Thai newspaper praises Phu Quoc as SEA's fast-growing beach destination
VOV.VN - The English-language edition of Thai newspaper Khaosod on May 9 published an article describing Vietnam’s Phu Quoc Island as “one of Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing beach destinations.”
Located in the Gulf of Thailand, Phu Quoc is Vietnam’s largest island and has become an important part of Vietnam’s tourism development strategy. With white-sand beaches, luxury resorts, night markets and large-scale entertainment projects, the island is increasingly attracting travellers seeking tropical holidays that combine nature with modern tourism infrastructure.
The article highlighted Long Beach, stretching along the island’s western coast, for its sunset views, beach bars and resorts, while Sao Beach on the southeastern coast is known for its fine white sand and turquoise waters.
According to the article, the dry season from November to April is considered the best time to visit Phu Quoc, when calm seas and sunny weather make the island ideal for swimming, snorkelling and island-hopping tours. Compared with many larger beach destinations in the region, some parts of Phu Quoc still retain a slower and more relaxed atmosphere.
The article noted that over the past decade, the island, once known mainly as a quiet fishing village off Vietnam’s southern coast, has seen major investment in tourism infrastructure.
Large-scale developments such as Sunset Town and Grand World have transformed parts of the island into entertainment and shopping hubs featuring colourful Mediterranean-style architecture, restaurants and vibrant nightlife. Luxury international resorts now line many coastal areas, while Phu Quoc International Airport has made travel significantly more convenient for foreign visitors.
The report also highlighted the Hon Thom Cable Car as one of the island’s best-known attractions. Stretching across the sea and connecting Phu Quoc with smaller southern islands, the cable car offers panoramic views of fishing boats, coral reefs and the Gulf of Thailand.
Visitors can also join boat tours to nearby islands for snorkelling, diving and enjoying seafood, according to the article.
Despite rapid development, traditional fishing communities remain an integral part of island life. Seafood is among the highlights for visitors to Phu Quoc, with fresh crab, squid, sea urchin and grilled shellfish widely available at local markets and seaside restaurants. The island is also well known across Vietnam for fish sauce production and pepper farms.
According to the article, Phu Quoc is becoming increasingly popular among Thai tourists thanks to relatively short flight times and favourable visa policies for many travellers. Visitors from Bangkok can reach the island via connecting flights through Ho Chi Minh City or on direct regional routes, depending on airline schedules.
The article concluded that as Vietnam continues investing heavily in tourism, Phu Quoc is positioning itself as one of the region’s major island destinations, offering a blend of tropical scenery, entertainment and fast growing resort developments.