Phu Quoc and Hon Thom cable car recognized by US news outlet as top 10 most popular destinations in 2026
Recently, the online information platform AOL (American Online) – one of the websites that pioneered mass internet in the 1990s and still attracts hundreds of millions of visits per month – has announced its list of the 10 most popular destinations for 2026 based on global travel search and booking data from Expedia. Among them, Phu Quoc island is Vietnam's representative named, with the iconic image of the world's longest three-rope Hon Thom cable car.
AOL's list reflects an increasingly clear travel trend: tourists are not only looking for beautiful beaches but also desire journeys that offer a sense of exploration and experiences unique enough to become unforgettable memories. On this list, Phu Quoc appears as an iconic destination of modern Vietnamese tourism, strongly attracting international tourist interest.
According to Expedia data, searches for Phu Quoc tourism have increased by 53%, showing the growing appeal of Vietnam's island tourism. Explaining this increasing interest, AOL describes Phu Quoc as a unique island resort destination. Vietnam's largest island, located near Cambodia, is famous for its 93 miles of beautiful coastline, lush tropical forests, and a spacious, relaxed island lifestyle – the resort atmosphere many tourists are seeking.
Nature's bestowed beauty upon Bai Kem - top 50 most beautiful beaches on the planet
For tropical sea lovers, Phu Quoc possesses what many tourists dream of: long stretches of white sand, clear blue waters, and a slow pace of life. From Bai Kem, Bai Sao to the pristine sandy stretches in the south of the island, the landscape here retains its rare natural beauty.
Parallel to the sea is a rich primeval forest ecosystem, opening up jungle trekking routes for adventurous tourists. As AOL describes, Phu Quoc is also famous for its spectacular sunrises over the sea – an ideal moment for early risers before starting a day of ocean experiences with snorkeling, swimming, or fishing.
However, if it only had the sea and tropical forests, Phu Quoc would perhaps be like many other island paradises in the region. What makes this island different, according to AOL, is the blend of pristine nature and an increasingly diverse experiential ecosystem.
The record-breaking Hon Thom Cable Car is one of the must-try experiences in Phu Quoc
The image chosen by AOL to illustrate Phu Quoc – the Hon Thom Cable Car – is a clear symbol of that combination. The nearly 8 km long cable car line, currently holding the Guinness World Record for the longest three-rope cable car in the world, connects Sunset Town with Hon Thom Island.
In about 15 minutes of aerial travel, the cabin takes visitors gliding over the lush green archipelago of Southern Phu Quoc, where small, tree-covered islands emerge from the sea water shifting from blue to jade.
For many visitors, the cable car journey is not just a means of transportation but also the prelude to exploring Southern Phu Quoc. The final stop of the cable car line is Sun World Hon Thom, the entertainment complex mentioned by AOL as one of the top family-friendly destinations in Vietnam.
Here, Aquatopia Water Park offers a host of spectacular water slides, sea games, and various entertainment activities for all ages. Families with young children can spend a whole day at the water park, while adventurous visitors can continue their journey to the sea with water sports or simply enjoy the white sandy beaches and warm waters of the tropical sea.
Brilliant fireworks displays build the reputation of Ngoc Island as the "island of 365 days of fireworks"
Returning to the mainland, the journey to explore Ngoc Island continues with a completely different space at Sunset Town. Streets with a Mediterranean flavor facing the sea create a poetic strolling space. Visitors can walk on the Kiss Bridge, watch the sun gradually set on the horizon, or enjoy brilliant fireworks displays in the night sea sky from world-class multimedia shows like Symphony of the Sea or Kiss of the Sea.
The combination of tropical nature, iconic architecture, and a rich entertainment ecosystem is helping Phu Quoc gradually become a destination not only for relaxation but also for experiences. Its appearance on AOL's list shows that Ngoc Island is increasingly attracting international attention – a rapidly emerging beach destination on the Asian tourism map.
