PHU QUOC – WHERE NATURE, EXPERIENCE AND A NEW GLOBAL STANDARD OF LIVING CONVERGE

[SOHA] On October 7, 2025, the renowned U.S. travel magazine Condé Nast Traveler officially announced its list of The World’s Most Beautiful Islands 2025 as part of the Reader’s Choice Awards, based on votes cast by nearly one million readers worldwide. Phu Quoc, Vietnam’s most celebrated island destination, achieved an outstanding result by ranking first in Asia with an impressive score of 95.51 out of 100, surpassing globally acclaimed destinations such as the Maldives, Bali, and Phuket. Remarkably, Phu Quoc also secured a place in the Top 3 most beautiful islands worldwide, ranking just behind two iconic U.S. islands—Kiawah and Hilton Head.

Phu Quoc: Untouched Beauty Meets World-Class Hospitality

This recognition marks not only a major triumph for Phu Quoc, but also a source of pride for Vietnam’s tourism industry as a whole. The island’s outstanding score was determined through a comprehensive set of criteria, including service quality, natural landscapes, beach aesthetics, distinctive cuisine, and the warmth and hospitality of the local people. These defining qualities have earned Phu Quoc widespread admiration and high praise from international travelers.

Located approximately 400 kilometers west of Ho Chi Minh City, Phu Quoc is Vietnam’s largest island, covering an area of nearly 589 square kilometers. The archipelago comprises dozens of islands of varying sizes, with Phu Quoc Island serving as the central hub. Administratively, it is divided into the Northern and Southern regions, while Duong Dong Town functions as the island’s economic and administrative heart—home to its most vibrant commercial and cultural activities.

Phu Quoc remains Vietnam’s largest island, spanning nearly 589 square kilometers. (Photo: VnEconomy)

One of Phu Quoc’s most captivating highlights lies in its rare sea–forest ecosystem, where visitors can bask in crystal-clear beaches while venturing deep into pristine tropical wilderness. Phu Quoc National Park—a vast green lung spanning over 31,000 hectares—is home to a remarkable diversity of rare flora and fauna. Following shaded forest trails, travelers may hear the gentle murmur of Tranh Stream, breathe in the cool, earthy fragrance of ancient trees, and for the more adventurous, ascend Mount Chua at 565 meters above sea level, where a sweeping panorama of the Pearl Island unfolds in breathtaking clarity.

In the island’s northern reaches, Rach Vem fishing village stands out as a destination of quiet charm, affectionately known as the “Kingdom of Starfish.” Here, hundreds of vibrant red starfish rest beneath glassy waters, creating a scene that feels almost otherworldly. Visitors can immerse themselves in the unhurried rhythms of local fishermen’s lives and savor freshly caught seafood served right on floating houses above the sea. It is an ideal retreat for those seeking authenticity, simplicity, and a closer connection with nature.

The southern part of the island captivates in its own way, led by the iconic Sao Beach, celebrated for its powdery white sand and turquoise waters. Nearby beaches such as Bai Truong and Dinh Cau Cape offer spectacular sunset vistas, where the sky ignites in hues of gold and crimson, casting a romantic glow over the sea. Mornings invite leisurely beach walks or kayaking along the shore, while evenings are best reserved for lingering sunsets—moments that quietly persuade visitors to slow down and stay present.

As night falls, Phu Quoc Night Market comes alive, becoming an unmissable gathering place. Under warm golden lights, the air fills with laughter, lively conversations, and the irresistible aroma of freshly grilled seafood, creating a vibrant yet intimate atmosphere that captures the island’s spirit long after the sun has set.

Another unmissable experience is the world's longest over-sea cable car ride connecting to Hon Thom Island. (Photo: Vietnam Airlines)

In the first nine months of 2025, Phu Quoc welcomed more than 1.2 million international visitors, marking a remarkable 65.8% year-on-year increase. Total tourism revenue reached approximately VND 31.1 trillion, far exceeding initial projections. These impressive figures underscore Phu Quoc’s growing stature as one of Vietnam’s premier travel destinations, increasingly favored by international travelers for its high-quality services and sophisticated resort infrastructure.

Phu Quoc Through the Eyes of the International Media

Beyond ranking the island among the world’s finest, Condé Nast Traveler has lavishly praised Phu Quoc for its rare blend of unspoiled natural beauty and refined hospitality. The magazine describes the island as “a destination where pristine landscapes meet world-class development”—a place where travelers can enjoy a truly seamless holiday, from luxurious beachfront resorts to engaging activities set against stunning coastal backdrops.

Renowned publications such as Lonely Planet and BBC Travel have likewise highlighted Phu Quoc’s untouched charm and diverse travel experiences, ranging from tranquil relaxation and nature exploration to the enjoyment of distinctive local cuisine. Travel + Leisure, meanwhile, has hailed Phu Quoc as “an extraordinary rise” among global destinations, distinguished by exceptional service standards and poetic natural scenery.

Ranked number 1 in Asia and 3rd globally, Phu Quoc has proven that it is not only the "pearl island" of Vietnam but also one of the most beautiful islands in the world. (Photo: Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism)

International visitors have been equally generous in their praise for Phu Quoc’s warm hospitality and outstanding service quality. Many share that they initially came for the island’s natural beauty, only to be pleasantly surprised by the richness of experiences on offer – from immersive nature exploration to refined local cuisine. A number of travelers note that Phu Quoc rivals renowned destinations such as the Maldives or Bali in terms of natural scenery, yet stands apart thanks to its distinctive Vietnamese cultural identity, which lends the island an irresistible and unique charm.

Ranked No.1 in Asia and No.3 globally, Phu Quoc has proven itself to be far more than Vietnam’s “Pearl Island” – it is now firmly recognized as one of the most beautiful islands in the world. Exceptional scores for service quality, breathtaking landscapes, and genuine hospitality have propelled Phu Quoc onto the international tourism map with remarkable momentum. For travelers who seek unspoiled natural beauty paired with world-class leisure and resort experiences, Phu Quoc is an unmissable destination on any global travel journey.

Theo Condé Nast Traveler, VnExpress, VOV