Alternatives to the Hon Thom Cable Car When Closed

With the Hon Thom cable car closed, the best substitutes are west coast sunset spots with an open horizon and a clear view of the sun setting into the sea. Long Beach is the easiest choice, Bai Dai has the widest open view, and the rocks at Dinh Cau work for a quick stop. Arrive 30 minutes early, as the golden hour starts 30 to 45 minutes before sunset.

Which viewpoints give island views when the cable car is closed?

The cable car is not the only way to see the islands. The An Thoi archipelago in the south offers dramatic views, especially from a boat or from the smaller beaches. Sunset boat tours are described as the best overall sunset experience, because the horizon stays open and the light spreads across the water.

Ong Doi Cape is one of the few places on the island where you can watch both sunrise and sunset, so it is a strong pick if you want two light moments in one visit. The soft light is strongest from about 5:15 to 6:30 pm, which is the best window for photos and for simply sitting and watching the sea change colour.

Which west coast spots give the best sunset?

The west coast offers several sunset spots, each with a different feel. Long Beach is the most popular and the easiest to reach, with bars and restaurants on the sand. Bai Truong, the long beach that stretches nearly 20 km along the west coast, gives one of the widest and most accessible sunset views on the island.

Dinh Cau sits on a rocky promontory in the centre of Duong Dong, facing the sea. It is a quick stop rather than one of the main highlights, but the rocks, the temple and the small beach give you a sunset view without a long walk. Because it is usually crowded in the afternoon, arrive early to find a place on the rocks.

How do I get there without the cable car?

From Duong Dong, a taxi or a ride-hailing app is usually the simplest choice. Ride-hailing fares are fixed and shown up front, and you can pay by card. City buses to An Thoi run infrequently, so check the schedule before you rely on one. Plan your return before dark, and book a taxi ahead of time if you want a ride back after the light fades.

If you ride a scooter, the rule is different. Operators and local sources report that a scooter ride legally requires an International Driving Permit plus a national licence, category A1/A. Confirm the current rule on WhatsApp or on the beach, and do not plan around a ride you are not licensed for.

How should I plan around a closure?

Tickets for the cable car are usually tied to a specific date, and a cable car ticket normally gives access to the Hon Thom park rather than being sold on its own. Changes or cancellations may not be flexible, so check the closure before you travel.

• Confirm the cable car status on the day you plan to go.
• Check the time of the last return ride so you do not get stranded on the island.
• Ask us on WhatsApp whether the park shuttle is running, since the park runs its own shuttle service.
• Arrive about 30 minutes before sunset at your chosen spot, so you have time to find a place.
• Keep one backup spot in mind, such as Dinh Cau, in case your first choice is crowded.

Do the views compare to the cable car?

The views differ. The cable car shows the archipelago from above, while the west coast shows the sun setting over open water. Sunset boat tours are described as the best overall sunset experience, which makes them the strongest substitute if the cable car is closed and you want a wide horizon. For a family with mixed ages, the walk at Long Beach is the easiest to manage, because it has bars and restaurants on the sand and is the most popular sunset spot.

The food at Hon Thom is higher priced than elsewhere on the island and is generally average, so do not plan the trip around a meal there. If you go, bring a plan that works without it. If the closure is short, keep the sunset plan simple and close to your base, so you can switch back easily when the cable car reopens.

What to do next

If you want the cable car when it reopens, read Hon Thom Cable Car: How It Works, Cost and Timing. For wind, heights and comfort on the ride, see Hon Thom Cable Car: Wind and Fear of Heights. If the weather turns, use Rainy Day and Rough Sea Plan Near Duong Dong. Message us on WhatsApp for the current cable car status, and we will arrange the sunset plan with local partners and confirm the exact price in the chat before you pay.