Bustling with tourists from the first day of the year

According to statistics from the Kien Giang Provincial Department of Tourism, during the New Year holiday, Phu Quoc welcomed 88,209 visitors, including 15,029 international tourists. The number of overnight stays reached 35,435.

Tourists queue up to experience the Hon Thom cable car at Sun World Hon Thom.

Resorts and hotels across the island were fully booked, not only during the New Year holiday but also in early January 2025. A survey of over 40 accommodation providers in Bai Kem and Sunset Town revealed that high-end establishments like New World Phu Quoc Resort, Premier Residences Phu Quoc Emerald Bay, and La Festa Phu Quoc - Curio Collection By Hilton, as well as 3-4 star hotels and mini-hotels, were almost fully booked. For months, the booking rate has not dropped below 80 per cent.

Adrian, a visitor from Russia, said: “This is my fourth day in Phu Quoc. My family is celebrating the New Year here. Everything is wonderful - from the weather and beaches to the performances, which have greatly impressed and delighted us. On New Year's Eve, we enjoyed three fireworks displays in a single night, an experience you can't find anywhere else."

These days in Phu Quoc, particularly in Sunset Town, the atmosphere is lively from morning until night, bringing vibrant energy to the tourism sector of the 'Pearl Island' right at the start of the year. In the early mornings, long lines of tourists can be seen at the departure station of the Sun World Hon Thom cable car. According to the tourism site, the cable car system welcomes thousands of visitors daily, even setting new records on some days, surpassing the peak levels of 2019, before the pandemic.

Crowds of tourists gather at the night market every evening.

Each evening, thousands of tourists gather in Sunset Town to enjoy the night market and watch spectacular shows like Kiss of the Sea and Symphony of the Sea, which feature mesmerising performances and fireworks twice a night.

Flipping the script

During this year’s New Year holiday, while many domestic destinations recorded moderate tourist numbers, Phu Quoc presented a contrasting scene, even reversing the situation compared to early 2024, when the island faced criticism for price gouging and exorbitant costs.

It has now become the go-to destination for both domestic and international tourists during Christmas and New Year holidays, surpassing even the 'Golden Age' of Vietnamese tourism in 2019.

International tourists love staying at Bai Kem for its white sandy beaches, golden sunshine and crystal-clear waters.

One key factor that has turned the island into a hot destination for international travellers is its favourable climate. Particularly at the year’s end, Phu Quoc enters its most beautiful season, with white sandy beaches and clear blue waters often compared to the Maldives.

The island also benefits from a 30-day visa exemption for international visitors, as well as direct flights from numerous countries around the world. In the early days of the year, Phu Quoc Airport received over 60 flights daily, including 32 international arrivals from South Korea, Taiwan (China), Singapore, CIS member countries, and Europe. Additionally, one of Phu Quoc’s strongest advantages, recognised by many tourists and reputable travel agencies, lies in its globally competitive tourism offerings.

CEO of Hanatour in Vietnam, Hong Jung Min, said: “Phu Quoc is an island with exceptional natural conditions, complemented by world-class hotels and attractions that make the most of these natural advantages. Personally, I’m particularly fond of Sunset Town and Hon Thom in southern Phu Quoc. I believe that as infrastructure projects, such as roads and attractions, are completed, we will witness the emergence of a true 'Hawaii of the East.'”

Le Tran Phuong Dinh, a local tour guide, added: “These days, the streets are packed with international tourists. Restaurants and popular attractions are always overcrowded, requiring reservations in advance. Entertainment hubs in the northern and southern parts of the island frequently host art programmes and fireworks displays, which are major draws for visitors.”

Symphony of the Sea illuminates the skies and seas of Sunset Town.

Last year, Phu Quoc witnessed the debut of unique tourism products spanning the island from north to south. Among the standout attractions of 2024 is Sunset Town, which introduced no fewer than ten new experiences, including a large-scale multimedia show produced by France, featuring eight advanced presentation technologies and nightly fireworks displays.

Other highlights include the Awaken Sea show, with spectacular performances by world champion flyboard and jetski athletes. Notably, at the end of the year, Sunset Town unveiled the 'dynamic duo' of the Sun Bavaria GastroPub beer restaurant and the Symphony of the Sea show, a performance previously only seen at world expos. The show includes 20-minute nightly firework displays, bringing the concept of a dinner and a show—eating combined with live artistic performances—to Phu Quoc for the very first time.

With its ever-increasing allure, Phu Quoc is not only a magnet for year-end and New Year tourists but is also expected to be a hotspot for the upcoming Lunar New Year holiday. Currently, the five-star segment is 85 per cent booked, four-star accommodations in central areas are nearly fully booked, and resorts and hotels in the southern part of the island have already achieved occupancy rates of 70-80 per cent.