Recently, Travel + Leisure, one of the world's most prestigious travel magazines, announced its Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2025. These annual awards by Travel + Leisure recognize outstanding luxury destinations in the region, known for having the fastest-growing tourism globally. The destinations must meet rigorous standards ranging from service quality, resort-entertainment ecosystems to brand identity and the personalization of guest experiences in order to be nominated.
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Bai Kem is often described by visitors as "Paradise on Earth." (Photo: Fatel Belek) |
In the Best Islands category, Phu Quoc was the sole representative from Vietnam, ranked third among the top ten islands. This achievement adds to Phu Quoc’s list of international accolades over the past two years.
From “emerging star” to world class destination
With consecutive international awards over the past two years, Phu Quoc has firmly established itself not just as an emerging star but as a definitive global luxury destination. Renowned for stunning beaches such as Bai Kem and Bai Sao, famous for their pristine white sands, gentle waves, and clear waters, Phu Quoc offers far more than natural beauty. The island is now one of Vietnam’s most attractive destinations, offering diverse cultural-historical experiences, vibrant entertainment, and accommodations ranging from affordable to ultra-luxurious.
At the heart of this transformation is the Sun Paradise Land ecosystem, developed in southern Phu Quoc by Sun Group. Over the past two years, visitors have enjoyed record-breaking attractions including the world's longest three-cable cable car connecting to Hon Thom Island, the innovative Kiss Bridge, the only “non-touching” bridge in the world celebrated by CNN, and the Guinness World Record-setting multimedia show "Kiss of the Sea." Additionally, the island offers colorful firework shows and night markets that bring guests a continuous, immersive experience from dusk to dawn.
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Thousands of visitors attended the Guinness record-breaking show “Kiss of the Sea” at Sunset Town. |
Between 2021 and 2023, Phu Quoc experienced a 15% increase in five-star hotels. Following the opening of JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay in 2016, the island’s first five-star resort, Phu Quoc now boasts around 45 top-tier resorts operated by world-renowned hospitality brands such as Marriott, Hilton, Accor, and Rosewood. This influx transformed Phu Quoc from an obscure island into an exclusive destination favored by affluent travelers worldwide.
Prof., Dr. Tran Dinh Thien, former Director of the Vietnam Institute of Economics, noted: "Few places match Phu Quoc’s consistent, high-caliber awards over the past decade. This confirms the island’s capability and Vietnam’s strategic ambition to swiftly elevate Phu Quoc within global competition."
Ascending to greater luxury
Winning international awards is just the beginning for Phu Quoc. In the coming years, Vietnam’s "Pearl Island" aims to further elevate its position, rivalling global tourism icons such as Hawaii or the Maldives.
“Once the projects are complete, we may see the emergence of the “Hawaii of the East,” Mr. Hong Jung Min, CEO of Hanatour Vietnam, said.
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Phu Quoc International Airport and Sun PhuQuoc Airways will be ready to welcome high-level guests for APEC 2027. |
On July 1, 2025, Phu Quoc officially became a special zone under An Giang province, a milestone ensuring the island’s continued ascent. The special zone status will introduce breakthrough policies, remove administrative hurdles, and facilitate rapid, transparent, and cost-effective project execution.
Not only that, the once-untouched island is now set to become Vietnam’s third host of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Forum in 2027.
One of the APEC projects includes a 22,000 billion VND expansion of Phu Quoc International Airport, featuring a dedicated VIP terminal meeting the highest international standards for dignitaries and diplomatic events. Sun PhuQuoc Airways will also take part in providing premium service to international delegations.
The upgraded airport and Sun PhuQuoc Airways will seamlessly integrate with Sun Group’s resort, entertainment, and tourism ecosystem, delivering an experience comparable to top global travel hubs like Singapore.
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Aspira Tower is scheduled to complete in 2027 on Hon Thom Island. |
Hon Thom Island is set to welcome an array of ultra-luxury brands, including The Luxury Collection Hon Thom, Rixos Phu Quoc, and Ritz Carlton Reserve Hon Thom. Ritz Carlton Reserve, Ritz Carlton’s most exclusive brand, operates just seven resorts globally, with Hon Thom joining this elite group. Meanwhile, The Luxury Collection at the Aspira Tower, is expected to become the world’s second sail-shaped landmark.
These milestones are cementing Phu Quoc’s role as an international tourism and economic hub, delivering lasting value to travelers and investors. With Sun Group’s vision and investment, Phu Quoc is steadily realizing its ambition to be among the world’s most desirable destinations to visit, live, and invest in.
Source: VNA