Travel

Phu Quy Island named among top Southeast Asia travel destinations for 2026

Also known as Cu Lao Thu, Phu Quy lies about 120 km southeast of Phan Thiet and covers roughly 18 sq.m. In addition to the main island, the area includes smaller islets such as Hon Tranh, Hon Do, Hon Da Cao, and Hon Hai.

A corner of Phu Quy Island (Photo: vnexpress.net)
A corner of Phu Quy Island (Photo: vnexpress.net)

Hanoi (VNA) – Phu Quy Island in Lam Dong province has been selected as one of the top 10 must-visit destinations in Southeast Asia for 2026 by Thai newspaper Khaosod, praised for its pristine nature and “cinematic beauty.”

“Bangkok is back, Bali is bursting, and Vietnam is viral. As we enter 2026, the real question is: where can you go to actually hear yourself think?” the newspaper said.

Ignoring the neon lights of Orchard Road in Singapore and the selfie-sticks of Angkor Wat in Cambodia, the Thai newspaper on January 5 released a list of 10 “rare” destinations - the “quiet corners” which are still raw, slightly difficult to reach, and authentically ASEAN.

Khaosod highlights Phu Quy Island for its untamed charm, wind-swept scenery, and picture-perfect beauty.

“While everyone heads to Phu Quoc, the real island seekers are taking the ferry from Phan Thiet to Phu Quy. It’s a rugged, volcanic landscape with emerald waters and zero mass tourism. It feels like Vietnam’s coast did 30 years ago,” the newspaper said.

Accommodation on Phu Quy Island is mostly limited to guesthouses and homestays, as large hotels and resorts are rare. The rugged terrain, shaped by volcanic remnants, is surrounded by emerald waters and remains free from mass tourism.

Also known as Cu Lao Thu, Phu Quy lies about 120 km southeast of Phan Thiet and covers roughly 18 sq.m. In addition to the main island, the area includes smaller islets such as Hon Tranh, Hon Do, Hon Da Cao, and Hon Hai.

The island enjoys a cool and fresh climate year-round. The best time to visit Phu Quy is from December to June, as the storm season typically occurs between September and November. During the spring and summer months, the sea is calm and clear, with gentle winds, making it easy to explore the smaller surrounding islets.

In addition to Phu Quy, Khaosod’s list features several lesser-known destinations in Southeast Asia., including Ulu Temburong in Brunei, Nong Khiaw in Laos, Romblon in the Philippines, Doi Mae Salong in Thailand, Koh Tonsay (Rabbit Island) in Cambodia, Bukit Lawang and Sumba Island in Indonesia, Ipoh in Malaysia and Mergui Archipelago in Myanmar./.

VNA
#Phu Quy Island #Lam Dong province #top Southeast Asia travel destinations #mass tourism #Thai newspaper Khaosod
Follow VietnamPlus

Post-pandemic recovery

Related News

See more

Visitors admire Ho Chi Minh City from above. (Photo: VNA)

Ho Chi Minh City launches helicopter sightseeing tours

Globally, helicopter tourism has become a popular offering in many major destinations. By introducing this experience, Ho Chi Minh City aims to expand its portfolio of high-end tourism products and further enhance its destination image.

The blending of culture, architecture and art on Phu Quoc is shaping a cosmopolitan city. (Photo: Sun Group)

Phu Quoc: Where the world meets through architecture

The presence of diverse international architectural styles across Phu Quoc, rather than a single traditional architectural system, is not accidental but rooted in the island’s unique development context. Unlike cities with centuries of urban heritage such as Hoi An or Hue, Phu Quoc is a tourism destination that has grown rapidly over just the past few decades, without a clearly layered architectural legacy to inherit.

The luxurious resorts ecosystem contribute to elevating Phu Quoc's image in the eyes of international media. (Photo: Sun Group)

Phu Quoc and its luxury resorts "take the leaderboard by storm" in DestinAsian rankings

On March 6, 2026, the prestigious travel magazine DestinAsian officially announced its list of the top 10 islands in Asia for 2026 as part of its Readers' Choice Awards. Not only was it the sole representative from Vietnam, but Phu Quoc also made a remarkable impression by climbing to the runner-up position, continuing an impressive three-year upward trend.

A view of the opening ceremony of the Ban Flower (Bauhinia) Festival 2026 in Dien Bien province on March 8 evening. (Photo: VNA)

Government leader attends Ban Flower Festival 2026 in Dien Bien province

Themed “Hoa Ban – Khat vong Dien Bien,” the festival was a highlight of the Dien Bien Culture and Tourism Week running from March 6 – 12. The annual event celebrated the beauty of the iconic Ban flower and promoted the culture, history and tourism potential of the Northwestern region.

Khem beach in Phu Quoc island of An Giang province. (Photo: VNA)

Phu Quoc strengthens appeal as international arrivals soar in early 2026

Phu Quoc special zone is increasingly affirming its strong appeal to international visitors with impressive growth, positioning the “pearl island” as a standout destination in Southeast Asia and a direct competitor to renowned resort islands such as Bali in Indonesia and Phuket in Thailand.

Leaves of loc vung (Barringtonia acutangula tree) change colour beside Hoan Kiem Lake (Photo: VNA)

Hanoi named among world’s 50 most beautiful cities by Condé Nast Traveler

Hanoi’s appearance within the global media ecosystem of Condé Nast Traveler is expected to provide a significant boost to the city’s tourism appeal. Beyond enhancing its credibility as a travel destination, the recognition could also help attract high-end tourism services and encourage higher spending by international visitors.

Overseas Vietnamese in traditional ao dai explore Nguyen Hue flower street. (Photo: qdnd.vn)

Overseas Vietnamese amplify Ho Chi Minh City’s tourism appeal

With their understanding of both local traditions and international contexts, OVs are proving to be an effective “soft bridge” in promoting the city globally, contributing to rising international arrivals and reinforcing Ho Chi Minh City’s position as a creative, globally integrated and culturally rich urban tourism destination

Smoke rises following US and Israeli airstrikes on Tehran, Iran, on March 1. (Photo: XINHUA/VNA)

Hanoi urges suspension of tours to Middle East conflict zones

Vietnamese citizens have been advised not to travel to Iran, Israel, and other countries in the Middle East at present due to ongoing conflicts and complicated security developments, according to an official dispatch sent by the department to the above-mentioned units on March 3.

A representative of a Vietnamese enterprise shows it products at ITB Berlin 2026. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnamese firms promote tourism at ITB Berlin 2026

Vietnam’s exhibition area stands out with spacious and visually striking booths featuring businesses' most outstanding products as well as Vietnam's cultural icons such as cyclo models and traditional ao dai attire while a Vietnamese cuisine counter has drawn long queues of visitors.

International tourists are increasingly choosing Phu Quoc over giants like Bali and Phuket, driven by the freshness that Phu Quoc offers (Photo: Sun Group)

US media explains why Phu Quoc is becoming a tourism phenomenon

In 2025, international arrivals to Phu Quoc surged by nearly 60%, marking a new breakthrough cycle. As 2026 begins, during the Lunar New Year alone, the island welcomed nearly 366,000 visitors (a 30% increase year-on-year), with international guests accounting for nearly 93,000 (up 24.3%).

The crystal-clear waters and powdery white sands of Kem Beach are especially appealing to visitors (Photo: Fabl Belek)

Australian magazine hails Phu Quoc as a worthy alternative to Bali

In its list of “the best Bali alternatives worth exploring,” published by Australia’s leading travel site Escape, Phu Quoc is highlighted as a standout Southeast Asian destination, thanks to its appealing blend of reasonable costs, striking scenery, and diverse experiences.

Young locals explore Co Loa Citadel in digital space (Photo: nhandan.vn)

Hanoi festivals embrace digital tools to modernise management

During spring festival season 2026, Hanoi's major celebrations have aggressively adopted digital technologies across management, organisation, communications and promotion, presenting a more orderly and civilised image for traditional events.