Forbes Italia – the Italian edition of the renowned global magazine – has praised Phu Quoc as Asia’s new tropical paradise, a destination that preserves its pristine charm while defining a modern vision of island leisure, steadily becoming a top choice for Asia’s elite travellers.

Pearl island - a destination embraced by the global media.

Recently, in an article named “Southern Vietnam in 10 Luxury Experiences: From Skyscrapers to Beaches and Legends”, Forbes Italia dedicated special attention to Phu Quoc, highlighting its natural wonders.

According to Forbes, Phu Quoc, the pearl of Vietnam, is a place that “combines pristine nature, exclusive hospitality, and a slow pace of life, lapped by the sound of the waves.”

Phu Quoc’s beauty shines through clear turquoise waters ideal for diving, long stretches of fine white sand shaded by towering palms, and a coastline dotted with world-class resorts.

Forbes highlighted the south of the island, especially the An Thoi archipelago, as “perfect for sea lovers.” Travelers can kayak, enjoy sunset dinners aboard catamarans, or relax at distinctive resorts on Long Beach. For those seeking peace and seclusion, Kem Beach offers a more tranquil setting, complete with infinity pools and spas nestled among palm trees.

At Bai Kem, travellers can explore top resorts, each with its own concept and story. JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay, designed by Bill Bensley, recreates a 20th-century French university where each building represents a faculty.

Premier Residences Phu Quoc boasts one of the island’s largest swimming pools with youthful, modern design. New World Phu Quoc reflects the charm of a Vietnamese fishing village, with every villa featuring a private pool, perfect for families.

Further along the coast, Premier Village Phu Quoc at Ong Doi Cape received recognition from Forbes as a private sanctuary where true serenity awaits.

With 217 villas cascading down the hillside toward the sea, each with an infinity pool and private terrace, the resort blends Vietnamese minimalist wood and stone design with modern sophistication.

Guests may start the day with sunrise yoga, water yoga, or experience the Tibetan Fullmoon Singing Bowl ritual, crafted by master artisans from seven pure metals under the full moon.

The journey is completed by Corallo restaurant, serving fresh seafood with Phu Quoc pepper in Mediterranean style, and Plumeria Spa with traditional Vietnamese therapies.

Alongside its natural beauty, Forbes emphasised Phu Quoc’s transformation. Once a “sleeping” island with fishing villages, pepper farms, and temples hidden in the forest, it has emerged as a new icon of regional luxury tourism.

In just three years, the island has witnessed a dramatic revival, particularly in the south with the rise of the Sun Paradise Land ecosystem. Here, visitors can ride the world’s longest three-cable gondola to Hon Thom Island, enjoy the multimedia spectacle Kiss of the Sea, recognized by Guinness World Records as “the world’s largest outdoor theatre with a water screen and seating capacity”, stroll across the Kiss Bridge praised by CNN, or admire nightly fireworks 365 days a year.

With landmark attractions like Kiss of the Sea and the Kiss Bridge, Phu Quoc has moved from a quiet retreat to a vibrant island paradise—now a playground for Asia’s elite.

This transformation is further confirmed by the island’s selection as the host of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in 2027.

More than a leading political and economic event, APEC will be an opportunity for Phu Quoc to present its full identity, potential, and world-class tourism infrastructure to the international community.

“Phu Quoc is an island reinventing the concept of tropical, without losing its authentic soul” Forbes concludes, emphasising the island’s ability to elevate sophistication while preserving the island’s natural beauty.

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