Phú Quốc is highlighted as a standout Southeast Asian destination. — Photo sungroup.com

HÀ NỘI — For years, Bali has been almost the “default holiday” for Australians whenever they think of a tropical paradise: close, affordable, easy to reach, and rich in culture. But as visitor numbers surge, the Indonesian island has grown increasingly crowded, costs have risen, and the sense of privacy has gradually diminished. As a result, more and more travellers from the land of kangaroos are searching for a new alternative and Phú Quốc has been singled out by Escape magazine.

In its list of “the best Bali alternatives worth exploring,” published by Australia’s leading travel site Escape, Phú Quốc is highlighted as a standout Southeast Asian destination, thanks to its appealing blend of reasonable costs, striking scenery, and diverse experiences.

According to the magazine, Việt Nam has long scored highly with Australian travellers for its affordability, vibrant street food, spectacular landscapes, and rich cultural heritage. From Sydney, Melbourne, or Perth, travelers can find direct flights to Hà Nội or Hồ Chí Minh City for under US$200, before conveniently connecting onward to Phú Quốc.

For lovers of tropical beaches, Phú Quốc offers what Australians once found in Bali years ago: long stretches of white sand, turquoise waters, and a laid-back pace of life. From Khem Beach and Sao Beach to the pristine southern shores, much of the island’s landscape still retains its natural charm. Alongside its coastline lies a lush primary forest ecosystem with jungle trekking routes – an ideal choice for adventurous travellers.

What sets Phú Quốc apart, Escape notes, is the seamless blend of nature and modern experiences. A highlight is the sea-crossing cable car linking An Thới to Hòn Thơm – recognised as the world’s longest three-wire cable car system – allowing visitors to glide above the waters and take in panoramic views of Phú Quốc’s seascape from a bird’s-eye perspective.

The balance between preservation and development forms the distinctive layer of value behind Phú Quốc’s appeal. Here, vast stretches of primary forest remain largely intact, opening up exploration routes for adventure seekers. Meanwhile, the southern beaches have been thoughtfully planned into high-end resort spaces such as Khem Beach and Sao Beach – “sanctuaries” that are consistently praised by international media.

Khem Beach that is consistently praised by international media. — Photo sungroup.com

If Bali charms visitors with its ancient temples and distinctive spiritual atmosphere, Phú Quốc leaves its mark through symbolic seaside architecture. At Sunset Town, visitors can stroll along Mediterranean-inspired streets, watch the sunset at Kiss Bridge, and enjoy fireworks displays lighting up the night sky. The island’s nighttime entertainment ecosystem – once absent in many beach destinations – is gradually becoming a defining feature of Pearl Island. 

From Escape’s perspective, Phú Quốc is not merely a “substitute” for travellers who have grown weary of Bali. The island is positioning itself as a standalone destination worthy of longer stays: affordable, culinary-rich, layered in natural beauty, and supported by an ever-evolving portfolio of experiences.

For Australian travellers, it offers something both familiar and refreshingly new – a tropical paradise that preserves a sense of unspoiled freedom, enhanced by the comforts and dynamic energy of a destination rising strongly on Asia’s travel map. — VNA/VNS