Phu Quoc is exploding in popularity because of new flight routes and a dedicated airline, massive airport upgrades, upscale resort growth, UNESCO-protected nature, better expat amenities, diverse food and nightlife, and genuinely beautiful quiet beaches – but those quieter corners may change fast after 2027. Read on for the seven reasons and how to experience the island like a local.

I still remember the first time I hopped off a tiny prop plane onto Phu Quoc’s red tarmac. The air smelled like salt and grilled seafood, and the road into Duong Dong felt impossibly small for an island that would soon be on everyone’s radar. Over the last few trips I watched sleepy fishing villages get boutique cafés, jungle trails get clearer signage, and an old dirt track transform into a highway leading to glossy resorts. If you love palm-fringed beaches and jungle hikes, come soon. Here’s exactly why.

1. Flights and a local airline are making Phu Quoc suddenly easy to reach

Phu Quoc’s air link has expanded rapidly. A major airport upgrade and the launch of a Sun Group-backed carrier are opening direct connections across Asia and more domestic options, which means shorter travel times and more affordable flights. That accessibility is the single biggest reason visitor numbers have surged. You can use this Google Flights tool to check the cheap flights.

Personal note: I flew direct from Ho Chi Minh on a 50-minute hop that used to require a ferry. It took half the time and left me with more daylight to chase a sunset on Long Beach.

2. Big investment means five-star resorts and family attractions

If you want luxe beaches, Phu Quoc is suddenly delivering. Global-standard resorts and entertainment complexes have multiplied. For families and groups who want theme parks, MICE facilities, or reliable pool days, the island now has options that rival larger Southeast Asian resort hubs. The flip side is that some quiet stretches are being turned into private resort fronts.

3. Nature is protected, and that authenticity still shines

More than half of Phu Quoc’s northern interior is national park and part of the Kien Giang UNESCO biosphere reserve, so real rainforest and waterfalls still exist if you’re willing to explore. Trails, guided nature walks, and untouched beaches remain highlights — but conservation success makes these areas more attractive and therefore more visited. Plan early-morning hikes to enjoy solitude.

4. A food scene that’s affordable, fresh, and evolving

Phu Quoc’s seafood is its hallmark. Night markets in Duong Dong have become a hotspot for grilled squid, pepper crab, and the island’s famous fish sauce. Small beach shacks coexist with chef-driven restaurants, so you can combine street eats with inventive tasting menus. I still go back to the same stall for a late-night bowl of bun ca that tastes like the ocean itself.

5. A growing expat and remote work scene

Affordable long-stay villas, coworking spots, and better air connectivity have attracted digital nomads and expats. That means better coffee, more English-friendly services, and longer-stay rental options. If you like mixing downtime with productive remote work, Phu Quoc is shaping up to be a comfortable island base — for now.

6. Bioluminescent and starfish beaches – Instagram-friendly, but still magical

There’s real magic here. On some nights the water glows faintly and certain beaches wash up starfish and sea life in colors you’ll want to photograph. Those natural spectacles have made for viral posts and travel listicles, and that attention feeds the visitor spike. I recommend guarding these experiences with respect — take pictures, but avoid disturbing wildlife.

7. The 2027 tipping point: why the urgency to go before then

Local planning and public announcements point to a big capacity increase at the airport and an aggressive build-out of resorts and an airline fleet through 2027. That’s the watershed moment when the island’s visitor capacity will multiply. If you prefer quieter beaches, small beachfront cafés, and untamed jungle trails, the months and years before 2027 are the best window to visit. After that, expect busier beaches, higher prices, and a different island rhythm. This place is also surrounded by the best cultural experiences, I suggest you to have a look on my older blog post that I have covered on Vietnam.

How to experience Phu Quoc like someone who’s been there?

I’m a fan of blending one slow day with one full-throttle day. Here’s a compact plan that balances natural wonder and local life.

• Morning: Sunrise walk on Long Beach, coffee at a local stall, and a short scooter ride north toward quieter coves.
• Midday: Lunch of fresh grilled fish at a coastal village, then a snorkel trip to an offshore reef.
• Afternoon: Hike in Phu Quoc National Park and a dip under Suoi Tranh waterfall.
• Evening: Duong Dong night market for seafood and sticky rice, then a rooftop cocktail as the fishing lights bob in the gulf.

Insider tips from my trips

• Rent a scooter early in the day before the heat.
• Pack reef-safe sunscreen and avoid touching coral or starfish.
• Try the local pepper sauce and bring an extra jar home.
• Cash is handy for markets; many smaller stalls do not accept cards.

Quick facts at a glance

Final thoughts

There’s a bittersweet feeling watching a tiny island grow up. On one hand, I love the convenience and choices. On the other, I miss pockets of solitude that are already subtly changing. Phu Quoc’s surge is not a bad thing; it is simply a pivot point. Visit now to connect with the island when it still carries a generous mix of wild jungle, local villages, and new luxury.