Published on
February 23, 2026
Image generated with Ai
South Korea, China, and Cambodia are leading an extraordinary travel wave to Phu Quoc, as official tourism data confirm the island welcomed approximately 366,000 visitors during the nine-day Tet holiday in February 2026, a 30 percent increase compared to the same period last year. International arrivals reached around 92,000 during the holiday alone, while Vietnam recorded roughly 2.45 million foreign visitors in January 2026 — the highest monthly total ever documented by national tourism authorities. Phu Quoc International Airport handled record-breaking international flight volumes at the start of the Lunar New Year period, underscoring the aviation surge behind the island’s rapid rise. Airlines such as Vietnam Airlines and VietJet Air increased services to meet peak demand, while international resort brands reported high occupancy levels across beachfront properties. With diversified arrivals from Russia, the United States, Taiwan, Australia, India, Romania, and Moldova complementing strong Northeast Asian demand, Phu Quoc is no longer just a seasonal getaway — it is emerging as one of Asia’s fastest-growing island destinations in 2026, driven by expanded air connectivity, robust holiday travel, and sustained global interest.
South Korea, China, Cambodia, Russia, USA, Taiwan, Australia, India, Romania & Moldova Travelers Fuel Explosive Tet Surge to Phu Quoc as Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air, Sun PhuQuoc Airways and Marriott, InterContinental, Accor Resorts See Record-Breaking Bookings — Is This Asia’s Hottest Island Boom of 2026?
South Korea, China, Cambodia, Russia, USA, Taiwan, Australia, India, Romania & Moldova Drive Phu Quoc’s Tet 2026 Travel Explosion as Vietnam Airlines and VietJet Air Expand Capacity
Phu Quoc has entered 2026 with undeniable momentum. During the nine-day Lunar New Year holiday, the island welcomed approximately 366,000 visitors, marking a 30 percent year-on-year rise. International arrivals alone reached around 92,000, reflecting growing global confidence in Vietnam’s resort destination. National tourism authorities also reported that Vietnam received roughly 2.45 million international visitors in January 2026, the highest monthly figure ever recorded. This surge is not isolated. It mirrors strong inbound demand from key markets such as South Korea and China, which continue to dominate visitor numbers nationwide, alongside Cambodia, Russia, the United States, Taiwan, Australia, India, Romania, and Moldova.
Airlines have responded rapidly. Phu Quoc International Airport recorded a record 50 international flights on the first day of the Tet holiday period, its highest daily international figure since operations began in 2012. Just days later, the airport handled 93 total arrivals in a single day, including 46 international flights. These numbers underscore the aviation-driven engine behind the island’s tourism growth. Vietnam Airlines and VietJet Air increased frequencies to meet domestic and regional demand, while charter services from Eastern Europe supported arrivals from Romania and Moldova. New route plans from Sun PhuQuoc Airways targeting South Korea and Taiwan further indicate confidence in sustained demand.
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Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air, Sun PhuQuoc Airways and Global Hotel Brands Capitalize as Marriott, InterContinental and Accor Report High Occupancy
Hotel performance during Tet tells a parallel story. Resort occupancy rates across Phu Quoc’s beachfront properties climbed toward 80 to 90 percent during peak days. International chains such as Marriott, InterContinental, and Accor benefited from advanced booking patterns, bundled holiday packages, and premium beachfront inventory. Luxury villas, ocean-view suites, and integrated resort complexes saw especially strong demand from high-spending international markets.
For the hospitality industry, this translates into pricing power and higher average daily rates during peak windows. It also means increased hiring of seasonal staff, greater demand for food and beverage services, spa reservations, and excursion packages. Tourism revenue during Tet in the wider province reached into the trillions of Vietnamese dong, reflecting the multiplier effect of aviation arrivals on local businesses.
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Record International Flight Activity Strengthens Phu Quoc’s Aviation Hub Status
Air connectivity has become the island’s competitive advantage. Phu Quoc International Airport now operates dozens of international services daily during peak season. Flights connect the island with Seoul, Taipei, Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and multiple Chinese cities, alongside charter operations from Europe. Domestic services from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City operate at high frequencies, allowing seamless transfers for international visitors arriving via Vietnam’s major hubs.
Vietnam Airlines and VietJet Air continue to dominate domestic routes, while Korean Air, regional Asian carriers, and charter operators contribute to international traffic. Aviation growth directly feeds hotel occupancy and tour bookings. It also enhances Phu Quoc’s image as a self-contained island gateway rather than a secondary add-on destination.
South Korea and China Remain Powerhouse Markets as Cambodia, Russia, USA, Taiwan, Australia and India Add Momentum
South Korea remains Vietnam’s largest inbound tourism source market in early 2026, with nearly half a million visitors arriving nationwide in January alone. China closely follows, showing a strong recovery in outbound travel to Vietnam. Cambodia’s rapid growth has made it one of the fastest-rising source markets, while Russia’s seasonal charters continue to support beach destinations.
The United States contributes steady long-haul arrivals, often tied to extended vacations and multi-destination itineraries. Taiwan and Australia show growing leisure demand, while India’s outbound travel segment increasingly explores Southeast Asian beach destinations. Romania and Moldova have emerged as niche but impactful contributors through charter programs that directly link Eastern Europe to Phu Quoc.
This diversified visitor mix reduces overreliance on a single market. It strengthens the island’s resilience and year-round viability.
Hospitality Investment and Brand Expansion Signal Long-Term Confidence
Global hotel operators are expanding footprints across Phu Quoc’s western and southern coasts. Branded resorts now include high-end villas, family-oriented complexes, and integrated entertainment hubs. The island’s cable car attractions, theme parks, and beach clubs create a full-service ecosystem that encourages longer stays.
Hospitality brands are also investing in sustainability practices, water conservation, and marine ecosystem protection. As international travelers become more environmentally conscious, eco-friendly certifications and beach preservation initiatives add to the island’s competitive appeal.
Travel Experience: What Visitors Can Expect in 2026
Phu Quoc’s appeal lies in its combination of white sand beaches, coral reefs, luxury resorts, and entertainment attractions. Sun World Hon Thom’s cable car continues to draw visitors with panoramic ocean views. Island-hopping boat tours remain popular, especially among Korean and Chinese tourists. Night markets in Duong Dong offer seafood dining experiences that attract both domestic and foreign travelers.
Infrastructure improvements have streamlined airport transfers and expanded road networks. Taxis, ride-hailing services, and hotel shuttles are widely available. Many resorts offer airport pickup packages, reducing logistical concerns during peak travel periods.
Visa and Entry Policies Support International Growth
Vietnam’s e-visa system now allows stays of up to 90 days for eligible nationalities, supporting both short-term holidaymakers and extended-stay digital travelers. Phu Quoc also maintains specific visa exemptions for certain direct-entry visitors, making it attractive for regional travelers seeking simplified access.
This policy flexibility has played a crucial role in boosting international arrivals during Tet and beyond.
Airline and Hospitality Synergy Fuels Economic Impact
Each international flight contributes to hotel occupancy, restaurant reservations, and local transport usage. With nearly 17,000 passengers arriving in a single peak day during Tet, the economic ripple effect is substantial. Tourism stimulates employment across hospitality, retail, entertainment, and aviation services.
Airlines benefit from higher load factors and increased ancillary revenue, while hotels capitalize on room upgrades and bundled experiences. The combined momentum positions Phu Quoc as one of Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing island destinations.
Travel Tips for Tourists Planning a Phu Quoc Trip
Book flights early during major Vietnamese holidays such as Tet. Peak periods fill quickly. Consider midweek departures for better fares. Choose beachfront accommodations if you want proximity to sunset views. Explore island tours in advance, especially snorkeling and cable car experiences. Travel insurance is recommended during peak seasons due to high passenger volumes.
Arrive at the airport early during holiday windows. International check-in lines can be longer when flight frequencies peak. Use official taxi services or hotel-arranged transfers for convenience.
A Sustainable Future for Asia’s Rising Island Star
Phu Quoc’s 2026 Tet performance reflects more than holiday demand. It signals structural tourism growth supported by aviation expansion, diversified source markets, international hotel investment, and favorable visa policies. With a target of 8.5 million visitors this year, including two million international travelers, the island’s trajectory points upward.
South Korea, China, Cambodia, Russia, USA, Taiwan, Australia, India, Romania, and Moldova are not simply visiting. They are shaping the island’s tourism identity. Airlines are adding seats. Hotels are expanding inventory. Tour operators are scaling experiences. The result is a dynamic island economy that blends aviation strength with hospitality excellence.
South Korea, China, and Cambodia are powering a historic tourism wave to Phu Quoc, as the island welcomed 366,000 visitors during the 2026 Tet holiday, marking a 30 percent year-on-year surge.
With record international flights, soaring hotel occupancy, and Vietnam’s highest-ever January inbound figures, Phu Quoc is rapidly cementing its place as one of Asia’s fastest-growing island destinations.
Phu Quoc’s surge during Tet 2026 may well mark the beginning of a sustained era of global recognition. For travelers seeking beaches, connectivity, and vibrant resort infrastructure, the island stands ready.
