Phu Quoc - rising star of luxury travel in Vietnam

Maldives of Southeast Asia

The jewel of the Indian Ocean, the Maldives, is a tropical paradise where travelers wake up to the sight of azure waters over white sands and the sound of gentle waves lapping at their doorstep.

It's also a place where guests can indulge in unparalleled resort services. Each year, nearly two million people flock here to experience the opulence and romance of this island getaway.

Phu Quoc also offers picture-perfect beaches and world-class luxury resorts. Tucked away in the Gulf of Thailand, just off the southwestern coast of Vietnam, it has caught the world's attention in recent years.

The island enjoys a mild climate all year round, making it the perfect spot for snorkeling, kayaking, or simply lolling around the beach.

It also possesses distinct geographical features, with the northern part a captivating juxtaposition of primeval forests meeting the sea.

In the center of the island, Phu Quoc National Park boasts an ecosystem of primeval, secondary, and indigo forests that is home to a thriving biodiversity.

The southern part is where a different kind of enchantment awaits, with white sands and crystal-clear emerald waters.

With striking parallels to the Maldives, Kem Beach was recognized by Flight Network as one of the 50 most beautiful beaches on the planet in 2018. Across the white sands are the rocky cliffs of Ong Doi Cape.

Venturing further to the south to Hon Thom, a separate island that can be reached by cable car that glides over the sea, is an aquatic wonderland where more than 120 coral species unite under the water.

The world's longest three-cable ropeway to Hon Thom Island, Phu Quoc. Photo courtesy of Sun Group

Phu Quoc also offers plenty of distinctive cultural experiences: go fishing for squid at midnight or go on day-long adventures to some of the unspoiled smaller islets in the Phu Quoc archipelago.

Many visitors love to explore the pepper plantations and pearl farms before savoring a bowl of the island's signature noodle dish, bun quay (stirring noodles), or feasting on fresh seafood.

For those who have a deep appreciation for Asia's spiritual culture, a visit to Ve Quoc Pagoda is not to be missed.

Here, visitors can behold the statue of Lady Bodhisattva as she gazes towards the ocean. The historic Dinh Cau Temple is another famous landmark.

With its origins dating back to the 17th century, this sacred site symbolizes the enduring spirit of the region.

The lap of luxury

"Pearl Island" Phu Quoc currently has an impressive collection of internationally renowned hotel management giants, including Marriott International, Accor Hotels, Hilton Worldwide, Rosewood Hotel Group, Best Western Premier, Park Hyatt, and many more, all now operating resorts on Phu Quoc.

Phu Quoc has only appeared on the world's luxury travel map in recent years. But travelers can already find a multitude of accommodation choices at award-winning resorts.

In 2016, Marriott International, a stalwart in the hotel industry for decades, partnered with Sun Group to unveil the 5+-star JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort.

This collaboration recasts the image of Phu Quoc as a rather sleepy, rustic island getaway, transforming it into a destination for billionaires and celebrities.

Edging the sand and surf of Kem Beach in Phu Quoc, JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort is a luxury haven. Photo courtesy of JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort

The renowned architect Bill Bensley, described as the "wizard of resorts", was chosen to design this game-changing accommodation, which is located right on Kem Beach.

Bensley created a completely "fictional university campus" with 18 distinct faculties, ranging from nature to social science, chemistry and zoology.

This playful concept whisks travelers to a place where they can enjoy a luxury travel experience hard to find anywhere else on Earth.

Just two years after its launch, the resort had gained such a great reputation that Indian billionaire Kaabia Grewal chose JW Marriott Phu Quoc for her extravagant seven-day wedding celebration.

The event welcomed 700 guests and featured the participation of 125 performing artists from across the globe.

Heralded as one of India's top nine most highly anticipated weddings of 2019, the event commanded the attention of media outlets worldwide, helping to spread word of Phu Quoc's beaches and resorts.

Among the constellation of premium resorts on the island, New World Phu Quoc also stands out as a shining star. Many couples have chosen this coastal gem for an extravagant wedding celebration. The resort also comes replete with sumptuous upscale services and amenities.

Nestled at Mui Ong Doi is Premier Village Phu Quoc Resort, managed by the prestigious Accor Hotels group. This accommodation is particularly favored by celebrities looking for the ultimate coastal hideaway with its collection of private villas perched on rocky cliffs.

It is also the only place on Phu Quoc Island where guests can savor both the sun rising from and setting on the sea from a single location.

For those who crave the lavish splendor of floor-to-ceiling windows and private in-room pools with ocean views, Regent Phu Quoc is a leading choice.

Meanwhile, The Shells Resort, with its architectural homage to seashells, is another popular accommodation.

For travelers seeking a more budget-friendly option, Mango Bay Resort has many admirers who appreciate its rustic, eco-friendly feel.

Being the first Curio Collection by Hilton in Vietnam, La Festa Phu Quoc is a creation of sensibilities that bring to life a cinematic Mediterranean dream. Photo courtesy of La Festa Phu Quoc

Promising to further solidify Phu Quoc’s allure as a luxury travel destination is the La Festa Phu Quoc resort. This project, backed by the Sun Group and managed by the prestigious Curio Collection by Hilton, is in the heart of Sunset Town.

Drawing inspiration from the vibrant colors of the Mediterranean, La Festa boasts a stunning backdrop that features the iconic Kiss Bridge, which gives the location an undeniably romantic ambiance.

Many young lovers come here to make a proposal or exchange vows as they stand perched over the sea with the sun setting in the background.

Prior to 2016, Phu Quoc welcomed fewer than one million visitors. In 2017, however, the island surprised the travel industry, with arrivals surging to over 2.7 million.

In 2019, CNN recognized it as one of the best destinations in Asia, and by 2021, TIME magazine had placed Phu Quoc among the Top 100 Greatest Places in the World.

Most recently, the famous U.S. travel magazine Condé Nast Traveler honored Phu Quoc as one of the best islands in the category "Readers' Choice Awards 2023".

Bouncing back after the pandemic, in 2022, Phu Quoc welcomed nearly 5 million visitors, maintaining occupancy rates between 80% and 90%, even during the low season, with travelers from every corner of the globe coming to bask in the lap of luxury on this island.

In another exciting development, Sun Group and Marriott International, a globally renowned hotel management corporation, signed agreements on Oct. 26 to bring The Luxury Collection and Ritz Carlton Reserve, two of the world's leading luxury hotel brands, to Phu Quoc.

This is the first time these two prestigious brands will operate in Vietnam.

The resorts operated by The Luxury Collection and Ritz Carlton will be located on Hon Thom (Phu Quoc). These luxurious accommodations will further Phu Quoc's reputation and may entice billionaires and celebrities to this rising star of luxury travel.