HANOI, Vietnam – Vietnam's largest island, Phu Quoc, has secured a significant victory in the global tourism landscape, officially being named the most beautiful island in Asia for the first time. The coveted recognition comes from the annual Readers' Choice Awards 2025, conducted by the esteemed American magazine, Condé Nast Traveler. This achievement marks a notable shift in regional travel perceptions, as Phu Quoc supplants the long-reigning Indonesian powerhouse, Bali.
The announcement, made on October 10th (local time), is a testament to the "Pearl Island's" rapidly growing appeal. Phu Quoc earned a remarkable score of 95.51 points in the extensive reader poll, an increase of 0.15 points from the previous year, securing its pole position in the Asian category. The island's rise is even more profound given its simultaneous global recognition, ranking third among the "World's Most Wonderful Islands."
The survey results saw a shuffling of the top ranks. Malaysia’s Langkawi and Thailand’s Koh Samui claimed the second and third spots, respectively. Meanwhile, Bali, which held the top title last year, dropped to the sixth position, trailing behind the Philippines' Boracay and Palawan.
This prestigious award, considered the longest-running accolade in the travel industry, celebrates excellence across a range of travel experiences, including cities, islands, hotels, resorts, and airlines. The 2025 survey garnered responses from 757,000 readers who shared their opinions on diverse travel destinations worldwide.
Phu Quoc’s enhanced global standing directly corresponds with its booming tourism figures. From January to September of this year, the island welcomed 1.2 million foreign visitors, a substantial 65.8% increase compared to the previous year and already surpassing its annual goal of one million international arrivals. The total number of visitors, encompassing both domestic and international travelers, has reached 6.5 million, exceeding last year’s total of 5.9 million. This significant surge underscores the island's burgeoning popularity and capacity to attract a global audience.
Beyond its famed stretches of pristine white-sand beaches like Sao Beach and Khem Beach, Phu Quoc has solidified its status by developing a comprehensive tourism ecosystem. The island now boasts world-class entertainment complexes, luxury resort infrastructure, and exclusive artistic and cultural offerings that meet international standards. Infrastructure development, including improved road networks and public transport, alongside a focus on green spaces, continues to boost the island's accessibility and allure.
Key attractions contributing to the island's draw include the Hon Thom Cable Car, one of the world's longest three-wire cable car rides, and expansive leisure destinations like VinWonders and Vinpearl Safari. The emergence of unique spots like Sunset Town, inspired by the Italian coast, complete with the iconic Kiss Bridge and the spectacular "Kiss of the Sea" show, provides a diverse array of experiences, appealing to a wide spectrum of travelers. Furthermore, cultural sites such as Dinh Cau Temple and traditional attractions like the Phu Quoc pepper farms and fish sauce factories offer a glimpse into the island's rich heritage.
Phu Quoc’s achievement is more than a momentary recognition; it confirms the successful transformation of what was once an undiscovered destination into a formidable global travel phenomenon, ready to compete with the world's most established island icons.
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