Home DestinationsSoutheast Asia Impossible for Global Media to Ignore: The Unstoppable Allure of Vietnam’s Largest Island

Impossible for Global Media to Ignore: The Unstoppable Allure of Vietnam’s Largest Island

by Asia Insider

According to Condé Nast Traveler, there are an estimated 11,000 inhabited islands scattered across the world’s oceans, lakes, and seas. Each island possesses a unique charm—from temperate shorelines and turquoise bays to lush rainforests and majestic mountain peaks—offering diverse experiences to suit every traveler’s preference.

In its Readers’ Choice Awards, the magazine named Phu Quoc as one of the standout representatives of Asia.

Condé Nast Traveler notes that Phu Quoc’s appeal lies in its pristine white-sand beaches, such as Sao Beach and Truong Beach, complemented by some of the most highly-regarded coral reefs in the region.

Beyond marine activities, the magazine suggests that travelers explore the island’s interior. Recommendations include taking the cross-sea cable car or visiting pepper plantations spanning over 360 hectares to learn about the cultivation and harvesting of the island’s signature agricultural product. From Ho Chi Minh City, visitors can reach Phu Quoc in just a one-hour flight.

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Julia, a Russian tourist, visiting Phu Quoc for the first time in December 2025.

This is not the first time Phu Quoc has received accolades from international media. In recent years, the island has consistently appeared in rankings and destination lists by various international travel magazines, thanks to its stunning coastal landscapes, high-end resort infrastructure, and increasingly diverse tourism experiences. Covering 574 square kilometers, Phu Quoc is Vietnam’s largest island. Previously, data published by the travel platform Traveloka identified Phu Quoc and Da Nang as the two most searched-for lodging destinations in Vietnam during this year’s summer season.

The island’s appeal is reflected in its strong visitor growth. According to the Kien Giang Department of Tourism, the Phu Quoc Special Zone welcomed nearly 5.8 million visitors in the first six months of the year, an increase of over 30% compared to the same period last year. Of this, international arrivals reached 1.3 million—a 50.3% increase—meeting 65.7% of the annual target.

This influx of tourists has significantly boosted tourism revenue. Total tourism earnings for Phu Quoc in the first half of the year are estimated at 31.507 trillion VND, an increase of 46% compared to the same period, achieving 69.2% of the annual plan.

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International tourists vacationing in Phu Quoc at the end of 2025.

Experts attribute Phu Quoc’s growth to several factors: visa-free policies for international visitors, improving transportation infrastructure, and the emergence of large-scale tourism, resort, and entertainment complexes. These developments have successfully extended average stays and increased overall visitor spending.

Thanks to the diversity of its tourism offerings, Phu Quoc is increasingly attracting international visitors, particularly from South Korea, Taiwan, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, India, and various Southeast Asian nations.

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