Scenic view of Hon Gam Ghi Island with turquoise waters, Vietnam
Nature & LandscapeOct 21, 2025

Hidden Islands Near Phu Quoc: Untouched Beaches & Crystal-Clear Waters

Chris

Travel Writer

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🪸 1. Hon Mong Tay – The Hidden Gem in the Middle of the Sea
🌅 2. Hon May Rut Trong – A Quiet Paradise for Dreamers
🐠 3. Hon Gam Ghi – Heaven for Snorkel Lovers
🌴 4. Hon Thom – The Untamed Corners Beyond the Cable Car
🌿 Tips for Exploring Phu Quoc’s Hidden Islands
🌟 Pro Traveler Tips

My journey to Phu Quoc was already full of highlights — from the famous Sao Beach and Khem Beach to the lively Duong Dong town. Yet what stayed with me long after I left were the tiny, untouched islands scattered around Phu Quoc, where time seems to slow down. There, I found myself surrounded by turquoise water, powdery white sand, and leaning coconut palms casting long shadows over the sea.

Phu Quoc Island >>

🪸 1. Hon Mong Tay – The Hidden Gem in the Middle of the Sea

Discover Phu Quoc Island – Vietnam's Tropical Paradise >>

I reached Hon Mong Tay on a small wooden boat. The 30-minute ride from An Thoi Port was short but felt like crossing into another world — far away from the buzz of the main island. As I stepped onto the shore, I was greeted by a beach so white and soft it felt like flour, with no footprints in sight. The water was so clear that I could see small schools of fish gliding beneath my feet.

I spent the whole morning snorkeling through colorful coral gardens — a lively underwater world where sunbeams danced on the sea floor.

✨ Special Experience: Grill fresh seafood right on the beach and taste the ocean’s sweetness in every bite of fish and shrimp.

🌅 2. Hon May Rut Trong – A Quiet Paradise for Dreamers

Smaller than Hon Mong Tay, Hon May Rut Trong offers something precious — complete tranquility. I arrived in the late afternoon as the sun dipped low, painting the sea in shades of gold and crimson.

There are no bars, no resorts — just a few hammocks swaying between palm trees. Lying there, listening to the waves and feeling the sea breeze brush my skin, I felt time slow down.

✨ Special Experience: Spend a night in a tent under a star-filled sky, where city lights never reach.

🐠 3. Hon Gam Ghi – Heaven for Snorkel Lovers

Locals told me that Hon Gam Ghi is “the best snorkeling spot in Phu Quoc” — and they weren’t exaggerating. As soon as our boat dropped anchor, I could already see the coral reefs beneath the surface. With just a mask and snorkel, I dove into a world of vibrant coral, butterflyfish, parrotfish, and even sea urchins hiding in the rocks.

Unlike other crowded diving spots, here I felt like an explorer discovering the ocean for the first time — just me and the sea.

✨ Special Experience: Paddle a kayak around the island and stop by the rocky cliffs for stunning photos.

🌴 4. Hon Thom – The Untamed Corners Beyond the Cable Car

Most people associate Hon Thom with Sun World amusement park and the record-breaking sea cable car. But few know that the island still hides wild, untouched beaches far from the tourist areas.

I rented a small boat and asked a fisherman to take me to one of those secluded coves. The curved beach hugged the crystal-blue water, lined with coconut trees right at the water’s edge.

Sitting on an old wooden chair, I closed my eyes and listened to the gentle rhythm of the waves — as if I had found a secret corner of my own in this well-known island.

✨ Special Experience: Chat with local fishermen and listen to their stories of the sea — long journeys, mysterious legends, and a life carried by the tides.

🌿 Tips for Exploring Phu Quoc’s Hidden Islands

Be well-prepared: Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, a hat, snorkeling gear, and light snacks.

Travel with locals or hire a private boat: Some islands have no fixed services — going with locals ensures safety and authentic experiences.

Respect nature: Don’t take coral or litter — keep these islands pristine and untouched.

🌟 Pro Traveler Tips

Visit early morning or at sunset for magical golden light and perfect photos.

Bring a light jacket or scarf — the evening sea breeze can be quite cool on the ride back.

If you can, join a fishing trip with local fishermen — an experience beyond any tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you get to the hidden islands near Phu Quoc?

The hidden islands near Phu Quoc are accessible by small wooden boats departing from An Thoi Port at the southern tip of Phu Quoc Island. The boat ride to islands like Hon Mong Tay takes about 30 minutes. For more remote coves around Hon Thom, you can hire a local fisherman with a private boat. It is recommended to travel with locals for safety and authentic experiences.

Which island near Phu Quoc has the best snorkeling?

Hon Gam Ghi is widely regarded as the best snorkeling spot near Phu Quoc. The coral reefs are visible from the surface as soon as the boat drops anchor, and with just a mask and snorkel you can explore vibrant coral gardens filled with butterflyfish, parrotfish, and sea urchins. Unlike other crowded diving spots, Hon Gam Ghi remains uncrowded and feels like a private ocean discovery.

Can you stay overnight on the islands near Phu Quoc?

Yes, overnight camping is possible on Hon May Rut Trong, where you can pitch a tent under a star-filled sky far from any city lights. The island has no bars or resorts, just hammocks between palm trees and complete tranquility. Bring your own camping gear, water, sunscreen, and snacks since these islands have minimal or no fixed services.

What is there to do on Hon Thom Island besides the cable car and amusement park?

Beyond the famous Sun World amusement park and record-breaking sea cable car, Hon Thom hides wild, untouched beaches in secluded coves far from the tourist areas. You can hire a local fisherman to take you to these hidden spots where curved beaches hug crystal-blue water lined with coconut trees. Chatting with local fishermen about their sea legends and long journeys is also a memorable experience.

What should I pack for an island-hopping trip around Phu Quoc?

For island-hopping near Phu Quoc, bring plenty of water, sunscreen, a hat, snorkeling gear, and light snacks since many islands have no shops or services. A light jacket or scarf is useful as the evening sea breeze can be quite cool on the boat ride back. Most importantly, respect nature by not taking coral or littering to help keep these pristine islands untouched.

Conclusion

Leaving these islands behind, I carried not just photos but a sense of wonder — as if I had touched a hidden part of Phu Quoc, where the sea remains crystal-clear, the sand pure white, and nature untouched by time.

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