An Thoi Harbour: Into the local life of Phu Quoc

1. Overview of An Thoi Archipelago & An Thoi Harbour

An Thoi Harbour (An Thoi International Port), located 30 kilometers south of Duong Dong—the island's central hub, is Phu Quoc's oldest port and a vital gateway for trade and tourism. Designated as an international port under Decision 633 by the Vietnamese Prime Minister on May 11, 2010, it handles 500,000-700,000 tons of cargo and 360,000 passengers annually. The harbour manages seafood processing and distribution while serving as the primary access point to the An Thoi Archipelago.

An Thoi Archipelago comprises 18 islands in the Gulf of Thailand, offering pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and exceptional snorkeling, diving, and island-hopping experiences. Part of the Phu Quoc Special Zone under An Giang Province's jurisdiction, these islands are gaining recognition as must-visit destinations.

In 2025, the harbour was restructured to prioritize tourism and logistics for APEC 2027. The former An Thoi Ward (population 33,503 per 2024 Vietnamese census) merged into the Phu Quoc Special Zone in June 2025, retaining its identity as southern Phu Quoc's economic and tourism center with administrative authority over the entire archipelago.

2. How to get to An Thoi Port?

An Thoi Harbour is approximately 30 kilometers from Duong Dong center, Phu Quoc, with the journey taking around 30 minutes by taxi, ride-hailing services (GreenSM, Grab), or motorbike.

Route 1: Via DT975

From Tran Hung Dao Street in Duong Dong, follow DT975 southward for approximately 20 kilometers. Turn right onto Nguyen Van Cu Road (DT46) in An Thoi and continue for 2.5 kilometers. At the An Thoi Market intersection, turn left and drive straight for 200 meters to reach the port.

Route 2: Via DT46

Follow Tran Hung Dao Street and Phu Quoc Highway to Nguyen Van Cu Road/DT46 in Ham Ninh (7.3 kilometers). Continue on DT46 southward to An Thoi (17.3 kilometers). Turn left at An Thoi Market and proceed 200 meters to An Thoi Harbour.

Both routes are well-paved and clearly signposted, making An Thoi Harbour easily accessible for visitors heading to the An Thoi Archipelago.

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3. Unmissable experiences at An Thoi Phu Quoc An Giang

3.1. Take a cable car ride

If you're looking for a scenic way to travel, the cable car ride from An Thoi offers aerial views of the archipelago. Departing from An Thoi Cable Car Station, the journey takes 15-20 minutes and provides views of the An Thoi Archipelago and surrounding waters.

As noted in Vinpearl’s destination and visitor information, the round-trip Phu Quoc cable car ticket prices for 2026 are:

Adults: 850,000 VND
Children: 700,000 VND

The ticket price is relatively high, which may be a drawback for budget travelers. For a more affordable trip, consider booking an island-hopping tour to the An Thoi Islands, which typically delivers better value and a more immersive experience exploring multiple islands.

3.2. Experience early morning bustle at An Thoi Harbour

Visiting An Thoi Harbour in the early morning is a must-try experience for Phu Quoc travelers. Vinpearl's travel guidance highlights that around 4-7 AM is peak time, when fishing boats arrive laden with fresh catches from the sea. Fishermen swiftly unload their hauls while traders negotiate prices, creating an energetic and authentic waterfront scene. Visitors can purchase fresh seafood directly from the boats—anchovy, tuna, barracuda, mackerel, and more.

3.3. Explore nearby An Thoi islands by boat

From An Thoi International Port, tourists can hop on a boat or canoe to visit the nearby beautiful islands. Notable ones include Fingernail Island, Gam Ghi Island, and May Rut Island. These islands boast emerald waters, fine sandy beaches, and pristine landscapes. The An Thoi Archipelago is one of the key attractions that helped Phu Quoc earn a spot in the Top 10 Best Islands in the Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2025 by Travel + Leisure.

Activities include snorkeling, fishing, squid fishing, swimming, beach strolls, beachside BBQ, and fresh seafood dining. Canoe rentals cost 2,200,000-3,000,000 VND per boat. Alternatively, half-day 2-island or 3-island tours offer convenient packages for exploring multiple destinations.

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3.4. Experience fishing with locals

Vinpearl's visitor guidelines for Phu Quoc also recommend trying fishing at An Thoi Harbour. Though patience is needed while waiting for a catch, the satisfaction of cooking and eating your fresh fish on-site is well worth it. The experience also offers time to relax by the blue sea, observe fishing boats coming and going, chat with locals, and enjoy the peaceful harbour atmosphere.

3.6. Go scuba diving to explore coral reefs

One of the must-try experiences in An Thoi, Phu Quoc, is scuba diving to explore the vibrant coral reefs. With its pristine white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters, the area offers an unforgettable underwater experience. You can rent scuba gear and dive into the depths, where you will be greeted by schools of colorful fish, stunning coral reefs, and even jellyfish swarming at the ocean floor. If you are interested in this unique adventure, it is a good idea to book a combo tour in advance for the best services and exclusive offers.

3.7. Capture stunning photos

An Thoi Harbour offers numerous picturesque spots for photography. The scene includes tranquil moored boats, the long pier stretching into the sea, clear waters with foamy waves, and colorful fishing boats laden with fresh catches. These simple yet striking scenes provide excellent photo opportunities and lasting memories of your Phu Quoc visit.

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4. Useful tips for first-time visitors to An Thoi Islands, Vietnam

4.1. Best time to visit An Thoi, Vietnam

According to seasonal travel guidance shared by Vinpearl, the ideal time to visit Phu Quoc is from November to April. This period, known as the dry season, offers calm seas, minimal rain, gentle waves, and warm sunshine, perfect for outdoor activities.

For a scenic experience, consider visiting the port in the early morning (around 4-7 AM) to witness the sparkling sunrise over the sea and observe the bustling return of fishing boats to shore.

4.2. Best places to visit near the harbour

After exploring the port in the early morning, visitors can continue their journey to other nearby attractions. Here are some recommendations:

An Thoi Market: This is the largest seafood market in the south of Phu Quoc, featuring a rustic atmosphere with stalls lined up along the road. Here, visitors can learn about local life and purchase specialties such as dried squid and Phu Quoc fish sauce.
Khem Beach: Just about 5 kilometers away from An Thoi Port, Khem Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Phu Quoc, featuring pristine landscapes, peaceful atmosphere and crystal-clear water. Notable activities here include swimming, watching the romantic sunrise and sunset, snorkeling, kayaking, and more.
Sung Duc Pagoda: Known for its tranquil beauty, Sung Duc Pagoda is a spiritual site visited by many Buddhists and tourists. Here, visitors can pray for peace and admire the ancient architecture.

4.3. Food and drinks at An Thoi Phu Quoc An Giang

There are many restaurants near An Thoi Port, Phu Quoc, where visitors can indulge in the local and international cuisines, such as:

De Ngon An Thoi: 447 Nguyen Van Cu, An Thoi
PH Rooftop Bar & Lounge: 60-62 Nguyen Van Cu, An Thoi
Nga Lam Seafood Eatery: 345 Nguyen Van Cu, An Thoi
Mau 369 Seafood Eatery: 317 Nguyen Van Cu, An Thoi
Ut Ha Seafood Eatery: 321 Nguyen Van Cu, An Thoi

Frequently asked questions about An Thoi Harbour and An Thoi Islands

Where is An Thoi Harbour located?

An Thoi Harbour is in southern Phu Quoc, about 30 km from Duong Dong, and serves as the departure point for island tours in the An Thoi Archipelago.

How do you get to An Thoi Harbour?

You can reach An Thoi Harbour in around 30 minutes by taxi, Grab, Green SM, or motorbike via DT975 or DT46, both well-paved routes.

What is the An Thoi Archipelago famous for?

The archipelago is known for clear waters, white-sand beaches, coral reefs, and activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing, and island-hopping.

What is the best time to visit An Thoi?

The best time is from November to April, when the weather is dry, seas are calm, and conditions are ideal for outdoor and marine activities.

What's the best time of the day to visit An Thoi Harbour?

Visit early morning (4-7 AM) to see fishing boats unload fresh catches and experience the lively waterfront atmosphere.

Which islands can you visit from An Thoi?

Popular islands include Fingernail Island (Hon Mong Tay), Gam Ghi Island, and May Rut Island, all accessible by boat or tour.

An Thoi Harbour is more than just a port; it is a vibrant slice of Phu Quoc's coastal life and a starting point for unforgettable adventures. From witnessing the daily routines of the local fishermen to embarking on scenic island tours, it offers a unique blend of cultural immersion and natural beauty, promising a memorable experience.

In addition to An Thoi Town Phu Quoc, visitors to Phu Quoc should not miss out on other attractions such as Phu Quoc Prison, Phu Quoc National Park, and Phu Quoc Night Market. For a plethora of fun experiences with friends and family, don't overlook Vietnam's largest theme park - VinWonders Phu Quoc. You can also explore the fascinating world of wildlife at Vinpearl Safari Phu Quoc, or immerse yourself in endless entertainment at Grand World Phu Quoc.

If you are seeking a luxurious place to stay in Phu Quoc to conveniently explore these attractions, consider Vinpearl Phu Quoc’s hotels and resorts. Located along pristine Bai Dai Beach in northern Phu Quoc, Vinpearl Phu Quoc properties offer premium accommodations within an integrated entertainment zone. Guests enjoy direct access to VinWonders Phu Quoc, Safari, Grand World, and an 18-hole golf course, combining beachfront serenity with comprehensive recreation.

The resorts feature white-sand beaches, large outdoor pools, premium spas, and varied accommodations from hotel rooms to luxury villas. With diverse dining, wellness facilities, and award-winning service, Vinpearl caters to all travel styles—families, couples, friends, and corporate groups.

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