Leading travel magazine Travel + Leisure has published an analysis of Phu Quoc's tourism appeal, describing its nightly fireworks displays over the past two years as an unusual feature in the global travel landscape.
According to the magazine, the continuous performances have contributed to shaping the "Pearl Island" into one of Southeast Asia's emerging destinations.
Fireworks are typically associated with major holidays or special events. In Phu Quoc, however, nightly displays have become a regular occurrence. Since January 2024, the island has maintained daily shows for more than two consecutive years. Organizers estimate that nearly 580,300 shells have been launched over that period, lighting up the skies above Sunset Town.
The displays are staged alongside large-scale multimedia productions such as "Kiss of the Sea" and "Symphony of the Sea", combining light, music, water effects and performance technology. Travel + Leisure notes that this integration of fireworks and entertainment programming has become part of Phu Quoc's evening tourism offerings, differentiating it from other island destinations in the region.
The magazine adds that the fireworks series reflects broader efforts to strengthen Phu Quoc's tourism profile and extend visitor activity into nighttime hours. While many beach destinations see reduced activity after dark, Phu Quoc has developed evening entertainment as a core component of its tourism strategy.
Behind the displays is Sun Group, which has previously organized large-scale fireworks events, including the Da Nang International Fireworks Festival (DIFF), as well as shows in Ha Long, Ha Nam and Cat Ba. The company has also sponsored national-level events, including an artistic fireworks performance at My Dinh Stadium marking the 14th National Party Congress.
Tourism data indicates that Phu Quoc has experienced growth in visitor numbers. After surpassing its annual target by more than 12% in 2025, the island reported a nearly 60% increase in international arrivals. During the Lunar New Year holiday, it welcomed an estimated 366,000 visitors, including nearly 93,000 international tourists, up more than 24% year-on-year.
In the coming period, additional direct routes operated by Sun Phu Quoc Airways are expected to enhance connectivity between the island and key source markets.
As travelers look beyond established destinations such as Bali and Phuket, Travel + Leisure suggests that Phu Quoc is positioning itself as an alternative option in the region. The nightly fireworks displays have become part of the island's tourism identity and a recurring experience for visitors.
