No longer confined to the image of a peaceful tropical retreat, Phu Quoc – voted Asia’s most beautiful island and the third most beautiful island in the world by readers of Condé Nast Traveler – is fast becoming the ultimate summer destination for all kinds of travelers, especially multi-generational families. Here are the experiences helping Phu Quoc surpass every other summer getaway in Vietnam:
An island of Guinness World Records
It is no exaggeration to call Phu Quoc an island of records, with three attractions officially recognized by Guinness World Records. And each one promises a truly one-of-a-kind experience.
The world-record Hon Thom cable car is a must-try experience for every visitor
This is the world’s longest 3-wire cable car route at 7,899.9 meters, connecting An Thoi with Hon Thom Island and allowing travelers to “fly” across the ocean while taking in sweeping views of dazzling summer scenery, coastal fishing villages and emerald island clusters. At the end of the cable car journey lies Sun World Hon Thom, home to the Aquatopia Water Park and a series of thrilling rides at Exotica Village theme park.
The nightly fireworks at Sunset Town have become a true “visual signature” of Pearl Island
Phu Quoc is also the only island in Vietnam and Asia home to the “Largest permanent water projection theater” – a Guinness World Records title awarded to the stage of the famous Kiss of the Sea show, a spectacular production combining fire, water, light, fireworks and stunning performances by 60 artists from 20 countries.
Most recently, another Guinness World Record was awarded to Sun Bavaria GastroPub as the world’s largest beachfront beer hall. Covering 6,825 square meters with a seating capacity of 5,000 guests, this is currently the only dinner show restaurant in Vietnam where diners can enjoy chilled Sun KraftBeer and an extensive buffet while watching Symphony of the Sea, featuring explosive jetski and flyboard performances alongside artistic fireworks erupting across both sea and sky.
Relax at some of the world’s most beautiful beaches
Summer is when Phu Quoc reveals its tropical beauty in full, with golden sunshine and calm seas. According to booking platform statistics, more than 85% of travelers voted swimming and coral diving as the most relaxing activities on Pearl Island.
And nowhere in Phu Quoc is more beautiful than Kem Beach, Sao Beach or the small offshore islands.
The beauty that earned Kem Beach – one of the world’s top 50 beaches – its reputation as “the gathering spot for families” in Phu Quoc
Kem Beach, known for its creamy white sand and crystal-clear water, was once named among the world’s Top 50 most beautiful beaches by Flight Network. Visitors are encouraged to stay at international-class resorts right by the beach, where children can not only swim in the sea but also enjoy swimming pools spanning up to 5,000 square meters complete with mini water parks.
Meanwhile, Sao Beach, with its long gentle shoreline and calm waves, was praised by Lonely Planet as one of the safest and most family-friendly beaches for travelers with young children. Or families can join an “Island Hopping” canoe tour to Gam Ghi Island, May Rut Trong Island or Mong Tay Island, where everyone can paddle SUP boards, swim or snorkel among vibrant natural coral reefs.
Explore night markets, watch fireworks and taste flavors from around the world
As night falls, towns like Sunset Town become the ultimate place to experience an incredibly vibrant nightlife unlike anywhere else among Vietnam’s summer destinations. Two must-visit spots are Sunset Bazaar and VUI-Fest Night Market.
Sunset Bazaar, the bustling shopping, dining and check-in street beside La Festa Hotel, captures the romantic beauty of Italy with its refined souvenir shops, distinctive handcrafted products, authentic bakeries, cafés and restaurants, offering a wide range of shopping experiences along with countless “Instagram-worthy” corners for the whole family.
Even more exciting and distinctive is VUI-Fest Night Market, a paradise where visitors can quite literally “eat around the world” with hundreds of fresh seafood dishes, regional Vietnamese street food and diverse international cuisine. Most notably, from this breezy beachfront night market, families can savor delicious food while watching two world-class fireworks shows illuminate the southern island sky every single day of the year, rain or shine.
Check in at an “Instagram-worthy” open-air architecture museum
More than just an entertainment complex, Sunset Town is often described as a giant “open-air architecture museum” preserving the romantic beauty of Europe along the shores of a tropical sea.
Sunset Town – the tourism icon of Phu Quoc – offers a vibrant collection of experiences all year round
Simply strolling through the town feels like wandering through historic Italy, with landmarks such as Apollo Square, the Campanile Clock Tower and the cable car station inspired by Roman arenas. Interwoven among these grand structures are flower-lined streets and authentic French bakeries like Eric Kayser.
Kiss Bridge – the bridge representing love and connection – is considered the most beautiful sunset viewing spot in Phu Quoc
And of course, no trip to Phu Quoc is complete without walking along Kiss Bridge with loved ones at sunset. As the fiery red sun slowly descends perfectly through the gap between the two bridge branches, bathing the ocean in surreal shades of orange and gold, unforgettable photographs naturally come to life.
Discover the world’s most unusual upside-down café
In the heart of Sunset Town, Apollo Café stands as a bold architectural masterpiece created by “design wizard” Bill Bensley. With its upside-down structure inspired by extraordinary honeycomb chambers, the café has been praised by Korean media as one of the world’s most unique destinations.
Apollo Café captivates visitors with its one-of-a-kind architecture, earning recognition from international media as one of the world’s strangest cafés
Stepping into Apollo Café feels like entering a surreal parallel universe. It is the perfect peaceful corner for families to sit together, enjoy rich coffee, savor French pastries, gaze out at the sunset and wait for the first fireworks to light up the evening sky.
And Phu Quoc has even more to offer than that. Even families spending many days on the island will find that children never grow bored. That is exactly why this island is rapidly overtaking every other summer destination in Vietnam to become the country’s number one choice.
