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EN
Amidst the strong resurgence of Vietnam's tourism industry since the beginning of the new year, Phu Quy Island (Binh Thuan province) is becoming a focal point attracting a huge influx of tourists. After a long break due to the influence of the northeast monsoon, the island, dubbed the "rough gem" of the East Sea, has officially become vibrant again. The booming tourism in Phu Quy in 2026 is not only reflected in statistics but also evident in the scarcity of ferry tickets and accommodation, creating a spectacular growth scenario for the local green economy.
According to transportation companies, demand for ferry tickets to Phu Quy Island surged even before the Lunar New Year, with all seats booked until the end of February 2026. Notably, early bookings filled the operating capacity even before the ferry completed its scheduled maintenance and returned to service on the second day of the Lunar New Year (Year of the Horse).
Boasting crystal-clear waters and pristine rocky cliffs, Phu Quy Island has just been honored as one of the most cinematic destinations in Southeast Asia in 2026.
While the route from Phan Thiet to the island is always fully booked with nearly 600 seats per trip, the return journey from the island to the mainland is unusually quiet. Many ferries are forced to run empty or with only a handful of passengers in order to return to the mainland in time to pick up the next group of passengers waiting in line. To show appreciation and regulate demand, some ferry companies have implemented a discount program of up to 50,000 VND per ticket for the period from March to May, along with a flexible refund policy for passengers who purchased tickets in advance.
To show appreciation to passengers, the airline is launching a discount program of up to 50,000 VND per ticket, valid from March 1st to May 1st.
Besides the difficulty in finding speedboat tickets, tourists visiting Phu Quy during this period also face the problem of rooms being fully booked at high-quality accommodations. Popular hotel businesses on the island such as Nang Hotel Phu Quy, Nalani, The View, and Chanky Hotel all reported 100% occupancy during peak days from the 4th to the 7th of Tet (Lunar New Year). This year's travel trend shows that customers prioritize longer vacations, commonly from 3 days 2 nights to 4 days 3 nights, aiming to deeply experience and fully enjoy the pristine beauty of the island.
Many accommodations on Phu Quy Island have announced that all rooms are fully booked from the 4th to the 7th day of Tet (Lunar New Year), reflecting the unprecedented demand for this "rough gem" of the South Central coast.
Explaining this rapid growth, tourism experts suggest that Phu Quy is entering an ideal transitional season. From November to March each year, the northerly winds bring strong waves and winds, causing significant difficulties for sea travel. This is also a period when tourism in Phu Quy is quiet, allowing the marine ecosystem time to recover naturally. Therefore, as soon as the weather stabilized during the Tet holiday, the desire of tourists to explore created a strong impetus, quickly restoring Phu Quy's position as the most attractive destination in the South Central coastal region.
In early 2026, the island was honored to be included in the Top 10 Southeast Asian destinations list selected by the prestigious Thai newspaper Khaosod English. In the eyes of international experts, Phu Quy appears with a wild, rustic beauty, and especially a cinematic quality. The majestic cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and the simple life of the local fishermen are valuable elements that attract tourists who love authenticity and exploration.
