Phu Quoc scored 95.26 points in the 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards, outperforming popular destinations such as Boracay and Palawan in the Philippines, Langkawi in Malaysia, Koh Samui and Phuket in Thailand, and Bali in Indonesia.

The result has attracted particular attention in Indonesia, where Bali has long been regarded as one of Asia’s most famous island destinations and a key international destination for the country’s tourism industry. Phu Quoc’s rise to the top spot highlights intensifying competition among resort destinations across Southeast Asia.

The Hon Thom cable car, the world’s longest over-sea cable car, in the Phu Quoc special administrative zone, An Giang Province. (Photo: Le Huy Hai/VNA)

According to the rankings, the island’s appeal stems primarily from its coastal scenery, featuring long stretches of white sandy beaches, clear waters and diverse natural ecosystems.

These advantages provide a foundation for a wide range of tourism experiences, from resort holidays and coastal sightseeing to coral reef snorkeling, exploring the southern archipelago, visiting the national park and learning about pearl cultivation.

In recent years, Phu Quoc’s tourism offerings have become increasingly diverse, combining resort stays with nature-based activities, culinary experiences and opportunities to discover local culture.

The Readers’ Choice Awards is an annual poll organized by Condé Nast Traveler, in which readers evaluate destinations and tourism products worldwide. Phu Quoc’s top ranking in Asia demonstrates that Viet Nam’s “Pearl Island” is attracting considerable international attention and reflects the growing competitiveness of Vietnamese destinations in the regional tourism market.

For long-established island destinations such as Bali, the results also highlight the growing challenge of maintaining their appeal amid competition from emerging destinations.

Beyond scenery and visitor experiences, service quality, environmental protection and sustainable tourism development are increasingly important factors influencing travelers’ choices.

As Southeast Asia continues to rank among the world’s attractive regions for international tourists, competition among Phu Quoc, Bali and other island destinations is expected to focus increasingly on the quality of visitor experiences rather than relying solely on natural scenery.

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