Phú Quốc

Phú Quốc has undergone a dramatic transformation from a sleepy fishing island to one of Southeast Asia's hottest destinations, yet it still offers stretches of coast where you can have a pristine beach to yourself. Long Beach on the western shore is the main draw, with kilometers of sand backed by resorts and restaurants, and legendary sunsets that paint the sky in oranges and purples. The northern half of the island is protected by Phú Quốc National Park, where hiking trails wind through dense tropical forest to mountain viewpoints. The southern islands, connected by the world's longest non-stop three-rope cable car, feature the Sun World complex with waterparks and beaches. For the best snorkeling, boat trips to the An Thới archipelago reveal coral gardens and tropical fish in warm, clear water. Visit a traditional fish sauce factory to see how the island's prized nước mắm is produced — barrels of fermented anchovies aged for over a year create the essential condiment of Vietnamese cuisine.

Phú Quốc's evening scene is unlike anywhere else in Vietnam. The Dinh Cau Night Market in Dương Đông town is the island's social epicenter, where dozens of stalls grill fresh seafood right before your eyes — lobster, scallops, sea urchin, and prawns served at communal tables under string lights. A full seafood feast costs a fraction of resort restaurant prices. After dinner, the island offers something unique: night squid fishing. Boats head out into the dark waters, equipped with powerful lights that attract squid to the surface where you can catch them by line — a fun and memorable activity even if your haul is modest. For sundowners, the beach bars along Long Beach serve cocktails as the sun drops into the Gulf of Thailand in spectacular fashion. The emerging Sunset Town area near the cable car station features Mediterranean-inspired architecture and has become a popular spot for evening strolls, gelato, and waterfront dining with views of the illuminated cable car towers.