Phu Quoc Island was named 2nd Best Island in DestinAsian's Readers' Choice Awards 2026. It climbed from 6th place in 2024 and 5th in 2025, with Bali taking the top spot. However, this is not a "most beautiful island" ranking measured by experts assessing water clarity alone—it is a reader vote by the magazine's audience. The value of the award and the practical choice of a travel destination should be considered separately.
A readers' award with 45,000 voters and over 1 million votes
According to DestinAsian's official announcement, the 2026 awards gathered over 1 million votes from 45,000 readers, selecting winners across 38 categories including airlines, hotels, and islands. Phu Quoc placed 2nd in the island category. The rise in ranking is an indication of growing international recognition, but it does not guarantee the satisfaction of every traveler or the condition of the natural environment.
The character of your trip changes depending on which part of the island you visit
The north is home to theme parks and large hotels, the south to cable cars and major resorts, and the area around Duong Dong in the center offers easy access to markets and restaurants. The increase in luxury hotels expands your options, but "anywhere you stay is the same" is not the case. Check the locations of the airport, beaches, and attractions you want to visit on a map, then add the time and cost of getting around the island to your accommodation costs before comparing.
Even in the dry season, sea conditions vary; in the wet season, factor in transport disruptions
The dry season is generally easier for planning water activities, though peak periods push up airfares and hotel rates. During the wet season, some days may see only brief showers, but wind and waves can lead to changes or cancellations of boat trips, cable car rides, and island-hopping tours. Water clarity varies by season, beach, and the day's weather, so do not assume conditions will match promotional photos—choosing flexible bookings gives you peace of mind.
If you are using this article for current planning
Proper nouns, prices, and opening hours are subject to change. I would check the publication date and the period covered in the article, then cross-reference with official information from the operator or relevant authority just before visiting. For reviews, I read the posting date and specific conditions of use rather than the overall score. Having one nearby alternative ready means that if something sells out, the weather turns bad, a venue is closed, or there are delays, your itinerary is less likely to fall apart.
Rising popularity and environmental impact should be viewed together
Tourism development brings jobs and improved transport, but also places pressure on waste management, water resources, and coastal development. Reducing single-use plastics, not touching coral or marine life, and also patronizing local markets and small businesses are the minimum steps travelers can take. Rather than making "Asia's No. 2" the goal, deciding which aspects of the island's environment you want to enjoy and choosing accordingly will lead to a more satisfying trip.
Reference:DestinAsian official announcement、VietnamPlus
Check the update date
Check the update date in the body of the article, not just the search result excerpt. If you are unsure whether figures or proper nouns are still current, go to the primary source from the company, organizer, or government authority. If no official page can be found, treat that fact itself as a factor in your judgment, and do not make bookings or long trips based on old articles alone.
Before using figures to make travel decisions
The meaning of rankings and monetary figures changes depending on the surveying body, the period covered, the sample, the currency, and whether a calendar year or fiscal year is used. Rather than simply copying headline numbers, check the title and notes of the primary source, the date of publication, and whether the figures are preliminary or final. It is also important not to apply national statistics directly to individual shop prices or crowd levels.
