An Thoi Deserted Island - The Mysterious Paradise of Phu Quoc

Introduction to the An Thoi Archipelago

The An Thoi Archipelago is situated in the southeast of the pearl island of Phu Quoc, belonging to the Gulf of Thailand and under the management of Hon Thom commune, Phu Quoc district, Kien Giang province. The An Thoi Archipelago consists of around 15 small islands, located approximately 25 km south of the Phu Quoc coastline.

The An Thoi Archipelago is one of the rare islands where nature still retains its pristine beauty, featuring crystal-clear seas, flat white sandy beaches, and lush coconut groves. Among the 15 islands of the An Thoi Archipelago, only 5 islands are inhabited: Hon Thom, Hon Roi, Hon May (Rut Ngoai), Hon Dong (Anh Dong), and Hon Tay (Anh Tay). The remaining islands remain untouched and undeveloped for tourism.

Notable Tourist Attractions of the An Thoi Archipelago

The An Thoi Archipelago is an ideal tourist destination for nature lovers, island explorers, and those seeking outdoor activities on the sea. Below are some prominent tourist attractions of the An Thoi Archipelago that you should not miss when visiting Phu Quoc.

1. Hon Thom (Thom Island):

   Hon Thom is the main and largest island in the An Thoi Archipelago, covering an area of about 11 km2 with a population of approximately 1,957 people (as of 2018). Hon Thom boasts beautiful beaches such as Bai Bai, Bai Chao, Bai Bac, Bai Nam, and numerous scenic spots like Sweetwater Cave, Standing Stone Cave, and Fairy Cave. It is also home to the world's longest cable car, connecting it to Phu Quoc Island, providing tourists with panoramic views of the An Thoi Archipelago from above.

2. Hon May Rut (May Rut Island):

   Hon May Rut is one of the most beautiful islands in the An Thoi Archipelago, consisting of two parts: May Rut Trong (Inner May Rut) and May Rut Ngoai (Outer May Rut). Hon May Rut features fine white sandy beaches, clear blue waters, and numerous colorful coral reefs. The island also has some caves and freshwater streams for tourists to explore. Hon May Rut is an ideal stop for those wanting to enjoy a peaceful and untouched natural environment.

3. Hon Dong (Dong Island):

   Hon Dong, also known as Anh Dong, is a small island located to the south of the An Thoi Archipelago, about 10 km from Hon Thom. With an area of approximately 0.5 km2 and only one family residing, Hon Dong has sharp limestone coastlines, creating unique and attractive shapes. Hon Dong also features a small beautiful white sandy beach and a pristine mangrove forest for visitors to explore.

4. Hon Tay (Tay Island):

   Hon Tay, or Anh Tay, is a small island situated to the west of the An Thoi Archipelago, about 15 km from Hon Thom. With an area of about 0.3 km2 and only one family residing, Hon Tay has winding limestone coastlines, forming caves and majestic rock walls. Hon Tay also has a long white sandy beach and a mangrove forest for travelers to discover.

5. Snorkeling to Admire Coral Reefs:

   Snorkeling to admire coral reefs is one of the essential tourist activities when visiting the An Thoi Archipelago. The marine area here boasts a rich and beautiful coral ecosystem with various types of hard and soft corals, and different species of marine life. Snorkeling provides tourists with the opportunity to marvel at the wonderful underwater world and get close to adorable marine creatures.

To snorkel and admire coral reefs in the An Thoi Archipelago, tourists can join tours organized by travel companies or rent private boats for independent exploration. Famous snorkeling spots in the An Thoi Archipelago include Mong Tay Island, May Rut Island, Gam Ghi Island, Dam Trong Island, and Dua Island.

Snorkeling to admire coral reefs is an exciting tourist activity but requires careful preparation and adherence to safety rules. Tourists should choose days with good weather and calm seas for snorkeling. It is advisable to bring snorkeling gear, breathing tubes, life jackets, and swim shoes for body protection. Snorkeling is best done with friends or a guide to provide assistance when needed, and visitors should maintain a safe distance from marine creatures, avoiding touching or harming coral reefs.