Vietnam’s Phu Quoc claims #2 spot among World’s Best Islands 2024

Vietnam’s Phu Quoc came in at second place in Travel+Leisure’s World’s Best Islands list, scoring 94.41 out of 100, just short of one point behind the Maldives.

Phu Quoc also surpassed perennial favourite Bali, Indonesia which scored 93.26 to claim third place.

Even before Phu Quoc’s ranking was announced, experts already forecast that the Vietnamese destination stands to welcome 14.6 million visitors by the end of this year. This essentially cements its position in the region as one of its leading island attractions.

A tranquil destination

Phu Quoc’s appeal lies in the way it has remained virtually unchanged at a time when most Southeast Asian islands are barrelling headlong into modernity, commercialisation, and industrialisation.

Island authorities work to keep its natural beauty unspoilt, making it a desirable destination for travellers from Europe, South Korea, and other parts of the world.

Considering its tropical location, Phu Quoc’s climate is characterised as mild with warm sunshine all year round. The area is made up of 28 large and small islands, deep waters, rolling mountain ranges, and around 150km of pristine coastline.

The area’s beaches, particularly Bai Kem and Bai Sao, have been recognised for their beauty which seems to shift with the passing of the seasons.

More than just a paradise

But Phu Quoc’s appeal does not just lie in its natural wonders, but also in some of the best island amenities in the world.

One of its hotels, the Sun Group’s New World Phu Quoc, made it into the most recent edition of the world’s top 100 hotels. The New World is just one of two Vietnamese establishments to be included in the selection.

Likewise, Phu Quoc’s Pearl Island features an impressive range of entertainment options which include the Sunset Town entertainment complex which offers various experiences to suit the different tastes of local and foreign guests.