‘Pearl Island’ Phu Quoc named 'most affordable tropical destination'

Phu Quoc – one of Vietnam’s most famous tourist destinations, has been named as one of the “most affordable tropical destinations” by U.S. magazine Travel & Leisure.

In the magazine's 10 Most Affordable Tropical Destinations to Visit Around the World, the Pearl Island in the southern province of Kien Giang ranked fourth.

“Admittedly, getting to Phu Quoc, a Vietnamese island off the coast of Cambodia, does require connecting flights and higher airfare costs than most places on this list, but don’t let that be a deterrent," it says.

"Once you arrive at this slice of paradise, it’s an incredible value. Rooms at the top-rated Mövenpick Villas & Residences Phu Quoc start at just $75. The night markets in Duong Dong overflow with cheap and delicious eats. And, of course, catching rays on the white-sand beaches and hiking through the Phu Quoc National Park are free.”

Tourists enjoy the clear water at the Hon May Islet in Phu Quoc Island, Kien Giang province, southern Vietnam. Photo courtesy of kiengiangtravel.vnTop of the list in first place was Mérida in Mexico, followed by Ubud in Bali, Indonesia and Negril in Jamaica.

Other affordable tropical destinations on the list include Manuel Antonio (Costa Rica), Madeira (Portugal), San Juan (Puerto Rico), Puebla (Mexico), Santo Domingo (Dominican Republic), and St. Kitts, an island in the West Indies.

According to director of the Department of Tourism of Kien Giang province Bui Quoc Thai, a number of new tourism enterprises will be launched this season in Phu Quoc town.

Therefore, the area will reduce service prices by 30-50% and also launch many new tour programs and products for tourists.

Alongside co-operation strengthening with other cities and provinces in Vietnam and foreign countries to further promote the island’s tourism, the Kien Giang tourism industry will develop tourism products and design new tours linking with other cities and provinces to draw more tourists to Kien Giang.

Last year, Phu Quoc was the only representative of Vietnam on Travel + Leisure's list of the 25 best islands in the world. The U.S. magazine has also listed the island among the 23 best destinations to visit in 2023.

The largest island in Vietnam with an area of 573 sq.km and 22 small and large islands, Phu Quoc boasts stunning white beaches, shaded by palm trees and surrounded by crystal-clear emerald waters.

The beaches here are characterised by pristine, picturesque and tranquil beauty. In 2006, Kien Giang Coastal and Island Biosphere Reserve was recognized by UNESCO as a World Biosphere Reserve, of which Phu Quoc is a part.