A shining spot on the world tourism map

The Phu Quoc Special Zone holds a particularly important position, serving as a center for tourism, services, and marine economy, as well as an international trade gateway with strategic roles in national defense, security, and foreign affairs. Surpassing many other prominent destinations in the region, Vietnam’s Phu Quoc was recently voted the most beautiful island in Asia and ranked third globally by experts and readers of Condé Nast Traveler. This ranking is part of the annual Reader's Choice Award organized by the prestigious American travel magazine Condé Nast Traveler.

In recent years, thanks to the attention of the Central Government and the relentless efforts of the entire political system, businesses, and residents, Phu Quoc has seen remarkable and robust development. The “Phu Quoc Tourism” brand is increasingly affirmed on the world tourism map, becoming a destination for millions of visitors and contributing significantly to overall growth.

Chairman of the Phu Quoc Special Zone People’s Committee, Tran Minh Khoa, stated that the economic restructuring of Phu Quoc is on the right track, with tourism and services as the spearhead sectors. The economic growth rate remains high, reaching 19.6% annually from 2020 to 2025, mainly driven by the trade-service sector (increased by 68.45%), with an average annual increase of nearly 11%.

Phu Quoc is blessed with over 150 km of coastline, featuring many beautiful beaches, some of which are ranked among the most stunning in the region and the world, making it a paradise for relaxation. The island also boasts a mild climate, rich marine ecosystems, diverse landscapes, and historical, religious, and cultural values.

In the first 9 months of 2025, Phu Quoc welcomed over 6.5 million visitors, an increase of 32.9% year-on-year, reaching 90.5% of the annual plan; total tourism revenue reached VND 31,138 billion, exceeding the plan by 32.5%; among them, over 1.2 million were international visitors, accounting for 97% of the province’s total international arrivals.

Leaders of the Phu Quoc Special Zone revealed that the island has attracted many major investors with long-term strategies such as: Sun Group, Vingroup, BIM Group, CEO Group... To date, there are 321 investment projects with a total capital of about VND 435,548 billion, focusing on high-end entertainment and luxury resorts. The accommodation system is among the most modern in the region with over 700 facilities and more than 24,000 rooms, including 29 hotels rated 4–5 stars, offering 13,475 international-standard rooms.

Technical infrastructure, including road and air transport, is synchronized and modern. Phu Quoc International Airport has become a vital gateway, averaging 70 flights per day. Duong Dong International Passenger Port also serves as a gateway, welcoming many 5-star cruise ships, including 3 super cruise ships with about 8,900 international passengers in early 2025.

Additionally, Phu Quoc offers a diverse range of tourism products with attractive activities such as: scuba diving, fishing, parasailing, exploring the primeval forest, island tours, and visits to cultural-historical landmarks like Dinh Cau and the National Special Historical Site – Phu Quoc Prison...

Many modern constructions with unique cultural value stand out, such as: Vietnam’s first coral park; Hon Thom Paradise Island, a luxury resort and entertainment complex with upscale villas; the world’s longest 3-rope cable car at 7.999 km. Sun Grand City Hillside Residence & Sun Premier Village Primavera, a Mediterranean-style coastal urban area with squares, clock towers, and artistic streets. Sun Secret Valley Phu Quoc, an eco-resort combined with commerce, nestled between the primeval forest and the beach, offering a nature-close experience. Grand World Phu Quoc, dubbed the “City That Never Sleeps,” is a complex of entertainment, shopping, and culture. VinWonders Phu Quoc is Vietnam’s largest theme park with 6 themed zones such as: Fairy Tale World, Mysterious Village, Adventure World… Vinpearl Safari Phu Quoc, Vietnam’s first semi-wild zoo with rare animals from around the world...

Phu Quoc’s traditional fish sauce craft has been recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage. Moreover, the island is famous for specialties such as: pearls, pepper, tram mushrooms, forest sim wine… along with distinctive island cuisine like: herring salad, grilled sea urchin with scallion oil, “bun quay,” fresh seafood…

“Golden Opportunity” – Hosting APEC 2027

The Central Government has designated Phu Quoc to become a “high-quality eco-tourism and marine tourism service center of national and international stature, connected to major economic hubs in the region and the world.”

Especially, Phu Quoc is facing a “golden opportunity” as it has been chosen by the Central Government to host the APEC 2027 Summit. This is a major driving force for Phu Quoc to complete its socio-economic infrastructure, develop the marine economy, attract investment, and boost tourism and services.

Mr. Le Quoc Anh, Secretary of the Phu Quoc Special Zone Party Committee, shared that Phu Quoc aims to become an international center for ecology, relaxation, and creativity by 2030. The total number of tourists is expected to reach 15 million by 2030, an increase of over 114% compared to 2025, with an average annual growth of 16.47%. To achieve this goal, Phu Quoc focuses on exploiting and promoting its existing potential and advantages; while accelerating digital transformation and prioritizing marine economy, trade-services, and tourism sectors.

Secretary Le Quoc Anh emphasized: With the motto of serving APEC 2027, every Phu Quoc resident is a tourism ambassador, alongside the entire political system and business community, preparing the best for this global-scale event. Maintaining national defense and security stability is a key factor, creating a favorable environment to attract investors and ensuring safety for tourists. Phu Quoc is determined to build the special zone into a “model unit of security, orders, and urban civility,” a zone free of crime and drugs, bringing peace to residents and visitors.

Mr. Nguyen Vu Khac Huy, Vice Chairman of the An Giang Tourism Association and Chairman of the Phu Quoc Tourism Branch, shared: The Pearl Island is facing an unprecedented development opportunity in the new era to become a world-class destination, on par with famous tourist islands globally. To serve APEC 2027, the Government has urgently directed the implementation of 21 infrastructure projects such as: upgrading Phu Quoc International Airport, building a multifunctional APEC complex, along with numerous wastewater and garbage treatment plants, traffic roads,… In addition, international cooperation in accommodation, services, and development of high-end hotels with renowned brands entering Vietnam for the first time is underway. The healthcare sector is also being upgraded to meet international standards, aiming to meet the needs of high-quality tourism with expectations for a tourism boom before and after APEC 2027.

Phu Quoc is undergoing a strong transformation not only to host APEC 2027 but also to become a global destination for tourism, relaxation, and international conferences. Especially, the Pearl Island is on the threshold of a new development era, becoming a modern, civilized, green, clean, beautiful, safe, and livable special zone.

News by LE HUY HAI

Translator: Thi Huynh