Located approximately 10-12 km off the southern coast of Phu Quoc and part of the stunning An Thoi Archipelago, May Rut Island is a tropical paradise accessible only by a 25-40 minute boat ride from An Thoi Port. It is celebrated for its calm, shallow waters, making it ideal for swimming, and its numerous photogenic spots, including famous sea swings and beachside hammocks. This expert guide details the practicalities of visiting, from tour options and costs to on-site activities, ensuring you have an unforgettable trip.
May Rut Trong vs. May Rut Ngoai: Which Island is for You?
May Rut Island (or Hòn Mây Rút in Vietnamese) isn’t just one island; it’s a small cluster. The two main destinations are May Rut Trong (Inner May Rut) and May Rut Ngoai (Outer May Rut), each offering a distinct experience. Understanding their differences is key to planning your perfect day.
What makes May Rut Island so special is the feeling of pure, unspoiled nature. The water here is incredibly clear, with visibility averaging 15-20 meters in the dry season, and has a brilliant turquoise hue. The sand is soft and white, fringed with leaning coconut trees. It offers a much more rustic and “castaway” feel than the more developed beaches on the main Phu Quoc island.
| Feature | May Rut Trong (Inner May Rut) | May Rut Ngoai (Outer May Rut) |
|---|---|---|
| Vibe & Atmosphere | Lively and convenient. This is the main stop for most tours, so it’s more social. | Pristine, deserted, and tranquil. The true “Robinson Crusoe” experience. |
| Facilities | Well-equipped with restaurants, bars, sun loungers, hammocks, swings, and restrooms. | Very few to no facilities. It’s all about raw, untouched nature. |
| Best For | Families, groups, and those who want lunch, drinks, and photo opportunities included. | Couples, photographers, and those seeking absolute peace and quiet. Best visited via private boat. |
| Snorkeling Quality | Good for casual swimming and splashing. Snorkeling is decent but better at nearby islands. | Generally better and more untouched coral reefs due to fewer visitors. |
How to Get to May Rut Island – Your Journey to Paradise
You can only reach May Rut Island by boat, a journey of 25–40 minutes from An Thoi Port in southern Phu Quoc. Most travelers first fly from Hanoi to Phu Quoc or from Ho Chi Minh to Phu Quoc, then continue their trip south to An Thoi harbor. From here, boats run daily to the islands. Group tours typically cost $20–$30 USD per person, while private speedboats cost between $150–$200 USD for the day. This is part of the adventure! You have two main options:
Option 1: Join an Island-Hopping Tour
This is what 95% of visitors do, and it’s highly recommended for most travelers, especially first-timers, for its value and convenience.
- What it is: You join a group on a larger boat for a full-day tour. These tours are fantastic value and typically visit 3 or 4 islands. The classic itinerary connects:
- Mong Tay Island (Fingernail Island): For beautiful photos and a quick swim.
- Gam Ghi Island: Widely considered the best spot for snorkeling in the archipelago. The boat stops here to explore coral reefs and colourful fish.
- May Rut Island: This is usually the last and longest stop, serving as the highlight for lunch, swimming, and relaxation at May Rut Trong. Along the way, some tours may also take you to Rach Vem village or other spots where to see starfish in Phu Quoc, a unique experience many visitors love.
- What’s included: The tour price almost always includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, a delicious lunch on the island, snorkeling gear (mask and snorkel), and life jackets.
- Who it’s for: Perfect for couples, solo travelers, and small groups. It’s an easy, affordable, and fun way to see the best of the southern islands without any stress.
Option 2: Hire a Private Speedboat or Canoe
If you are traveling with a larger family, a group of friends, or simply want complete privacy and a customized experience, this is an excellent option.
- What it is: You hire a boat and a driver for the day. You can decide exactly which islands you want to visit (including May Rut Ngoai) and how long you want to stay at each one.
- Benefits: You have total freedom. You can leave earlier to avoid the crowds, stay longer at your favorite spot, and have the boat all to yourself.
- Downsides: It is significantly more expensive. You will also need to arrange your own lunch.
- Who it’s for: Ideal for families with young children, honeymooners seeking a private romantic day, or larger groups who can split the cost.
What to Do on May Rut Island?
So, you’ve arrived in paradise. Here are the best things to do on May Rut Island, primarily centered around May Rut Trong.
Swimming in Crystal-Clear Water
This is the number one activity! The water at May Rut Trong is shallow, calm, and warm, making it absolutely perfect and safe for families with children. You can walk out quite a distance, and the water will still only be up to your waist.
Take Incredible Photos
This island was made for Instagram! You will find those famous photo spots everywhere:
- The Sea Swings: A wooden swing set right in the shallow water.
- The Hammocks: Colourful hammocks strung between coconut trees right over the sand.
- The Long Wooden Pier: Perfect for walking out over the water and taking panoramic shots.
For sunset lovers, you can also plan to combine your island trip with a visit to the Kiss Bridge Phu Quoc, the island’s most iconic viewpoint.
Snorkeling at May Rut Island
While Gam Ghi Island is the star for snorkeling on most tours, the waters around both May Rut Trong and May Rut Ngoai also host diverse marine life. You can spot parrotfish, butterflyfish, and various hard coral formations. If you hire a private boat, ask your captain to take you to the quieter snorkeling spots around May Rut Ngoai for a more pristine experience.
Relax and Do Nothing
This is a place to switch off. Grab a fresh coconut, find a free hammock or a sun lounger in the shade of a palm tree, and just listen to the gentle sound of the waves.
Enjoy a Delicious Lunch
If you are on a Phu Quoc group tour, lunch is an experience in itself. You’ll be served a wonderful meal, often including:
- Grilled fresh fish
- Steamed shrimps or squid
- A hotpot soup (Lẩu)
- Stir-fried vegetables and rice
- Fresh fruit like watermelon or pineapple
Best Time to Visit May Rut Island
The dry season, running from November to April, is the absolute best time to visit May Rut Island. During these months, you can expect clear blue skies, brilliant sunshine, and an average temperature of 25–30°C.
Most importantly, the sea is incredibly calm and clear, which is perfect for boating, swimming, and snorkeling with maximum visibility. For a broader view of weather patterns across the island, plan your trip around Nov–Apr for calm seas and peak snorkeling.
Essential Tips for a Perfect Day on May Rut Island
We want to make sure your day is flawless. Please keep these tips in mind:
Book Your Tour in Advance
Especially during the peak season to visit May Rut Island, book your tour at least a day or two ahead to secure your spot. You can book through your hotel, a local travel agent, or online.
Note for Indian Vegetarian Travellers
When you book your tour, you MUST inform the tour operator that you are vegetarian. Do this at the time of booking! They are very happy to arrange a special vegetarian meal for you, which usually includes delicious fried tofu with tomato sauce, stir-fried vegetables, and rice. If you don’t tell them in advance, you may be left with only plain rice and fruit.
Pack Your Day Bag Smartly
- Sunscreen (High SPF): The sun is very strong on the water.
- Hat and sunglasses: Essential protection.
- Swimwear and a towel: You’ll be in and out of the water all day.
- Waterproof bag: To protect your phone, camera, and money.
- Cash: For buying extra drinks like coconuts or beer on the island.
Safety First
The tour boats are safe, with standard capacity limits, and will provide life jackets for everyone. It is mandatory to wear them while the boat is moving. The water at the islands is generally very calm and safe for swimming, but always be mindful of your surroundings.
Is May Rut Island Worth It?
Our answer is a thousand times YES! Among the 15 islands of the An Thoi Archipelago, May Rut Island consistently ranks in the top 3 for day tours due to its unbeatable combination of beauty and amenities. While Gam Ghi Island is prized for its dense coral, and Fingernail Island for its secluded feel, May Rut Island offers the best all-around experience with its stunning beaches, excellent facilities, and family-friendly swimming conditions. It is the perfect escape from the busy world and a chance to experience the pure, untouched beauty that makes Phu Quoc so famous. It’s a core memory of Vietnam that you will treasure forever.
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