The massive island that's the ‘world’s second most beautiful’ and the 'Venice of Vietnam'

The Venice of Vietnam is seeing high tourist numbers and is home to a host of impressive attractions (Image: Getty)

A stunning island in Asia that’s been dubbed “the Venice of Vietnam” is growing in popularity as more tourists are flocking to this sunny destination. Not much of a surprise there, as this massive island was voted last year by readers of lifestyle magazine Travel+Leisure as being “the world’s second most beautiful island”, trailing just after the Maldives. As such, tourist numbers are hitting high numbers in this picture-perfect Asian island, much to the delight of its tourism department which was aiming to smash tourism targets.

Vietnam's largest island, known as Phu Quoc, initially set a target of 7 million tourists and 1 million foreigners to serve in 2025, but current tourist numbers have far exceeded anyone’s expectations. Phu Quoc is located in the Gulf of Thailand and is the largest island in Vietnam, with a permanent population of roughly 179,480 people, and its popularity as a sun-drenched getaway is quickly rising.

Pho Quoc's perfectly clear turquoise waters makes it one of the most ideal spots for diving (Image: Getty)

There’s no denying Asia is home to a large number of stunning islands offering that quintessential sunny paradise, but none are quite like Phu Quoc.

Dubbed the Venice of Vietnam, Phu Quoc holds such honour mostly due to the island's massive entertainment complex, the Grand World Phu Quoc. This complex features a replica of Venice's buildings and canals, and this artificial town even provides gondolas and other similar attractions reminiscent of the Italian city.

This Vietnamese island is also rich in natural beauty and cultural richness. It offers diverse experiences, including pristine beaches and some of the clearest turquoise waters around.

Undoubtedly, that means endless outdoor activities are plentiful in Phu Quoc, with scuba diving and snorkelling being among the top, particularly in the south, allowing for shallow and vibrant reefs with a variety of marine life.

Phu Quoc is also quickly becoming an outdoor enthusiast's playground thanks to the island's rich biodiversity with UNESCO-protected areas and national parks all contributing to its appeal for adventure seekers and nature lovers.

Grand World on Phu Quoc island (Image: Getty)

Pho Quoc is found in the Gulf of Thailand and is the largest island in Vietnam (Image: Getty)

According to Kien Giang Province's portal, Phu Quoc saw roughly 27,000 foreign tourists visit this magnificent island, noting a 22% year-on-year increase.

Fortunately for Phu Qouc, the surge in tourists numbers is all part of the nation’s remarkable transformation project which is seeing it quickly becoming one of the most sought-after destinations in the world.

General manager for Klook, a popular online travel platform in Vietnam discussed this remarkable transformation and said: "Five-seven years ago, Phu Quoc tourism heavily relied on its natural beauty and a few marine activities, with little in terms of entertainment. 

He continued: “What surprises me is the significant transformation from 2023 with new attractions, such as the VUI Fest night market, Sun World Hon Thom, and Kiss of the Sea show, all breathing fresh energy into Phu Quoc tourism, offering visitors a wealth of experiences."

Just recently, the island welcomed a whopping 151,000 visitors during Reunification Day and Labour Day - a five-day holiday taking place between April 30 and May 4, despite the island experiencing less than savoury weather.

During this popular celebration, the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism saw a staggering 31.2% increase among domestic and international visitors.

This was compared to the previous year with Vietnam's tourism sector serving an estimated 10.5 visitors to Phu Qouc.

This surge in tourist numbers was credited to the island’s diverse promotional campaigns and endless entertainment activities, noted Bui Quoc Thai, director of the provincial Department of Tourism.

Private enterprises are also said to be involved in the island’s immense transformation, with multi-experience ecosystems being built in Phu Quoc, including the Sun Paradise Land ecosystem project, which is worth a cool £29.6 million ($39.42 million).

In only two years, the Sun Paradise Land ecosystem project has seen several components being added to it including a nightly firework display during art shows and the Sunset Town and Kiss Bridge.

Further enhancing Phu Quoc’s quick reputation as the ultimate holiday destination includes its future developments, such as a new seaside square at Dat Do Beach.