Travel

Kien Giang province welcomes first foreign tourists to Phu Quoc resort island

As many as 204 tourists from the Republic of Korea landed on Phu Quoc in the southern province of Kien Giang at noon on November 20, marking the first group of foreign visitors to the resort island in the “new normal” period after nearly 2 years of closure.
Kien Giang province welcomes first foreign tourists to Phu Quoc resort island ảnh 1Two of the foreign visitors to Phu Quoc Island on November 20 (Photo: VNA)
Kien Giang (VNA) – As many as 204 tourists from the Republic of Korea landed on Phu Quoc inthe southern province of Kien Giang at noon on November 20, marking the firstgroup of foreign visitors to the resort island in the “new normal” period after nearly2 years of closure.

Speaking at a welcome ceremony, Director General of the Vietnam National Tourism Administration Nguyen Trung Khanh described the event as an important milestone marking a new step in the efforts to restore the tourism industry.

He believed that full compliance with the “5K message” and COVID-19 prevention measures together with high quality tourism products will again affirm Vietnam’s attractiveness in the new normal context and look to bring a ‘Live Fully’ travel experience to all international travelers.

Kien Giang province welcomes first foreign tourists to Phu Quoc resort island ảnh 2VinWonder Amusement Park is among tourist attractions during the tour. (Photo: Vietnam Plus)
Meanwhile, Deputy Chairman of the Kien Giang People’s Committee Nguyen Luu Trung said the locality has prepared a range of plans regarding pandemic safety in order to welcome back visitors through the vaccine passport programme.

The return of international tourists will serve to help the local tourism industry rebound following a long period of being heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, he said.

Trung expressed his belief that with dynamism and close collaboration among enterprises, Phu Quoc will welcome up to 400,000 visitors, both Vietnamese and foreign, from now to the end of this year

During their stay, the Korean visitors enjoy a four-day-three-night package tour with accommodation at Vinpearl Resort & Spa Phu Quoc.

With their negative COVID-19 results, they can visit tourist attractions like VinWonder Amusement Park, Vinpearl Safari, Vinpearl Golf, Corona Casino, and GrandWorld Complex.

They are required to install the IGOVN and PC-COVID health declaration applications on their smartphones while in Vietnam. They undergo rapid COVID-19 testing on the first day of arrival and the final day before leaving Phu Quoc.

Kien Giang province welcomes first foreign tourists to Phu Quoc resort island ảnh 3Vinpearl Safari,a wild conservation zoo, in Phu Quoc island. (Photo: Vietnam Plus)
Kim Chang Ho, a tourist from the Republic of Korea, said he was impressed by the way he was welcomed by authorities.

Kim said he felt secure coming to Vietnam at the time when he had received two doses of the vaccine and learned about pandemic prevention and control measures to ensure the safety of international tourists of Vietnam. He believed that he would have a comfortable trip and enjoy modern services in Phu Quoc.

After this event, Vietjet will continue to serve hundreds of guests from Japan, RoK, Taiwan (China) to Phu Quoc and other destinations in Vietnam.

During their holiday, they will visit tourist attractions like VinWonder Amusement Park, Vinpearl Safari, Vinpearl Golf, Corona Casino, and GrandWorld Complex.

All needed to furnish certificates showing they are fully vaccinated or have recovered from COVID-19 and tested negative within 72 hours before departure from the Republic of Korea.

After welcoming the first group of Korean visitors, Phu Quoc plans to receive 20 international flights a month in the coming time.

Kien Giang province welcomes first foreign tourists to Phu Quoc resort island ảnh 4A tourist checks in a resort in Phu Quoc island. (Photo: Vietnam Plus)
Kien Giang is one of five localities to get the green light from the government to welcome back fully immunised tourists from November onwards along with Quang Nam, Khanh Hoa, Quang Ninh, and Da Nang.

It is part of a pilot plan for reopening tourism for the group, which will be implemented in two phases within the course of six months. After hosting the charter flights, the authorities will evaluate the plan’s feasibility, make adjustments if necessary, and follow the official roadmap from December 20, 2021.

Accordingly, during the first phase from December 20, 2021 to March 20, 2022, Phu Quoc will welcome 3,000 to 5,000 tourists per month via charter flights and allocate private experiences within limited locations and areas for guests.

The second phase, from March 20, 2022 to June 20, 2022, will involve evaluation of the first phase and a scale of 5,000 to 10,000 guests per month if all requirements are met./.
VNA
#Phu Quoc #Kien Giang #foreign tourists #foreign visitors #Vietnam National Tourism Administration #tourism industry #updated Vietnam news #Vietnamplus #Vietnam News Agency Kien Giang
Follow VietnamPlus

Related News

See more

Vietravel Airlines is prioritising efforts to enhance operational capacity and efficiency, with particular emphasis on fleet expansion. (Illustrative photo: VNA)

Vietravel Airlines expands route network during peak summer season

Flight VU1213, operating the Hanoi–Buon Ma Thuot service with 220 passengers on board, landed at Buon Ma Thuot Airport at 2:20 pm on June 15. The flight marked Vietravel Airlines’ inaugural service on the new route linking the capital with the Central Highlands’ largest city.

Visitors take boat tours through lychee orchards at Dong Man Ecotourism Area (Source: thanhha.haiphong.gov.vn).

Hai Phong promotes seasonal fruit tours to unlock rural tourism potential

As lychee orchards turn bright red in early summer, the Dong Man Ecotourism Area in Thanh Ha commune, Hai Phong city is bustling with visitors eager to experience rural life and fruit harvesting. The model is emerging as a promising example of how agricultural resources can be transformed into tourism products, helping create a new growth driver for the local economy.

Visitors pose for a photo beneath lush, fruit-laden grape trellises in Muong Phang commune, Dien Bien province. (Photo: VNA)

Green tourism charts a new course for Vietnam

With its rich agricultural ecosystem, where each region boasts unique produce, culinary traditions, and farming practices, Vietnam is well positioned to develop and expand the farm-to-table model. Cities and provinces, such as Hanoi, Thai Nguyen, Da Nang, Hue, Can Tho, Lam Dong, and Vinh Long, are already embracing the model as part of their green tourism strategies.

French daily Le Parisien describes Vietnam as one of Asia’s must-visit destinations, renowned for its stunning scenery, rich cultural legacy and globally acclaimed cuisine. (Photo: Le Parisien)

Vietnam earns praise from French media for rich tourism appeal

In a recent feature, the newspaper described Vietnam as a destination that leaves a lasting impression from the moment travellers arrive. It singled out iconic attractions such as Ha Long Bay, sweeping terraced rice fields and ancient temples and pagodas, while also noting Vietnam’s emergence as one of Asia’s most dynamic economies, home to more than 100 million people.

Tourists can experience city views from the Saigon River on boats. (Photo: VNA)

Ho Chi Minh City forms Waterway Tourism Society

The society, under the Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Association, brings together businesses, organisations, and individuals operating tourist transportation, restaurant boats, travel agencies, and other waterway tourism services.

Ha Long Bay suspends visitors' access to Soi Sim beach. (Photo: VNA)

Ha Long Bay temporarily closes Soi Sim beach to visitors

The move comes shortly after Soi Sim beach became the only Vietnamese beach included in the 2026 Corona Beach 100, an annual global guide recognising the world's top 100 beaches, compiled by the US-based Corona organisation in collaboration with international tourism experts.

Phong Nha is best known for its dramatic limestone karsts, vast primary forests and spectacular cave systems within the UNESCO-recognised Phong Nha–Ke Bang National Park. (Photo: VNA)

Phong Nha named among top nature-connected wellness destinations

According to the Quang Tri provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Agoda recently unveiled Asia's Hidden Nature Retreats for 2026, featuring places that offer visitors opportunities to unwind, restore mental well-being and recharge amid tranquil natural surroundings.

Visitors explore Thung Nham Bird Park in Nam Hoa Lu ward, Ninh Binh province. (Photo: VNA)

Green transition reshapes Ninh Binh’s tourism landscape

Ninh Binh’s green tourism efforts have gained increasing international recognition. In 2025, the Trang An Landscape Complex received Tripadvisor’s prestigious “Best of the Best” award, placing it among the top 1% of destinations worldwide. Tam Coc–Bich Dong and Bai Dinh Pagoda were also ranked among the world’s top 10% most popular destinations.

Sun Group officially introduces world-class tourism ecosystems, including Sun Paradise Land Phu Quoc, to the Korean market. (Photo: Sun Group)

Sun Group makes SITF 2026 debut with Phu Quoc flight promotions

For many years, the RoK has remained one of Vietnam’s largest international tourism markets. As travel demand between the two countries continues to grow strongly, Sun Group’s first participation at SITF is seen as a significant step in both the group’s international tourism promotion strategy and Vietnam’s broader efforts to attract global travelers.

Vietnam is emerging as a safe, green, friendly destination with a rich cultural identity (Photo: VNA)

Media plays pivotal role in promoting Vietnam’s tourism growth, global image

Vietnam aims to welcome 25 million international visitors and 150 million domestic travellers in 2026. Alongside the sector’s efforts, strong, responsible and innovative media engagement is expected to play a key role in helping the country achieve its tourism growth ambitions and enhance its position on the global tourism map.

Quan ho folk singers perform and interact with visitors aboard a boat. (Photo: VNA)

Story bank initiative aims to amplify Vietnam’s global profile

Under a newly issued plan by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the story bank will serve as a central repository of content to be disseminated across multimedia platforms, helping bring Vietnam’s culture, people and development achievements to audiences worldwide.

Tourist boats at Tuan Chau International Passenger Port in Ha Long. (Photo: VNA)

Quang Ninh hosts over 10 million visitors in five months

For the remainder of the year, Quang Ninh province plans to host a series of major events as it works to fulfil its target of welcoming 22 million visitors, including 5.2 million foreigners, and generating 65 trillion VND in tourism revenue.