Phu Quoc continues to shine in the spotlight of international media

In Australia, Urban List, a highly influential lifestyle and travel platform for younger and urban readers, has named Phu Quoc among its Top 10 Trending Travel Destinations for 2026. The publication describes the island as a place defined by a relaxed and unhurried pace of life, where visitors explore by motorbike, discover quiet beaches, dive and snorkel in clear waters, wander night markets, and enjoy fresh local seafood. Notably, Urban List highlights that for travelers already planning a trip to Vietnam, Phu Quoc is increasingly seen as a decisive stop, reflecting a broader trend toward island destinations that encourage longer stays rather than brief visits.

From a data driven perspective, European media have further reinforced Phu Quoc’s growing appeal. According to EnVols, the inflight magazine of Air France, international interest in Phu Quoc has surged by 53 percent in just a few months, based on search data from Expedia. On this basis, EnVols has named Phu Quoc among its Destinations of the Year for 2026. The publication attributes the island’s attractiveness to its balance between authenticity and modernity, noting that Phu Quoc has managed to preserve its local character while steadily investing in high quality tourism infrastructure with a long term vision.

In the United States, Travel Off Path approaches Phu Quoc from an experiential angle, describing it as the “Hawaii of Asia.” The outlet emphasizes the island’s white sand beaches, clear turquoise waters, and family friendly environment as key elements of a complete resort destination. Its coverage highlights signature experiences such as the world’s longest three wire cable car to Hon Thom Island, as well as iconic beaches like Bai Sao and Bai Kem. Travel Off Path also points to Phu Quoc’s 30 day visa free policy as a significant competitive advantage, making the island more accessible than many other beach destinations in the region.

Meanwhile, Business Traveller, which caters to high end travelers in the Middle East and the Asia Pacific region, places Phu Quoc within a longer term development narrative. The magazine has included the island on its list of most anticipated destinations for 2026, citing the growing presence of internationally branded resorts such as La Festa Phu Quoc, Curio Collection by Hilton, New World Phu Quoc Resort, and Rixos Phu Quoc. It also notes the continued expansion of air connectivity, including the introduction of a new carrier, Sun PhuQuoc Airways, as a key factor supporting the island’s future growth.

The simultaneous attention from multiple international markets, each viewing Phu Quoc through a different lens ranging from travel trends and search data to long term destination strategy, signals a shift in how the island is positioned on the global tourism map. As Phu Quoc prepares to host APEC 2027, this heightened interest reflects growing confidence in its infrastructure, capacity, and regional role. At a time when global travelers are prioritizing destinations that balance relaxation, experience, and ease of access, Phu Quoc appears increasingly well positioned to strengthen its competitiveness among Asia’s leading island destinations.