Hanoi (VNA) – In a recent article, travel news source Travel Off Path named the five fastest-growing destinations in Southeast Asia, and Phu Quoc Island of Vietnam’s Mekong Delta province of Kien Giang is one of them.
The website notes that since the world formally reopened for tourism three years ago, Southeast Asia is finally re-emerging as a leading global destination, with the potential to rival the Americas and even Europe, the world's tourism playground.
It cited Aviation A2Z, an aviation news website of India, as reporting that the region as a whole is experiencing record growth going into 2025, with a “surge” in overall capacity for some airports. A number of them, which serve iconic destinations, hit significant milestones.
Five stand out as the fastest-growing Asian hubs, including Phu Quoc, one of the most beautiful islands in Vietnam where international tourists can enter visa-free.
According to the website, guaranteed fun for travellers can be found on the island’s jungle hinterland, crisscrossed with nature trails, to Duong Dong, a large town hosting a lively night market, to the Disney-style VinWonders, an amusement park featuring princess castles and thrilling theme rides.
Visitors to the island can explore the charming natural beauty of Rach Vem fishing village, Bai Dai beach, and Hon Mot islet or drop by Dinh Cau Temple and Ham Ninh fishing village. In addition, local delicacies such as “bun quay” noodles, “goi ca trich” (a dish made from raw sardine), and “lau ca mu” (a fish hotpot) are all dishes whetting the appetite of holidaymakers.
Thanks to Vietnam’s open visa policy along with the island’s pristine nature, diverse cuisine, and quality services, Phu Quoc is emerging as a “star” on the tourism map in Asia and the world. It is sure to be ideal for travellers who are seeking a perfect destination for their coming holidays.
The increasing presence of investors over the last five years means Phu Quoc now boasts entertainment and leisure complexes worth trillions of VND. Information about the “Pearl Island”, including prestigious international awards it gained, has also increased on international channels.
In September 2023, Phu Quoc was named a “tropical paradise” by The Travel magazine, which ranked it third among the 17 most budget-friendly tourist islands worldwide.
In December 2023, it was selected as the “World’s Leading Nature Island Destination” for the second time by the World Travel Awards.
From 2011 to 2023, local tourism recorded an impressive annual growth rate of over 38%, almost six-fold higher than the national average. In 2024 alone, Phu Quoc welcomed nearly 1 million international visitors, marking a significant advancement in the island's tourism sector.
Currently, more than 20 airlines are operating flights to Phu Quoc, both regular and charter, with over 150 flights per week from various countries and territories.
In January 2025, Phu Quoc Airport posted remarkable growth, with over 108,000 seats added, equivalent to growth of 185.2%, according to Aviation A2Z. This is the highest growth rate among airports in Southeast Asia, proving the effectiveness of the visa exemption policy and the promotion of cooperation among airlines, leading to the launch of new routes and an increased number of flights to Phu Quoc.
Phu Quoc was also chosen as the venue for the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) activities in 2027. The event is expected to not only affirm Vietnam’s stature in the world but also help Phu Quoc become a leading tourism, economic, and service hub in the region.
The four other destinations named in Travel Off Path’s list include Phuket and Bangkok (Thailand), Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), and Singapore./.
