Phu Quoc: Vietnam's Tropical Gem and Rising Star in Global Travel, According to CNA Luxury
Phu Quoc: Vietnam's Tropical Gem and Rising Star in Global Travel, According to CNA Luxury
Phu Quoc, Vietnam’s tropical paradise, has been named one of the top 25 travel destinations for 2025 by CNA Luxury, the lifestyle platform of Singapore-based Channel NewsAsia (CNA). Ranking at No. 7, Phu Quoc is the only Vietnamese destination on the list and one of the few Asian locations, alongside Koh Samui (Thailand), Manila (Philippines), and Singapore.
Phu Quoc: A Rising Star in Global Travel
CNA Luxury’s "25 Places to Visit in 2025" highlights destinations that champion sustainable tourism and offer unique travel experiences. The prestigious list includes a mix of emerging and iconic spots such as Osaka (Japan), Cairo (Egypt), Greenland, and Casablanca (Morocco). Selections were made based on insights from travel experts, cultural trends, and updated information on flights, hotels, and accessibility.
Why Phu Quoc is a Must-Visit Destination
Described as the "epitome of a tropical gem" by CNA, Phu Quoc boasts a 150-kilometer coastline, pristine beaches, and a vast national park. The island’s rising appeal among Singaporean travelers is further boosted by Scoot Airlines’ direct flights, launched in December 2024, making the journey from Singapore just two hours.
Luxury travel expert Jo Hendry Prior, co-founder of Alchemist Travel, highlights Phu Quoc’s diverse accommodations, from budget-friendly stays to world-class five-star resorts. This affordability makes it an attractive alternative to Singapore and Koh Samui, with a three-day trip to Phu Quoc costing just one-third to one-quarter of other regional destinations, according to Travel + Leisure.
Phu Quoc’s Growing Global Recognition
Beyond CNA Luxury’s ranking, The Times (UK) has also recognized Phu Quoc as one of Southeast Asia’s 10 most beautiful islands, placing it alongside Bali (Indonesia), Koh Phra Thong (Thailand), and Pulau Pangkor (Malaysia).
The island’s iconic beaches, Bai Kem and Bai Sao, are among the world’s most breathtaking, with crystal-clear waters, powdery white sand, and year-round sunshine.
World-Class Resorts & Attractions
Phu Quoc is home to luxury resorts such as:
JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay – an architectural masterpiece by Bill Bensley, featuring a unique French university-inspired design.
New World Phu Quoc and Premier Residences Phu Quoc Emerald Bay, offering top-tier hospitality and oceanfront views.
For adventure seekers, Phu Quoc offers:
- The world’s longest three-wire cable car to Hon Thom Island, showcasing spectacular aerial views.
- An underwater walking experience at Hon Thom, where visitors can explore marine life up close.
- Sunset Town’s nightly fireworks and acclaimed performances, including 'Kiss of the Sea' and 'Symphony of the Sea'.
Phu Quoc’s Impact on Vietnam’s Tourism Boom
With its growing international recognition, Phu Quoc is driving Vietnam’s rise as a top global travel destination. During the 2025 Lunar New Year, the island welcomed 40 daily international flights, three times the number from 2024, with a 44% increase in international tourist arrivals.
Vietnam’s tourism boom has been remarkable—surpassing Singapore (16.5 million arrivals) to become the third most-visited country in Southeast Asia in 2024.
With increasing global media attention and enhanced accessibility, Phu Quoc is set to become one of the world’s premier island getaways in 2025 and beyond.