Phu Quoc beats Phuket, Penang as Asia's second best island

By Hoang Phong October 10, 2024 | 06:11 pm PT

Foreign tourists on Kem beach in Phu Quoc Island. Photo by SG

Vietnam's largest island Phu Quoc has been voted the second most beautiful island in Asia, after Bali of Indonesia, according to readers of the American magazine Condé Nast Traveler.

Thailand's Koh Samui ranked third, and Phuket, known for its pristine beaches, came in sixth while Malaysia's Penang, often referred to as the "Pearl of the Orient," secured the fifth spot in the annual Readers' Choice Awards survey.

The survey evaluates islands based on factors such as culture, attractions, cuisine, and overall experience.

Phu Quoc, famous for its long sandy beaches and luxury resorts, welcomed nearly 724,000 foreign tourists in the first nine months of 2024, a 56.5% increase year-on-year.

Tourism experts attribute this growth to favorable visa policies, the arrival of major luxury hotel brands, and a wide range of tourism offerings.

A number of Asian celebrities have recently visited the island, further boosting its profile on the global tourism map.

More than 575,000 Condé Nast Traveler readers participated in the survey, sharing their opinions on various travel experiences, including cities, islands, hotels, resorts, cruise ships, spas, and airlines.

The Readers' Choice Awards, the longest-running accolade in the travel industry, celebrate excellence in hotels, resorts, and destinations around the world.