Asia's '2nd most beautiful island' anticipates surge in foreign visitors in year-end months

According to An Giang Province's Department of Tourism, nearly 20 million visitors traveled to the Mekong Delta province that is home to Phu Quoc in the first nine months of 2025, generating total tourism revenue of over VND51.87 trillion ($1.96 billion).

Phu Quoc alone welcomed more than 6.5 million tourists during the same period, with total revenue reaching nearly VND31.14 trillion.

Notably, the island received some 1.2 million foreign visitors, accounting for 97% of the international arrivals to An Giang.

Local tourism authorities forecast a further surge in the number of visitors in the last quarter of 2025 and the 2025–2026 winter season, particularly with the return of Russian and CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States) markets.

After disruptions caused by Covid and other global factors, Phu Quoc and local travel companies have partnered with Russian counterparts to relaunch charter flights from Russia and the CIS, which includes Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine and Uzbekistan.

Anex Vietnam Co., Ltd. plans to operate these flights, expecting to bring over 60,000 visitors during the 2025–2026 winter season. The flights will depart from 14 cities across Russia and the CIS, with a monthly frequency of 75–80 flights, ensuring transport for over 10,000 international visitors each month.

The first flight from Russia is scheduled for Oct. 19.

Phu Quoc also expects strong interest from tourists from the Middle East, China, South Korea, and India.

The island offers scenic landscapes, cultural and culinary experiences, a temperate climate, year-round warmth, and high-quality resorts.

Last year, it was voted the second most beautiful island in Asia, after Bali of Indonesia, by readers of Condé Nast Traveler.