Located off the southern coast of Phu Quoc, May Rut Island is accessible only by boat and is a primary stop on most island-hopping tours. 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 guide details the practicalities of visiting, from tour options to on-site activities.
What is May Rut Island? The Robinson Crusoe dream
May Rut Island (or Hòn Mây Rút in Vietnamese) isn’t just one island; it’s actually a small cluster, with the two main ones being May Rut Trong (Inner May Rut) and May Rut Ngoai (Outer May Rut). They are part of the An Thoi Archipelago, a group of about 15 small, beautiful islands just off the southern coast of Phu Quoc.
What makes May Rut so special? It’s the feeling of pure, unspoiled nature. The water here is incredibly clear, calm, and has a brilliant turquoise hue. The sand is soft and white. The entire island is fringed with leaning coconut trees, creating a scene of perfect tropical bliss. It has a much more rustic and “castaway” feel than the more developed beaches on the main island.
READ MORE: How to get to Phu Quoc from Hanoi?
How to get to May Rut Island – Your journey to paradise
This is the most important part! You cannot drive to May rut Island, you must travel by boat. This is part of the adventure! All boat trips start from An Thoi Port in the south of Phu Quoc. You have two main options:
Option 1: Join an island-Hopping tour
This is what 95% of visitors do, and it’s what I recommend for most travelers, especially first-timers.
- What it is: You join a group on a larger boat for a full-day tour. These tours are fantastic value for money and typically visit 3 or 4 islands in one day. The classic itinerary is:
- Mong Tay Island (Fingernail Island): For beautiful photos and a quick swim.
- Gam Ghi Island: This is considered the best spot for snorkeling! The boat will stop here so you can jump in and see the coral reefs and colourful fish.
- May Rut Island: This is usually the last stop and the highlight of the day. You will spend the most time here, enjoying lunch, swimming, and relaxing.
- 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 of friends. It’s an easy, affordable, and fun way to see the best of the southern islands without any stress.
Option 2: Hire a private speed boat 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 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 than a group tour. You will also need to arrange your own lunch.
- Who it’s for: Ideal for families with young children who need flexibility, 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. What now? Here are the best things to do:
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.
READ MORE: When is the best time to visit Phu Quoc?
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.
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 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
READ MORE: Best Indian restaurants in Phu Quoc
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 (November to April), book your tour at least a day or two ahead to secure your spot. You can book through your hotel, a local travel agent in Duong Dong, 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.
The best time to go
The dry season (November to April) is the absolute best time. The skies are clear, the sun is shining, and the sea is incredibly calm and clear, which is perfect for boating and snorkeling.
Safety first
The tour boats are safe and will provide life jackets for everyone. Please wear them while the boat is moving. The water at the islands is generally very calm and safe for swimming.
May Rut Trong and May Rut Ngoai
The island where all the tours stop for lunch, with the swings and restaurants, is May Rut Trong (Inner). May Rut Ngoai (Outer) is even more pristine and deserted. If you hire a private boat, you can ask to visit both!
Is May Rut Island worth it?
Our answer is a thousand times YES! It is one of the most beautiful and rewarding day trips you can take in all of Vietnam. It is the perfect escape from the busy world and a chance to experience the pure, untouched beauty that makes Phu Quoc so famous. For the price of a tour, you get a full day of adventure, relaxation, delicious food, and photos that will make all your friends and family back home incredibly jealous! It’s a core memory of Vietnam that you will treasure forever.