(Source: VnExpress International)Phu Quoc, Vietnam’s island paradise, has proudly earned its place among the world’s top 10 most beautiful islands as voted by travel magazine DestinAsia. Here is the list of Top 10:
1. Bali (Indonesia)
Bali Island topped the list, continuing a now 18-year-long winning streak for Indonesia’s most popular tourist hub. Home to powdery stretches of sand and verdant rice terraces, famed surf breaks, and ancient temples, the island still exerts its enduring charm on modern-day travelers, according to DestinAsia. An impressive number of high-end resorts on its scenic coastlines and in the idyllic countryside adds to Bali’s broader allure, it added.
2. Maldives
Maldives, a collection of more than a thousand islands in the Indian Ocean known for its clear waters and beautiful beaches, ranked second. The most ideal time to visit Maldives is during the summer, which runs from December to April. This is also peak season when the weather is pleasant. Tourism remains the Maldives’ largest source of foreign exchange, with the country receiving 2 million arrivals in 2024.
3. Boracay (Philippines)
Boracay, a small island spanning seven kilometers and located over 300 km south of Manila in the Philippines, ranked third. The island features a long stretch of powdery white sand, crystal-clear azure waters, and breathtaking sunsets. The peak season runs from March to May, aligning with the Philippines’ summer months, when Boracay becomes the top beach destination for locals.
4. Phuket (Thailand)
Thailand’s Phuket came in fourth. Phuket is the country’s largest island, famous for its stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and iconic Big Buddha. According to the Tourism Authority of Thailand, at least 13.14 million tourists visited the island last year, generating a minimum of 497 billion baht (US$14.8 billion) in revenue.
5. Phu Quoc (Vietnam)
Vietnam’s largest island Phu Quoc came in fifth. Phu Quoc has recently garnered international recognition, which partly contributed to the surge in foreign arrivals to the island. It received 1.4 million tourists including 320,888 foreigners in the first two months this year, marking a 52.7% year-on-year increase.
6. Palawan (Philippines)
Palawan in the Philippines ranked sixth. Visitors can explore natural wonders like the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature. Palawan also offers opportunities to learn about the rich cultural heritage of indigenous communities, such as the Batak and Tagbanua tribes.
7. Koh Samui (Thailand)
Koh Samui in Thailand that was featured in the HBO’s series “The White Lotus” played by Blackpink’s Lisa ranked seventh. As Thailand’s third-largest island, Koh Samui is home to over 50,000 residents and is famed for its stunning white sand beaches, lush tropical forests, luxurious resorts, and sacred Buddhist temples. The island quickly garnered interest from foreign tourists since the third season of the series premiered on Feb. 16. Agoda reported a 12% increase in accommodation searches for the island, with luxury hotel bookings rising by 40%.
8. Langkawi (Malaysia)
Langkawi, located in the Malaysian state of Kedah, came in eighth. Situated 30 km off Malaysia’s northwestern coast, Langkawi is close to the Thai border. The island has a well-developed infrastructure and a large airport capable of accommodating medium-sized aircraft. Langkawi has a population of around 45,000, and the entire archipelago spans approximately 480 square kilometers. Since the 1990s, numerous hotels have been built across the Langkawi archipelago, contributing to its development as a major tourist destination.
9. Penang (Malaysia)
Malaysia’s Penang, famous for its UNESCO world heritage site, George Town and pristine beaches offering stunning views, ranked ninth. Penang offers visitors a diverse experience, ranging from architectural landmarks and religious sites to natural attractions, vibrant festivals, and distinctive cuisine. It is widely regarded as the “culinary capital” of Malaysia.
10. Lombok (Indonesia)
Lombok, an island in West Nusa Tenggara province, finished the top 10 list. Located east of Bali, the island is famous for its divine beaches, the majestic Mount Rinjani and spectacular marine life. The awards celebrate the finest destinations, hotels, airlines, and travel services across Asia, based on votes from thousands of travelers worldwide. The rankings prioritize service quality, travel experiences, and, most importantly, visitor satisfaction.
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