Southern Phu Quoc Becomes Vietnam's Hottest Tourism and Investment Zone

The New Center of Gravity

If you’ve been tracking Phu Quoc’s transformation, you’ve probably focused on the island-wide statistics — the 90%+ occupancy, the record visitor numbers, the APEC preparations. But zoom in, and there’s a specific area that’s concentrating the most dramatic changes: Southern Phu Quoc.

This stretch of coastline and islands south of Duong Dong town is rapidly becoming one of Southeast Asia’s most exciting investment zones, with billions of dollars flowing into luxury resorts, entertainment complexes, and world-class infrastructure.

What’s Happening in the South

The APEC Complex

The centerpiece of Southern Phu Quoc’s transformation is the massive APEC 2027 complex, built by Sun Group:

The convention center and theater are designed by renowned American firms SOM and Apeiro, with the exterior inspired by dragon scale patterns. The steel structure was targeted for completion by January 2026, exterior by June 2026, and interior by January 2027.

Hon Thom Island

Accessible via the world’s longest oversea cable car, Hon Thom has been transformed from a quiet fishing island into a premier entertainment destination. The new Rixos Phu Quoc resort on the island brings 1,300 rooms and 22 restaurants and bars — Southeast Asia’s first Rixos all-inclusive resort.

Transport Connectivity

The new light rail transit system connecting Phu Quoc International Airport to the APEC complex and southern tourism zone represents a fundamental upgrade to how visitors move around the island. Combined with the airport expansion and new road networks, Southern Phu Quoc is becoming as accessible as the traditional tourism center.

Why Dental Tourists Should Pay Attention

A Complete Destination Ecosystem

Southern Phu Quoc offers everything a dental tourist could want for recovery days:

• Premium beaches: Some of the island’s most pristine stretches of sand
• Water activities: Snorkeling, kayaking, and swimming in crystal waters
• Entertainment: Sun World’s Aquatopia Water Park and nature experiences
• Dining: From street food to the 22 restaurants at Rixos resort
• Relaxation: Spa and wellness facilities at multiple resorts

The Da Nang Precedent

When Da Nang hosted APEC in 2017, the city saw real estate prices increase by 40% and its entire tourism infrastructure was permanently elevated. International hotel brands flooded in, service standards rose, and the city graduated from a domestic vacation spot to an internationally recognized destination.

Phu Quoc is following the same trajectory but at an even larger scale. The $5.25 billion investment dwarfs what Da Nang received, and the island’s natural beauty provides a foundation that few destinations can match.

Booking Strategy for Dental Tourists

For treatment days: Stay near your dental clinic in Duong Dong town, where most established clinics are located.

For recovery days: Head south to enjoy Hon Thom’s beaches, the cable car experience, or a night at one of the luxury resorts. The upcoming LRT will make this transition seamless.

Budget tip: Southern Phu Quoc’s new hotels create competition that benefits the entire island’s pricing. More rooms means more options at every price point.

The Window of Opportunity

Southern Phu Quoc is in a unique moment — the infrastructure is being built, the hotels are opening, but the full APEC rush hasn’t hit yet. In 2027, when APEC brings the world’s leaders and media attention to the island, prices and demand will surge.

For dental tourists who want premium quality at pre-boom prices, 2026 is the sweet spot. You get the benefits of all the new infrastructure and hotels while still enjoying the value pricing that made Phu Quoc famous in the first place.