In the Reader's Awards 2026 of the authoritative Asia-Pacific travel magazine DestinAsian, Vietnam's resort island of Phu Quoc took second place for "the most beautiful island in Asia." Climbing from 6th to 5th to 2nd over three straight years, it pulled off the feat of even surpassing the Maldives.
Following the results announced on March 6, 2026, celebratory voices spread across Vietnam. Phu Quoc Island, once called "Asia's unknown paradise," has now grown to earn a firm reputation as a world-class resort island.
News overview
In DestinAsian's "Readers' Choice Awards 2026," Phu Quoc Island won second place in the reader vote covering islands across Asia. This year's leap from 5th the previous year is seen as the result of a string of luxury resort openings and improved tourism infrastructure earning worldwide recognition.
The island is home to a cluster of international-brand hotels such as JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort and New World Phu Quoc Resort, and several of them also placed high in the magazine's "Best Vietnam Resort" category. Unique attractions—the world's only touchless Kiss Bridge and the world's longest three-wire cable car to Hon Thom Island—have also helped lift its standing.
As its track record of climbing three years running shows, Phu Quoc Island's tourism competitiveness is maturing into a stable international reputation that isn't swayed by trends.
Vietnamese readers' reactions
Comment sections in local media and posts on social media brimmed with voices celebrating the award.
- "It's amazing that it keeps climbing three years in a row. Phu Quoc still has huge potential." (Ho Chi Minh City, 30s)
- "You can enjoy sea as clear as the Maldives at a more affordable price. If this spreads more around the world, tourists will increase." (Hanoi, 20s)
- "I think Phu Quoc's charm is that it still has local beaches and markets, not just luxury resorts." (Da Nang, 40s)
- "As a Vietnamese, I'm proud. I hope it keeps a balance between developing infrastructure and preserving the environment." (Phu Quoc Island, 30s)
- "Second place is a feat, but personally I worry about the crowds. I hope it develops while protecting nature." (Travel enthusiast, 20s)
Impact and key points for Japanese tourists
Phu Quoc Island is a resort destination drawing growing attention from Japan. It can be reached in about an hour and 15 minutes by domestic flight from Hanoi orHo Chi Minh City, and more travelers are working it into their itineraries as a resort on par withNha TrangandDa Nang.
On the island, you can enjoy not only the buffets at luxury hotels but also fresh seafood at the local market and hunting forSouvenirsthat are uniquely Vietnamese.Egg coffeeand other aspects of Vietnam's café culture can be experienced at cafés around the island, too.
As tourist numbers rise, flight and lodging prices may climb going forward, so planning your trip early is wise. Do add this "No. 2 island in Asia," recognized by the world, to your list of next destinations.
Reference:Phu Quoc and its luxury resorts take the leaderboard by storm in DestinAsian rankings（VietnamPlus）
