Phu Quoc as the premier choice for Australian travelers in 2026

“2026 is shaping up to be the year Aussie travellers branch out - ditching the usual hotspots for smaller, slower and seriously stunning destinations.” This is the clarion call from The Urban List’s Rebecca Keating, urging Australian travelers to broaden their horizons when planning their 2026 getaways. According to Keating, while 2025 was dominated by European summers and familiar haunts like Bali, 2026 is set to be the year of the "truly novel” destination.

Phu Quoc takes the top spot on the list of 10 global destinations that the Australian magazine predicts will “define travel in 2026”. Pearl Island is also the sole representative from Vietnam to make the cut, standing alongside world-renowned names such as Brussels (Belgium), Taipei (Taiwan), and Naoshima (Japan).

“A tropical island escape with white-sand beaches, lush jungle backdrops and seafood-packed night markets. Phu Quoc is Vietnam’s answer to the tropical island fantasy.” The Urban List stated.

According to the magazine, it is the profound sense of tranquility that makes visitors “never want to leave” Phu Quoc. Travelers can spend their days motorcycling around the island, exploring hidden beaches, and snorkeling in turquoise waters before stopping at local markets for grilled seafood and coconut ice cream. “If Vietnam’s on the list (it should be), this island is the essential add-on.” The Urban List asserts.

Beyond its allure as a tropical paradise, Phu Quoc’s quiet ascent to the top of global bucket lists is driven by one-of-a-kind experiences found nowhere else on earth. While famed for breathtaking shores like Kem Beach and Sao Beach, the island has also become a hallmark of iconic tourism landmarks. These include the Kiss Bridge, Sunset Town, and the Guinness World Record-holding multimedia spectacular show, “Kiss of the Sea”. Remarkably, it is the only island in the world to host two artistic firework displays every single night, 365 days a year. Adding to its prestige is a feat of engineering that has captivated global media: the world’s longest three-wire cable car to Hon Thom Island - a marvel frequently spotlighted by the likes of CNN and Lonely Planet.

The top ranking by The Urban List - one of Australia's most influential travel and lifestyle authorities - is more than just a compliment; it signals a clear shift in international travel trends. Modern travelers are increasingly seeking out fresh, tranquil destinations that offer both rich experiences and a distinct personality. From its pristine natural beauty and leisurely pace of life to a world-class ecosystem of entertainment, luxury resorts, and unique cultural attractions, Phu Quoc is firmly establishing itself as a new tropical paradise on the global map. It is a place designed not just for a one-time visit, but as a destination to return to and linger longer.