Phu Quoc has been named the second-best island destination in the Asia-Pacific by Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards 2026, becoming Vietnam’s top destination. The island has seen immense growth in tourism, welcoming over 4.77 million visitors in early 2026. Significant investments in infrastructure and attractions contribute to its rising popularity.
Phu Quoc has been ranked the second-best island destination in the Asia-Pacific region in the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2026, rising one place from last year and becoming Vietnam’s highest-ranked destination on this year’s list.
Organized annually by Travel + Leisure, the awards recognize outstanding destinations, hotels, and travel experiences across the region based on visitor experience, hospitality standards, service quality, and tourism offerings.
This year, Phu Quoc placed just behind Thailand’s Koh Samui and ahead of several renowned island destinations, including Bali (Indonesia), Palawan (Philippines), Langkawi (Malaysia), and Sumba (Indonesia).
The recognition adds to a growing list of international accolades for Vietnam’s largest island. In 2025, Condé Nast Traveler named Phu Quoc the most beautiful island in Asia and the third most beautiful island in the world. Earlier this year, readers of DestinAsian voted it the second-best island destination in Asia, climbing from fifth place in the previous ranking.
In a recent feature, DestinAsian described Phu Quoc as entering “a new era of tropical tourism,” driven by the expansion of its tourism offerings beyond traditional beach holidays.
Alongside its renowned coastline, the island has invested heavily in hospitality, entertainment, and tourism infrastructure. Signature attractions include the Hon Thom cable car, Sunset Town, Kiss Bridge, and large-scale multimedia productions such as Kiss of the Sea and Symphony of the Sea.
The island’s hospitality sector also gained recognition, with JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay named among Vietnam’s best beach and island resorts in the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards 2026.
Tourism growth continues to accelerate. According to the An Giang Department of Tourism, the province welcomed more than 13.3 million visitors during the first five months of 2026, up 12.1% year-on-year.
Phu Quoc accounted for approximately 4.77 million arrivals, representing a 34.2% increase compared with the same period last year. International arrivals reached around 1.17 million visitors, up 51%, while tourism revenue totaled VND26.96 trillion (US$1.03 billion), contributing more than 80% of the province’s total tourism revenue.
Improved accessibility has also supported the island’s growth. The launch of Sun PhuQuoc Airways and the expansion of international air routes have strengthened connections between Phu Quoc and key markets across Asia, making the destination increasingly accessible to global travelers.
Industry observers attribute the island’s rising profile to a combination of factors, including Vietnam’s 30-day visa exemption policy for international visitors, expanded international flight networks, and continued investment in tourism infrastructure.
Looking ahead, preparations for APEC 2027 are expected to further accelerate development. Major projects currently underway include the expansion of Phu Quoc International Airport and the construction of supporting facilities for the summit.
Together, these investments are expected to reinforce Phu Quoc’s position as one of Asia’s leading island destinations while supporting sustained growth in tourism, aviation, and international events.
Australian Hospitality Alumni Network Vietnam 