Phu Quoc - Asia's New Tourism Paradise

Việt Nam•28/02/2025

Tourists swim at Dinh Cau beach (Phu Quoc City).

Upon arriving in Phu Quoc, Mr. Park Joon-hyuk, a South Korean tourist, couldn't hide his excitement. He and his wife and child enjoyed a wonderful vacation on the island in October 2024. “Phu Quoc has a long, peaceful, and beautiful coastline that few other tourist destinations in Vietnam can match. What's special is that here I can watch both the sunrise and sunset over the sea, an experience I can't find anywhere else,” Mr. Park recounted.

For Mr. Park, the most outstanding feature of Phu Quoc is the harmonious blend of natural beauty and modernity. The tourism infrastructure has developed remarkably, yet it retains its pristine, environmentally friendly character. He and his family participated in activities such as snorkeling to admire coral reefs, enjoying BBQ parties right on the beach, and were constantly impressed by the island's unspoiled beauty. “I really enjoyed the experiences at the local exploration sites. The people are friendly, the spaces are open and airy, and the services are convenient, but without losing the island's natural charm,” Mr. Park said.

Phu Quoc not only attracts tourists from South Korea but also captivates many other international visitors, notably from Taiwan (China) and Southeast Asia. According to Mr. Nguyen Vu Khac Huy, Permanent Vice Chairman of the Kien Giang Provincial Tourism Association, 2024 witnessed a surge in international tourists to Phu Quoc, even surpassing the peak period before the COVID-19 pandemic. International tourists not only come for relaxation but also choose the island as a destination for high-level events, conferences, and luxury travel.

Tourists sunbathe at Bai Sao Beach (Phu Quoc City).

Phu Quoc Island has been voted second in the world on a list of the most beautiful islands according to a survey by Travel & Leisure magazine, second only to the Maldives. Based on votes from over 700,000 international tourists, Phu Quoc achieved a score of 94.41/100 thanks to outstanding factors such as pristine beaches, high-end accommodations, and unique local culture.

Mr. Pham Quang Hau, General Director of Rooty Trip Tourism Joint Stock Company (Phu Quoc City), said: “The fact that Phu Quoc has been honored as one of the most beautiful islands in the world is both an opportunity and a great challenge. We must make greater efforts in protecting its natural beauty while improving the quality of services to provide a complete experience for tourists.”

The southern part of Phu Quoc Island is emerging as a vibrant tourism hub with numerous projects by the Sun Group. This area has become a symbol of luxury tourism, with a chain of high-class resorts and spas at Bai Kem and Ong Doi Cape. The "Sunset Town" on the western side of the island is also a unique highlight, featuring a large-scale entertainment, recreation, and culinary complex, notable for iconic landmarks such as the Kissing Bridge – a bridge once praised by CNN – and the world-leading multimedia art program "The Kiss of the Sea".

The "Kiss of the Sea" show in southern Phu Quoc Island. Photo: KIM LIEN

Besides high-end services, Phu Quoc also offers entertainment programs rich in Vietnamese identity, such as water puppetry and other cultural treasures, providing unique experiences for international tourists. According to Ms. Nguyen Thi Bich Dieu, Director of Dong Noi Phu Quoc Company, the number of international tourists, especially from South Korea, Taiwan, and China, increased sharply in 2024. "The most attractive aspect of Phu Quoc is the variety of services, from budget-friendly to high-end, suitable for all types of tourists," Ms. Dieu said.

With a sustainable development strategy, tourism companies are also focusing on island experience tours, concentrating on nature and ecotourism. Services such as snorkeling to see natural coral reefs, enjoying BBQ parties on the beach, or taking the Hon Thom cable car are all unforgettable experiences on a journey to explore Phu Quoc. According to Bui Quoc Thai, Director of the Kien Giang Provincial Department of Tourism: “We strive to make Phu Quoc not only an attractive destination but also a world-class tourism center, with diverse and high-quality services.”

Phu Quoc has established itself on the global tourism map, becoming "the rough gem of Southeast Asia," as described by the travel website Travel Off Path. From the story of Mr. Park Joon-hyuk to the achievements of Phu Quoc's tourism industry, this island is not only a destination but also a symbol of sustainable development and a source of pride for Vietnam's tourism sector.

By the end of 2024 and the beginning of 2025, Phu Quoc is expected to welcome more than 20 airlines with over 100 flights per week from many countries and territories, including new routes from Kazakhstan, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia. In addition, the Northeast Asian and Southeast Asian markets will also have many direct flights from South Korea, China, Thailand, and Singapore, along with domestic flights connecting Can Tho City and Phu Quoc. Domestic airlines such as Vietjet Air, Vietnam Airlines, and Vietravel Airlines are also increasing international flights to Phu Quoc.

Text and photos: CONG NINH

Source: https://www.baokiengiang.vn/du-lich/phu-quoc-thien-duong-du-lich-moi-cua-chau-a-24143.html