A New Iconic Event Destination of Vietnam
At exactly 11:59 PM on December 31, 2024, more than 15,000 domestic and international visitors gathered from every corner of Sunset Town (Phu Quoc), their eyes fixed on the Kiss of the Sea stage, counting down to a dazzling fireworks display welcoming the New Year.
The image of fireworks bursting behind the Kiss of the Sea stage with the iconic Kiss Bridge in the background has become a familiar sight for travelers to Phu Quoc. After all, this island greets visitors with such vibrant energy all year round, 365 days a year.
“Every year, my family usually celebrates New Year’s Eve with fireworks in Sydney. This year, we wanted a change, so we came to Phu Quoc—and we were blown away by the show. It was a breathtaking scene unlike anything I’ve seen before,” shared Tony, an Australian tourist, describing his unforgettable New Year experience.
In the early days of the new year, Sunset Town buzzes with visitors along every street and alley.
Not just a symbolic New Year’s destination in Vietnam, Phu Quoc has recently become a favored location for hosting large-scale international events. And it’s easy to see why: few places offer what the Pearl Island does—a destination that’s increasingly meeting the global standards for event tourism with open visa policies, convenient flight connections, high-quality tourism infrastructure, all set against stunning natural backdrops.
Back in 2019, Phu Quoc surprised the world when it was chosen by Indian billionaire couple Rushang Shah and Kaabia Grewal for one of the world’s most anticipated weddings. Fast forward to 2024, the scale and frequency of such high-profile events have only grown.
In November 2024, Phu Quoc welcomed 500 guests from Coca-Cola for the brand’s Asia–South Pacific regional year-end celebration. The gala night, held at the Kiss of the Sea stage, took attendees from one astonishment to another—with the world’s largest sea stage, eight different performance technologies using fire, water, lights, and lasers, and 60 international artists. A Coca-Cola representative commented, “This is probably the most beautiful stage in Vietnam—we’re absolutely impressed.”
The Coca-Cola event stage was a visual feast, made possible by the spectacular Kiss of the Sea stage and its diverse effects.
Also in 2024, Phu Quoc hosted a lavish Indian billionaire wedding that lasted seven days and gathered 350 elite guests. The family not only booked out the JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay resort but also chose Sunset Town for several traditional Indian ceremonies. What impressed the bride, groom, and their guests most was the “wedding altar” set on the Kiss of the Sea stage. On the night of the ceremony, guests were treated to two spectacular fireworks displays, turning the wedding into a grand celebration to ring in the New Year.
Infrastructure That Exceeds Expectations
One of the key reasons why Phu Quoc is increasingly chosen to host major national and international events lies in its rapidly evolving infrastructure—developed at an astonishing pace.
Ms. Weichun Liu, CEO of KKday—one of the world’s largest travel platforms—shared her amazement at Phu Quoc’s transformation: “The first time I came here was in 2022, and I was already very impressed with the cable car project. This time, not only are there more hotels and improved infrastructure, but also so many new programs, performances, and night markets. Everything feels so well connected now—I can really see a thriving ecosystem taking shape.”
Phu Quoc’s ecosystem of tourism, entertainment, and resorts is becoming increasingly complete, elevating its competitiveness both regionally and globally.
Australia’s micenet—a leading global publication on MICE tourism—has also recognized Phu Quoc as a rising star in the MICE scene, attracting international attention with its diverse offerings and world-class infrastructure. The island now hosts up to 311 projects with a total investment of over VND 428 trillion. Many of these are high-end integrated entertainment and resort complexes that rival others in the region.
In particular, southern Phu Quoc—especially Sunset Town and Bai Kem—is packed with potential thanks to its complete infrastructure, making it ideal for hosting large-scale events. The Kiss of the Sea outdoor stage can accommodate up to 5,000 guests and is equipped with state-of-the-art lighting, sound, and fireworks technology. Its one-of-a-kind design is something the world has never seen before. For indoor events, southern Phu Quoc offers two large convention venues—the Sun Signature Gallery and Sun Tropical Ballroom—each capable of hosting up to 1,000 guests. Post-event banquets held at Bai Kem—renowned as one of the most beautiful beaches on the planet—are nothing short of unforgettable.
Phu Quoc is also home to some of the world’s most prestigious hotel brands including Marriott, Accor, Hilton, and IHG. Recently, the island added another major name to its collection when Sun Group partnered with Accor & Ennismore to bring the Rixos brand to Southeast Asia and Vietnam for the first time, through the Rixos Phu Quoc resort project. In December 2024, Sun Group broke ground on the Aspira Tower (Khát Vọng Tower) on Hon Thom. Slated for completion in 2027, the tower will be a luxurious complex combining hospitality, entertainment, and commercial space. It will house The Luxury Collection Hon Thom hotel and is expected to become not just a venue for events and recreation but a new landmark that attracts millions of visitors to Hon Thom every year.
The Aspira Tower is poised to become a new symbol of Phu Quoc’s tourism landscape once completed in 2027.
With both visible and foreseeable potential, Phu Quoc is firmly positioning itself as a world-class destination for hosting large-scale global events. By the end of next year, the island is expected to complete its international cruise port, capable of handling 3,000–4,000 passengers per arrival, and has plans to upgrade and expand the Phu Quoc International Airport to welcome millions of international travelers annually.
