Phu Quoc Ranks No. 2 Worldwide by Score and Retains Its No. 1 Position in Asia in the 2026 Best Islands Ranking

On October 6, both editions of Condé Nast’s 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards announced the results of their readers’ voting for their favourite islands.

In Condé Nast Traveller (UK), Phu Quoc scored 98.26 points, ranking second in Asia and recording the second-highest score across the regional island rankings. This also marks the first time the Pearl Island has entered the publication’s Top 10 Islands in Asia.

Phu Quoc ranked second among the Top 10 Islands in Asia in Condé Nast Traveller (UK)’s 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards, with a score of 98.26. Source: Condé Nast Traveller.

In Condé Nast Traveler (US), Phu Quoc scored 95.26 points, retaining the No. 1 position in Asia for the second consecutive year and recording the fourth-highest score when compared across the regional rankings.

Behind these figures lies a deeper transformation: Phu Quoc is elevating its natural and resort advantages into long-term appeal through an increasingly diverse and comprehensive ecosystem of experiences.

A new ranking, but behind it lies a bigger story: how Phu Quoc is broadening its appeal as an international destination.

FROM AN ISLAND PARADISE TO A MULTI-EXPERIENCE DESTINATION

Phu Quoc first made its mark through the pristine beauty of a tropical paradise: lush green forests stretching down to fine sandy beaches, crystal-clear emerald waters, and secluded resort settings. These defining features laid the foundation for the Pearl Island’s position on both Vietnam’s domestic and international tourism maps.

Today, Phu Quoc offers far more than turquoise seas and relaxing hours by the shore. The visitor journey continues to expand, from resort stays and entertainment to culinary experiences, artistic performances and a vibrant nightlife scene.

This new momentum comes from the seamless connection between services, allowing each trip to meet a full range of travel needs — from accommodation and dining to entertainment and nighttime experiences.

Within a single journey, visitors can move seamlessly from a seaside retreat to culinary discovery, entertainment, sunset views, live performances and the vibrant rhythm of nightlife. This ability to extend the experience across multiple layers gives travellers more reasons to stay longer and discover the island in different ways.

This transformation is especially evident in southern Phu Quoc, where resort, entertainment, dining and nightlife complexes are located close to one another, creating a seamless and emotionally engaging journey of experiences.

At Bai Khem Beach, visitors can begin at a slower pace along the white-sand shoreline, with premium resorts such as JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay, New World Phu Quoc Resort and Premier Residences Phu Quoc Emerald Bay.

New World Phu Quoc Resort is a standout five-star resort, with a design inspired by traditional Vietnamese coastal fishing villages.

Leaving that peaceful setting behind, Hon Thom draws visitors into a more energetic journey. The 7,899.9-metre three-wire overwater cable car leads to Sun World Hon Thom, home to Aquatopia Water Park, the Exotica zone and Wavy Whirl – Lốc Xoáy Nhiệt Đới, featuring the world’s first PowerRAPIDS attraction, launched in 2026. After the thrill rides, Santo Beach Club offers the perfect place to unwind by the infinity pool and enjoy seaside dining.

As evening falls, Sunset Town becomes the focal point of the journey. A spectacular sunset, the romantic Kiss Bridge and a diverse culinary scene set the stage for a series of large-scale shows over the sea.

Season 3 of Symphony of the Sea, expected to debut this November, promises an unprecedented scale with a 200-metre water stage, 14 jetskis, fireworks and high-impact water sports performances. Meanwhile, Kiss of the Sea continues to elevate the experience through a captivating combination of water, fire, light and music.

Here, nighttime entertainment has become an essential part of the Phu Quoc experience.

Phu Quoc’s spectacular fireworks displays are becoming a memorable part of visitors’ nighttime experiences.

It is this close integration of resorts, entertainment, cuisine and live performances that gives Phu Quoc its distinctive appeal. This diverse ecosystem helps extend visitors’ length of stay, deepen their engagement with the destination and add greater value to every journey.

Rather than bringing the day to an end when night falls, Phu Quoc gives visitors even more reasons to keep exploring and extend their holiday.

Phu Quoc is gradually shifting from a DESTINATION DRIVEN BY SCENIC APPEAL to one DRIVEN BY THE DEPTH OF ITS EXPERIENCES.

In other words, Phu Quoc has been undergoing a strong transformation from a destination defined primarily by its natural scenery to one increasingly distinguished by the depth and diversity of its experiences. Southern Phu Quoc is a clear example of this evolution, where interconnected services are being brought together into a comprehensive, modern tourism ecosystem.

However, to reach a truly international level, experience diversity is only the beginning. Phu Quoc must continue to enhance service quality, infrastructure and its capacity to welcome visitors to international standards. The MICHELIN Guide and APEC 2027 are set to serve as two strategic catalysts for the destination’s next stage of growth.

NEW DRIVERS PROPELLING PHU QUOC TOWARDS STRONGER GROWTH

If a diverse range of experiences gives Phu Quoc greater depth from within, major international milestones will help strengthen the destination’s brand and prepare it to welcome high-end travellers from around the world.

One particularly significant development is the MICHELIN Guide’s official expansion of its selection to Phu Quoc. Expected to be announced in mid-2027, the selection will place the Pearl Island on the global map of high-end dining destinations.

The arrival of the MICHELIN Guide will not only celebrate Phu Quoc’s cuisine and quality restaurants, but also open up a new perspective: gastronomy itself can become an independent reason for travellers to visit Phu Quoc, adding greater diversity and sophistication to the destination’s image.

Meanwhile, APEC 2027 requires comprehensive preparation across infrastructure, transport, aviation and service quality. Meeting the demanding standards of an international diplomatic event of this scale will provide a solid foundation for Phu Quoc’s capacity to host world-class events. From there, the island also has a clear opportunity to strengthen its presence on the global MICE tourism map.

APEC 2027 requires comprehensive preparations in infrastructure, transportation, aviation and service quality across Phu Quoc.

A new international airport, a modern LRT urban rail system, an international convention centre, a world-class theatre, a network of premium hotels and F&B venues, and a large-scale in-flight catering facility — all are being rapidly developed, regardless of weather conditions. Phu Quoc is undergoing a genuine transformation as it prepares to welcome major events in 2027.

APEC 2027, the MICHELIN Guide, prestigious international awards and record-breaking international visitor numbers — there is little doubt that Phu Quoc is entering a golden window of opportunity to emerge as one of the world’s most compelling destinations.

FROM RANKINGS TO PHU QUOC’S INTERNATIONAL STANDING

Rankings offer a snapshot of recognition at a given moment, but lasting international standing is built on real value. Phu Quoc’s continued position as Asia’s No. 1 island and its place among the world’s Top 2 at the 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards provide clear evidence of the destination’s growing appeal.

Behind these figures lies a profound transformation in quality. Building on its exceptional natural assets, the Pearl Island is creating new momentum by seamlessly connecting a diverse range of experiences — from world-class resorts and entertainment to rich culinary offerings, artistic performances and a vibrant night-time economy.

The arrival of MICHELIN Guide Phu Quoc 2027, together with comprehensive infrastructure upgrades in preparation for APEC 2027, is expected to provide a powerful dual catalyst for Phu Quoc’s next stage of development. By continuously enhancing service quality and operational capacity, Phu Quoc is well positioned to reinforce its status as a world-class international destination with sustainable development and enduring appeal on the global tourism map.

In its long-term development vision, Phu Quoc is positioning itself not merely as a resort paradise, but as a leading regional hub for the economy, tourism and international trade. Integrated urban planning, a focus on green growth and sustainable infrastructure development provide the foundation for the Pearl Island to preserve its invaluable natural ecosystem while creating new room for the growth of high-end services, finance and creative technologies.

Phu Quoc’s rising international profile is turning the island into a powerful magnet for both domestic and foreign investment. Multinational corporations, leading global hotel management brands and strategic investors continue to commit significant resources to major commercial infrastructure, eco-resort and entertainment projects. This not only strengthens the Pearl Island’s competitiveness, but also creates a sustainable growth lever for the tourism-linked resort real estate market.

Together, these factors are shaping Phu Quoc’s long-term value: a destination that strikes a strong balance between preserving its natural landscapes and advancing modern infrastructure. With the right development strategy, Phu Quoc is well positioned to sustain its long-term appeal, emerge as a symbol of prosperity and become a source of pride for Vietnamese tourism on the international stage.