Three days in Sunset Town

Three days of experiencing Sunset Town was not just a tourism survey trip, but also opened up new perspectives on the vibrancy of Phu Quoc Island and the potential for tourism connectivity between the two tourism hubs of Nha Trang and Phu Quoc.

On March 15, 2025, Sun Phu Quoc Airways officially launched a flight connecting Nha Trang and Phu Quoc. That afternoon's flight carried a famtrip delegation from Khanh Hoa province, led by Mr. Cung Quynh Anh, Deputy Director of the Khanh Hoa Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, and Mr. Nguyen Quang Thang, Standing Vice President of the Khanh Hoa Provincial Tourism Association.

Phu Quoc is not unfamiliar to me. I've spent many days here before, riding my motorbike around the island, along windy coastal roads, peaceful fishing villages, and endless stretches of white sand. Yet, this return still brings a different feeling.

Three days in a magical town, almost without sleep, made me feel like I was standing in some kind of world tourist hub, where everything was vibrant, lively, and full of energy.

Phu Quoc has changed so rapidly that anyone who visited a few years ago and returns today would surely be surprised. The airport is more spacious, the terminal is modern, and there are many shops and comfortable business lounges.

We also had the opportunity to visit the area where the Phu Quoc International Airport expansion project is underway, with a total investment of nearly 22,000 billion VND. When completed, the airport will meet the 4E standard of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), capable of accommodating wide-body aircraft such as the Boeing 747, 787, or Airbus A350.

The project covers a total area of ​​over 1,050 hectares, increasing the operating capacity to 20 million passengers per year, 4.5 times the current capacity. The T2 passenger terminal is designed with inspiration from the image of the fiery phoenix, a symbol of rebirth and aspiration, as a metaphor for the strong transformation of Phu Quoc.

Beyond developing tourism, Phu Quoc is also aiming for high-end living and resort standards. We visited Phu Quoc Sun Hospital, a six-story building with a floor area of ​​approximately 19,000 m². Once operational, the hospital will be equipped with modern medical equipment and staffed by domestic and international experts and doctors, providing peace of mind for residents and tourists vacationing or residing long-term on the island.

But all of that seemed to be just the beginning of the highlight of the trip: Sunset Town.

Sunset Town is located on a hillside in the southwest of Phu Quoc, in An Thoi ward. From this location, visitors can witness the complete sunset over the sea – one of the most beautiful moments of nature on the Pearl Island. Every evening, the sky here is like a painting slowly changing color: from pale purple to deep red, then bursting into vibrant orange before the light gradually fades over the sea. It's no coincidence that many tourists call this the most beautiful sunset viewing spot in Vietnam.

If you've ever been to Sentosa Island in Singapore, you might find it somewhat familiar. But Sunset Town still possesses a unique charm of its own. As the afternoon slowly fades, the cobblestone slopes begin to fill with people. Streams of people stroll between rows of brightly colored buildings, flower-covered balconies, and winding streets leading to the sea.

The centerpiece of the town is a 75-meter-tall red brick clock tower, pointing directly out to the ocean. The structure is inspired by Italy's famous St. Mark's Campanile bell tower, while also evoking the image of a lighthouse guarding the coastline. From here, small streets branch out, lined with shops, cafes, restaurants, and bakeries.

We stopped at Éric Kayser's bakery, a renowned brand by the French pastry chef. The space had a Mediterranean style, elegant and warm. In the gentle sea breeze, enjoying a handcrafted pastry with a hot cup of coffee became a truly delightful experience.

On the nearby cobblestone street, street dancers began to perform. The youthful dances, lively music, and laughter of tourists made the entire neighborhood feel like a small seaside festival.

Éric Kayser Bakery

We watched "Symphony of the Sea," a performance combining symphonic music, laser lights, and extreme water sports. Jet ski and flyboard riders soared through the air, the lights reflecting off the sea and sparkling in sync with the music. The entire sea and sky seemed to transform into a giant stage.

The following night, we continued to enjoy the "Kiss of the Sea" show, which started at 9:30 PM. After the water and light show, a spectacular fireworks display lit up the sky. In that moment, the sea, light, and music blended together, creating a scene that was both breathtaking and romantic.

But perhaps the most memorable moment is the sunset over the Kiss Bridge.

That afternoon, I followed the crowd onto this unique bridge. The two branches of the bridge extend out into the sea but do not touch each other, leaving a gap of about 30 cm in between. On either side are transparent tempered glass panels, allowing the sea breeze and sunset light to stream in.

At the intersection, couples lined up, waiting for their turn. As the sun touched the horizon, they embraced, exchanging kisses in the brilliant red-orange light. That moment brought a sudden silence to the entire bridge, as if time itself had slowed down.

The Kiss Bridge, designed by Italian architect Marco Casamonti, is inspired by Michelangelo's famous painting "The Creation of Adam"—the moment two hands nearly touch to transmit life. The two branches of the bridge are therefore not connected directly; it is the kiss that completes this connection.

Construction began in 2021, was completed in late 2022, and officially inaugurated on December 22, 2023. From its initial idea as just a breakwater, the Kiss Bridge has become a new symbol of Phu Quoc, a symbol of love, reunion, and beautiful moments by the sea.

As the flight took us away from the island, the image that lingered in my mind was the moment the sun set between the two branches of the bridge, where light, sea, and people touched each other in a kiss of twilight.

Source: https://tcdulichtphcm.vn/du-khao/ba-ngay-o-thi-tran-hoang-hon-c14a111165.html