THE SOUTH ISLAND AREA OF PHU QUOC, also known as Sun Paradise Land, boasts an irresistible charm that has caught the attention of travellers around the world. The destination was recently voted second-best island in the world at the 2024 World’s Best Awards by Travel+Leisure — beaten out only by the Maldives.
For in-the-know travellers, the idyllic island has long been recognised as a prime destination with dramatic natural scenery and unique, picturesque beaches that leave visitors in complete awe. And what’s even better is that visitors can stay for up to 30-days without a visa.
Feel the Energy of Kem Beach
Kem Beach, in particular, stands out as a place not to miss, with its soft white sands and emerald green waters, the beach has become synonymous with elevated, island living.
The pull of Kem Beach extends beyond its natural beauty, offering a perfect setting for relaxation and rejuvenation, brimming with some of the best accommodations in the area. Nearby, discover such luxurious and immersive properties as New World Phu Quoc, JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay, Premier Residences Phu Quoc Emerald Bay and Premier Village Phu Quoc (at Ong Doi Cape).
The island’s striking landscape is the top pick for outdoor adventures and activities to spike the adrenaline, such as swimming, snorkelling, and diving under the currents of the Gulf Of Thailand. The island’s coastal areas are also ideal for kayaking and paddleboarding, offering a unique perspective of Phu Quoc’s shoreline.
Discover an Entertainment Paradise
What’s more, as the island’s fortunes drive upward, the number of attractions continues to evolve, including the new arrival of the Kiss of the Sea show, the barnstorming event that has taken over the region.
Held in Sunset Town — the super popular recreation area designed to feel like an Italian resort and home to the iconic Kiss Bridge — every night, Kiss of the Sea uses multimedia technology and groundbreaking audiovisuals alongside fiery pyrotechnics and lasers to create a thrilling performance of music and dance on a scale unmatched in the region. And don’t worry about missing the stunning sky display, Phu Quoc is a unique island destination that displays fireworks 365 days a year.
Vietnamese culture is, of course, the star draw and events combining extreme sports with local tradition. Expect to see festival drums, dragon kites, lion dancing, fireworks and the magical puppet musicals that recreate Vietnamese fairy tales, announced at Sunset Town over the coming months.
Other highlights include the three-wire cable car to Hon Thom Island, soon to be the location of a futuristic entertainment centre set to host EDM concerts, jetski exhibitions and waterjet-propelled flyboard demos.
The year also sees the launch of a new brewery in the enclave, the Herring Night Market (Ca Trich Bazaar), celebrating the star of local cuisine – the sensational but humble Phu Quoc herring salad. Just steps away, the VUI-Fest Bazaar night market stalls are where you can browse through fashions, trinkets or souvenirs and sample street food.
Phu Quoc is also a golfing paradise with stunning and challenging courses that tempt even the most seasoned players. Designed by the passion of Sun Group and the talent of IMG – the world’s leading golf course design and management group, the 18-holes Eschuri Vung Bau (booking@eschurivungbau.com.vn) brings together all the beauty of Phu Quoc in a 7,508-yard golf course.
The course is nothing short of immaculate. With special features that turn an afternoon of golf into an adventurous journey, players get to travel “up the forest and down to the sea.” Golf holes from #1 to #9 are designed to maximise the pristine beauty of Phu Quoc’s primeval forest, with many “traps” that will challenge even the most clever and skilled golfers — but the course’s expert caddies are always on hand to advise you of the ideal shot for the conditions. From golf holes #10 to #18, you will emerge from the forest to reach the white sand beaches and waves of Phu Quoc. And hole #14 deserves a special mention, the golf hole looks straight out to the sea, and players report feeling like they are hitting the ball directly at the horizon — a feeling that very few golf holes in the world can deliver.
Easy Arrivals to Visa-Free Island
With the summer months coming to an end and temperatures settling into a comfortable 30 degrees, now is one of the best times to visit Phu Quoc. Spend time discovering why it has joined the ranks of elite global destinations and explore its constantly evolving offerings and impeccable luxury resorts.
As if the tropical destination weren’t attractive enough, Phu Quoc is also a match for any budget, with everything from simple accommodations in Sunset Town to luxurious resorts in the Kem Beach area available. The island has wide appeal, attracting everyone from backpackers on gap years to A-listers looking for sun-kissed sanctuary in the tropics.
And as the island’s unique arrivals policy lets visitors stay on the island for up to 30 days visa-free. With all these incredible attributes and an exciting new award, there is simply no excuse for travellers not to experience the magic of Phu Quoc.
