There's an endless list of gorgeous islands in Asia to put on your travel bucket list, but you'll just have to make space for one more. Phu Quoc, a charming island known as "the Venice of Vietnam", has just been named the World's Leading Nature Island Destination by the World Travel Awards 2024.
Just in July, it was also voted the world’s second most beautiful island by the readers of American lifestyle magazine Travel+Leisure. And with its tourism department expecting to smash its tourism targets this year, it’s clear that there are some seriously compelling reasons to visit.
The first thing that comes to mind is Phu Quoc’s charming Sunset Town. Known as the Venice of Vietnam for its narrow lanes and colourful shophouses, this vibrant heart is where most visitors will find themselves based. Many big-name hotels like JW Marriott, Intercontinental, and Wyndham Grand are here, within striking distance of attractions like the Hon Thom Cable Car, Vui Fest night market, and nightly Kiss of the Sea light show and fireworks extravaganza.
Then there are Phu Quoc’s famous pearly white beaches. Those searching for some R&R would do well on gorgeous stretches like Sao Beach or Khem Beach. For the more adventurous sort, there’s kayaking, paddle boarding, jetskiing, and also snorkelling to see teeming coral reefs. For the last, spots like Thom Beach or Starfish Beach are particularly good.
And why the best “nature island” destination? Here’s the clincher: 70% of Phu Quoc island is part of the Phu Quoc National Park in the Kien Giang Biosphere Reserve, which was recognised as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2010. This means there’s tons of pristine nature to explore on popular public treks like the Gahn Dau Trail or the Ham Ninh Mountain Trek. Look out for glittering waterfalls and endangered wildlife like the silvered langur and pygmy loris while on these trails.
Phu Quoc is also about to get more accessible. Scoot, the low-cost subsidiary of Singapore Airlines, is launching flight services to the island starting on December 20. It’s already available for booking, so there’s really no reason to wait.
Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Asia newsletter for the best travel inspiration straight to your inbox.
READ MORE
🌆 These Asian cities were just named among the best in the world by Resonance Consultancy
✈️ Two Asian airports have been named among the six most beautiful in the world for 2024
💕 This resort on an untouched Indonesian island is officially Asia's most romantic hotel in 2024