I visited one of the best islands in Asia – and found a Mediterranean dreamscape in Vietnam

Travel snobs love to argue about which island does it best, but Phu Quoc tends to float above the noise. It ranks among Asia’s most beloved getaways, earning a top spot on Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards, and with good reason. Vietnam’s largest island has long been praised for its calm beaches, clear seas and vibrant charm. And so when I touched down on Phu Quoc with little more than a half-formed idea of white sand and turquoise seas, I was greeted by a proper surprise.

Getting there was easier than I expected, with visa-free entry and direct flights from major Asian hubs, including Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Seoul, Hong Kong and Taipei. Plus, with the ongoing expansion of Phu Quoc International Airport and the addition of local carrier Sun PhuQuoc Airways, the island is clearly preparing for bigger things – especially with APEC 2027 on the horizon.

But I wasn’t here for a typical beach break. I came for Sunset Town, the so-called “Mediterranean corner” of Vietnam, with aesthetics that Instagram dreams of – think white sandy beach and gentle waves set against the backdrop of pastel-hued, Mediterranean-style architecture. 

What to see and do

The beach itself is far less crowded than Southeast Asia’s usual suspects, so you can lounge in peace. Just steps away from the sea, you’ll find the town buzzing with energy – quirky cafés, photo ops at every corner, street performers, and an infectious holiday mood that lingers long after sunset. 

Speaking of sunsets: Kiss Bridge deserves its reputation as the island’s new architectural darling. Two sweeping structures almost – but not quite – touching over the ocean, perfectly framing and romanticising the horizon. 

After dark, the island flips into party mode courtesy of the evening spectacle Kiss of the Sea, a multimedia show with music, storytelling, water choreography, laser-light drama and even fireworks that light up the night sky. 

If you want something a little more whimsical, the murals inspired by Roman times scattered across town are brilliant for wandering photographers. But the real star sits just a short ride away: the Guinness World Records-certified world’s longest three-wire cable car, which whisks you over turquoise waters to Hon Thom Island. There you’ll find Aquatopia, an enormous water park. Time Out tip: head there in the morning and try to head back before the queue for the cable car starts snaking around 4pm.

Where to eat and drink

Here’s where Sunset Town really flexes. The Vietnamese staples are everywhere – bánh mì stuffed with herbs and pate, steaming bowls of fragrant phở, and street-side cafés serving strong Vietnamese coffee, velvety egg coffee, sweet bac xiu and the viral salted-cream coffee to perk you up. I even spent one afternoon at a coffee workshop inside Il Salone, learning how to craft the latter two of these drinks, barista style.

But what surprised me was the international food game. In between Vietnamese feasts, I went into Maison Kayser for flaky French pastries, Mare for elevated Italian cuisine, and Seta for contemporary Cantonese dim sum and roasts. 

For a nightcap, I settled into one of the cosy seats at Luna Folk, a moody American-Italian jazz bar where the live music makes you feel like you've ducked into a New York speakeasy.

Where to stay

When you're ready to call it a day, La Festa Phu Quoc – Curio Collection by Hilton stands out. It’s playful, romantic and wonderfully Instagram-worthy, anchored by beachfront views. The resort’s design is Amalfi by way of Vietnam – think hand-crafted ceramics, sun-drenched terraces, colourful accents, and warm Vietnamese hospitality threaded through everything. The existing two wings – both right by the beach – have a relaxed seaside feel with Mediterranean interiors and a mix of rooms, duplexes and suites that open to ocean views and the iconic Kiss Bridge.

The newest addition, however, is where things get glamorous. Terza (Wing 3) sits slightly elevated on a hill with sweeping vistas of the bay and a more luxurious, boutique vibe. There are only 29 suites and duplexes, each themed around artistic personalities like writers, musicians, painters and sculptors. It also houses four distinctive dining spaces: Finca, Seta, Luna Folk and Francesca the rooftop poolside bar.

Between dips in the infinity pool, the eforea spa sessions, long lazy breakfasts at The Merchant, and nightly shows just a short stroll away, La Festa feels deeply woven into the magic of Sunset Town rather than simply adjacent to it.

So if you’re after an island holiday that’s warm, vibrant, a little surprising and full of sensory overload in the best way possible, this one absolutely belongs on your list.

Have you heard? These are the Michelin Key-awarded hotels in Asia most worth visiting

Plus: I stayed at this beautiful Chengdu hotel and yes, it was worth skipping the city centre