1. Overview of Fingernail Island (Hon Mong Tay) Phu Quoc

1.1. Location and outstanding features of Fingernail Island (Hon Mong Tay)

Hon Mong Tay Island is famous for its poetic and pristine natural beauty. (Source: Collected)

Located in the south of Phu Quoc island, about 15 km from An Thoi port, Hon Mong Tay belongs to the An Thoi archipelago – which is nicknamed the "sea and island paradise" of Phu Quoc. This small island attracts tourists with its rare pristine beauty: emerald green sea, fine white sand, and leaning coconut trees create a poetic and peaceful scene.

The ecosystem around the island is extremely diverse with many colorful coral reefs and abundant marine life, very suitable for diving to see coral or underwater photography. Hon Mong Tay Phu Quoc still retains its complete wild beauty like a "Robinson Crusoe island" in the vast ocean.

1.2. Origin of the name Hon Mong Tay

The name Hon Mong Tay Phu Quoc originates from the fact that many fingernail trees (also called Hai Son Tung) used to grow on the island. This is a coastal plant with oval, pointed leaves, white flowers, often growing in dense clusters, helping to block wind, prevent erosion, and protect the coastline.

According to local people, the rows of fingernail trees covered a part of the island in green, serving as a habitat for seabirds and a characteristic highlight of the landscape here. Gradually, the name Hon Mong Tay was born and has been passed down to this day as a natural imprint associated with the island's history.

2. How to get to Hon Mong Tay Phu Quoc

2.1. From Duong Dong center to An Thoi port

The distance from Duong Dong center to the port is about 25 km, taking about 30–40 minutes to travel. The road is quite easy, with clear signs and the scenery on both sides is very beautiful, especially when you pass through coastal roads. Tourists can choose to travel by various means such as: renting a motorbike, taxi, or hiring a package car transfer.

An Thoi Port is always bustling with boats passing by. (Source: Collected)

2.1.1 Moving by motorbike

This is a popular and economical choice, suitable for those who enjoy sightseeing and stopping for photos along the way. Motorbike rental prices range from 120,000–150,000 VND/day, and most providers offer delivery to your location (airport, pier, or hotel). Some reputable rental addresses you can refer to:

Anh Tinh Store: 0909 895 969

Anh Muoi Store: 0989 024 979

2.1.2. Moving by car or taxi

If traveling in a group or wanting convenient, independent travel, you can choose a taxi or private car rental. Taxi prices in Phu Quoc are around 14,000 VND/km, the total cost for the journey from Duong Dong to An Thoi port ranges from 250,000–300,000 VND/trip.

2.2. From An Thoi Port to Mong Tay Island

From An Thoi port, you can choose traditional wooden boats or high-speed canoes to reach the island. Both options offer an interesting experience as you can admire the turquoise sea and small islands dotted in the ocean throughout the journey.

Visitors can travel to Hon Mong Tay by speedboat. (Source: Collected)

2.2.1. Moving by wooden boat

Travel time: About 60 minutes.

Reference ticket price: From 250,000 to 300,000 VND/person

Capacity: Up to 80–100 guests.

Suitable for large groups or those who want to enjoy a leisurely journey, sightseeing at sea.

2.2.2. Moving by speedboat

Travel time: 20–25 minutes.

Reference ticket price: Depending on the number of guests and boat type, an average of 400,000–600,000 VND/person, the more people, the cheaper the price.

Capacity: About 15 to 20 guests/boat.

Most current speedboat tours combine visits to the 3 most famous islands in South Phu Quoc: Hon Mong Tay, Hon May Rut, Hon Gam Ghi, helping visitors fully experience the pristine beauty of the South island in just one day.

3. Outstanding experiences at Hon Mong Tay Phu Quoc

3.1. Swimming and strolling on the white sandy beach

Upon arriving at Hon Mong Tay Phu Quoc, you will be immediately captivated by the clear blue sea and rare fresh air. Unlike the bustling beaches in the center, this place still retains its peacefulness, suitable for you to relax and immerse yourself in nature.

Visitors can relax and sunbathe on the fine white sand beach. (Source: Collected)

The seawater at Hon Mong Tay is crystal clear, allowing you to clearly see the coral reefs and schools of small fish swimming below. On the shore, fine white sand stretches out, interspersed with rows of green coconut trees leaning over, casting shadows, creating a poetic scene. Just immerse yourself in the cool water or stroll on the sand, and you will fully feel the relaxation that nature here brings.

3.2. Coral Reef Diving

If you love exploring the ocean, coral reef diving is definitely an activity not to be missed. The waters around Hon Mong Tay Phu Quoc are famous for diverse, colorful coral reefs and ideal depths of only 3–5m, suitable for beginners.

When diving, you will admire the vibrant "underwater garden" with clusters of red, orange, yellow, and purple coral, interspersed with schools of fish swimming playfully. Visitors should wear life jackets, follow the instructions of the support staff to ensure safety, and avoid touching the coral to preserve the marine ecosystem.

3.3. Camping and Beachside BBQ Parties

Overnight camping on the island is a very interesting experience. (Source: Collected)

You can set up tents with your friends, build a campfire, grill seafood while listening to the gentle sound of the waves. You don't need fancy dishes, just a few fresh seafood items grilled over charcoal and chatting with friends under the firelight and starry sky, you will have a memorable evening at sea.

3.4. Watch the romantic sunset

One of the most anticipated moments when visiting Hon Mong Tay Phu Quoc is watching the sunset over the sea. As the sun gradually sets, the sky transforms through vibrant colors such as: orange-yellow, pink-purple, then deep red, reflecting on the clear, mirror-like water.

4. Travel experience for Hon Mong Tay Phu Quoc

4.1. Prepare carefully before going on an island tour

Before starting your journey to explore Hon Mong Tay, you should prepare thoroughly to make the trip complete and most comfortable. Book your tour tickets early if traveling during peak season, check the weather forecast to avoid stormy days, and bring necessary items such as seasickness medication, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat.

4.2. Safety notes when swimming and traveling by canoe

During your activities, you should also pay attention to a few points to ensure safety. When swimming or traveling by canoe, follow the instructions of the boat captain and do not swim too far from the shore.

In addition, always maintain environmental awareness, do not litter or touch or break coral. Small actions by tourists will contribute to preserving the pristine beauty of this island.

Every small action of tourists will contribute to keeping Hon Mong Tay clean and beautiful. (Source: Collected)

Combining Hon Mong Tay Phu Quoc tourism with famous tourist destinations on Pearl Island

5.1. Sun World Hon Thom

From the cable car, visitors can admire the majestic southern island sea and sky. (Source: Collection)

The first destination loved by many tourists is Sun World Hon Thom, located on the beautiful Hon Thom island. Visitors begin their journey to explore Sun World Hon Thom by a 3-wire cable car line, 7,899.9 m long, recognized by Guinness World Records as the longest cable car in the world. When sitting on the cable car, you will admire the panoramic view of the clear blue sea and sky, with small islands dotted amidst the ocean.

Tourists check-in at Aquatopia water park. (Source: Collected)

Arriving at Hon Thom Island, tourists can freely enjoy Aquatopia water park or explore Exotica Village – a theme park imbued with an adventurous spirit.

After enjoying, tourists should not forget to savor an attractive buffet lunch at Mango restaurant with its rich menu and impressive sea view.

5.2. Sunset Town 

Sunset Town is a romantic sunset viewing spot on Jade Island. (Source: Collected)

You can visit Sunset Town in the southwestern area of the island. Rows of colorful houses and winding stone-paved streets make this place a romantic sunset viewing spot on Jade Island.

Especially, visitors should not miss the sunset moment at Kiss Bridge – the iconic bridge of Phu Quoc, where the sunset light blends with the sea, creating a beautiful scene.

In the evening, you can stop by Sun Bavaria GastroPub craft beer restaurant to enjoy cuisine and sip a cold beer in a luxurious space.

5.3. Phu Quoc Prison

If you love history, Phu Quoc Prison is a destination that visitors cannot miss. Phu Quoc Prison is also known by another name, Coconut Tree Prison. This is a national-level historical relic, preserving memories of the resilient and indomitable spirit of the nation during the period of struggle for peace.

This meaningful attraction helps visitors gain more historical knowledge and at the same time express gratitude and thankfulness to the generation of ancestors who bravely sacrificed.

5.4. Duong Dong Night Market

Duong Dong Night Market is a convergence of characteristic cuisine and culture of the people of Jade Island. Rows of fragrant grilled seafood stalls, cotton candy, Thai rolled ice cream, cool palm sugar water, along with vibrant lantern lights, create a bustling and cheerful atmosphere. This is also an ideal place for you to buy souvenirs, pearls, fish sauce, or Phu Quoc pepper to bring back as gifts for relatives.

Fingernail Island Phu Quoc is the perfect choice for your journey to explore the South Island – a place of pure nature, beautiful beaches, and unique travel experiences. Whether you are traveling with friends or family, Fingernail Island Phu Quoc will surely bring the most relaxing, peaceful, and memorable moments on Jade Island.