Thinking of a beach getaway before Phu Quoc becomes the next Bali? We checked out four luxury resort hotels to find out which one is best for couples, families, groups and Instagram addicts.
Phu Quoc is having a moment.
Vietnam’s largest island is increasingly being compared to Bali and Phuket, but it still feels considerably less crowded.
At around 574 sq km, it is about 80% the size of Singapore. Yet while Singapore is home to millions of people, Phu Quoc has a population of only around 180,000. That gives the island a very different feel: long stretches of beach, pockets of development, and plenty of space for large resorts to spread out.
First, a quick guide to Phu Quoc
Broadly, you can think of Phu Quoc as having three main areas: The north is where you’ll find large resort developments and attractions including theme parks. The central area, around Duong Dong, is where you’ll get more of the island’s local atmosphere, with markets, restaurants and everyday life.
Then there’s the south, which has emerged as a major luxury resort and tourism hub, anchored by beautiful Kem Beach, Sunset Town, Kiss Bridge and the world’s longest over-the-sea cable car ride.
Here are a few resort hotels in southern Phu Quoc to check out:
Where to stay in Southern Phu Quoc
JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay
Best for: Couples, luxury and design
If you want your hotel to be an integral part of the holiday experience, JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay is the one.
Designed by acclaimed architect Bill Bensley, the resort is built around an elaborate fictional backstory: an abandoned 19th-century European university campus has been transformed into a luxury resort.
And the concept is taken very seriously.
The resort is divided into different “faculties”, with buildings, rooms and restaurants designed around the university theme. Even the Resort Manager is referred to as the “Dean”.
Bensley explained the thinking behind the concept: many of us look back on our university years as some of the happiest years of our lives, so why not build a resort around those memories?
The attention to detail is fascinating. You are constantly discovering another little detail that reinforces the fantasy story.
Then there is Kem Beach, with its soft white sand and clear waters, right beside the resort.
Pick this if: you are a couple, celebrating something special, or simply love beautiful architecture and design.
My verdict: The most memorable of the four, most splurge-worthy and great for special occasions.
New World Phu Quoc Resort
Best for: Families, group of friends, and multi-generational holidays
Set on Kem Beach, the resort’s spacious private villas come with their own pools and are designed to give you both privacy and space to hang out together.
The bedrooms are arranged around a central courtyard and pool, with each room having its own entrance and attached bathroom. Room configurations range from king to twin beds, and some even come with a bathtub in the room. There’s also a shared living room and kitchenette, making the villas a particularly good option for families or groups who want their own space without being completely separated from each other.
Travelling with children? New World Phu Quoc Resort makes a strong case for itself- just look at the water park within the resort, right beside Kem beach. Resort guests enjoy access to the water park for free.
There are also play areas, bowling lanes and karaoke rooms, so there is little chance of the kids running out of things to do.
The resort is very spread out, with each villa a standalone compound, so buggy rides quickly become part of the daily routine, whether you’re heading to the beach or out for breakfast.
Pick this if: you are travelling with children or across multiple generations and want plenty of activities without leaving the resort.
My verdict: An easy choice for families.
Premier Village Phu Quoc Resort
Best for: Families, group of friends, privacy and scenery
Got a big family or a group of friends? Premier Village Phu Quoc Resort is designed with you in mind.
The villas are spacious, with large living and dining areas where everyone can hang out, while each bedroom is on a separate level and comes with its own balcony. Each villa also has a private pool, so there’s plenty of room to spend time together without feeling like you’re all on top of one another.
One of the resort’s biggest draws is its coastal location with lush greenery and rock formations, with the sea on both sides and two beaches to enjoy. There’s plenty to do if you want to be active, from kayaking to yoga, while those looking to slow down can opt for a massage or sauna session.
Because the resort is sprawling, you’ll be hopping onto buggies to get between your villa, restaurants and other facilities.
Pick this if: you are travelling as a group and want plenty of communal space without sacrificing privacy.
My verdict: Also an easy choice for families. With the added perk of great scenery.
La Festa Phu Quoc, Curio Collection by Hilton
Best for: Sunset Town and Instagram
Want your holiday photos to look like they were taken on the Amalfi Coast?
La Festa Phu Quoc, Curio Collection by Hilton is your answer.
Located right in Sunset Town, the hotel takes its design inspiration from Italy’s Amalfi Coast, with colourful Mediterranean-style buildings and balconies overlooking the Sunset Town and the sea.
The location is the biggest draw. You can walk straight out of the hotel and explore Sunset Town, including the iconic Kiss Bridge, restaurants and entertainment. There are also sunset views and nightly fireworks.
A plus for Chinese families: Cantonese cuisine is available at the Seta restaurant, helmed by a Hong Kong chef. This could be particularly appealing if you are travelling with parents or grandparents who prefer familiar flavours.
Pick this if: you want to explore Sunset Town and have attractions, restaurants and entertainment within walking distance.
My verdict: The most convenient option if you want to be within walking distance of Sunset Town attractions. And if seeing fireworks every night is a big draw for you.
Getting to Phu Quoc
Phu Quoc is just 1 hour 45 minutes from Singapore by direct flight, making it an easy option for a quick beach getaway.
Sun PhuQuoc Airways flies daily between Singapore Changi Airport and Phu Quoc International Airport. Flight 9G720 departs Singapore daily at 2.20pm and arrives in Phu Quoc at 3.05pm local time. Phu Quoc is one hour behind Singapore. The return flight, 9G721, departs Phu Quoc at 10.35am and arrives in Singapore at 1.20pm.
There are also some useful perks for travellers. Sun PhuQuoc Airways is backed by Sun Group, the Vietnamese property and hospitality group behind attractions and resorts across Southern Phu Quoc. As part of the flight experience, passengers can receive complimentary tickets for the Sun World Hon Thom cable car, as well as discounts of up to 30% on selected accommodation, dining, spa and entertainment experiences within the Sun Group resort ecosystem in southern Phu Quoc.
See redemption details here.
