International visitors astonished by Phu Quoc island’s rapid transformation

Phu Quoc offers world-class tourism products, leaving international visitors amazed every time they return, according to top travel agencies, airlines, and leading online travel platforms.

A spectacular transformation

Held in Phu Quoc from December 4-6, the famtrip "Journey to Your True Paradise" gathered over 70 representatives from leading global travel agencies like Hanatour, Crystal Bay, Pegas Touristik, Anex, Inventum, Selfie, and Hoang Tra; airlines such as Starlux, SCAT, Vietnam Airlines, and Thai Vietjet; and online travel platforms like KKday, Trip.com, Klook, and Traveloka to participate.

Many delegates offered glowing praise for Vietnam's Pearl Island, positively recognizing its spectacular transformation and world-class tourism products capable of attracting visitors from diverse international markets.

Nguyen Huy Hoang, general manager of the online travel platform Klook in Vietnam, commented on Phu Quoc's remarkable transformation: "Five-seven years ago, Phu Quoc tourism heavily relied on its natural beauty and a few marine activities, with little in terms of entertainment. What surprises me is the significant transformation from 2023 to 2024.

"New attractions, such as the VUI Fest night market, Sun World Hon Thom, and Kiss of the Sea show, have breathed fresh energy into Phu Quoc tourism, offering visitors a wealth of experiences."

The involvement of private enterprises in building multi-experience ecosystems has played a crucial role in reshaping Phu Quoc’s tourism industry, accelerating its brand recognition on the global travel map.

Sun Group, with its Sun Paradise Land ecosystem project in the southern part of the island - worth tens of trillions of VND (VND1 trillion = $39.42 million) - is a prime example.

In just two years (2023-2024), several components of this ecosystem were launched, including the Sunset Town, Kiss Bridge, and nightly firework displays during art shows.

Future developments, such as the Sun Serenia Hospital and a seaside square at Dat Do Beach, promise to further enhance visitors' length of stay in Phu Quoc. The island's appearance continues to evolve and impress.

Weichun Liu, CEO of leading global online travel platform KKday, said: "I am truly impressed by Phu Quoc's rapid development. My first visit here was in 2022, and I was already fascinated by the cable car project. On my return in 2024, the changes are incredible - not just in infrastructure and hotels but also with numerous shows and night markets. Everything is interconnected, and I can see a cohesive ecosystem forming. I am optimistic about Phu Quoc's rise in the tourism market."

Phu Quoc's phenomenal growth is further demonstrated by impressive statistics. By 2024, the island is expected to welcome nearly 6 million visitors, including almost 1 million international tourists - a remarkable 73.4% increase compared to the previous year.

As of November 2024, Phu Quoc had hosted over 4,000 international flights, a 175% surge compared to the same period in 2023. On average, the island receives 27-28 international flights daily in December 2024.

In comparison, only eight flights per day were recorded during the first and second quarters of 2023, showcasing the island's rising appeal.

"Amazed every time I return"

This sentiment was echoed by Diana Zolotova, a tourist from Kazakhstan, during her 2024 return to Phu Quoc.

"I first visited Phu Quoc in 2023 after hearing about its 30-day visa-free policy for international tourists. That trip left me in awe, experiencing wonders I'd never seen before, such as the Kiss Bridge - a truly unprecedented structure - the overwater cable car, and the nightly high-altitude fireworks displays. Returning in December 2024, I was even more amazed," said Zolotova.

For long-time visitors like John Marcell from the United States, who first visited Phu Quoc in the 2010s, the island's transformation is even more astounding. "Thirty visa-free days are not enough. In the past, I could spend three weeks here just swimming and enjoying seafood. Now, with the addition of architectural marvels like the Sunset Town, nightly fireworks, and beachfront beer gardens, 30 days are too short. The island is as vibrant as Miami," he remarked.

Diana and John are not alone. According to leading global travel agencies, when asked about their recent impressions of Phu Quoc, international tourists often responded with enthusiasm, describing the island as exceeding their expectations.

"Most feedback indicates that Phu Quoc has surpassed all their expectations," Weichun Liu noted.

Looking forward, Phu Quoc is set to continue surprising visitors with world-class hotel brands and iconic landmarks arriving on the island. Among these is the Aspira Tower on Hon Thom Island, anticipated to become the "second sail tower of the world in Southeast Asia," akin to Dubai’s iconic tourist magnet attracting over 2 million visitors annually.

"I believe that as infrastructure projects like roads and new attractions are completed, we will witness the emergence of a true 'Hawaii of the East," said Hong Jung Min, general manager of Hanatour Vietnam.