Phu Quoc may still be a new name for many American tourists, but for Vietnam, the Pearl Island has long ceased to be a 'secret.' However, this feeling of being both familiar to locals and surprisingly new to Western markets is turning Phu Quoc into a captivating new discovery on the travel map for American tourists.
TravelPulse – a leading reputable tourism information platform in the US, and a 'guide' for the Travel Advisor community and global online travel platforms – recently published an article documenting the exploration journey of Phu Quoc by writer Chelsea Davis after a 16-hour flight from San Francisco. In the article, the author notes that Phu Quoc is emerging as an attractive alternative to familiar destinations like Thailand or Bali, thanks to its rare combination of well-developed tourism infrastructure and the 'escape from reality' feeling that American tourists always seek.
Phu Quoc offers perfect experiences for every American wanderlust soul
"For Americans looking for a destination beyond familiar names like Thailand or Bali, Phu Quoc stands out with its combination of favored resort infrastructure and the sense of discovery that American travelers always expect" , Davis emphasized.
As Vietnam's largest island, Phu Quoc is described by TravelPulse as an ideal beach destination with its white sandy beaches, well-invested resorts, an increasingly diverse culinary scene, and large-scale entertainment shows every night.
Hon Thom cable car with its spectacular panoramic view attracts every visitor to experience
One of the most impressive experiences for the author was the journey to explore the South Island – an area she described as the "most amazing" on her trip. Here, the Hon Thom cable car – the world's longest three-rope cable car – is likened to an iconic experience. Suspended in the air, visitors can cast their eyes over the entire An Thoi archipelago with its clear blue waters, scattered small islands, and characteristic fishing boats of the tropical sea. This experience was once praised by CNN and Lonely Planet as the most worthwhile to try in Phu Quoc. Meanwhile, the New York Times recently also chose the Hon Thom cable car as the representative image for Vietnam's tourism during its breakthrough period.
South Phu Quoc Island also amazed the author with Sunset Town. The rows of pastel houses, winding streets, tiled steps, and structures reminiscent of Rome's Colosseum or San Francisco's famous Lombard Street (dubbed the world's most crooked street) evoke a feeling of "not what one typically expects when visiting Vietnam." According to Davis, it is precisely this interesting contrast that creates an unforgettable attraction for the destination.
Kiss Bridge (Cau Hon) is the perfect check-in spot to admire the beautiful sunset in Phu Quoc
Located in Sunset Town is the iconic Kiss Bridge - called by the author as one of the most poetic new symbols of Phu Quoc. The two arms of the bridge extend out to sea but do not touch, creating a delicate gap for the sunset to shine through – a moment described by Davis as “the perfect meeting point for sunset kisses”.
As night falls, Phu Quoc "wakes up" with a series of large-scale entertainment experiences. Chelsea Davis particularly praised the two shows, Kiss of the Sea and Symphony of the Sea, at Sunset Town, with their spectacular combination of music, laser lights, fire, fireworks, along with acrobatic performances, flyboard, and jet ski shows on the sea surface. According to the author, the shows ending with grand fireworks created a complete impression, concluding a day of emotional exploration.
A spectacular fireworks display concluding the Kiss of the Sea show illuminates the night sky for Ngoc Island
Regarding accommodation, TravelPulse rated JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay at Bai Kem as the most "escapist" choice on the island. Designed like an ancient French university, the resort impresses with its luxury hidden behind a creative storytelling spirit – from the Pink Pearl restaurant with its aristocratic dining style to the Chanterelle Spa inspired by "Alice in Wonderland", which Davis described as "unlike any spa experience ever had."
The luxurious JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort takes visitors to an unparalleled "fairytale land"
Besides modern resorts and entertainment facilities, the article also emphasizes local elements through the culinary experience with "bun quay" noodles. According to Chelsea Davis, the act of mixing dipping sauces by hand and enjoying fresh seafood in an atmosphere imbued with the spirit of a fishing village provided an authentic feeling, helping tourists connect more deeply with the cultural life of the people on Ngoc Island.
In conclusion, according to the TravelPulse reporter, with the advantage of a 30-day visa exemption for direct flights, increasingly convenient air connectivity, and a complete tourism-entertainment ecosystem, Phu Quoc is poised to become a leading beach destination for American tourists in the near future, rivaling and even surpassing other famous tourist paradises in the Asia-Pacific region.
