Phu Quoc Ranks Among Top 10 Trending Islands in 2026

Phu Quoc has secured ninth place in the Expedia Island Hot List 2026, a ranking of ten islands experiencing significant growth in global traveler interest. Flight searches for Phu Quoc increased by 25% year on year, making the Vietnamese island one of only two Southeast Asian destinations on the list, alongside Palawan in the Philippines.

The result reflects Phu Quoc’s growing appeal as a destination combining beach scenery, high-quality resorts, diverse experiences and relatively accessible luxury. However, the Island Hot List should not be interpreted simply as a ranking of the world’s most beautiful islands. It identifies destinations showing strong growth in travel interest based primarily on search data and emerging travel trends.

Key facts at a glance

• Position: No. 9 in the Expedia Island Hot List 2026
• Increase in flight search interest: 25%
• Southeast Asian destinations on the list: Phu Quoc and Palawan
• Key strength: Affordable luxury and a wide choice of resorts
• Previous recognition: No. 2 among Asia’s best islands in the DestinAsian Readers’ Choice Awards 2026

What Is the Expedia Island Hot List 2026?

The Expedia Island Hot List 2026 highlights islands recording rapid growth in traveler interest rather than destinations selected purely for their scenery.

According to Expedia, the ranking was developed using global flight search data. Searches made between September 22, 2025, and March 22, 2026, for travel during 2026 were compared with searches made during the equivalent period one year earlier.

The results reveal a broader change in international travel behavior. Travelers are increasingly looking beyond established resort destinations and considering islands that offer distinctive local character, natural landscapes and better overall value.

Top 10 Islands in the Expedia Island Hot List 2026

Why Did Phu Quoc Rank Ninth?

Expedia identifies Phu Quoc as a strong destination for travelers seeking “affordable luxury.” In this context, affordable luxury does not mean that Phu Quoc is necessarily the cheapest island destination. Instead, it refers to the balance between accommodation quality, resort facilities, available experiences and the total cost of a holiday.

The island offers a broad selection of resorts, from comfortable beachfront properties to premium international brands. This variety allows couples, families, groups and independent travelers to choose an experience that suits their expectations and budget.

Flight search interest in Phu Quoc increased by 25% compared with the previous year. Expedia also reported that social media mentions of the island rose by 235%, suggesting that its growing visibility is not limited to travel bookings. Phu Quoc is also becoming more widely discussed and shared across digital platforms.

Its inclusion alongside internationally known island destinations such as Saint Lucia, Fiji, Palawan and the Seychelles demonstrates Phu Quoc’s rising profile in the global tourism market.

Island Holidays Are Becoming a Global Travel Trend

Interest in island holidays is growing rapidly worldwide. Expedia’s data shows that flight searches for the islands included in the ranking increased by an average of 55%, while social media conversations about island travel rose by approximately 20%.

Travelers are no longer choosing islands solely for blue water and sandy beaches. Other factors now play an important role, including:

• Natural landscapes and less-developed surroundings
• Local culture and distinctive regional identity
• Relaxed lifestyles and slower travel experiences
• High-quality resorts and convenient travel packages
• Better value compared with traditional luxury destinations

Expedia Group representative Melanie Fish noted that island holidays can provide strong value when travelers take advantage of all-inclusive resorts or bundled travel packages. These options may simplify planning and make the total cost easier to manage.

Saint Lucia leads the 2026 ranking with a 125% increase in flight search interest, supported by its dramatic scenery and reputation for private, romantic escapes. Europe is represented by Porto Santo, Syros and the Lofoten Islands, each offering a different combination of culture, scenery and peaceful surroundings.

Phu Quoc Continues to Gain International Recognition

The Expedia Island Hot List is not Phu Quoc’s only international recognition in 2026. Earlier in the year, the island ranked second in the list of Asia’s best islands at the DestinAsian Readers’ Choice Awards 2026.

Unlike Expedia’s search-data-based ranking, the DestinAsian result was based on reader voting. Together, the two recognitions show that Phu Quoc is attracting both measurable travel interest and positive feedback from experienced travelers.

The official results are available on the DestinAsian Readers’ Choice Awards website.

Who Is Phu Quoc Suitable For?

Phu Quoc can serve several different types of travelers because it combines resort accommodation, coastal scenery, entertainment and island-based activities in one destination.

The island is particularly suitable for:

• Couples looking for a romantic beach or resort holiday
• Families needing convenient accommodation and varied activities
• Groups of friends interested in sightseeing and island excursions
• International visitors seeking a tropical destination in Vietnam
• Luxury travelers comparing premium resorts with other Asian islands
• Budget-conscious travelers looking for packages that combine accommodation and activities

Travelers should select their itinerary according to the needs of their group. Families with young children or older members may prefer a more relaxed schedule, while active travelers may want to include boat trips, snorkeling or multiple island experiences.

Practical Tips for Planning a Phu Quoc Holiday

Travelers can improve both cost and convenience by planning the trip carefully.

Book flights and accommodation early

Advance booking is particularly important during holidays and popular travel periods. Flight prices and room availability may change considerably as the departure date approaches.

Compare packages with separate bookings

Before confirming a trip, compare the cost of booking each service separately with a package that includes flights, accommodation, transfers or sightseeing. A package is not always cheaper, but it can reduce planning time and make the total cost easier to control.

Consider traveling outside peak periods

Expedia recommends booking early or choosing a lower-demand period to secure better prices. Off-peak travel may also provide a quieter resort experience, although travelers should check seasonal weather conditions before confirming outdoor or sea-based activities.

Check weather conditions before island tours

Weather and sea conditions can affect speedboat trips, snorkeling and island-hopping programs. Travelers should review the forecast and follow advice from licensed local operators.

Choose an itinerary for the entire group

A packed schedule may suit young travelers but can be tiring for families with children or senior guests. Balancing resort time, sightseeing and outdoor activities usually creates a more comfortable experience.

What the 2026 Ranking Means for Phu Quoc

Phu Quoc’s ninth-place position in the Phu Quoc Island Hot List 2026 is more than a promotional title. It reflects measurable growth in international search interest and confirms that travelers are considering a wider range of island destinations.

The island’s main advantage lies in its combination of tropical scenery, diverse resorts, accessible luxury and experiences suitable for different traveler profiles. These qualities allow Phu Quoc to compete with well-established destinations while maintaining a distinctive Vietnamese identity.

International travelers planning a visit can explore complete Phu Quoc packages, resort offers, island tours and attraction tickets to create a more convenient itinerary. Booking early and choosing services that match the group’s actual needs can help deliver better value and a more enjoyable holiday.

Information supplemented beyond the original article: Expedia’s data collection period, the search growth recorded by each island, the 235% increase in social media mentions of Phu Quoc, an explanation of “affordable luxury,” suitable traveler profiles and practical planning recommendations.