified by Guinness World Records.

The Most Unique Way to See the Sea

“If you can take a cable car to the Colosseum, you’re in Vietnam,” wrote New York Times journalist Patrick Scott, describing the 8-kilometer sea-crossing journey to Hon Thom Island.

In his article, Scott likens the cable car station to a full-scale version of the Roman Colosseum and shares his awe at the views from above — comparing the crystal-clear waters to “liquid glass,” dotted with hundreds of colorful wooden fishing boats creating a vibrant, living tapestry.

This sense of wonder is echoed by other international outlets. According to Travel2Next, the cable car offers some of the most breathtaking views in Phu Quoc. South Korea’s AsiaA also waxes lyrical about the journey: “In 15 minutes, the cable car treats you to a panoramic view of turquoise waters and idyllic islets from above.” In 2019, CNN called it an experience worth adding to any Phu Quoc itinerary.

Lonely Planet’s guidebook praises the ride as a great-value adventure. For just 600,000 VND (around $25 USD), travelers not only enjoy the cable car ride but also get access to Aquatopia Water Park and can test their nerves on thrilling rides in Exotica Village.

This “unique way to see the sea” is consistently recommended on sites like Travel Lemming and Travel Off Path. In fact, a quick Google search for “Things to do in Phu Quoc” brings up image after image of the Hon Thom Cable Car gliding across the deep blue ocean. It has become a defining symbol of Phu Quoc, alongside the island’s signature cultural experiences.

An Icon of the Pearl Island’s Tourism Scene

It’s no coincidence that Phu Quoc has become a rising star on the global travel map. Its untouched natural beauty and serene charm are the foundation of its appeal — and the cable car is one of the most immersive ways to experience it.

When it launched in 2018, the Hon Thom Cable Car didn’t just break a world record; it also opened up a new, more convenient route for exploring the An Thoi archipelago. Instead of a 30-minute speedboat ride, visitors can now glide across the sea in just 15 minutes — all while soaking in panoramic views of vibrant bays and colorful landscapes.

This engineering marvel is also credited with helping shift Phu Quoc’s reputation from a “destination with few experiences” to a hotspot of entertainment and exploration. As the first attraction of the Sun World Hon Thom Nature Park developed by Sun Group, the cable car is the gateway to Hon Thom Island — now envisioned as a future “paradise island” for the world’s elite, similar to the Maldives.

With its stunning appeal, the Hon Thom Cable Car has become a source of national pride. As Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Dinh Thien once said:
“As a marine-island city, Phu Quoc has, in a short time, gathered some of the world’s most remarkable tourism projects, which can awe anyone with their uniqueness and sophistication. With achievements like these, Vietnamese people can be truly proud of their country.”