No longer a “rough diamond,” Phu Quoc has evolved into one of the region’s most prestigious vacation hubs. The emergence of sophisticated service ecosystems has transformed the Pearl Island into a compelling destination capable of competing with global tourism paradises.

A seamless blend of vacationing and rental yields

Reflecting on the island’s remarkable rise, Nguyen Van Dinh, Vice President of the Vietnam Association of Realtors, said Phu Quoc’s transformation from a quiet fishing outpost has been driven by long-term vision and strategic investment.

“Phu Quoc’s transformation from a quiet fishing outpost is the result of visionary developers like Sun Group. By building a comprehensive ecosystem with luxury resorts, world-class entertainment and modern infrastructure, they have positioned the island as a top-tier destination for high-net-worth individuals and international travelers,” he noted.

This dramatic evolution, particularly in the southern part of the island, convinced Hoang Trung Dung, a seasoned domestic investor, to shift his focus to Phu Quoc. For Dung, the attraction lies in the rare combination of pristine natural landscapes and a sustainable business model supported by a fully integrated tourism ecosystem.

“Compared with other markets, Phu Quoc has a clear climate advantage. With sunshine throughout the year, business operations are not disrupted by seasonal fluctuations. More importantly, the ecosystem developed by Sun Group ensures a stable and organic flow of visitors,” Dung said.

His investment decision has delivered impressive results. Between November 2025 and March 2026, Dung’s apartments in Sunset Town were consistently fully booked. Even during what is typically considered the low season, occupancy remained above 80 percent - a level that many hospitality investors consider a benchmark for high-performing rental properties.

For Vo Thi Kieu Thu, the original motivation was far more personal. She and her relatives invested in units at Sun Grand City Hillside Residence primarily as a family retreat.

“Health is the ultimate ‘profit.’ Being able to exercise in postcard-perfect surroundings and breathe fresh ocean air is a privilege that is difficult to find in crowded cities,” she said.

Even without a strong focus on commercial operations, her ocean-view apartments quickly attracted international interest. Whenever the family is not staying there, the units are easily rented out to travelers.

Rental prices for her studio and one-bedroom apartments currently range from VND1.2 million to VND1.5 million per night (approximately US$49 - US$61). During peak seasons, rates can increase by an additional 20-35 percent, often surpassing the pricing of nearby mini-hotels.

Encouraged by these results, Thu said she plans to continue expanding her real estate portfolio in Southern Phu Quoc.

The experience of investors such as Dung and Thu reflects a broader upward trajectory in the island’s resort property market. Pham Thi Thu Hien, Project Director at NewstarLand, believes Phu Quoc is entering a particularly promising phase.

“Since late 2024, as tourism has recovered and the hospitality sector regained momentum, the market has shown clear positive signals. The increasingly integrated tourism and entertainment ecosystem is successfully extending visitor stays,” she said.

“With continued infrastructure investment and major international milestones such as the APEC 2027 Summit approaching, this is truly a golden window for investors to take the lead in the next growth cycle.”

Infrastructure as a catalyst for global reach

Ahead of APEC 2027, the urban landscape of Southern Phu Quoc is undergoing a significant transformation driven by a series of major infrastructure projects. At the center of this transformation is the APEC Convention Center complex, which will feature the world’s largest meeting hall.

Supporting developments include the 10-lane expansion of Highway 975, the introduction of a Light Rail Transit (LRT) system and an airport upgrade designed to handle up to 20 million passengers annually.

Adding further momentum is Sun PhuQuoc Airways, which has significantly strengthened the island’s connectivity. During the recent Lunar New Year holiday, Phu Quoc recorded a remarkable 767 flights within a single week - a 46 percent increase compared with the previous year. International flights accounted for more than half of the total, with 396 arrivals.

The surge in visitor numbers is driving a sharp increase in demand for accommodation in fully integrated tourism hubs such as Sunset Town.

According to Nguyen Cong Tuan, a local apartment management representative, occupancy rates in the area typically range from 85 percent to 100 percent. He also noted a shift in traveler behavior, with visitors increasingly opting for extended stays of a week or longer instead of short trips.

Properties in prime locations are among the biggest beneficiaries of this trend. The Sunset apartment complex, for instance, offers sweeping 360-degree views overlooking the iconic Kiss Bridge as well as nightly world-class multimedia performances, creating what many visitors describe as a “million-dollar view.”

Beyond its striking setting, the project’s strategic “center of the center” location provides direct access to key attractions including Central Village, the King of the Sun fountain and the VUI-Fest night market.

With tens of thousands of visitors flocking daily to Sunset Town and Sun World Hon Thom, the long-term prospects for hospitality and real estate investment in the area remain exceptionally strong.

PV