Hanoi (VNA) - DestinAsian, Asia’s leading travel magazine, has just revealed the winners of its 19th Readers' Choice Awards. Unlike many rankings based on expert panels, these awards are decided entirely by the votes of millions of readers worldwide.
These voters are high-end travellers (businesspeople, investors, and experiential travel enthusiasts) known for their discerning standards regarding landscapes, ecosystems, infrastructure, and services. Therefore, appearing in the DestinAsian rankings is considered a "gold standard," reflecting the satisfaction levels of affluent tourists who have personally experienced the destination.
In the Best Islands category, Phu Quoc successfully rose to the 2nd place in Asia. Looking back at its journey with DestinAsian, Phu Quoc has marked a spectacular and steady progression: from the 6th place in 2024, to 5th in 2025, and now officially becoming the runner-up in 2026. This continuous ascent sends a clear message: Phu Quoc is not a "one-hit wonder" but is maintaining a stable allure while competing on equal terms with the region's top tourism paradises.
It is not difficult to explain why Phu Quoc maintains such lasting appeal and conquers the most demanding readers. Even the specialists at DestinAsian have praised the island's spectacular metamorphosis. Regarding Phu Quoc's transformation, the renowned magazine asserted that Phu Quoc represents “the new era of tropical splendor.”
This transformation is most evident in Sunset Town in the south of the island, which DestinAsian describes as a place where "landscapes, culture, and entertainment blend in extraordinary ways." Beyond its inspiring architecture, the area has set an unprecedented record with two unique multimedia shows featuring fireworks every night. This has turned South Phu Quoc into a hub of continuous festivities, offering visitors one surprise after another from dawn until late at night.
The tourism landscape in Phu Quoc is further complemented by iconic structures that defy conventional design. A prime example is the Kiss Bridge, the world’s only "non-touching" bridge. Alongside it is the world’s longest three-wire cable car system to Hon Thom Island, a "unique aerial experience" that many international travel sites consistently vote as a favorite activity for every visitor to the island.
Phu Quoc’s rise would not be complete without its world-class resort complexes. In the 2026 Readers' Choice Awards, the island’s accommodation infrastructure caused a "seismic shift" in the Best Vietnam Resorts category, claiming five spots in the top 10. The list includes: JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort in the 3rd place, New World Phu Quoc Resort (which surged from 10th in 2025 to 5th), Premier Village Phu Quoc Resort at 7th, and Regent Phu Quoc at 9th. Just as Indonesia has Bali as its famed resort island, Vietnam now has Phu Quoc as its equivalent.
More than just a title, the series of achievements at DestinAsian 2026 marks a significant milestone in Phu Quoc's journey to global prominence. The consecutive climb in rankings voted by global readers shows that the island's charm comes not only from its natural scenery but also from an increasingly comprehensive tourism ecosystem where relaxation, entertainment, architecture, and experience are all seamlessly connected.
With APEC 2027 selecting Phu Quoc as the host destination, global attention on the island is certain to grow even further. With its current momentum, Phu Quoc will not only be remembered as a beautiful Asian beach, but it is also steadily defining itself as a new icon of modern tropical tourism in the region./.
