Foreign tourists on Sao Beach in Phu Quoc. -- Photo by Chez Dugong/VNExpress
HANOI (VNExpress): Vietnam's Phu Quoc Island, voted the most beautiful in Asia by readers of American magazine Condé Nast Traveler, expects to welcome 8.5 million tourists this year, up 5% from last year.
The island also targets 2 million foreigners this year, an 11% year-on-year increase, Vietnam News Agency reported.
Phu Quoc enjoyed a good start to 2026 as many accommodation facilities on the island were fully booked over the New Year holiday.
Phu Quoc International Airport recorded the highest number of international flight arrivals in its history on Jan. 3, receiving 46 international flights that brought thousands of visitors. This surpassed the previous daily peak of 40 international flights recorded in 2025.
However, the surge in arrivals has also put pressure on local accommodation capacity.
Some international tourists reported difficulties securing rooms despite having paid in advance, citing disputes with accommodation providers.
2025 was a booming year for the island with 8.1 million visitors, including 1.8 million foreign arrivals.
Phu Quoc's international standing was further cemented in 2025 when it won five accolades, including world's leading regional beach and world's leading nature island destination at the World Travel Awards, often dubbed the "Oscars of the tourism industry". -- VNExpress
