Thai Media Awestruck by Phu Quoc’s Decade-Long Transformation

From a "Diamond in the Rough" to Southeast Asia’s New Entertainment Hub

Khaosod characterizes Phu Quoc’s metamorphosis as a "revolution in both appearance and status." In just over a decade, Vietnam’s largest island has pivoted from its reputation for fish sauce and black pepper to become an international-caliber resort and entertainment powerhouse.

What has particularly caught the eye of the Thai press is how Phu Quoc has emerged with a distinct model compared to long-established veterans like Phuket, Bali, or the Maldives. It is not merely a place for relaxation but a "24/7 experience ecosystem" where travelers can seamlessly transition from pristine nature to world-class performances in a single journey.

According to Khaosod, Phu Quoc is creating new "experiential icons" - a feat few regional island destinations have achieved. Highlights include Sunset Town and Sun World Hon Thom, massive complexes that have completely redefined the landscape of the island’s southern tip.

The Phu Quoc experience is elevated by a series of landmark structures, such as the world’s longest three-wire cable car connecting Sunset Town to Hon Thom, and the Kiss Bridge - a unique architectural masterpiece that has become a viral "check-in" sensation for global travelers.

A key highlight that impressed the Thai media is how Phu Quoc has transformed the sunset into a "tourism specialty." While many destinations treat sunset viewing as a passive activity, Phu Quoc has engineered an entire nightlife ecosystem around this golden hour.

As twilight falls, visitors can enjoy authentic German craft beer at Sun Bavaria GastroPub - The largest beachfront beer hall in the world, while watching the Symphony of the Sea show unfold. On the water’s surface, world-class jetski, flyboard, and jetsurf athletes perform amidst a backdrop of fireworks, water cannons, lasers, and music - an experience many tourists liken to a "Las Vegas on the Sea."

This is followed by Kiss of the Sea, a large-scale multimedia production blending water, fire, light, and performance art. As the show concludes, the sky remains alight with nightly firework displays. This festive energy, stretching from late afternoon into the night, sets Phu Quoc apart from traditional regional retreats.

Despite the rapid infrastructure development, Phu Quoc’s core allure remains its natural beauty. Khaosod highlights the island's powdery white sands, turquoise waters, and signature crescent-shaped coastlines. Kem Beach, one of the island's most famous stretches, serves as a hub for luxury resorts such as JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay and Premier Residences.

Why are Thai Travelers Increasingly "Charmed" by Phu Quoc?

Beyond its tropical scenery and massive entertainment ecosystem, Phu Quoc offers several strategic advantages that are quickly making it a favorite for Thai vacationers.

Proximity and convenient immigration policies allow travelers from Bangkok to reach Pearl Island in just a few hours. A growing number of airlines are connecting Thailand to Phu Quoc, including the upcoming Sun PhuQuoc Airways, which is expected to launch its Bangkok–Phu Quoc route in June 2026.

In addition to convenience, the cuisine is a major draw. Fresh seafood - ranging from grilled sea urchins and raw herring salad to various local snails - offers an experience that is both novel and deeply rooted in Vietnamese coastal culture.

According to Khaosod English, Phu Quoc’s unique appeal lies in the fusion of raw beauty and modern lifestyle - where traditional fishing villages coexist with world-class entertainment complexes. Visitors come not just to relax, but to immerse themselves in local life and island culture.

As global travelers increasingly seek "multi-experience" destinations, Phu Quoc is demonstrating its ambition to transcend the image of a typical resort island and become Southeast Asia's new tourism capital. With the island set to host APEC 2027, the "Pearl Island" is expected to secure an even more prominent spot on the global tourism map in the years to come.