Condé Nast Traveler unveiled the 2023 Readers' Choice Awards last week, and for the second year running, Phu Quoc secured a spot among the "Top Islands."

The awards categorize islands by regions such as Europe, Asia, Central and South America, and North America, without specific rankings.

In the Asian island category, Phu Quoc claimed the 8th spot, surpassing Japan's Okinawa & Ryuku islands and the Philippines' Siargao. Rankings were determined based on evaluations by global readers and travel experts.

Phu Quoc's 150-kilometer coastline, with gentle waves and transparent turquoise water, makes it Vietnam's most popular destination for water sports. Photo: Local Insider

Phu Quoc's allure lies in its pristine beaches, mild climate, and ample accommodation options ranging from budget-friendly to ultra-luxurious. Additionally, the island offers a diverse range of experiences, including modern amusement parks, and safari experiences.

In 2015, Condé Nast Traveler readers praised Sao Beach in Phu Quoc, placing it among the world's top 10 tranquil island beaches, alongside Fiji and the Maldives. Sao Beach, situated approximately 25 kilometers from downtown Phu Quoc, boasts 7 kilometers of pristine white sands along the island's southern edge.

Phu Quoc's 150-kilometer coastline, with gentle waves and transparent turquoise water, makes it Vietnam's most popular destination for water sports. If you'd prefer to lounge, head to Long Beach, which spans 20 kilometers of unobstructed sunsets. Further north, dirt roads and secluded resorts keep tree-lined beaches like Ganh Dau and Bai Thom hidden from crowds.

Phu Quoc is famous for its fish sauce, and it's well worth touring a fish sauce factory to see how this fermented treasure is made. Photo: Asianway Travel

Adventurous travelers can trek the mountain range that spans the length of the island, but even short walks through the evergreen forest reward explorers with waterfalls, rock pools, and caves.

Phu Quoc is famous for its fish sauce, and it's well worth touring a fish sauce factory to see how this fermented treasure is made. For a glimpse into everyday life, visit a traditional fishing village like Ham Hinh to eat fresh seafood at a floating restaurant (try it with locally cultivated black pepper, another delicacy!).

Travelers interested in local culture and history will enjoy educational sites like Cay Dua prison and temples like Cao Dai, where believers follow a unique religion that synthesizes elements of Christianity, Buddhism, Islam, Confucianism, Hinduism, Genie, and Taoism.

The best time to visit Phu Quoc

Phu Quoc is warm and comfortable year-round, with an average temperature hovering around 27°C. It's coolest in the dry season between October and March, and hottest in April and May, when the rain begins to take hold. By July, the rainy season is in full swing, bringing cooler temperatures until October.

The dry season

The dry season starts in November and ends in April. At that time, you can immerse yourself in the warm sunshine and cool seawater while sometimes chilling out with the light rain. Therefore, it is often considered the ideal time to enjoy the best moments in the pearl island.

The rainy season

The rainy season lasts from May to October. In this period, September and October witness the long and heavy rainfall. If you choose to travel to Phu Quoc Island in the rainy season, consider some destinations in the North of the Island like Long Beach or Xep Beach in the South.

Best Phu Quoc specialties

Salad from Herring is a nutritious dish that is a harmonious combination of fresh fish meat and vegetables. The proper way to eat this dish is to spread the rice paper, layer it with raw vegetables and a few pieces of herring, then gently roll it up, dip it in the fish sauce and slowly enjoy it.

The name of Ken noodles comes from the Khmer people, which means a dish made from coconut milk. It is rarely mentioned on the culinary map of Vietnam, however, many gourmet tourists will surely know this rustic dish in Phu Quoc Island.

Ken noodle is one of the highlights of Phu Quoc Island. Photo: Vinpearl

To make this dish, people process barracuda or silverfish - 2 types of fish which are almost exclusively found in the pearl island. Thanks to that, it has a very unique flavor.

Sea urchin is one of the famous Phu Quoc specialties and a must-try dish when you visit Phu Quoc night market. The people of Phu Quoc pearl island liken it to the ginseng of the sea because of not only its delicious taste but also its health benefits.

Steamed Ham Ninh crab has an eye-catching color. Photo: Vinpearl

Ham Ninh crab has firm meat and a natural sweet taste. It can be processed into many delicious dishes such as crab porridge, crab hotpot, beer steamed crab,... The most popular dish made from Ham Ninh crab is probably the steamed crab. It is most delicious when being dipped with salt, pepper and a thin stream of lemon juice.

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