Phu Quoc has emerged as a magnet for international visitors, with hotels, theme parks and island cruises crowded as the island prepares to capitalise on rising demand ahead of APEC 2027. Local operators and officials say arrivals have jumped sharply, bringing both immediate revenue and fresh interest from global investors.
Phu Quoc international tourism growth and offerings
Tourism facilities across the island are operating at high capacity. From Grand World Phu Quoc and VinWonders to Safari Phu Quoc and the cable car at Hon Thom, international travellers are filling attractions, night markets and beachfronts. Operators report particular demand from India, South Korea and Poland, with visitors from China, Taiwan, Russia, Europe and Australia also increasing.
On the water, the Nautilus cruise company said it carries about 400 to 500 passengers a day, mainly international tourists, roughly double last year’s numbers. The company employs more than 80 staff working full time to support sea tours that include coral diving, underwater walking and sunset cruises.
Tour companies are running fast-paced island tours by speedboat to destinations such as Hon Gam Ghi, May Rut Trong and May Rut Ngoai, as well as overnight or day trips along beaches stretching to Mui Ham Rong. High-end hotels in both the north and south of the island report continuous check-ins as families and groups begin multi-day stays.
Event organisers on the island are rolling out a broad festival calendar. VinWonders plans a season of large-scale shows and a cross-cultural food and arts festival. Highlights include a theatrical mermaid show featuring a unique ‘diving Santa’ and a lavish New Year production, accompanied by fireworks and other spectacle aimed at international audiences.
Government and tourism authorities say the island’s recent performance is reinforced by charter routes from countries including India, Poland and Mongolia. In 2025 Phu Quoc received more than 8.1 million visitors, of whom roughly 1.8 million were international, generating nearly VND 44,000 billion in revenue.
Officials note that the APEC 2027 summit has accelerated interest from foreign investors seeking to build tourism ecosystems on the island. Ms Nguyen Thi Kim Loan, Vice-Chair of the Phu Quoc special administrative zone, said coordinated investment in airports, seaports and luxury tourist precincts has positioned the island to compete on the international stage.
Despite strong growth, industry leaders point to constraints. National tourism officials and local planners warn that urban planning and capacity for lodging remain incomplete. There is a pressing need for more hotel beds, expanded entertainment zones and improved waste, water and power management to sustain the growth trajectory.
Training is also a priority. Provincial authorities in the Mekong Delta region plan to work with local universities and vocational colleges to boost the supply of skilled hospitality workers ahead of APEC 2027. Officials say enhanced workforce quality and new, differentiated products focused on slow travel and cultural immersion will help Phu Quoc deliver repeat international business.
Tourism stakeholders view the current wave of visitors as an opportunity to refine services, scale up infrastructure and market Phu Quoc as a secure, high-quality gateway to Vietnam’s coastal attractions. If investments and planning keep pace with demand, the island looks set to consolidate its role as one of Southeast Asia’s premier international destinations.
Key Takeaways:
- Phu Quoc international tourism has surged with charter flights and daily international arrivals, boosting island activity and revenues.
- Major attractions and events—from VinWonders shows to Nautilus cruises—are drawing visitors from India, Korea, Poland and beyond.
- Authorities and operators report strong 2025 figures but call for more hotels, infrastructure and trained staff to meet rising demand.
- Investments tied to APEC 2027 are accelerating development of high-end resorts, transport links and year-round festival programming.
