Phu Quoc’s Tourism Boom: A Glimpse into Vietnam’s Rising Star
Phu Quoc Island, located in An Giang Province, southern Vietnam, is experiencing a significant surge in tourism. January 2026 saw an estimated 983,387 visitors, a 60.7 percent increase year-on-year, already representing 11.6 percent of the island’s full-year target. This growth is fueled by a combination of factors, including increased international accessibility and a rapidly developing leisure and entertainment infrastructure.
International Arrivals Soar
Foreign arrivals to Phu Quoc reached approximately 278,347 in January, a remarkable 122.9 percent jump compared to the previous year. This accounts for 13.8 percent of the annual plan. Total tourism revenue for the month reached VND6.128 trillion (US$236 million), a 140.9 percent increase year-on-year, representing 13.5 percent of the yearly target. These figures are mirrored by airport statistics, with nearly 790,000 passengers passing through Phu Quoc International Airport (PQC) in January – a 34 percent increase – including 214,446 international passengers, up roughly 27 percent.
Sun Group’s Investment Drives Growth
A key driver of this tourism boom is the expansion of Phu Quoc’s leisure, entertainment, and resort offerings, largely thanks to investment from Sun Group. The development of attractions like Sun World Hon Thom is attracting significant visitor numbers. Sunset Town, in the island’s south, has emerged as a nighttime hub, featuring international-scale shows, nightly fireworks, a night market, and commercial streets.
Sunset Town and Hon Thom: A Dynamic Duo
Sunset Town and Sun World Hon Thom collectively attract over 15,000 visitors daily. Attendance at the ‘Kiss of the Sea’ present at Sun World Hon Thom increased by 132 percent in 2025 compared to 2024, with forecasts predicting a further increase of over 40 percent in 2026. This success is positively impacting the broader local tourism community, with restaurants, hotels, and service providers in areas like Sunset Town and Khem Beach reporting substantial growth and occupancy rates exceeding 90 percent.
Global Recognition and Future Potential
Phu Quoc is gaining international recognition as a premier travel destination. TravelAwaits recently named Phu Quoc among the world’s top 10 trending destinations for 2026. Expedia and other travel trend reports have also highlighted Phu Quoc as a leading recommended destination, describing it as “one of the most attractive destinations in the world.”
Phu Quoc International Airport: Gateway to the Island
Phu Quoc International Airport (PQC) serves as the primary gateway for visitors. The airport, which opened in December 2012, is capable of handling aircraft like the Airbus A350 and Boeing 747. We see currently undergoing expansion, with a total investment of nearly VND 22,000 billion, aiming to become one of the world’s most advanced airports. The airport is located approximately 9 kilometers south of Phu Quoc’s administrative center.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What airlines fly to Phu Quoc International Airport?
A: The airport serves both domestic and international flights, including Vietnam Airlines, VASCO, Sun PhuQuoc Airways, Bamboo Airways, Pacific Airlines, VietJet Air, and Vietravel Airlines.
Q: What is the current passenger capacity of Phu Quoc International Airport?
A: The airport initially handled about 2.5 million passengers per annum and is planned to reach a maximum capacity of 7 million passengers per annum.
Q: Where is Phu Quoc Special Zone located?
A: Phu Quoc Special Zone is located in An Giang Province, southern Vietnam.
Q: What makes Phu Quoc a special zone?
A: As of July 1, 2025, Phu Quoc officially became a special administrative zone, opening up unprecedented opportunities for development in areas like marine economy, tourism, and innovation.
Did you know? Phu Quoc is one of three fresh special zones in An Giang Province, alongside Tho Chau and Kien Hai.
Explore more about Phu Quoc’s attractions and plan your visit today! Visit the Phu Quoc International Airport official website for flight information and travel guidance.
