A Ride for Every Travel Style: Exploring Hon Thom This National Day Holiday

This year’s National Day holiday promises an even more exciting journey through Hon Thom, with a host of new experiences. Among the highlights is Wavy Whirl(Loc Xoay Nhiet Doi), a next-generation water slide making its world debut, alongside a series of land-based rides with playful names such as Crab Claw Dance (Vu Dieu Cua Cang) and Rebel Quail Eggs (Trung Cut Noi Loan).

With two entertainment zones — Aquatopia Water Park and Exotica Village — Hon Thom offers plenty of options for thrill-seekers, multigenerational families and those who simply want to admire the scenery or relax by the sea. The secret to making the most of a full day here is simple: identify your “style” and choose the right rides.

Thrill-seeker style: The greater the challenge, the bigger the rush

At the top of the list for adrenaline junkies is Wavy Whirl, the latest addition to Aquatopia Water Park. The next-generation water slide delivers the sensation of conquering a giant waterfall in the heart of a tropical forest.

Aboard a freely spinning raft, groups plunge through surging currents and rapidly changing bends. No one knows which way the raft will spin or where the next torrent will carry the team. That unpredictability turns every ride into a new adventure, making it particularly appealing to groups of friends eager to scream at the top of their lungs and laugh together.

Alongside this brand-new slide, rides whose names alone suggest adventure - Sea Dragon Expedition (Giao Long Tuan Duong), Python Battle (Cuoc Chien Mang Xa) and Flying Dragon Riding the Waves (Phi Long Cuoi Song) - continue to satisfy thrill-seekers with powerful currents and high-speed twists and turns across the water.

After leaving the “water racetrack,” visitors can continue testing their courage at Exotica Village. Eagle’s Nest (To Dai Bang) lifts riders high into the air, leaving them suspended above the ground before suddenly dropping from a height of 11 metres. The momentary feeling of weightlessness is enough to make even the bravest riders’ hearts skip a beat.

For those still craving more, Dragon Spin (Vong Quay Than Long) sends riders through 360-degree rotations in mid-air, creating the sensation of soaring on a dragon’s wings. Tempest Voyage (Hai Trinh Cuong Phong), meanwhile, recreates a stormy sea journey aboard a giant vessel that rocks and sways continuously.

The most formidable challenge at Exotica Village is Wooden Serpent's Wrath (Moc Xa Thinh No), Vietnam’s first and only wooden roller coaster. Over more than two minutes, the train carries riders along a nearly 900-metre track packed with sweeping turns, steep drops and relentless twists, taking the excitement higher with every movement.

To conserve enough energy to “conquer” all the rides, visitors should avoid eating too much beforehand, wear light and comfortable clothing, and begin with moderately intense challenges before gradually working their way up.

For multigenerational families, Sky Wing (Phi Dieu) is an easy choice that can delight both adults and children. Riders become “pilots” seated on the backs of colourful giant birds, slowly ascending to enjoy panoramic views of Exotica Village.

Young visitors can also explore rides with amusing names such as Rebel Quail Eggs and Crab Claw Dance. Some may initially appear rather challenging, but they operate at a relatively gentle pace, making them suitable for children, parents and those unaccustomed to thrill rides.

At Aquatopia Water Park, the entire family can have fun on shorter slides, float leisurely on inflatable tubes along a river winding beneath cool green canopies, or splash through waves in the wave pool. These experiences provide a welcome opportunity to relax between more adventurous slides while allowing family members to enjoy time together rather than splitting into separate groups.

Anna, a visitor from Switzerland, said this was her family’s fifth trip to Vietnam but their first visit to Phu Quoc. “My family really loves the slides. We tried them and were truly impressed,” she shared.

For families with young children, the most important rule is to select rides appropriate for each child’s height, age and physical ability. Parents should carefully read the instructions displayed in each area, prepare suitable life jackets and keep a close eye on their children throughout their visit.

Explorer style: See Hon Thom through the “eyes of an eagle”

For explorers, there is no need for dramatic spins or steep drops to experience a sense of conquest. At Eagle’s Eye (Mat Dai Bang), a distinctive observation tower in Exotica Village, visitors can take in Hon Thom from a height of 120 metres. The island gradually unfolds below, revealing lush tropical forests, sparkling waters and the expansive landscape of southern Phu Quoc stretching towards the horizon.

Eagle’s Eye is ideal for those who enjoy sightseeing and photography or simply want a few moments of relaxation amid an action-packed itinerary. Visitors should choose a clear day and make sure their phones are fully charged to capture impressive panoramic images.

In fact, the sightseeing journey begins even before visitors set foot on the island. The Hon Thom Cable Car, the world’s longest three-rope cable car, carries passengers above the sea and sky, offering sweeping views of the An Thoi archipelago, its islands of various sizes, fishing villages and boats bobbing on the crystal-clear water.

Relaxation style: Cool down by the sea after a fun-filled day

After hours of conquering water slides and land-based rides, Santo Beach Club at Bai Trao offers the perfect place to shift from high-energy fun into relaxation.

Here, visitors can enjoy a meal, sip creative mocktails, unwind in two sea-facing infinity pools or capture photographs amid a setting often described as a “tropical Santorini.” The blue sea, striking white architectural structures and free-spirited atmosphere create a welcome pause before bringing the island adventure to a close.

Whether visitors crave speed, want to have fun with their families, love admiring the scenery or simply seek a relaxing spot by the sea, Hon Thom has something to suit every preference. By choosing the right rides for their “style,” a day on this “miniature Phu Quoc” can become the most memorable highlight of this year’s National Day holiday.