According to Aviation A2Z (an Indian aviation information platform), Southeast Asia is witnessing record-breaking aviation growth, with a surge in international transport capacity at many airports, marking significant milestones in the rapid development of these markets.
Among the top five most prominent and fastest-growing tourist hubs in the region, as announced by U.S.-based travel site Travel Off Path, Phu Quoc is the only Vietnamese destination on the list, alongside Bangkok and Phuket (Thailand), Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia). Travel Off Path highlights Phu Quoc’s transformation from a little-known Vietnamese island to a destination “stealing the hearts” of travellers with its affordable luxury resorts, palm-lined white-sand beaches, and vibrant night markets. "The island’s lively night markets and exciting amusement parks promise a joyful experience for visitors," notes the travel site.
The beauty of Phu Quoc, such as in Bai Kem - one of the most beautiful beaches on the planet, captivates every tourist
To make it onto this list, Phu Quoc has demonstrated remarkable and convincing growth figures. In January 2025, Phu Quoc Airport recorded an impressive growth rate of 185.2%, according to Aviation A2Z. This is the highest growth rate among Southeast Asian airports, highlighting the effectiveness of Vietnam’s visa exemption policy as well as enhanced airline cooperation in expanding routes and increasing flight frequencies to the island. In terms of international arrivals in 2024, Phu Quoc was a major contributor to helping Vietnam surpass Singapore, climbing to the third position among the most-visited countries in Southeast Asia.
According to Aviation A2Z, these "astonishing" figures reflect Phu Quoc’s growing appeal, transitioning from an emerging destination to a top-tier tourist hotspot. The island continues to attract international visitors thanks to its pristine nature, favourable visa policies, reasonable prices, and diverse tourism and entertainment experiences.
Sunset Town welcomes visitors with two spectacular firework shows every night
International tourists in Phu Quoc delight in unique experiences in the island’s southern region. One of the most popular attractions is the world’s longest three-wire cable car ride to Hon Thom Island, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the sea and landscape from above. Visitors can also explore the underwater world through seabed walking experiences at Hon Thom or enjoy artistic firework displays at Sunset Town, the only place in the world that features two firework shows in one night. Additionally, Kiss Bridge, an architecturally unique "non-touching" bridge praised by CNN, serves as a romantic sunset-viewing spot for those seeking a special and memorable experience.
The year 2024 marked a significant milestone for Phu Quoc as it frequently appeared in international media with high recognition and prestigious awards. The island was ranked the second most beautiful island in the world, only behind the Maldives, by Travel + Leisure. It was also included in Condé Nast Traveller’s list of the world’s most outstanding islands for 2025. In December 2024, Travel + Leisure emphasized that a three-day vacation in Phu Quoc costs significantly less than trips to destinations such as Singapore or Koh Samui (Thailand), with costs ranging from just one-third to one-fourth of those at other popular locations in the region. This cost advantage has been a major factor in Phu Quoc’s increasing popularity among international travellers.
Reasonable cost with high quality experiences is one of the important factors attracting international visitors to Phu Quoc
Furthermore, Phu Quoc has been selected to host the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in 2027. This event not only solidifies Vietnam’s global standing but also presents opportunities and challenges that could elevate Phu Quoc into a leading centre for tourism, economic growth, and services in the region.
