Hon Thom Island: A look Back
The new Phu Quoc Cable Car will bring Hon Thom Island into the global spotlight and plans for the transformation of this bean shaped island, Phu Quoc Districts second largest, into an ecotourism destination will be executed and thus forever transforming the land and the lives of all of Hon Thom's inhabitants.
Here is a look back of how Hon Thom Island was before development, through the eyes of our resident local.
Trip To Hon Thom Island
Led by Thoa, a local who has lived on the island for many years, the 4 for us embark on a true local journey to Hon Thom Island, also known as Pineapple Island. Our journey will involve traveling “like a local” – via motorbike and taking a local ferry to the island to truly understand what life is like on Phu Quoc before it transforms into a “made-for-tourism” island.
We begin our day by heading to the entrance of Long Beach Village, Phu Quoc's famous backpacker district.
At the entrance you will find one of the island's cheapest yet most delectable breakfast treats – an egg in baguette sandwich called “Banh Mi Op La“. Since one sandwich was only $0.50US we all ordered 2 each and then began our motorbike journey south to An Thoi, Phu Quoc's second largest town (Duong Dong being the largest).
An Thoi Port
After riding for about an hour and passing by some of Phu Quoc's popular tourist sites (Ho Quoc Pagoda, Sao Beach, Kem Beach, and The Coconut Tree Prison) we finally arrive at An Thoi Port, a busy port that is inundated with fishing boats, large tourist boats, and local ferry's.
We asked a local where the ferry to “Hon Thom Island” was, and he happily points us to a small boat on the eastern side of the port:
Now this was my first ever ferry trip in An Thoi as I have purposefully avoided ferries in the past due to my proneness for motion sickness … and unfortunate circumstances in general. In preparation for this trip, I popped two motion sickness pills (the maximum dose, naturally). So you can imagine my first impression of this small ferry docked at the pier. Reluctantly we all boarded the ferry and we are fortunate to have the best seat in the house – at the captains cab.
Here what it looks like inside the Hon Thom Ferry:
After the ferry finishes loading, we finally depart. My initial panic of rough seas was short lived once the ferry left the bay, and we were on very calm seas. We sailed by a few uninhabited islands in the An Thoi archipelago on our way to Pineapple Island.
Arriving At Hon Thom Island
After about 45 minutes into the journey, we finally arrive at Hon Thom Island. The sea surrounding the island was occupied by a lot of fishing boats and some offshore fish farms. A small shuttle boat arrives to pick up passengers. This shuttle service costs an additional 10,000VND. We all decided that we want to explore this island so we all pay the fee.
After about 45 minutes into the journey, we finally arrive at Hon Thom Island. The sea surrounding the island was occupied by a lot of fishing boats and some offshore fish farms. A small shuttle boat arrives to pick up passengers. This shuttle service costs an additional 10,000VND. We all decided that we want to explore this island so we all pay the fee.
After 5 minutes on the shuttle boat, we finally step foot on Pineapple island, yay!
Exploring Hon Thom Island
We quickly get off the boat and head towards the local market:
I wandered around the market a bit picking up conversations here and there and managed to find someone to take us to the other side of the island via motorbike. We were all game so off we went!
Bai Truong Beach On Hon Thom Island
I found the route to the other side of Hon Thom Island to be scenic and peaceful. We passed by schools, kids playing, and a lot of dogs. Chickens and pigs also dotted the island-side, and large palm trees crossed the island. It all felt quintessentially Vietnamese. So simplistic, yet the sight was absolutely breath-taking!
The eastern side was an unexpected surprise. The beautiful soft beach was inundated with garbage, something that has plagued most South East Asian countries. Even those locally hated “Visit Phu Quoc” guidebooks created by an old Australian expat with the fake recycling logos on on the cover had washed up here!
Regardless I saw through this and realized how beautiful this beach was and knew it was bound to be redeveloped for tourism.
BEACH!
After exploring the old wharf we all decided to head back. At the Cho Hon Thom Island market we were able to find a fishermen who was willing to take us to the northern side of the island via his fishing boat. The fishermen said that the northern side was very beautiful and his sales pitch sold us. The timing could not have been any better either as the weather just cleared up.
The beach was awesome! It was clean, soft and therapeutic especially after seeing all the beached garbage on the other side of Pineapple Island.
Leaving Hon Thom
After spending some time on the northern side, it was time for us to go back to Long Beach Village. The sun was setting and the seas were calm, thankfully! We enjoyed a peaceful trip back to An Thoi while watching a beautiful ocean sunset. We all made a promise to revisit Pineapple Island again, however next time we will explore the underwater life a bit more!
