THAI PRESS: PHÚ QUỐC HAS EMERGED FAR BEYOND A QUIET ISLAND RETREAT

Once a quiet fishing island in southern Vietnam, Phú Quốc is rapidly emerging as one of the region’s most prominent coastal destinations, distinguished by its luxury resorts, world-class entertainment complexes, and rapidly evolving tourism infrastructure.

 
Thailand’s leading media outlet Khaosod has recently spotlighted the remarkable transformation of Phu Quoc (An Giang), charting its journey from a quiet fishing island to one of Vietnam’s most prominent tourism destinations.

Nestled in the Gulf of Thailand, just off the coast of Cambodia, Phu Quoc is Vietnam’s largest island, spanning 574 square kilometers. In recent years, the Pearl Island has emerged as a key pillar in Vietnam’s long-term strategy for developing high-end marine and island tourism.

Phu Quoc’s strongest appeal continues to lie in the beauty of its coastline. Long Beach, stretching along the island’s western shore, is celebrated for its breathtaking sunsets, upscale resorts, and vibrant beachfront atmosphere. Meanwhile, Sao Beach in the southeast captivates visitors with its powdery white sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters.

The dry season, from November to April, is widely regarded as the ideal time to visit Phu Quoc. Calm seas, clear blue skies, and abundant sunshine create perfect conditions for swimming, snorkeling among coral reefs, and exploring the surrounding islets.

The island’s most remarkable transformation has been driven by a powerful wave of tourism infrastructure investment over the past decade. Large-scale resort developments have turned several areas of the island into vibrant hubs for shopping, entertainment, dining, and nightlife. Mediterranean-inspired architecture, lively restaurants, stylish bars, and pedestrian promenades have all contributed to redefining the face of Phu Quoc tourism.

Alongside this evolution, a growing collection of luxury resorts and internationally renowned hospitality brands has emerged along the island’s pristine coastline. Phu Quoc International Airport has also significantly improved accessibility, making the island more convenient than ever for both domestic and international travelers.

Among Phu Quoc’s most iconic attractions is the Hon Thom Cable Car, connecting the main island to the southern archipelago. From above, visitors are treated to breathtaking panoramic views of fishing boats, coral reefs, scattered islets, and the emerald waters of the Gulf of Thailand.

Beyond the cable car experience, island-hopping tours, coral diving, fishing excursions, and seafood dining remain among the most sought-after activities in Phu Quoc. Fresh seafood delicacies such as crab, squid, sea urchin, shellfish, and grilled snails can easily be found at local markets, traditional fishing villages, and seaside restaurants across the island.

Despite its rapid transformation, Phu Quoc continues to preserve the authentic character of local island life. Fishing communities, the centuries-old fish sauce craft, and pepper farms remain deeply woven into the island’s identity, adding a rich cultural dimension to the destination beyond its natural beauty.

Phu Quoc is also becoming increasingly popular among Thai travelers, thanks to its short travel time and convenient entry policies that make the island more accessible to international visitors.

From Bangkok, travelers can reach Phu Quoc via connecting flights through Ho Chi Minh City or through regional flight routes, depending on airline schedules and seasonal operations.

Compared to Thailand’s well-established beach destinations such as Phuket or Koh Samui, Phu Quoc remains a newer and increasingly intriguing option within the Gulf of Thailand region. The island’s growing appeal is clearly reflected in its international visitor numbers. In 2025 alone, Phu Quoc welcomed approximately 8.3 million visitors, including nearly 1.9 million international arrivals.

Source: zing.vn