According to the An Giang Province’s Department of Tourism, the island welcomed 2.7 million tourists in the third quarter, a 31 % rise compared with the same period last year.

The island had set a goal of 8.5 million visitors for the whole year, including 2 million foreign tourists. By September, 1.92 million international guests had arrived – a 60 % increase year‑on‑year and 95 % of the annual target.

Amy Tuite, a tourist from the United States, called her stay “an unforgettable experience” after riding the Hon Thom cable car, which she noted is the world’s longest three‑wire sea‑crossing cable car.

Nguyen Tien Dat, CEO of Hanoi‑based AZA Travel, explained that visitors used to spend most of their time on the beaches, at Duong Dong Night Market or at Dinh Cau Temple. Today, the island also offers a safari park, Vui Phet Night Market, nightly fireworks and entertainment shows.

Industry insiders say relaxed visa rules, a wider range of entertainment and expanded air connectivity are helping the surge. Direct international routes now link Phu Quoc with South Korea, Taiwan, Central Asia and Eastern Europe, and more than 370 tourists arrived on the first direct flight from Russia on Sept. 27. Tour operator Anex Vietnam expects about 15,000 Russian visitors each month after the new route opened.

With 95 % of its yearly target already reached, Phu Quoc is on track to meet the 8.5 million‑visitor goal, showing how quickly the island’s tourism figures can climb when new attractions and easier travel options are introduced.