The next Bali or Jeju? Vietnam’s biggest isle aims to become a ‘global island destination’

Sign up now: Get insights on Asia's fast-moving developmentsVietnam’s biggest island, Phu Quoc, is racing against time to expand its airport (above) and build facilities like hotels, ahead of the APEC summit in 2027. ST PHOTO: NGA PHAMPublished Sep 04, 2026, 05:00 AMUpdated Sep 04, 2026, 05:00 AMPhu Quoc is rushing to complete $6.6 billion of projects before APEC 2027.Tourism is growing steadily, while new infrastructure and direct flights are making the island increasingly accessible to international visitors.Phu Quoc wants to build its brand and sustain interest beyond APEC — but can it become a major global destination without losing its appeal?PHU QUOC, Vietnam – Phu Quoc was once the sort of Vietnamese island where visitors came for the beaches and stayed because there was little else to do.Now, there is hardly a corner of it where something isn’t being built.See more on