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The South Phu Quoc Island-Hopping Route: Escape the Resort Crowds | Vietnam Wayfarer
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🇪🇸 Destinations · south · phu-quoc
The South Phu Quoc Island-Hopping Route: Escape the Resort Crowds
Skip the mega-resort bubble and head south to the An Thoi archipelago. This independent day-trip route covers speedboat logistics, quiet snorkeling spots, and local seafood.
Por Nam NguyenMay 30, 20264 min de lectura
↑ A fishing boat sails on the sea at sunset, captured in Phu Quoc, Vietnam.Photo by Luke Dang on Pexels
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Most travelers to Phu Quoc get trapped in the concrete resort zones of Duong Dong or the artificial theme parks of the north. This full-day southern route takes you off the main island to the rugged An Thoi archipelago, where you can still find clear water and quiet beaches if you know how to bypass the mega-tour groups.
By avoiding the massive double-decker tourist boats and chartering a local speedboat instead, you gain control over your schedule, arriving at the best reefs before the crowds descend.
The Route at a Glance
Total Distance: 25 km south from Duong Dong to An Thoi port, followed by a 15 km boat loop.
Estimated Cost: 1,200,000 to 2,500,000 VND ($50–$100 USD) total for a private speedboat charter, plus 150,000 VND for scooter rental.
Best Time to Go: November to April (the dry season, when seas are calm and visibility is high).
Morning — Departure from An Thoi Port to Mong Tay Island
Start your day by 7:30 AM to beat the heat and the tour buses. Grab a quick breakfast of "banh mi" and a strong "ca phe sua da (연유커피 / 越南冰咖啡 / ベトナムアイスコーヒー)" (iced "vietnamese coffee") in Duong Dong town before heading south. The drive down the DT46 highway to An Thoi port takes about 40 minutes by scooter or taxi.
When you arrive at An Thoi port, ignore the aggressive ticket touts at the entrance. Walk directly down to the pier where the speedboat captains congregate. A private speedboat charter for the day should cost between 1,800,000 and 2,400,000 VND depending on your negotiation skills. If you are solo or on a budget, you can join a shared speedboat tour for about 800,000 VND per person, though you will lose control over the itinerary.
Have your captain head straight to Mong Tay Island (Fingernail Island). Because you started early, you should arrive by 9:00 AM, just as the morning light hits the shallow turquoise bay. This tiny islet features a crescent of soft sand framed by large boulders. Walk to the far end of the beach to avoid the small pier where the larger tour boats eventually dock.
Photo by Thomas Hoang on Pexels
Midday — Snorkeling at Gam Ghi and Lunch on May Rut
By 10:30 AM, the tour groups will begin arriving at Mong Tay. Instruct your captain to pull anchor and head further south to Gam Ghi Island.
Gam Ghi is uninhabited and surrounded by shallow coral gardens. The water here is exceptionally clear, though you need to watch for sea urchins along the rocky edges. While some of the shallow coral has suffered from anchor damage over the years, the deeper drop-offs still host vibrant anemones and schools of small sergeant major fish. Spend an hour snorkeling here before the midday sun gets too intense.
For lunch, make the short crossing to May Rut Island. There are actually two islets here: May Rut Trong (Inner May Rut) and May Rut Ngoai (Outer May Rut). Have your captain land at May Rut Trong.
Skip the large, noisy beachfront restaurants catering to tour packages. Instead, walk past the main clearing to the smaller, family-run wooden shacks tucked under the coconut palms. Order a simple lunch of grilled sea urchin with spring onions and peanuts, fresh "goi cuon" (summer rolls), and a whole fried fish with garlic fish sauce. A fresh coconut or a cold local beer completes the meal. Expect to pay around 300,000 to 500,000 VND for a substantial seafood lunch for two.
Afternoon — The Return via Sao Beach
After lunch, find a hammock under the palms on the quieter eastern side of May Rut. The afternoon sea breeze makes this the perfect spot to rest before the return journey.
Have your captain head back to An Thoi port by 2:30 PM. The afternoon winds usually pick up after 3:00 PM, making the crossing choppy and wet.
Once back on the mainland, take the short 10-minute drive from the port to Sao Beach (Bai Sao). While Sao Beach has suffered from rapid development and occasional trash issues in recent years, the northernmost stretch near the rocks remains clean and scenic. Walk along the white sand, grab a fresh fruit juice from one of the smaller beach bars, and watch the late afternoon light turn the Gulf of Thailand a deep gold.
Photo by Sóc Năng Động on Pexels
How to Arrange Logistics & Gear
Transport to the Port: Renting a scooter in Duong Dong costs about 150,000 VND per day. The road to An Thoi is fully paved and easy to navigate. If you prefer a taxi, expect to pay around 350,000 to 400,000 VND each way.
Snorkel Gear: Most private speedboat charters include basic masks and life jackets, but the quality varies. If you plan to do serious snorkeling, purchase a cheap mask in Duong Dong beforehand or bring your own.
Sun Protection: The sun on the water is intense. Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and a long-sleeve rash guard for snorkeling.
Practical Notes
Always check the marine weather forecast before leaving Duong Dong, as high winds can cancel boat departures instantly. Keep dry bags handy for your phone and camera, as speedboat rides in the An Thoi archipelago can get very spray-heavy. Ensure you agree on the exact islands and duration with your captain before handing over any money at the port.
