Resorts are blocking beach access, and I can no longer see the sea in Phu Quoc

Reader Tri Ho pointed to the recent renovations in Vung Tau as an example:

"Vung Tau is improving its beachfront the right way. Da Nang and Nha Trang still have long stretches of beach without being blocked by resorts. I hope Phu Quoc can do the same and let tourists enjoy its beaches again."

Many tourists share similar concerns about Vietnam's beautiful beaches being hidden or closed off, especially on Phu Quoc Island.

Tourists in Phu Quoc Island. Photo by Truong Phu Quoc

Reader phucth. warned that if beaches continue to be blocked, all travel destinations in Vietnam could end up looking the same:

"Western tourists visit once, then lose interest because all they see is concrete. They do not return because there's nothing unique about the beach. Letting beaches stay natural and change with the seasons makes them more attractive and memorable to visitors."

Reader Nhat Tran said he felt sad for Phu Quoc:

"It is called an island, yet when I drive around it, I cannot see the sea anywhere. On the way from the airport to the hotel, it felt like I was inland."

The concerns go beyond just Phu Quoc Island. Reader Tien raised a broader issue about how Vietnam plans its coastal cities:

"Beachside roads should be open and lined with trees so visitors can walk, relax, enjoy the view, and even swim. Why build structures that block the sea and shut off public beach access? Tourists usually spend more money on other things than just resort rooms. They pay for many other local services, which bring income to the area. If they cannot see or enjoy the beach that place has, what reason would they have to return?"