According to a National Geographic study, global warming is creating a rather paradoxical phenomenon: winters are experiencing more extreme weather, leading to more intense and colder blizzards. This partly explains why European and American tourists are choosing destinations with year-round warm climates to escape the winter. Countries in Southeast Asia such as Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, etc., have continuously recorded growth in this type of tourism during the year-end travel season.

Discussion forums like Quora and Reddit indicate that despite possessing beautiful Mediterranean beaches, European tourists tend to choose Southeast Asia as a long-term winter travel destination. The main factors cited are the year-round warm climate, affordable prices, and unique cultural experiences. Therefore, in the top 10 best islands in the world in Asia in the Reader’s Choice Awards 2024 by the renowned travel magazine Condé Nast Traveler, Southeast Asian islands account for 8/10, with very high scores compared to other regions of the world (90 points or more). These scores are given by global readers based on their satisfaction with the destination, from service quality, scenery, beaches, cuisine to hospitality.

Bai Kem is one of the most beautiful beaches on the planet

In the list, Phu Quoc is the most noteworthy destination. In 2024 alone, from a “hidden gem”, the island was just named the second best island in the world by Travel + Leisure, after Maldives, and continues to be voted among the best islands in the world by Condé Nast Traveler for the third consecutive year. According to the leading US travel magazine, Phu Quoc is an emerging destination in Asia, possessing all the characteristics of a tropical paradise such as smooth white sand beaches and a truly peaceful atmosphere.

A fresh destination

Compared to destinations already familiar to European and American tourists such as Bali (Indonesia) or Koh Samui (Thailand), Phu Quoc is a relatively new destination. Therefore, in Phu Quoc, tourists will have a truly peaceful winter vacation, without encountering traffic jams like in Bali, or feeling suffocated by crowds while sunbathing on the beaches of Phuket.

While still new to international tourists, Phu Quoc has "unveiled" itself as a hidden gem, demonstrating its appeal with an increasing number of direct flights from European countries… to the Emerald Isle, with an average round-trip ticket price of approximately 25,000,000 VND. During the year-end season, the Emerald Isle welcomes direct and charter flights from Poland by Lot Polish Airlines with a frequency of 3 pairs of flights/week, from Russia by Iraero Airlines with a frequency of 1 pair of flights/week, from the Czech Republic and Slovakia by World2Fly with a frequency of 2 pairs of flights/week…

Tourists come to Phu Quoc to escape the cold of winter and immerse themselves in a tropical paradise

This is also one of the islands in the world with a superior visa policy. International tourists visiting Phu Quoc are granted visa exemption for 30 days, ideal for those who want a long winter vacation without worrying about procedures. Tourists from 13 countries, namely Russia, Japan, South Korea, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Sweden, the UK, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, and Belarus… are granted visa exemption for up to 45 days.

Ideal Climate

Phu Quoc's best season starts from the end of October and lasts until May of the following year. During this time, the temperature on the Emerald Isle always fluctuates between 28-30 degrees Celsius, with little rain, calm seas, gentle waves, and warm sunshine, suitable for outdoor tourism activities.

The sea of Phu Quoc's Southern islands turns emerald green in winter

Pleasant temperatures and gentle breezes allow tourists to sunbathe all day on some of the world's most beautiful beaches, such as Bai Sao and Bai Kem in the Southern islands, without fear of overheating. In addition, they can enjoy various water sports such as volleyball or kayaking… The sea water in Phu Quoc during this season is also crystal clear due to the calm sand, creating a characteristic emerald green color unique to the Pearl Island. This is the best time for tourists to participate in diving activities, exploring the diverse ecosystem and colorful coral reefs in Phu Quoc.

Diverse Accommodation Options

For European and American tourists, Phu Quoc is a luxurious resort paradise at a reasonable price, as the total cost of a month's stay at a 4-5 star hotel can be equal to or less than their living expenses in their home country. This is why more and more Europeans and Americans are choosing to become digital nomads, moving between Southeast Asian countries to enjoy long-term travel and earn an income.

Hotels just steps from Bai Kem beach, such as Premier Residences Phu Quoc Emerald Bay, are popular choices for long stays, offering discounts for monthly stays. For a more upscale option, try the JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay if you want a change of pace for 2-3 nights during your vacation.

Sunset Town offers a wide range of accommodation options for guests, from the 5-star La Festa Phu Quoc - Curio Collection by Hilton to budget-friendly mini hotels.

To save money on a longer holiday, travelers can choose mini hotels in Sunset Town or apartments at Sun Grand City Hillside Residence Phu Quoc, priced from just 600,000 VND/night (~24 USD), or monthly rentals from 7,000,000 VND (~275 USD), including utilities.

Unique Local Experiences

While islands like Bali and Phuket are renowned among European and American tourists for their unique cultural experiences, Phu Quoc also offers an exciting destination for those seeking fresh and traditional cultural colors. In Phu Quoc, visitors will have rich experiences of Vietnamese local culture, such as exploring spiritual tourist destinations like Ho Quoc Pagoda, Dinh Cau, Nguyen Trung Truc Temple… to experiencing traditional crafts on the Emerald Isle such as fishing, pearl farming, fish sauce making, and visiting pepper gardens.

For animal lovers, you can visit the Phu Quoc dog farm to learn about this unique breed found only on this island. This breed is considered the most intelligent in Vietnam, identified by the swirls of fur on its back and retaining many characteristics of wild dogs such as digging burrows to give birth. The entrance fee is only 50,000 VND/person (~2 USD), with the proceeds going towards the conservation of this dog breed.

Vietnamese cultural experiences at the À Ơi theater will be an unforgettable experience for tourists

The mark of local culture is also renewed and recreated through art. Welcoming guests at Sunset Town are shows exploring Vietnamese culture at the À Ơi open-air theater such as Dear Vietnam – a water puppet show combined with scenes recreating the lives of the people of the Southern region. Besides that, the À Ơi theater also hosts Viet phục nights, showcasing traditional Vietnamese costumes and allowing tourists to experience them firsthand. At the end of this year, the Symphony of the Sea show with jet ski and flyboard performances combined with Vietnamese folk elements such as drums and festival flags will be launched at Sunset Beach, increasing unforgettable experiences for tourists.

Plenty of experiences for a long holiday

In addition to the peaceful moments of lying on the beach to sunbathe and enjoy the pleasant warmth of Phu Quoc, the Pearl Island of Vietnam has plenty of experiences for tourists to gradually discover during a long holiday, especially in the southern part of the island.

Hon Thom cable car is suggested by Lonely Planet as a worthwhile experience

The experience most praised by international media is the Guinness-record-breaking 3-rope cable car to Hon Thom Island, where tourists can enjoy the panoramic view of Phu Quoc’s sky and sea from a bird’s-eye perspective. The Hon Bridge – the world’s unique “untouched” bridge praised by CNN, is a destination for couples to express their affection and admire Phu Quoc’s most beautiful sunset. Another popular experience is the Kiss of the Sea multimedia show with the participation of 60 international artists and combining 8 types of performances. Not only that, Phu Quoc is also an island that sets off fireworks 365 days a year, making every night of your holiday memorable.

Phu Quoc is a special island with fireworks 365 days a year

People often say “summer never sleeps”, but in Phu Quoc, winter is like that. Endless joy on the Pearl Island is “overflowing” in the intoxication when the beer festival is held 365 days a year, with a characteristic beer only available on the Pearl Island. At Phu Quoc Brew House restaurant and craft brewery, visitors will enjoy the special Sun KraftBeer brewed according to strict German regulations, allowing only 4 natural ingredients: water, barley, hops and yeast to brew beer. Unlike industrial beer, Sun KraftBeer is unfiltered and unpasteurized. This retains the delicious and healthy “proteins”, while ensuring a fresh and delicious beer flavor.

Besides drinking beer, every day you can “party” to the fullest in the vibrant atmosphere of international bands, a series of street entertainment shows and the charming Rainbow show performed by DJs, artists of multiple genders and races.

Tourists swim and enjoy the sunset with the scene of Hon Cau (Kissing Bridge) - one of the tourism icons of Phu Quoc

With all those experiences, it’s not hard to understand why Phu Quoc is becoming increasingly attractive and attracting European and American tourists. Get ready your swimwear, sunscreen and plane tickets to Phu Quoc, because this island will surprise you even more when you set foot on it.