Bustling with tourists on the first day of the new year.

According to statistics from the Kien Giang Department of Tourism, during the New Year's holiday alone, Phu Quoc city welcomed 88,209 visitors, including 15,029 international tourists. The number of overnight stays in the city was 35,435.

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Tourists queue up to experience the Hon Thom cable car at Sun World Hon Thom. Photo: Sun World

Resorts and hotels in the city are fully booked, not only during the New Year's holiday but also throughout the first few days of January 2025. According to a survey of over 40 accommodations in Bai Kem and Hoang Hon Town, during the New Year period, from high-end establishments like New World Phu Quoc Resort, Premier Residences Phu Quoc Emerald Bay, La Festa Phu Quoc - Curio Collection By Hilton… to 3-4 star hotels and minihotels, most are fully booked, and for several months now, the occupancy rate has never dropped below 80%.

Adrian, a Russian tourist, said: “This is my fourth day in Phu Quoc, and my whole family is celebrating the New Year here this year. Everything is wonderful, from the weather and the beach to the shows; we are very satisfied and delighted. On New Year's Eve, we experienced three fireworks displays in one night, an experience unlike anywhere else.”

These days in Phu Quoc in general and Sunset Town in particular, the scene is bustling from morning to night, creating a vibrant atmosphere for the "pearl island"'s tourism industry right at the beginning of the new year. On the mornings of the first days of the year, long lines of tourists queue at the Sun World Hon Thom cable car station. According to statistics from the tourist area, the cable car system welcomes thousands of visitors every day, with some days even reaching new record numbers, surpassing the peak of 2019 before the pandemic.

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The night market is crowded with tourists every evening. Photo: Anh Tuan

Especially in the evenings, thousands of tourists flock to Sunset Town to enjoy the night market, watch the Kiss of the Sea and Symphony of the Sea shows with spectacular performances and fireworks twice a night.

The pearl island has… turned upside down.

This year's New Year's holiday saw relatively low tourist numbers at many domestic destinations, while Phu Quoc witnessed a contrasting situation, even a "reversal" compared to early 2024, when the island was constantly criticized for price gouging and exorbitant prices. Currently, the island is a popular destination for Christmas and New Year's holidays for both domestic and international tourists, especially international visitors, surpassing even the "golden age" of Vietnamese tourism in 2019.

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International tourists love vacationing at Bai Kem because of its white sand, golden sunshine, and clear blue water. Photo: Sun Group

One of the reasons this island has become such a "hot" keyword among international tourists is its mild climate, especially at the end of the year, which is the most beautiful season in Phu Quoc with its white sandy beaches and clear blue waters that many tourists compare to the Maldives. Currently, Phu Quoc also has the advantage of a 30-day visa exemption policy for international visitors and many direct flights from various countries around the world. In the early days of the year, Phu Quoc airport welcomed more than 60 flights, including 32 international flights from South Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, CIS countries and Europe…

However, one of Phu Quoc's strengths, recognized by many tourists and reputable travel companies, is its tourism products that are competitive in the region and the world.

Mr. Hong Jung Min, CEO of Hanatour Vietnam, shared: “Phu Quoc is an island with wonderful natural conditions, and it boasts world-class hotels and tourist attractions that take advantage of those natural advantages. Personally, I particularly like Sunset Town and Hon Thom Island in the south of Phu Quoc. I believe that when infrastructure development projects such as roads and tourist attractions are completed, we will witness a true ‘Hawaii of the East’.”

Le Tran Phuong Dinh, a tour guide in Phu Quoc, said: “These days the streets are overflowing with international tourists. Restaurants and popular tourist attractions are always overcrowded, requiring reservations in advance. Entertainment areas in the north and south of the island frequently organize art programs and fireworks displays, which is a major reason attracting tourists.”

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The Symphony of the Sea show illuminated the sea and sky of Sunset Town. Photo: Sun Group

Over the past year, Phu Quoc has witnessed the arrival of unique tourism products stretching from the north to the south of the island. One of the destinations being touted as a "phenomenon" of Phu Quoc in 2024 is Sunset Town. Since the beginning of the year alone, it has launched no fewer than 10 new experiences, such as a world-class multimedia show staged by France featuring 8 different performance technologies and artistic fireworks each night, and the Awaken Sea show with elaborate performances by world champions and runners-up in flyboard and jetski.

Especially towards the end of this year, Sunset Town will launch the perfect pairing of Sun Bavaria GastroPub beer restaurant and the world Olympic-themed show called Symphony of the Sea, featuring a 20-minute fireworks display each night, bringing the concept of a dinner show – enjoying dinner while watching an artistic performance – to Phu Quoc for the first time.

With its ever-increasing appeal, Phu Quoc not only attracts tourists during the year-end and New Year holidays, but is also expected to become a hot spot for the upcoming Lunar New Year holiday. Currently, 5-star hotels are 85% booked, 4-star hotels in the city center are almost fully booked, and resorts and hotels in the southern part of the island have reached 70-80% occupancy.

Le Thanh