Vietnam's Phu Quoc is transforming into a major travel destination
Vietnam's Phú Quốc island has rapidly evolved from a quiet fishing village into Southeast Asia's fastest-growing beach destination, now offering luxury resorts, entertainment complexes and easy access via its international airport.
PHÚ QUỐC, Vietnam — Once known mainly as a quiet fishing island off Vietnam's southern coast, Phú Quốc has rapidly transformed into one of Southeast Asia's fastest-growing beach destinations.
With white sand beaches, luxury resorts, night markets and massive entertainment projects, the island is increasingly attracting travellers looking for a tropical getaway that combines nature with modern tourism infrastructure.
Located in the Gulf of Thailand near the Cambodian coast, Phú Quốc is Vietnam's largest island and has become a key part of the country's tourism ambitions.
Beaches, sunsets and clear water
Phú Quốc's biggest attraction remains its coastline. Long Beach, stretching along the island's western side, is known for sunset views, beach bars and resorts, while Sao Beach on the southeast coast is famous for powdery white sand and turquoise water.
The dry season between November and April is considered the best time to visit, when calm seas and sunny skies make the island ideal for swimming, snorkelling and island hopping. Compared with many larger beach destinations in the region, parts of Phú Quốc still retain a slower and more relaxed atmosphere.
From fishing island to tourism giant
Over the past decade, the island has seen major investment in tourism infrastructure. Large-scale developments such as Sunset Town and Grand World have transformed parts of the island into entertainment and shopping hubs filled with colourful Mediterranean-style architecture, restaurants and nightlife.
Luxury international resorts now line many sections of the coast, while Phú Quốc International Airport has made access far easier for foreign travellers. The island is also becoming increasingly popular among Thai tourists because of short regional flight times and visa-friendly entry policies for many visitors.
The world's longest sea-crossing cable car
One of the island's most famous attractions is the Hon Thom Cable Car, which stretches across the sea connecting Phú Quốc with smaller southern islands. The cable car offers panoramic views of fishing boats, coral reefs and the Gulf of Thailand below. Visitors can also take boat tours to nearby islands for snorkelling, diving and seafood dining.
Seafood and local culture
Despite rapid development, traditional fishing communities still remain part of island life. Seafood is one of the highlights of visiting Phú Quốc, with fresh crab, squid, sea urchin and grilled shellfish widely available at local markets and beachside restaurants. The island is also known across Vietnam for fish sauce production and pepper farms.
Easy access from Thailand
Travellers from Bangkok can reach Phú Quốc through connecting flights via Ho Chi Minh City or direct regional routes depending on airline schedules. As Vietnam continues investing heavily in tourism, Phú Quốc is positioning itself as one of the region's major island destinations — offering a mix of tropical scenery, entertainment and fast-growing resort development.
