An Thoi is the gateway to southern Phu Quoc. The name can refer to the working town, the port area, nearby Sunset Town and the wider archipelago where many island-hopping trips operate. Understanding those differences makes a south-island day much easier to plan.
An Thoi quick facts
- Location: southern Phu Quoc.
- Known for: the archipelago, boat departures, Hon Thom Cable Car and south-island attractions.
- Best for: island days, snorkelling, sea views and combining southern stops.
- Main caution: town, port, cable-car station and Sunset Town are not one interchangeable map pin.
What does An Thoi mean?
An Thoi is both a real local area and shorthand for much of Phu Quoc's southern visitor circuit. The working town and port retain fishing and transport activity. Nearby, Sunset Town is a planned entertainment district, while the cable car crosses above the An Thoi archipelago to Hon Thom.
Always confirm the exact meeting point. A booking that says “An Thoi” may mean a hotel pickup zone, harbour, speedboat departure point or cable-car area.
Best things to do around An Thoi
Explore the An Thoi archipelago
The small islands south of Phu Quoc are the core of many boat and snorkelling days. Routes vary with operator, sea conditions and experience booked. Read the Phu Quoc Island Hopping Guide before comparing a shared boat, speedboat or cable-car combination.
For a focused boat day, the Phu Quoc 3 Island Canoe Tour links directly to this southern cluster. Do not choose only by the number of stops: timing, crowd level and boat style matter more.
Ride the Hon Thom Cable Car
The cable car provides elevated views across the archipelago and access to Hon Thom. It is an attraction and transport link, not a replacement for island hopping. Boat trips offer water-level stops; the cable car offers the panorama and a structured Hon Thom day.
Schedules, maintenance windows and ticket inclusions can change. Check official same-day information and use our Hon Thom Cable Car Guide for practical planning.
Visit Sunset Town
Sunset Town is close to An Thoi but has a different character. It is a purpose-built waterfront district with Mediterranean-inspired architecture, Kiss Bridge, shows and evening activity. Combine it with the cable car when timings align, or treat it as a separate sunset stop.
Add Khem Beach or Sao Beach
Khem Beach and Sao Beach can fit into a land-based southern route, but adding both to a full boat or Hon Thom day often creates rushed transfers. For a planned route, the South-East Phu Quoc Tour connects southern stops without turning the day into a sequence of transport decisions.
See the working town and port context
The traditional side of An Thoi is less polished than Sunset Town and more closely tied to fishing, trade and departures. The port is a working area rather than a promenade. Follow staff instructions and keep clear of loading areas.
Which south-island experience should you choose?
- Island hopping: multiple sea stops, swimming or snorkelling and a boat-focused day.
- Cable car: panoramic views, Hon Thom and a structured attraction day.
- Land route: beaches, viewpoints and southern stops without an offshore day.
- Combined day: the 4 Islands and Cable Car Tour adds variety but is fuller and more schedule-dependent.
Is An Thoi a good place to stay?
The south can suit travellers focused on cable car access, Sunset Town, southern beaches or boat trips. It is less convenient for repeated evenings in Duong Dong, Ong Lang or the north.
Check whether accommodation is in the traditional town, Sunset Town or a separate resort area. These labels create different walking, dining and transport expectations. Compare them in the Where to Stay in Phu Quoc guide.
Getting to An Thoi
An Thoi is a dedicated journey from central and northern Phu Quoc. Travel time depends on the exact destination, traffic and pickup route. Give drivers the precise terminal, hotel or meeting point rather than only the area name.
Taxis, ride-hailing, hotel transfers and organised pickups are practical choices. Return availability may thin out after a late event, so arrange the journey before assuming an app ride will be immediate.
Only use a scooter with the correct licence, insurance and experience. South-island distances, rain and night riding make it a poor place to learn.
Three realistic one-day plans
Sea-focused day
Take an island-hopping trip, keep the evening flexible and avoid adding distant attractions after a full boat day.
Cable car and evening
Visit Hon Thom through the cable car, return with enough time for Sunset Town and check the operating schedule before departure.
South-island land route
Choose one beach, add a suitable southern attraction and finish near Sunset Town or return centrally. This is the most flexible option when sea conditions are uncertain.
Practical tips
- Save the exact meeting point offline.
- Confirm pickup coverage and possible zone surcharges.
- Recheck sea conditions and cable-car operations on the day.
- Carry sun protection and a dry bag for boat plans.
- Keep return transport arranged for late finishes.
- Use the Phu Quoc itinerary to group island regions logically.
Contact Phu Quoc Insider with your hotel area, dates and preferred pace.
FAQ
Where is An Thoi in Phu Quoc?
An Thoi is in southern Phu Quoc and serves as the gateway to the nearby archipelago and several major attractions.
Is An Thoi the same as Sunset Town?
No. Sunset Town is a planned visitor district near An Thoi; the wider area includes a working town, port and other neighbourhoods.
Do island-hopping tours leave from An Thoi?
Many southern island trips operate from the An Thoi area, but the exact port and meeting point depend on the operator and conditions.
Is the cable car at An Thoi?
The mainland cable-car terminal is in the southern An Thoi and Sunset Town area. Confirm the current entrance and schedule.
Can I combine the cable car and island hopping?
Yes, through selected itineraries, but the day is fuller and more dependent on timing and weather.
Is An Thoi worth visiting without a tour?
It can be if you are visiting Sunset Town, the cable car or a southern beach, but the working port is not a conventional promenade.
Is An Thoi a good area to stay?
It suits south-focused trips but adds travel time to Duong Dong, Ong Lang and northern attractions.
How far is An Thoi from Duong Dong?
It is a significant cross-island journey. The exact time varies by starting point, traffic and destination.