From the Legacy of JW Marriott Phu Quoc to the Rising Appeal of Southern Phu Quoc on Asia’s Luxury Resort Map

Phu Quoc continues to strengthen its position on the global tourism map.

International Recognition: Reinforcing Phu Quoc’s Position on the Global Tourism Map

In October 2026, Phu Quoc was named in the Readers’ Choice Awards by two prestigious travel publications: Condé Nast Traveler (US) and Condé Nast Traveller (UK). In the US ranking, the Pearl Island scored 95.26 points, retaining its No. 1 position in Asia for the second consecutive year. In the UK edition, Phu Quoc scored 98.26 points, ranking second in Asia and achieving the second-highest score globally in the island category. Alongside this recognition, JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa received 96.73 points, placing eighth in the prestigious “Rest of Asia” ranking.

Earlier, the MICHELIN Guide officially expanded its selection to Phu Quoc, making the Pearl Island the fourth destination in Vietnam — after Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang — to be evaluated by international inspectors. From fish sauce and pepper to fishing-village culinary traditions and restaurants shaped by internationally recognised chefs, cuisine is becoming a new layer of value in the way the world perceives Phu Quoc, ahead of the first selection to be announced in mid-2027.

Taken together, these recognitions are more than isolated distinctions. They help shape a broader picture of Phu Quoc as a destination increasingly assessed through multiple dimensions, where natural scenery, resort services and culinary excellence are all gaining international recognition.

From Natural Landscapes to Seamless Experience Touchpoints

Aquatopia Water Park offers a series of exciting experiences within a modern world of water.

Turquoise waters and fine white sand have long been the familiar “welcome” of the Pearl Island. But to encourage visitors to stay longer and inspire them to return, nature needs to become the backdrop for a richer range of experiences.

Travelling to Phu Quoc is also becoming more convenient as Sun PhuQuoc Airways expands direct connections to more destinations in Vietnam and overseas. Shorter transfer journeys allow visitors to spend more time enjoying the holiday itself — from leisurely hours by the sea to an extended sequence of experiences in southern Phu Quoc.

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Southern Phu Quoc: Where One Holiday Unfolds Through Multiple Layers of Experience

If a memorable holiday is shaped by a succession of different emotions and experiences, southern Phu Quoc holds a distinctive advantage. From the landmark presence of JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay at Bai Kem, the destination’s ecosystem has gradually expanded into a seamless journey combining resort stays, entertainment, dining and leisure.

JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa ranked eighth in the “Rest of Asia” category for resorts in the 2026 Condé Nast Traveller (UK) Readers’ Choice Awards.

- The morning can begin at a slower, more tranquil pace beside Bai Kem, where JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay — with its imaginative “fictional university” world created by Bill Bensley — New World Phu Quoc Resort and Premier Residences Phu Quoc Emerald Bay offer private and relaxing beachfront stays.

- Leaving Bai Kem, the rhythm of the day can change completely after a journey on the world-record three-rope sea-crossing cable car. Hon Thom opens up a wide range of experiences, from water attractions at Aquatopia Water Park and the Mộc Xà Thịnh Nộ wooden roller coaster at Exotica Village to Wavy Whirl – Lốc Xoáy Nhiệt Đới (PowerRAPIDS) and leisurely time by the infinity pool at Santo Beach Club.

- As evening approaches, the journey continues at Sunset Town in a more emotional and atmospheric setting. Visitors can stroll leisurely across Kiss Bridge as the sun touches the horizon, enjoy craft beer and seaside dining at Sun Bavaria GastroPub — recognised by Guinness World Records as the world’s largest seaside beer restaurant — before wandering through VUI-Fest Bazaar as the coastal town begins to light up.

- When night falls, Sunset Town shifts into the rhythm of performance art. Symphony of the Sea brings Jetski, Flyboard, music and fireworks to the water, while Kiss of the Sea follows with an immersive stage combining water, fire, lasers and music. Fireworks close both shows, transforming the southern Phu Quoc sky into part of the celebration and creating a distinctive signature for the island’s nightlife experience. Symphony of the Sea Season 3 is expected to launch on 10 November 2026, so visitors should check the performance schedule before travelling.

Unique fireworks displays have helped shape Phu Quoc’s distinctive tourism identity.

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What makes this ecosystem so appealing is its ability to shift naturally from one rhythm to another within the same day: from the tranquillity of Bai Kem to the energy of Hon Thom, then slowing down again at sunset on Kiss Bridge before moving into a night filled with music, dining and fireworks. These different layers of experience do not stand alone, but flow into one another, keeping the holiday feeling fresh throughout.

Looking Ahead: Enduring Appeal Built on the Quality of Experience

The international recognition received by Phu Quoc and JW Marriott Phu Quoc represents more than a collection of individual accolades. It reflects a deeper transformation of the destination: nature remains the starting point, but the quality of the experience increasingly determines what visitors remember most about the island.

Sun Group’s ecosystem has helped shape a multi-layered tourism structure in southern Phu Quoc.

In southern Phu Quoc, beachfront stays at Bai Kem, the sea-crossing journey to Hon Thom, sunset at Kiss Bridge, dining experiences and nights illuminated by fireworks are gradually coming together to form a holiday filled with multiple layers of emotion. And when a destination can inspire visitors to stay longer, experience more and still have reasons to return, that is perhaps the most sustainable value behind its international rankings.