Phu Quoc Island in Vietnam Tops Asia’s Most Beautiful Island Rankings, Bali Falls to Sixth Place
Jakarta – Once celebrated as Asia’s premier island getaway, Bali has now slipped to sixth place in the prestigious Annual Readers’ Choice Awards by Condé Nast Traveler magazine. The tropical paradise of Phu Quoc in Vietnam has claimed the title of Asia’s most beautiful island, surpassing other renowned destinations in the region.
According to a report from VnExpress, Bali scored 89.84 out of 100 points in the survey, ranking below Phu Quoc, Langkawi in Malaysia, Koh Samui in Thailand, as well as Boracay and Palawan in the Philippines. The survey enlisted the opinions of more than 757,000 Condé Nast Traveler readers worldwide, who evaluated a diverse range of travel experiences including cities, islands, hotels, resorts, cruise ships, spas, and airlines.
Bali, known for its distinctive Hindu-Balinese culture, ancient temples, traditional ceremonies, and captivating dances, has long been a global tourism icon. However, the island’s allure appears to be waning in the eyes of some international travelers. Concerns have been raised about the island becoming somewhat overrated due to heavy promotion, increased tourist density, and environmental degradation.
Pollution and overcrowding have been cited as major factors contributing to the decline in Bali’s charm. Responding to these challenges, Bali’s authorities have introduced new guidelines aimed at curbing inappropriate tourist behavior and preserving the island’s natural beauty. These regulations prohibit littering and environmental pollution, particularly in lakes and rivers, and seek to maintain Bali’s reputation as a world-class travel destination.
Despite these issues, Bali continues to attract a substantial number of visitors. From January to July 2025 alone, the island welcomed over four million foreign tourists, marking an increase from 3.89 million in the same period the previous year.
The Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards are among the oldest and most respected accolades in the global tourism sector, recognizing outstanding hotels, resorts, and destinations worldwide. This year’s results show a shifting landscape in Asian island tourism, with Phu Quoc emerging as the new favorite among travelers seeking natural beauty and cultural richness.
As tourism dynamics evolve, destinations like Phu Quoc, Langkawi, Koh Samui, Boracay, and Palawan are gaining recognition for offering unique experiences that resonate with modern travelers, while Bali works to address environmental and crowding concerns to regain its standing in the region.
About the Survey
The Readers’ Choice Awards rely on the votes of travelers across multiple languages and countries, making it a comprehensive gauge of global tourism preferences. The 2025 edition reflects the sentiments of a diverse and engaged readership eager to discover and celebrate outstanding travel spots.
For travelers planning their next island escape, the rankings highlight several stunning options across Asia, each offering distinct charm and attractions worthy of exploration.
Photo Credit: Instagram/@phuquocphoto
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