Travel & Leisure: Phu Quoc Island ranks 2nd among the top 25 islands in the world

The prestigious international travel magazine Travel & Leisure has just unveiled its ranking of the top 25 islands worldwide. Vietnam's sole representative, Phu Quoc Island, has secured a prominent position, surpassing renowned destinations such as Bali and Phuket to claim the second spot. This ranking is based on votes from travelers and tourism experts from around the globe.

2024 edition's biggest surprise unveiled by Travel & Leisure

Travel & Leisure has officially unveiled its list of the top 25 islands worldwide for 2024. This ranking, part of the World's Best Awards system, is an annual endeavor to identify the best cities, islands, resorts, hotels, airlines, and more globally. This year, the introduction of the article highlighted the biggest surprise: "The top three winners of 2024 are two exceptional destinations: in first place, the Maldives, and in third place, Bali. The second spot was spectacularly claimed by Phu Quoc, a paradisiacal yet lesser-known destination in Vietnam".

According to Travel & Leisure, Phu Quoc remains a relatively undiscovered destination. This very fact appeals to foreign travelers seeking off-the-beaten-path tourist spots. However, the island does not lack in quality services, boasting exceptional resorts. Notably, the New World Phu Quoc Resort by Sun Group has been recognized as one of the world's top 100 resorts. Nestled along the stunning Bai Kem coast, this resort offers a tranquil retreat with breathtaking ocean views, lush tropical gardens, and elegant villas.

Phu Quoc: A hidden gem gaining international acclaim

Phu Quoc's appeal extends beyond rankings, as evidenced by the increasing number of international flights to the island. In the first six months of 2024, nearly 2,000 international flights to Phu Quoc were recorded, marking a 186% increase compared to the previous year. Additionally, direct flights operated by airlines such as Korean Air and Jin Air from South Korea and StarLux and TigerAir from Taiwan have been established.

One of Phu Quoc's main attractions lies in its exceptional natural conditions: a mild climate with year-round sunshine, rolling mountains, and a vast expanse comprising 28 large and small islands with a total coastline of 150 km. Furthermore, Phu Quoc boasts internationally renowned beaches like Sao and Kem, known for their stretches of white sand, the Phu Quoc National Park, and a marine reserve that covers more than two-thirds of the island's area, forming the core of the Kien Giang World Biosphere Reserve.

Phu Quoc's rising tourism industry

Phu Quoc's image as an emerging global tourist destination extends beyond its pristine, decade-old natural beauty. In recent years, Phu Quoc has captivated international tourists by transforming into a true "paradise" for both daytime relaxation and nighttime entertainment.

The island has garnered significant international media attention due to its diverse range of hotel complexes, featuring world-renowned brands. In the southern part of the island alone, five resorts are managed by four major brands: Marriott Hotels & Resorts, Accor, Rosewood Hotels, and Hilton. Sun Group has been a pioneer in partnering with these brands, creating a network of hotel complexes that not only enhance Phu Quoc's appeal but also set new standards for the island's and Vietnam's hospitality industry.

Phu Quoc is home to rare, high-quality entertainment and leisure complexes in Vietnam. One standout is “Sunset Town,” a sprawling entertainment complex with a total investment of four trillion dongs, the highest ever seen in Vietnam. Within this vibrant town, the country's first seaside water puppet theater has been inaugurated, offering visitors a deep immersion into Vietnamese culture. This complex aims to provide exceptional experiences year-round.

In early 2024, the American news agency CNN published an article about the “Kiss Bridge”, a new monument in Phu Quoc's Sunset Town. According to CNN, the “Kiss Bridge” has become a popular rendezvous spot for couples looking to share romantic moments under the sunset. From Phu Quoc, travelers can easily reach Hon Thom Island via the world's longest three-cable sea-crossing cable car, leading to the Sun World Hon Thom entertainment center.

Currently, Phu Quoc of Vietnam is the only island offering visa exemptions for visitors for stays of up to 30 days. Projections indicate that Phu Quoc could attract up to 14.6 million tourists in 2024, putting it in direct competition with major Asian tourist destinations like Phuket and Bali. The island’s recent slew of international accolades and awards, including its triumph over two of the world's most famous paradise islands in Travel & Leisure's prestigious rankings, not only confirms its growing appeal and dominant position among international tourists but also signals a positive outlook for Vietnam's island tourism industry in the future.

Travel & Leisure and its Ranking Criteria

In the 2024 Travel & Leisure rankings, the Maldives in the Indian Ocean take the top spot with an impressive score of 95.63. Phu Quoc in Vietnam shines by securing second place with 94.41 points, making it the only Vietnamese site on this prestigious list. Bali, Indonesia, rounds out the top three with a score of 93.26.

The ranking of the 25 best islands in the world is part of the annual World's Best Awards, which aims to recognize the top tourist destinations to help travelers plan their trips optimally. This year's ranking has generated significant interest among travel enthusiasts, garnering feedback from over 700,000 international travelers and tourism experts. The selection criteria include natural tourist sites, available activities, service quality, cuisine, hospitality, and the spiritual values offered to travelers.

These world-renowned paradisiacal destinations offer visitors a sense of escape from the pressures of daily life, immersing them in lush, pristine nature. What sets these islands apart is their ability to create a peaceful ambiance with crystal-clear waters, making them ideal for those seeking tranquility and adventure.

TOLUNHA

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