Phu Quoc among world’s 15 best islands to retire on
Phu Quoc island of the Mekong Delta province of Kien Giang has been named among 15 best islands in the world to retire on in 2021 by www.travelawaits.com.
Hanoi (VNA) – Phu Quoc island ofthe Mekong Delta province of Kien Giang has been named among 15 best islands inthe world to retire on in 2021 by www.travelawaits.com.
Experts covering overseas retirement trendsfor more than 40 years have released their latest picks, said the tourismwebsite.
Criteria for top 15 list include “theability to live a simpler, more peaceful life, without breaking the bank,” itadded.
The website noted that the relaxed andsmall island of Phu Quoc may be a bit more expensive to live on than themainland since goods need to be flown or ferried in.
“Still, it’s appealing to retirees for itsmany beaches and opportunities for enjoying the outdoors in tropical weather.The snorkeling is excellent!” it affirmed.
Malta island country tops the list whilethree other Asian islands also made their way into the list besides Phu Quoc,which are Thailand’s Koh Samui, Indonesia’s Bali and Malaysia’s Penang.
Vietnam ranked 10th in the 2021 AnnualGlobal Retirement Index by the International Living, with final scores of 75.5for low cost of living, rich culture and history, and variety of places, fromurban to rural.
The magazine provides in-depth coverage ofthe world’s top retirement havens.
“Vietnammay be growing in leaps and bounds, but for retirees looking for a delightfullycomfortable lifestyle, it remains one of the least expensive countries on earth,”it quoted 65-year-old California expat Deb Aronson, who has been lived inVietnam for 10 years, as saying.
Phu Quoc is also a popular touristdestination in Kien Giang. As the province has remained safe in the COVID-19pandemic, without any community infections recorded, the locality has seen aquick recovery in the number of visitors after each COVID-19 outbreak.
In the first quarter of 2021, Kien Giangwelcomed nearly 1.2 million visitors, down 32.9 percent year-on-year andrepresenting 16.8 percent of its annual target, with total revenue standing atabout 1.56 trillion VND (67.6 million USD)./.
Accompanying with Phu Quoc to welcome tourists, Vietjet operates a series of flight routes connecting domestic destinations to the beautiful Pearl Island.
Tourism operators have been bullish about their business’s bouncing back after being battered by COVID-19 as the summer holidays near and the disease is largely brought under control.
VinGroup on April 21 officially opened Phu Quoc United Centre – a brand-new resort and entertainment complex in Phu Quoc Island, the Mekong Delta province of Kien Giang – which is poised to help turn the “Pearl Island” into a world-class tourism hub.
The Mekong Delta province of Kien Giang has called on local travel companies to actively implement promotional programmes and plans to lure tourists now that COVID-19 has been largely brought under control.
A recent report, City Pulse 2025, by Gensler Research Institute, ranked HCM City among the world’s top cities for resident retention, placing it second globally. This underscores the city's reputation as a liveable, dynamic urban centre, an image that supports efforts to attract investors, experts, and MICE travellers.
Deputy Prime Minister Mai Van Chinh has instructed the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MoCST) to coordinate with other ministries, agencies and localities to effectively implement policies and directives from the Party, Government, and Prime Minister on tourism development.
Da Nang's appeal stems from its numerous outstanding tourist attractions, particularly My Khe Beach, Sun World Ba Na Hills resort, and the ancient town of Hoi An. Additionally, Da Nang tourism is renowned for its affordability, especially attractive to young travellers and couples, according to Chosun Ilbo.
With new direct flights from major Indian cities like Hyderabad and Bengaluru, Vietnam is becoming an increasingly compelling destination for Indian tourists seeking a quick, emotionally rich four-day escape that blends luxury, culture, and natural wonder.
By source market, China continued to lead with 3.1 million visitors, equivalent to 25.5% of all foreign arrivals. The Republic of Korea followed with 2.5 million, or 20.7%. Other major markets included Taiwan (China) with 737,000, the US with 522,000, and Japan with 380,000.
Khanh Hoa has welcomed 16 international cruises so far this year, with more than 19,000 tourists disembarking to explore the province’s scenic landscapes and renowned cultural, religious, and artistic landmarks, as well as to enjoy local cuisine and sightseeing tours.
According to local plans, fireworks shows will be held at multiple locations, with Ha Long Bay as the focal point. More than mere entertainment, these displays are part of a strategic cultural tourism product aimed at strengthening the region’s brand.
Chatbot and virtual assistants support itinerary consultation and tour bookings, and provide around-the-clock response across multiple platforms while AI advertising applications have been used to optimise budgets and target the right customers. AI has been also employed to analyse customer data, enabling the delivery of personalised tour recommendations.
Many Vietnamese regions possess favourable conditions, including natural landscapes, climate, and rich cultural identities, to host sport events that integrate with cultural and tourism experiences.
Dubbed the “land of ancient towers”, Khanh Hoa boasts a rich Cham legacy through architectural masterpieces like the Po Nagar, Hoa Lai, Po Klong Garai, and Po Rome towers.
Vietnam’s e-visa system is now seen as one of the most efficient, convenient, and transparent in the region. Fully online registration, no paperwork or interviews, and fast and flexible processing time have improved foreigners’ entry experience, creating a competitive advantage over countries clinging to complicated and costly visa procedures.
Sunset Town unfolded like a living fairytale. Every street and hidden corner recalls iconic European landmarks – from Venice’s San Marco Bell Tower and Paris’s Arc de Triomphe to Almafi-style squares and cobblestone paths reminiscent of southern Italy.
Its natural advantages have made Mui Ne a magnet for enthusiasts of kitesurfing, windsurfing, surfing, and stand-up paddle boarding (SUP). These activities not only diversify the local tourism offerings but also contribute to the area’s long-term development strategy focused on sustainability.
In July alone, the city welcomed 695,930 international arrivals, surging 75.3% year-on-year. For the seven-month period, international visitors totalled 4.5 million, up 48% year-on-year.
Welcoming the crew on the morning of July 30, Dang Dong Ha, Deputy Director of the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, emphasised that the film offers a valuable opportunity to promote Quang Tri’s tourism potential, particularly to Indian visitors, but also to a broader global audience.
With a proactive and creative approach, Hanoi is positioning itself as one of Southeast Asia’s most compelling destinations where tradition meets innovation, and every visit offers a blend of the familiar and the new.
A corner of Phu Quoc island (Photo: VNA) 
