PHU QUOC NAMED SOUTHEAST ASIA’S NEW “HIDDEN GEM” BY BRITISH PRESS

Unlike the bustling tourism hubs of Phuket or Bali, Phu Quoc is drawing increasing attention from international media for its untouched beauty, rich natural ecosystem, and vast potential for luxury resort development.

In a recent feature, British newspaper The Independent described Phu Quoc as Southeast Asia’s newest “hidden gem” — a destination that remains relatively undiscovered by Western travelers, yet possesses all the qualities needed to emerge as one of the region’s premier resort destinations.

Rather than following the path of overly familiar tourist hotspots, Phu Quoc is recognized for preserving authentic layers of local life and culture: from vibrant traditional markets and fishing villages to tropical forests, pepper farms, honey farms, and long stretches of white-sand beaches along the Gulf of Thailand.

An Island Between Two Rhythms

According to the British publication, Phu Quoc reveals itself through a fascinating contrast — where the quiet cadence of local island life exists alongside the vibrant energy of a rapidly evolving tourism destination.

At Duong Dong Market, everyday life unfolds in its most authentic form: stalls filled with freshly caught seafood and tropical fruits, motorbikes weaving through narrow aisles, and local residents trading and shopping as part of the island’s familiar daily rhythm.

Just a short distance away, the night market presents an entirely different atmosphere — lively, colorful, and full of movement. Street food stalls, souvenir shops, cafés, and streams of visitors create a dynamic nightlife scene that reflects Phu Quoc’s growing appeal as a modern coastal destination.

It is precisely this blend of contrasts that gives Phu Quoc its distinctive identity — an island undergoing a remarkable transformation while still preserving its local character and naturally unhurried way of life.

Rare Natural Advantages

Located just around an hour’s flight from Ho Chi Minh City, Phu Quoc is Vietnam’s largest island, spanning an area comparable to the Isle of Man in the United Kingdom. More than half of the island is covered by tropical rainforest, much of which forms part of a UNESCO-recognized World Biosphere Reserve.

Beyond its lush interior, Phu Quoc boasts nearly 150 kilometers of coastline, home to pristine white-sand beaches, traditional fishing villages, and a rich marine–forest ecosystem. These natural assets provide a strong foundation for the island’s continued growth as a destination for luxury resort tourism, eco-travel, and authentic local experiences.

For decades, Phu Quoc has been known for its pearls, pepper farms, and traditional fish sauce. Yet in the eyes of international travelers — particularly Western visitors — the island still retains a sense of discovery, remaining relatively untouched compared to more established destinations across the region.

Growth Potential Driven by Infrastructure and Tourism Policies

According to the article, the number of British visitors traveling to Vietnam rose significantly in 2025, supported in part by the country’s 45-day visa exemption policy. At the same time, Vietnam has set an ambitious target of welcoming 15 million visitors to Phu Quoc by 2030 — a clear reflection of the island’s increasingly strategic role in the nation’s long-term tourism development vision.

Phu Quoc’s infrastructure is also undergoing rapid transformation. Plans to expand the international airport, develop an international ferry port, and introduce more upscale hotels and luxury resorts are steadily enhancing the island’s capacity to welcome global travelers and elevate its position as a premier destination in the region.

Northern Phu Quoc: Where Nature Still Breathes in Its Purest Form

One of the article’s most compelling highlights is the island’s northern region — a place where Phu Quoc reveals a more untouched and authentic side of itself. Here, dense forests, cascading waterfalls, pepper plantations, tropical fruit gardens, and local farming experiences come together to create a landscape that still moves to the quiet rhythm of nature.

Unlike the island’s more vibrant tourist hubs, Northern Phu Quoc offers a quieter, more nature-connected atmosphere — an ideal retreat for travelers seeking deeper, more private, and discovery-driven experiences.

This area is also gaining attention as part of a new wave of travel trends: journeys that go beyond beachfront relaxation to embrace meaningful connections with forests, rivers, the sea, and local culture.

From a “Hidden Gem” to Southeast Asia’s Emerging Luxury Escape

The international media’s description of Phu Quoc as Southeast Asia’s “hidden gem” reflects the island’s vast untapped potential and its ability to carve out a distinctive identity in the regional tourism landscape.

At a time when travelers are increasingly drawn to destinations that feel less commercialized, more immersive, and rich in authentic character, Phu Quoc stands at the threshold of a remarkable new chapter of growth.

More than simply a tropical island getaway, Phu Quoc is gradually evolving into a destination where luxury hospitality, nature-based experiences, local culture, and long-term development vision converge.

And it is precisely this balance — between untouched beauty and modern transformation — that is shaping the island’s unique appeal in the eyes of international travelers.

(Source: Compiled from various sources: Internet)