Kem Beach and Sao Beach have helped Pearl Island earn numerous prestigious international awards. (Photo: Fatel Belek)
Hanoi (VNA) - Phu Quoc has made its mark in international media by being named among the top five destinations most loved by international tourists, according to a survey by Agoda.
Phu Quoc increasingly favored by international travelers
According to Agoda’s report, Phu Quoc surpassed Hoi An, a longtime top draw for international visitors, to get into the top five most-searched destinations in Vietnam during the first half of 2025, trailing only behind Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City, Nha Trang, and Hanoi. Notably, Phu Quoc ranks second among favorite destinations for South Korean travelers, just behind Nha Trang, and third among Chinese tourists.
“The strong increase in direct flights, celebrity visits, and prestigious awards from tourism organizations such as Travel + Leisure have helped position Phu Quoc as a world-class destination, on par with Asia’s most iconic beach paradises,” the Travel and Tour World, a leading global travel news outlet, noted. In just the first half of 2025, Phu Quoc has welcomed 4.5 million visitors, including 900,000 international arrivals — up 76.7% compared to the same period in 2024.
In June alone, Phu Quoc received more than 20 international flights per day, doubling the figure from the same time last year. Recently, Hong Kong Express increased its service to Phu Quoc from two to three flights per day, while flights from South Korea have reached 7–8 per day, reflecting surging demand from international markets, particularly Northeast Asia. The convenience in air connectivity allows travelers from major Asian cities easy access to Pearl Island, making Phu Quoc a top destination on the region’s tourism map.
According to TTW, Phu Quoc is transforming the image of Vietnamese tourism. This tropical paradise is being warmly embraced by the world, as evidenced by the soaring international arrivals and its constant presence on global rankings. “Phu Quoc is no longer an emerging destination—it has emerged. Through strategic investment, international recognition, and visionary planning, the island has become a world-class getaway, seamlessly blending tropical beauty with high-end lifestyle.” TTW stated.
What made Phu Quoc so successful?
Phu Quoc is Vietnam’s sole representative in the Luxury Awards by the prestigious Travel + Leisure magazine, named among the most beautiful islands in Asia-Pacific. This award has rigorous criteria, requiring destinations to meet luxury standards: from service quality, vibrant resort-entertainment ecosystems, to brand identity and the ability to deliver personalized experiences.
Additionally, Phu Quoc is the only destination in Vietnam that grants a 30-day visa exemption to visitors from around the globe.
Beyond its natural beauty, Phu Quoc’s ecosystem of tourism, hospitality, and entertainment breathes modern life into its pristine charm. The Pearl Island’s accommodations include a host of internationally renowned luxury brands such as JW Marriott Phu Quoc, La Festa Phu Quoc – Curio Collection by Hilton, New World Phu Quoc, Premier Village Phu Quoc, and upcoming ultra-luxury names like Ritz-Carlton Reserve, The Luxury Collection, etc. Additionally, iconic structures and unique global experiences such as the world’s longest three-rope cable car to Hon Thom, the unique “non-touching” Kiss Bridge, the Guinness-record-setting Kiss of the Sea show, and nightly fireworks displays continue to make Pearl Island shine ever brighter. All of these factors point to Phu Quoc’s continuing ascent on the global luxury tourism map.
Once a pristine gem of Vietnam, Phu Quoc has now firmly established itself as an essential stop for travelers around the world. With its powdery white sands, turquoise lagoons, luxurious resorts, and a vibrant tourism ecosystem, the island is ushering in a new chapter for Vietnamese tourism — one that positions the Pearl Island at the very heart of the global travel map./.
