Phu Quoc enters Travel + Leisure’s top luxury destinations
In the Best Islands category, Phu Quoc was the sole representative from Vietnam, ranked third among the top ten islands. This achievement adds to Phu Quoc’s list of international accolades over the past two years.
Bai Kem is often described by visitors as "Paradise on Earth". (Photo: Fatel Belek)
Hanoi (VNA) 🌠– Phu Quoc’s presence in Travel + Leisure’s Asia-Pacific luxury travel rankings continues to affirm the island’s status as a world-class destination.
Recently, Travel + Leisure, one of the world's most prestigious travel magazines, announced its Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2025. These annual awards by Travel + Leisure recognise outstanding luxury destinations in the region, known for having the fastest-growing tourism globally. The destinations must meet rigorous standards ranging from service quality, resort-entertainment ecosystems to brand identity and the personalisation of guest experiences in order to be nominated.
In the Best Islands category, Phu Quoc was the sole representative from Vietnam, ranked third among the top ten islands. This achievement adds to Phu Quoc’s list of international accolades over the past two years.
From “emerging star” to world class destination
With consecutive international awards over the past two years, Phu Quoc has firmly established itself not just as an emerging star but as a definitive global luxury destination. Renowned for stunning beaches such as Bai Kem and Bai Sao, famous for their pristine white sands, gentle waves, and clear waters, Phu Quoc offers far more than natural beauty. The island is now one of Vietnam’s most attractive destinations, offering diverse cultural-historical experiences, vibrant entertainment, and accommodations ranging from affordable to ultra-luxurious.
At the heart of this transformation is the Sun Paradise Land ecosystem, developed in southern Phu Quoc by Sun Group. Over the past two years, visitors have enjoyed record-breaking attractions including the world's longest three-cable cable car connecting to Hon Thom Island, the innovative Kiss Bridge, the only “non-touching” bridge in the world celebrated by CNN, and the Guinness World Record-setting multimedia show "Kiss of the Sea." Additionally, the island offers colorful firework shows and night markets that bring guests a continuous, immersive experience from dusk to dawn.
Thousands of visitors attended the Guinness record-breaking show “Kiss of the Sea” at Sunset Town.
Between 2021 and 2023, Phu Quoc experienced a 15% increase in five-star hotels. Following the opening of JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay in 2016, the island’s first five-star resort, Phu Quoc now boasts around 45 top-tier resorts operated by world-renowned hospitality brands such as Marriott, Hilton, Accor, and Rosewood. This influx transformed Phu Quoc from an obscure island into an exclusive destination favored by affluent travelers worldwide.
Prof. and Dr. Tran Dinh Thien, former Director of the Vietnam Institute of Economics, noted: "Few places match Phu Quoc’s consistent, high-caliber awards over the past decade. This confirms the island’s capability and Vietnam’s strategic ambition to swiftly elevate Phu Quoc within global competition."
Ascending to greater luxury
Winning international awards is just the beginning for Phu Quoc. In the coming years, Vietnam’s "Pearl Island" aims to further elevate its position, rivalling global tourism icons such as Hawaii or the Maldives.
“Once the projects are complete, we may see the emergence of the “Hawaii of the East,” Mr. Hong Jung Min, CEO of Hanatour Vietnam, said.
On July 1, 2025, Phu Quoc officially became a special zone under An Giang province—a milestone ensuring the island’s continued ascent. The special zone status will introduce breakthrough policies, remove administrative hurdles, and facilitate rapid, transparent, and cost-effective project execution.
Not only that, the once-untouched island is now set to become Vietnam’s third host of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Forum in 2027.
Phu Quoc International Airport and Sun PhuQuoc Airways will be ready to welcome high-level guests for APEC 2027.
One of the APEC projects includes a 22,000 billion VND expansion of Phu Quoc International Airport, featuring a dedicated VIP terminal meeting the highest international standards for dignitaries and diplomatic events. Sun PhuQuoc Airways will also take part in providing premium service to international delegations.
The upgraded airport and Sun PhuQuoc Airways will seamlessly integrate with Sun Group’s resort, entertainment, and tourism ecosystem, delivering an experience comparable to top global travel hubs like Singapore.
Hon Thom Island is set to welcome an array of ultra-luxury brands, including The Luxury Collection Hon Thom, Rixos Phu Quoc, and Ritz Carlton Reserve Hon Thom. Ritz Carlton Reserve—Ritz Carlton’s most exclusive brand—operates just seven resorts globally, with Hon Thom joining this elite group. Meanwhile, The Luxury Collection at the Aspira Tower, is expected to become the world’s second sail-shaped landmark.
Aspira Tower is scheduled to complete in 2027 on Hon Thom Island.
These milestones are cementing Phu Quoc’s role as an international tourism and economic hub, delivering lasting value to travelers and investors. With Sun Group’s vision and investment, Phu Quoc is steadily realising its ambition to be among the world’s most desirable destinations to visit, live, and invest in./.
In preparation for the APEC Economic Leaders’ Week in 2027, Phu Quoc island city in the southern province of Kien Giang is actively raising public awareness, and encouraging community involvement in building a green, clean, beautiful, and civilised city, so as to shape the image of “Every Phu Quoc resident serves as a tourism ambassador.”
A recent report, City Pulse 2025, by Gensler Research Institute, ranked HCM City among the world’s top cities for resident retention, placing it second globally. This underscores the city's reputation as a liveable, dynamic urban centre, an image that supports efforts to attract investors, experts, and MICE travellers.
Deputy Prime Minister Mai Van Chinh has instructed the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MoCST) to coordinate with other ministries, agencies and localities to effectively implement policies and directives from the Party, Government, and Prime Minister on tourism development.
Da Nang's appeal stems from its numerous outstanding tourist attractions, particularly My Khe Beach, Sun World Ba Na Hills resort, and the ancient town of Hoi An. Additionally, Da Nang tourism is renowned for its affordability, especially attractive to young travellers and couples, according to Chosun Ilbo.
With new direct flights from major Indian cities like Hyderabad and Bengaluru, Vietnam is becoming an increasingly compelling destination for Indian tourists seeking a quick, emotionally rich four-day escape that blends luxury, culture, and natural wonder.
By source market, China continued to lead with 3.1 million visitors, equivalent to 25.5% of all foreign arrivals. The Republic of Korea followed with 2.5 million, or 20.7%. Other major markets included Taiwan (China) with 737,000, the US with 522,000, and Japan with 380,000.
Khanh Hoa has welcomed 16 international cruises so far this year, with more than 19,000 tourists disembarking to explore the province’s scenic landscapes and renowned cultural, religious, and artistic landmarks, as well as to enjoy local cuisine and sightseeing tours.
According to local plans, fireworks shows will be held at multiple locations, with Ha Long Bay as the focal point. More than mere entertainment, these displays are part of a strategic cultural tourism product aimed at strengthening the region’s brand.
Chatbot and virtual assistants support itinerary consultation and tour bookings, and provide around-the-clock response across multiple platforms while AI advertising applications have been used to optimise budgets and target the right customers. AI has been also employed to analyse customer data, enabling the delivery of personalised tour recommendations.
Many Vietnamese regions possess favourable conditions, including natural landscapes, climate, and rich cultural identities, to host sport events that integrate with cultural and tourism experiences.
Dubbed the “land of ancient towers”, Khanh Hoa boasts a rich Cham legacy through architectural masterpieces like the Po Nagar, Hoa Lai, Po Klong Garai, and Po Rome towers.
Vietnam’s e-visa system is now seen as one of the most efficient, convenient, and transparent in the region. Fully online registration, no paperwork or interviews, and fast and flexible processing time have improved foreigners’ entry experience, creating a competitive advantage over countries clinging to complicated and costly visa procedures.
Sunset Town unfolded like a living fairytale. Every street and hidden corner recalls iconic European landmarks – from Venice’s San Marco Bell Tower and Paris’s Arc de Triomphe to Almafi-style squares and cobblestone paths reminiscent of southern Italy.
Its natural advantages have made Mui Ne a magnet for enthusiasts of kitesurfing, windsurfing, surfing, and stand-up paddle boarding (SUP). These activities not only diversify the local tourism offerings but also contribute to the area’s long-term development strategy focused on sustainability.
In July alone, the city welcomed 695,930 international arrivals, surging 75.3% year-on-year. For the seven-month period, international visitors totalled 4.5 million, up 48% year-on-year.
Welcoming the crew on the morning of July 30, Dang Dong Ha, Deputy Director of the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, emphasised that the film offers a valuable opportunity to promote Quang Tri’s tourism potential, particularly to Indian visitors, but also to a broader global audience.
With a proactive and creative approach, Hanoi is positioning itself as one of Southeast Asia’s most compelling destinations where tradition meets innovation, and every visit offers a blend of the familiar and the new.
