With a score of 89.77 points, Phu Quoc Island ranks sixth among the ten favorite Asian islands voted by Condé Nast Traveler readers.
An incredible island in Vietnam
| The magnificent sunset on Phu Quoc Island. Photo: Dao Xuan Kha |
The magazine’s 2022 Readers’ Choice Awards features various categories such as “The Best Cities in the World”,; “The Best Resorts in the World”,; “The Best Spas in the World”, “Top Countries in the World”, “Top Islands in Asia” among others.
According to the magazine, 500,000 votes were cast in this year's awards. This is the 35th time this annual award is held to honor the world's leading travel destinations and services, ranging from resorts in the planet's remote wilderness villas in the Mediterranean or spas in Asia.
Other award-winning islands in the Asia region include Boracay in the Philippines, Koh Samui, Phuket and Thailand's Phi Phi Phi, among others.
Located in the southwestern province of Kien Giang, Phu Quoc Island is one of the most beautiful coastal towns in Vietnam. It is known as Pearl Island and is identified as an eco-tourism center for those who love to explore nature.
| The turquoise water of Bai Khem Beach in Phu Quoc Island. Photo: Lam Ngoc |
Part of the larger UNESCO-recognized Kien Giang Biosphere Reserve, the island has no shortage of flora and fauna. While over half of the teardrop-shaped island comprises Phu Quoc National Park, a dense tropical jungle draped around scenic mountains, its many beaches remain the main attraction.
In 2019, CNN also recommended nine “things to do in Phu Quoc, Vietnam's top island getaway”, including Go driving; Dining at Ham Ninh fishing village; Go kayaking; Take a trek, Visit a farm; Catch an unforgettable sunset; Go squid fishing; Head to the night market; and Ride the cable car.
The US news television channel praised that sunset in Phu Quoc Island is famous across Vietnam, not just for their warm sorbet shades but for their variety.
“Sunsets are amazing on our island. Some days it’s violet, some days it's orange, some days it's yellow -- even if you stay for a month, you will never grow tired of it. It's different every day and always very dramatic," quoted Nguyen, an island resident.
For a hassle-free way to experience the sunset, Nguyen suggests Long Beach, where the brazen backdrop comes with a side of live music and chilled beers.
But if you don't mind a little extra effort, Nguyen recommends you take to the hills for a different perspective. At Chuon Chuon Bistro & Sky Bar, the highest restaurant on the island, you will find refreshing sundowners and sweeping views of the jungle, ocean and sky.
Other two winners of the prestigious awards
| The sunrise is viewed from Six Senses Ninh Van Bay Resort. Photo courtesy of the resort |
In addition to Phu Quoc Island, Six Senses Ninh Van Bay Resort in the central province of Khanh Hoa and InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort in the coastal city of Da Nang are among “The Best Resorts in the World” by Condé Nast Traveler.
Six Senses Ninh Van Bay Resort ranked seventh on the world's top 50 resorts, while InterContinental Danang took the 24th position.
According to the US travel magazine, with its dramatic views over beautiful Ninh Van Bay, Six Senses Ninh Van Bay Resort features open-air, thatched-roof villas where travellers can soak in the magnificent scenery from a bathtub.
“The treasures of both the sea and the surrounding mountains are at your fingertips thanks to an array of land and water activities ranging from hikes and beach picnics to fishing experiences and sunset cruises,” it wrote.
“And it doesn't hurt that, no matter how you choose to pass the day, there's always a plunge pool, wine cave, restaurants, and spa to return to on-resort,” it added.
| Bird-eye view of InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort. Photo courtesy of the resort |
Opened in 2012, the luxury resort in Da Nang City is the flagship of InterContinental brand in Vietnam. Scattered amongst the lush hills of the Son Tra Peninsula nature reserve and down to the sandy shores of the East Sea, InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort has become one of the top picks in the country for relaxing getaways, according to Condé Nast Traveler.
“While families tend to rule here, it's also a hit with couples and groups of friends, particularly those interested in cuisine and wellness,” it wrote.
“Adults can have fun around the grown-ups-only infinity pool, at daily activities like tai chi classes, and at the award-winning Harnn Heritage Spa, where the treatments range from holistic therapies to luxe mani-pedis created by French pedicurist Bastien Gonzalez,” the magazine recommended.
