Phu Quoc named top emerging destination for Indian travelers

Phu Quoc was recently recognized by Travel + Leisure at the India’s Best Awards 2025, which celebrates outstanding destinations, cities and travel experiences of the year as seen through the eyes of Indian travelers - one of the world’s most lucrative tourism markets, with a population exceeding one billion. Within this framework, the Best Emerging Destination category is reserved for places entering a breakout phase, highly rated for overall experience, infrastructure, accessibility and international appeal. Notably, this marks the first time a Vietnamese destination has been honored at this prestigious awards program.

The India’s Best Awards form part of Travel + Leisure’s globally respected awards system, alongside flagship rankings such as the World’s Best Awards and the Luxury Awards Asia Pacific. What sets these accolades apart is that they are based entirely on readers’ real-life travel experiences, frequent, discerning travelers with high expectations for service quality and destination experiences.

Memorable moments of Indian tourists experiencing nighttime entertainment activities in Phu Quoc.

Phu Quoc’s latest recognition further extends a growing list of international accolades, including being named Asia’s Best Island and ranking Top 3 in the World Best Island by Condé Nast Traveler; placing fourth among Expedia’s Top Global Trending Destinations for 2026; and being listed among Business Traveller’s “hottest destinations for 2026.” In the Indian market in particular, Phu Quoc is rapidly emerging as a “once-in-a-lifetime” destination.

In a recent article, Travel + Leisure observed that Indian travelers are increasingly moving away from familiar destinations such as Thailand and Bali in search of fresher coastal landscapes in Vietnam. Amid this shift, Phu Quoc has been described as a “blooming pearl.” “The island is sparking a new check-in trend in India, with images of friends and colleagues relaxing on Phu Quoc’s beaches appearing more frequently across social media platforms,” Travel + Leisure India noted.

The rare natural beauty of Kem Beach makes it a perfect spot for stunning travel photos. (Photo: Fatel Balek)

Despite the absence of regular direct flights from India, Phu Quoc has seen a strong increase in arrivals from this market. Indian travelers are willing to transit via Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City or Da Nang to reach the island. In December 2025 and January 2026 alone, Phu Quoc is expected to welcome around 1,400 Indian visitors through a series of eight charter flights from New Delhi, jointly organized by Vietravel and MakeMyTrip - India’s largest online travel platform. This development highlights Phu Quoc’s growing appeal to Indian travelers and raises expectations for the launch of regular direct flights in the near future.

Indian tourists arrive in Phu Quoc with bright smiles via a series of charter flights.

Beyond its rare natural beauty, Phu Quoc captivates Indian visitors with distinctive, one-of-a-kind experiences. Highlights include the Mediterranean-inspired Sunset Town, renowned for its photogenic “no bad angle” vistas; the world’s longest three-wire cable car to Hon Thom Island; the iconic Kiss Bridge with its unique “non-touching” design; and world-class shows such as Kiss of the Sea and Symphony of the Sea. Together, these attractions make Phu Quoc the only island in the world to stage two fireworks displays every night, 365 days a year. Adding to the appeal is the vibrant atmosphere of night markets such as VUI-Fest Bazaar and Sunset Bazaar, where street performances and entertainment run from day into night - an element particularly popular with Indian travelers.

Kiss of the Sea featuring nightly fireworks finales, captivates Indian visitors.

Being honored by Travel + Leisure is not only a prestigious achievement but also a clear testament to Phu Quoc’s rising stature in global tourism. From a relatively new destination, Pearl Island is swiftly becoming a preferred choice for international travelers, including those from India. With an increasingly comprehensive ecosystem of tourism, entertainment and luxury resorts, coupled with growing interest from international airlines and tour operators, Phu Quoc is poised to move beyond the label of an “emerging destination” and establish itself as a leading island tourism hub in Asia and worldwide.