Kiss Bridge, a popular destination in Phú Quốc. — VNA/VNS Photo

BANGKOK — Thailand’s Khaosod newspaper has published an article praising Việt Nam’s Phú Quốc island as one of the fastest-growing beach destinations in Southeast Asia.

The article described Phú Quốc, located in the Gulf of Thailand, as Việt Nam’s largest island and a key part of the country’s tourism ambitions.

Known for its white-sand beaches, luxury resorts, night markets, and large-scale entertainment projects, the island is increasingly attracting travellers looking for a tropical getaway that combines nature with modern tourism infrastructure, the writing noted.

It highlighted that Long Beach, stretching along on the island’s western side, is known for its sunset views, beach bars, and resorts, while Sao Beach on the southeastern coast is famous for its powdery white sand and turquoise waters.

Khaosod noted the dry season from November to April is considered the best time to visit Phú Quốc, when calm seas and sunny skies make the island ideal for swimming, snorkelling, and island-hopping tours.

Compared with many larger beach destinations in the region, parts of Phú Quốc were said to still retain a slower and more relaxed atmosphere.

Over the past decade, the island, once known mainly as a quiet fishing village off southern Việt Nam, has seen major tourism infrastructure investment. Large-scale developments such as Sunset Town and Grand World have transformed parts of the island into entertainment and shopping hubs filled with colourful Mediterranean-style architecture, restaurants, and nightlife.

Luxury international resorts now line many coastal areas, while Phú Quốc International Airport has made access far easier for foreign travellers, according to the article.

It also highlighted the Hòn Thơm cable car, stretching across the sea to connect Phú Quốc with smaller southern islands, as one of the island’s most famous attractions. The cable car offers panoramic views of fishing boats, coral reefs, and the Gulf of Thailand. Visitors can also join boat tours to nearby islands for snorkelling, coral diving, and seafood experiences.

Despite rapid development, traditional fishing communities remain part of island life, the newspaper said. Seafood was described as one of Phú Quốc’s highlights, with fresh crab, squid, sea urchins, and grilled shellfish widely available at local markets and seaside restaurants. The island is also well known across Việt Nam for its fish sauce production and pepper farms.

According to the writing, Phú Quốc is becoming increasingly popular among Thai tourists thanks to relatively short travel times and visa-friendly entry policies for many visitors. Travellers from Bangkok can reach the island via connecting flights through HCM City or direct regional routes depending on airline schedules.

Khaosod concluded that as Việt Nam continues investing heavily in tourism, Phú Quốc is positioning itself as one of the region’s major island destinations, offering a mix of tropical scenery, entertainment, and fast-growing resort development. — VNA/VNS