Decoding the “bring a leopard home from Hon Thom” trend taking Gen Z by storm

👉 BOOK YOUR HON THOM CABLE CAR TICKETS NOW!

“The Hon Thom Leopard” – The powerful plush toy taking social media by storm

It all started with viral TikTok clips racking up millions of views, showing young people and even travelers at the airport proudly carrying enormous leopard-print teddy bears. The videos quickly sparked a wave of curiosity, sending people on a hunt to discover where they could get their hands on one of these giant “leopards.”

The spotted leopard plush toy, with its big, bewildered eyes, has captured the hearts of young people.

In fact, the “leopard” taking social media by storm is the grand prize at prize-winning game booths in the amusement park within the resort complex. With its big, innocent-looking eyes, long, soft body, and eye-catching spotted fur, this plush leopard has quickly won over everyone who lays eyes on it.

To get your hands on one of these limited-edition “leopards,” you can’t simply buy it with cash at a regular souvenir shop. Instead, you’ll need to take on fun physical challenges at the game booths, such as shooting hoops, tossing rings, or knocking down cans. Only by achieving a perfect score or successfully hitting all the designated targets can you officially become the proud owner of a “leopard.” The thrill of the challenge, the suspense, and a touch of luck have turned the hunt for these plush toys into an addictive experience.

A clever trend fueled by Gen Z slang

Beyond the plush toy’s adorable appearance, the trend’s explosive popularity also stems from a clever play on words embraced by young people. In Vietnamese internet slang, “báo” or “báo đời” refers to someone who is mischievous, disruptive, or prone to getting into comically troublesome situations. Phrases such as “Travel is secondary; hunting leopards is the main mission” and “Head to Hon Thom and bring a leopard home” have quickly become catchphrases among travel enthusiasts.

To take their beloved “leopard” home, visitors must overcome a series of thrilling challenges.

But the fun doesn’t stop there. Content creators have come up with a one-of-a-kind “Four Great Leopard Schools” combo to describe the must-try experiences on Hon Thom Island:

• Spotted leopard: The iconic plush toy everyone wants to take home to prove their gaming skills.

• Alarm leopard: The excitement that gets you out of bed at dawn, ready to dress up and catch the first cable car to the island.

• Balance leopard: Your bank balance keeps going “cha-ching” as you indulge in the many tempting dining options and spectacular beach experiences.

• Photo leopard: Your phone keeps warning that its storage is full because every corner, from An Thoi Station to Hon Thom Beach, looks straight out of a European postcard—making it impossible to stop taking photos.

Visitors can spot “leopards” almost everywhere on Hon Thom Island.

Beyond the “leopards”: Hon Thom is a paradise of extraordinary experiences

The leopard-hunting craze has inadvertently inspired thousands of young travelers to discover everything the “Paradise Island” of Sun World Hon Thom has to offer. To reach this haven of spotted plush toys, visitors can take the Hon Thom Cable Car, the world’s longest three-rope cable car system spanning the sea. From the cabin, you can admire panoramic views of southern Phu Quoc, where crystal-clear waters meet a scattering of small islands that shimmer like precious gems.

The leopard hunt begins with a ride on the Hon Thom Cable Car, the world’s longest three-rope cable car system spanning the sea.

As soon as you arrive on the island, your “leopard hunt” seamlessly blends with an endless lineup of entertainment and leisure activities. Take on the exhilarating twists and turns of the slides at Aquatopia Water Park, test your courage on “Moc Xa Thinh No,” the wooden roller coaster at Exotica Village, or simply unwind on the pristine shores of Bai Trao Beach.

After hours of tossing balls and sweating it out to win your plush leopard, reward yourself with a lavish seafood feast or refreshing cocktails by the sea—the perfect way to round off a memorable day on the island.

Posing with a giant spotted leopard plush toy in hand is the ultimate proof that you’ve conquered Sun World Hon Thom.

👉 BOOK YOUR HON THOM CABLE CAR TICKETS NOW!

The “Bring a Leopard Home from Hon Thom” trend is about much more than getting a souvenir. It’s a fun way for young travelers to create hilarious memories, share hearty laughs, and enjoy unforgettable bonding moments with friends. Are you ready to plan your trip to Phu Quoc and hunt for your very own “leopard”?