1. The Wave of Leaving Big Cities and the Journey to Find a 'New Destination'

In recent years, workers in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City have faced increasingly apparent pressures such as escalating living costs, dense population, polluted environment, and eroded personal time. After the pandemic, the trend of relocating and restructuring life has become more evident than ever.

Phu Quoc overview from above, with the interplay of blue seas and modern urban areas.

In this context, migration to Phu Quoc emerges as a novel yet promising option. No longer a traditional decision of “leaving the city for the countryside”, moving to live in Phu Quoc today is linked to career opportunities, investment, and a modern lifestyle, especially as the Phu Quoc Special Administrative Region is gradually taking shape.

In recent years, besides the local residents, the number of people moving to live and work from major provinces and cities has been increasing, creating a new community of residents diverse in occupations and lifestyles. The wave of migration to Phu Quoc is not only from blue-collar workers serving tourism - services, but also includes: senior management personnel in the tourism - resort industry, foreign experts, international workers, remote workers, freelancers, investors, and entrepreneurs seeking new markets.

Notably, many young families have chosen Phu Quoc as a long-term place to settle down rather than just for short-term work. This shows that Phu Quoc is transforming from a “tourist destination” to a “place to live”.

2. What is the Phu Quoc Special Administrative Region and why is it attracting migration?

2.1. Phu Quoc officially becomes a Special Administrative Region

From July 1, 2025, Phu Quoc will officially become a special administrative region under An Giang province after the merger of two localities, Kien Giang and An Giang. This event marks an important turning point in the development process of the Pearl Island, opening up many great opportunities for this land.

The Phu Quoc Special Administrative Region is oriented as a special economic - administrative development model, with more flexible management mechanisms and strong preferential policies to attract investment, high-quality human resources, and international resources. The long-term goal is to make Phu Quoc a regional center for tourism - services - finance. In reality, Phu Quoc has been and is applying many open mechanisms: from infrastructure, planning, investment attraction to visa policies, international tourism.

2.2. Infrastructure - the foundation of the migration wave

One of the key factors driving migration to Phu Quoc is the strong breakthrough in infrastructure, creating a foundation for the transition from a “tourist destination” to a “place to live”. The focal point of the connectivity system is Phu Quoc International Airport - a rare international airport in Vietnam planned synchronously from the beginning, capable of receiving wide-body aircraft, operating direct flights to many countries and territories. This advantage not only shortens geographical distances but also helps Phu Quoc connect directly with international tourists, experts, investors, and high-quality labor.

The vibrant nightlife in Phu Quoc, attracting tourists and those migrating for work.

Alongside aviation, the seaport system, the cross-island transportation axis, coastal roads, and a well-invested new urban network have fundamentally changed the face of the island city. Phu Quoc today is no longer developing in a fragmented manner but is gradually forming a modern urban structure, serving both residents and tourists.

Notably, social infrastructure - a factor determining the possibility of long-term settlement - has also been significantly upgraded. The emergence of quality international hospitals such as Vinmec, Phu Quoc Sun International Hospital, along with high-quality medical and educational facilities, has alleviated concerns about healthcare and social security for residents. As essential conditions from transportation, healthcare, to education are increasingly met, living long-term in Phu Quoc is no longer a difficult problem, even for families with young children or the elderly, thereby strengthening the motivation to migrate to Phu Quoc to build a career, get rich, and enjoy life.

3. Migrate to Phu Quoc, what will you receive?

3.1. Broad career and business opportunities

Phu Quoc is currently one of the most vibrant markets in the country for tourism, resort, services, commerce, and real estate. Personnel demand is increasing strongly in many fields: hotel management, resort operations, tourism marketing, technology, logistics, e-commerce… The number of domestic and international visitors to Phu Quoc is increasing rapidly, mostly high-spending customers.

For those with a business mindset, migrating to Phu Quoc means accessing a growing market, where development potential is still large and competition is not yet oversaturated like in major urban centers.

3.2. Superior quality of life and environment

The island space, mild climate, and lower population density compared to big cities offer clear advantages for health and spirit. Many people after moving to Phu Quoc report having more time for family, themselves, and outdoor activities.

Ngoc Island gathers entertainment and resort areas, high-class real estate, creating conditions for people to migrate to Phu Quoc.

The "work-life balance" lifestyle - working amidst nature, truly resting - is the reason why migrating to Phu Quoc has become a trend searched frequently on Google in recent years.

3.3. Increasingly complete urban-service ecosystem

Unlike the old perception of a tourist island only serving short-term visitors, Phu Quoc now has a complete ecosystem serving long-term residents: commercial centers, supermarkets, schools, medical facilities, entertainment areas, and an international resident community. The participation of large corporations in urban planning and development further solidifies Phu Quoc's position as a true "island city".

3.4. Investment opportunities alongside settling down

For many, migrating to Phu Quoc is not just a change of living place but also a long-term financial strategy. Owning a home or real estate in a rapidly developing area can bring future value appreciation, if chosen and thoroughly researched regarding legal aspects and planning.

4. Who should consider migrating to Phu Quoc?

With its dynamic, modern appearance, and wonderful nature and climate, Phu Quoc is an ideal land for anyone. However, there are certain groups who are extremely suitable for migrating to the island and embracing great opportunities that are not easily found on the mainland.

For those who have experienced prolonged pressure in big cities, migrating to Phu Quoc can be a choice to prioritize health, family, and quality of life.

First are those working in the tourism and service sectors. With numerous large-scale hotels, resorts, entertainment complexes, and tourist cities, Phu Quoc is facing a shortage of high-quality human resources in management, operations, marketing, finance, and training positions. Migrating to Phu Quoc for this group is not just a change of residence, but also a career advancement.

Second are entrepreneurs, investors, and business people. Phu Quoc is still in the early stages of its urban-service development cycle, meaning there are many market gaps. Those with experience, capital, and long-term vision can find opportunities to start businesses or expand operations if they choose the right time and segment.

Third, remote workers, freelancers, and creative professionals are an increasingly visible group in Phu Quoc. As work is no longer dependent on geographical location, a clean living environment, proximity to the sea, reasonable costs, and a slower pace of life become attractive factors for them to decide to migrate.

Next are young families and those seeking work-life balance. For those who have experienced prolonged pressure in big cities, migrating to Phu Quoc can be a choice to prioritize health, family, and quality of life, provided there is thorough preparation in terms of finance, education, and healthcare.

No longer an experimental choice, migrating to Phu Quoc is becoming a well-founded trend, linked to the future development of the Phu Quoc Special Economic Zone. Opportunities go hand in hand with challenges, but with thorough preparation in terms of finance, career, and information, Phu Quoc can certainly become a place to settle down and build a career for many people. In the context of increasing urbanization stress, choosing a "destination to live" instead of just a "place to work" could be a crucial turning point, opening a new chapter for the life journey of each individual and family.