A new destination with untouched natural beauty

Besides its breathtaking natural landscapes, Phu Quoc Island’s array of top-tier entertainment options, all-inclusive leisure experiences, and continuously expanding hospitality services have contributed to its ranking as the second most attractive island in the world, as voted by Travel+Leisure.

Recently, Phu Quoc Island was unexpectedly honored by Travel+Leisure, securing the second spot in the top 25 best islands in the world in 2024. This recognition places Phu Quoc ahead of other popular destinations like Bali, Indonesia, and Phuket, Thailand, with only the Maldives ranking higher.

The magazine highlights Phu Quoc, located off the west coast of Vietnam, as an emerging travel destination. The island’s biggest strength lies in its ability to maintain its pristine and peaceful charm, even as many beaches in Southeast Asia are rapidly developing. However, this does not mean that Phu Quoc lacks luxurious resorts with top-tier amenities and private pools.

As described by Travel+Leisure and other international media, Phu Quoc is known as the "precious gem" of Vietnam, boasting stunning natural beauty that remains unparalleled. As the largest island in Vietnam, Phu Quoc is home to 22 different islands with a total area of 573 km². 

The island is famous for its pristine white sandy beaches, surrounded by crystal-clear turquoise waters. Kem Beach, Sao Beach, Truong Beach, and Ong Lang Beach are just a few of the famous beaches that exude untouched beauty, tranquility, and serenity. Additionally, Phu Quoc National Park and Phu Quoc Marine Reserve, covering over two-thirds of the island’s natural area, are part of the Kien Giang Biosphere Reserve.

The southern part of the island, particularly the cluster of 12 different islands in the An Thoi archipelago, is especially enticing for tourists. These beaches are exceptionally pristine, with smooth, white sandy shores resembling cream. The area is also known for its abundant marine resources, featuring colorful and diverse coral reefs scattered across the islands. This makes it an ideal destination for diving enthusiasts and those who wish to admire the beauty of the ocean.

Phu Quoc’s consistent ranking among the top natural destinations has made it the envy of many other locations. Concurrent with Travel+Leisure's announcement, Rankify Korea’s data network revealed that Phu Quoc is the top choice for Korean travelers, surpassing even Nha Trang (Vietnam) and Tokyo (Japan). Previously honored by the World Travel Awards, Phu Quoc has also been recognized as the top natural beach and island destination in the world.

Beyond natural beauty: The allure of luxury and entertainment

In an interview about increasing flights to Phu Quoc, Mr. Kim Kye Yong, the Executive Director of Korean Air in Vietnam, explained the island’s allure: "Beyond its pristine nature, Phu Quoc becomes attractive with its numerous luxury hotels, the world’s longest sea-crossing three-wire cable car, captivating theme parks, and stunning European-style architectural structures. Korean tourists love to take photos to share on social media, and that’s why they adore this place so much. In other words, Phu Quoc is a destination where you can both relax and enjoy diverse experiences at the same time.”

In recent years, Phu Quoc has transformed into a true "resort paradise," attracting world-renowned luxury resort brands. The island's rise to global fame began with the 5-star JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay, developed by Sun Group and managed by Marriott International. This resort has successfully drawn high-profile clientele from around the world, including Indian billionaire Kaabia Grewal, who chose this venue for her lavish 7-day wedding celebration.

Following Marriott International's success, the southern part of the island has attracted other luxury brands such as Accor, Rosewood Hotels, and Hilton, which have launched their own "superb" resorts in Kem Beach, Ong Doi Cape, and Sunset Town.

Positioned to become the "new destination of the world," Phu Quoc has been continuously invested in to offer a series of "superb" experiences, making it increasingly attractive and diverse in the eyes of tourists. Sunset Town, an entertainment complex with the largest total investment in Vietnam - up to 4 trillion VND - offers visitors fun experiences day and night, 365 days a year. 

Highlights include the Kiss Bridge, an iconic structure praised by CNN; Kiss of the Sea, a world-class multimedia show; VUI-Fest Bazaar, Vietnam’s first seaside night market; and À Ơi, a Vietnamese puppet theater. From here, visitors can easily connect to Hon Thom Island via the world’s longest three-wire sea cable car, leading to Sun World Hon Thom - the "land of a million joys."

Phu Quoc is currently the only island in Vietnam offering visa-free entry for visitors with a stay of up to 30 days. Experts forecast that Phu Quoc could welcome up to 14.6 million visitors in 2024, directly competing with major Asian tourist centers like Phuket and Bali. The continuous achievement of international titles and awards, particularly Phu Quoc’s surpassing of two world-renowned paradise islands on Travel+Leisure's prestigious list, affirms the island’s growing appeal and position among international tourists. It also signals a vibrant future for Vietnam’s marine tourism industry.

PV