Wednesday, 1 May 2024

DISCOVER WHAT’S NEW IN PHU QUOC: YOUR GUIDE TO VIETNAM’S EXHILIRATING ISLAND PARADISE

With dazzling new live shows, world-class attractions and exceptional hotels and resorts, Vietnam’s “Pearl Island” creates unforgettable experiences for every traveller

Phu Quoc, Vietnam’s pristine “Pearl Island,” is a dream destination with an amazing array of natural and cultural wonders for every type of traveller. Famed for its long sandy beaches, turquoise seas and world-class attractions, this tropical gem is already making waves on the international stage; the taste-makers at TIME Magazine recently named Phu Quoc as one of the “Top 100 Greatest Places in the World.” Now, Phu Quoc is elevating its tourism sector to even greater heights with a series of extraordinary new offerings that are set to captivate visitors from around the globe.

Phu Quoc is currently the only destination in Vietnam to allow overseas visitors to stay visa-free for 30 days. With an expanding international airport that offers direct flights from many major gateway cities, this creates an idyllic “destination within a destination” for discerning global explorers.

Here is a selection of the hottest new things to see and do in this island paradise...

New! Electrifying Live Shows & Cultural Performances

Nestled in the south of Phu Quoc, Sunset Town is a vibrant cultural hub where guests can experience spectacular street art and sensational live performances. Newly launched in 2024, Kiss of the Sea is a mesmerizing multimedia show performed at the world’s largest on-the-sea theatre. With 60 artists from 20 countries, and a breath-taking combination of fire, water, lasers, light, music and performance art, this has become one of Southeast Asia’s must-see shows! Every evening culminates with a dazzling fireworks show that lights up the night sky in a kaleidoscope of colours and can be seen from every corner of Sunset Town!

As the exotic orange sun dips beneath the horizon, the Sunset Jetski & Flyboard Show thrills spectators with a sensational oversea display performed by 18 international athletes, set against the backdrop of the iconic Kiss Bridge. After dark, Vui-Fest Bazaar, Sunset Town’s lively seafront night market, showcases the charm of Loang Xoang and Tinh Tuom (the shoeshine show), a street theatre performance which blends circus acts and live music using everyday objects. Finally, travellers can uncover the time-honoured traditions of a Vietnamese Puppet Show, with eight dance performances and local music.

Immersive Attractions and Uplifting Activities

Phu Quoc is a vibrant oasis of original attractions and uplifting activities. Newly opened in late 2023, the Kiss Bridge is a unique interactive sculpture with two 400-metre-long walkways that stretch out over the sea and come together in the middle – separated by a distance of just 30cm. Especially stunning at sunset, this iconic landmark carries a universal message of love and personal connection.

The Hon Thom Cable Car transports passengers over the turquoise sea from the southern tip of Phu Quoc to Hon Thom, the idyllic “Pineapple Island” nestled just offshore. Spanning 7,899 metres, this inspiring ride frames unparalleled bird’s eye views of the glistening ocean, lush jungle and endless blue sky.

Once guests arrive in Hon Thom Island, a world of wonders awaits. This natural paradise is fringed with beautiful beaches and coconut palms, while Sun World Hon Thom features fun-filled zones and rides for all ages, including the Exotica Village theme park and Aquatopia water park. Thrill seekers should not miss The Anger of the Wooden Snake, an exhilarating roller coaster, while more relaxing daytimes can be enjoyed at the Eco Beach Club.

Award-winning Tropical Beaches

A tropical paradise, Phu Quoc is blessed with long, sandy beaches which have been recognised by some of the world's most prestigious publications. DestinAsian magazine named Phu Quoc one of the top 10 “Most Beautiful Beach Destinations” in Asia, while other leading lifestyle magazines such as Tatler Asia and Condé Nast have positioned the island alongside other established beach destinations, such as Krabi in Thailand or Bali in Indonesia.

Flight Network, the popular Canadian online travel agency, even named Kem Beach as one of the 50 most beautiful beaches in the world in 2018. With its smooth white sand, verdant coconut palms, blue sky and turquoise water, it is easy to understand why the world’s travellers are becoming increasingly enchanted by this stunning shoreline.

Accommodation for Every Occasion

With its soaring popularity and year-round offerings for couples, families and friends alike, Phu Quoc is also now home to many of the planet’s most prestigious hotel brands. Here is a selection of the finest places to stay, play, dine and unwind in the Pearl Island, including options for every budget.

For couples: La Festa Hilton Phu Quoc, Curio Collection by Hilton

Overlooking the beach and Kiss Bridge, this elegant upscale hotel, which opened in December 2023, is inspired by Italy’s Amalfi Coast. Couples can stay in Mediterranean-style rooms with sunset views, cool off in sparkling pools, dine at four restaurants, unwind at the spa, or head out and explore the local attractions, including the “Kiss of the Sea” show and fireworks display every night.

For families: New World Phu Quoc Resort

With a choice of 375 spacious pool villas in seven configurations, ranging from 124 to 414 square metres, nestled amid landscaped gardens with inviting outdoor pools, a 16-treatment room spa and colourful kids’ club, all just steps from Kem Beach, this five-star resort intuitively caters to the needs of families.

For beach lovers: Premier Residences Phu Quoc Emerald Bay

Nestled directly on Kem Beach, one of the top 100 most beautiful beaches in the world, this contemporary resort can cater for every occasion with a choice of rooms, suites, apartments and pool villas, plus outdoor pools, a spa and plenty of activities, all just steps from the soft, sandy shore.

For nature lovers: Premier Village Phu Quoc Resort, managed by Accor

Elegantly perched on the tip of a secluded peninsula, surrounded by verdant forest, white sands and the endless azure sea, this is a unique resort that lets guests get back to nature. Stay in spacious villas, cool off in the multi-tiered swimming pool, unwind in the Plumeria Spa or simply chill out on the two beaches.

For design lovers: JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa

Crafted by Bill Bensley, the acclaimed architect and interior designer, this luxury retreat started life as a 19th Century French university before being eclectically reimagined as a lavish beachfront playground. Artistic rooms, suites and villas are complemented by a seashell-shaped pool and fantastic facilities.

For budget travellers: Discover a choice of hotels and residences

Phu Quoc is open to everyone, and guests with limited budgets can also experience a choice of comfortable, convenient accommodation. Hotels including La Bonheur, De Stefano, Venice Hotel Phu Quoc, Rose Hotel and Rova Hotel offer room rates ranging from VND 450,000 to 1 million (approx. USD 18-40) per night, while affordable apartments are available at Sun Grand City Hillside Residences.

Phu Quoc: Essential Information

Where: Kien Giang province, Vietnam
When to visit: All-year-round
Coastline: 150km of shoreline, including some of the world’s best beaches
Weather: Average year-round temperature of 27°C
Getting there: Phu Quoc International Airport offers direct flights from key Asian gateway cities, including Bangkok, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Seoul and Taipei, plus seasonal charters from Central Asia and Europe.
Visas: Phu Quoc offers visa-free 30-day stays

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