Phu Quoc

Phu Quoc is Vietnam’s largest island, floating in the Gulf of Thailand closer to Cambodia than to the Vietnamese mainland. Once a sleepy fishing island known mainly for its fish sauce factories, it has transformed into Vietnam’s premier beach destination — complete with luxury resorts, a cable car to a neighbouring island, and a safari park.

Long Beach (Bai Truong) stretches for 20 kilometres along the western coast, offering spectacular sunsets every evening. The northern end is quieter and more upscale; the southern end buzzes with bars, restaurants, and the famous Phu Quoc Night Market, where grilled seafood is sold by the kilo at prices that would make Bangkok jealous.

For something wilder, head to the north of the island. Bai Sao (Star Beach) has powdery white sand and turquoise water that rivals anything in Thailand. The An Thoi archipelago in the south offers excellent snorkelling and diving, reachable by speedboat or the Hon Thom cable car — the world’s longest over-sea cable car at 7.9 kilometres.

Phu Quoc works for every budget. Backpackers can find beachfront bungalows for $15/night, while couples can splurge on overwater villas at JW Marriott or InterContinental. Either way, the sunsets are free — and they’re the best in Vietnam.