Sun Group starts the constructions of the world longest cable on Phu Quoc on September 4. — VNS Photo

HA NOI (Biz Hub) — Property developer Sun Group began construction on September 4 of the world's longest cable car, along with an entertainment centre, in Hon Thom on the island of Phu Quoc.

Total cost for phase one of the project is VND4.9 trillion (US$217.7 million), according to company officials.

The nearly 7,900m cable car, linking An Thoi township with Hon Thom Island, will employ European technology. Compared to the current world record held by the Fansipan cable car, the new cable car will be 1,574.49 metres longer. The cable car will be supported by 6 cable pillars, with the highest rising to 160 metres and stretching across Hon Dua and Hon Roi Islands.

The cars will travel at 8.5 m per second, and carry 3,500 passengers per hour in 70 cabins, each with room for 30 passengers.

Model of the cable car. — VNS Photo

The group said that, considering the complex topography of Hon Thom and the length of the cable, it has selected Doppelmayr, an Austrian manufacturer that is well known for their cable cars, including those in the Alps Mountains in France and Table Mountain in South Africa.

At the same time, the company will transform Hon Thom Island into a destination for marine recreation and eco-resort services and tourism in the southwest of Viet Nam.

Accordingly, Hon Thom will include a marina and seaplane service to serve tourists on the island of Phu Quoc. Plans also call for building a tourist complex with restaurants and a resort centre.

Further, the company will invest in a combination amusement park with island adventures, along with marine sports such as hiking, rock climbing, deep nature exploration, sea kayaking, and snorkeling. They will also lay down a tourist path around the island to allow tourists to visit local gardens throughout the year.

Dang Minh Truong, the group board's deputy chairman and CEO, said the company is expected to complete the cable car in April 2017 and develop Hon Thom into one of the most attractive tourist sites in the region.

Further, the project will help create jobs and increase incomes for area residents, thus contributing to the economic development of the area and the country, says Truong. — VNS