Phú Quốc Surges with International Tourists, Sparking a Boom in the Luxury Resort Market

As winter approaches in Europe, charter flights are once again heading south. The 2025 year-end tourism peak marks a significant surge in Phu Quoc’s popularity, ranked the world’s third most beautiful island by CNTraveler. A wave of international visitors, particularly from Russia and the CIS region, coupled with new domestic flight routes, is propelling the island’s tourism growth, creating a rare investment opportunity in the region.

Phu Quoc Reclaims Its Spot on the Global Tourism Map

In the first nine months of 2025, Phu Quoc welcomed 6.5 million visitors, including over 1.2 million international tourists—a new record. Tourism revenue reached approximately VND 31 trillion, surpassing annual targets and cementing the island’s global appeal.

Beyond traditional markets like South Korea, China, and India, the return of Russian and CIS tourists is injecting new energy into Phu Quoc. In early October 2025, a charter flight from Belarus to Phu Quoc inaugurated a series of flights, operating every 10 days.

Bai Kem, one of the world’s most captivating beaches, is a favorite among international visitors.

From mid-October 2025, Anex Tour began operating charter flights from 14 Russian and CIS cities to Phu Quoc, with up to 80 flights monthly. The Moscow-Phu Quoc route symbolizes Vietnam’s tourism recovery. This winter, Anex Tour alone is expected to bring 60,000 tourists from the region to the island.

Domestically, Sun PhuQuoc Airways, launched by Sun Group, operates 9-12 daily flights from Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, and soon Cam Ranh, boosting both local and international visitor numbers.

Flight Surge and Infrastructure Expansion Fuel Growth

Unlike short-term visitors, Russian and CIS tourists typically stay 10–14 nights, driving higher demand for accommodations and services. Anex Tour’s charter program alone consumes 1,200–1,500 rooms daily, primarily in 4–5-star resorts in Bai Kem, Sunset Town (An Thoi), Duong To, and Bai Truong.

To meet rising demand, Sun Group’s Sun Paradise Land ecosystem in southern Phu Quoc is enhancing its offerings with international shows and attractions, including the return of the Ocean Symphony show, the Sunset Bazaar art and commerce district, and light festivals extending into the New Year.

World-class tourism products continue to enhance Sunset Town’s appeal.

With occupancy rates exceeding 90% in October and full bookings expected during peak seasons, Bai Kem and Sunset Town have become top destinations. Sun Group, in partnership with Accor & Ennismore, is set to open Rixos Phu Quoc, a 2,000-room resort on Hon Thom Island, marking the brand’s Southeast Asian debut.

Rixos’ all-inclusive model is poised to elevate Phu Quoc’s hospitality standards, attracting leading international brands and solidifying the island’s regional tourism prominence.

Other 4–5-star hotels across Phu Quoc are also seeing strong international demand. Andy Nguyen, Director of Sunset Beach Resort & Spa, reports 90% international occupancy, boosting revenue by 30% year-over-year.

This peak-season surge underscores Phu Quoc’s investment potential, mirroring the growth of Bali and Phuket a decade ago. Phan Dang Anh, Deputy Director of Anex Vietnam, highlights Phu Quoc’s appeal to Russian tourists seeking tropical escapes from winter, with its safety and diverse experiences.

Sunset Town remains a top Phu Quoc destination, thanks to its world-class tourism infrastructure.

With the 2027 APEC summit and An Giang’s 2030 eco-tourism goals, Phu Quoc aims for 15 million annual visitors by 2030. Its 700+ accommodations, including 29 4–5-star hotels, offer 24,000 rooms. To meet demand, 10,000–12,000 additional high-standard rooms are needed, ensuring year-round stability.