Phu Quoc was one of the most popular destinations for Vietnamese travelers during the 2026 National Day holiday, with a major increase in flights and passenger numbers compared with the same period last year.
Now that the September 2 holiday has ended, many travelers are asking a practical question: is Phu Quoc still crowded, and is it a good time to visit the island?
The answer is more interesting than simply saying that the island is either busy or quiet.
Phu Quoc experienced a major holiday surge, but flight prices did not rise as dramatically as some travelers expected. With the peak holiday period now finished, travelers may have more flexibility when choosing flights and accommodation.
If you are staying in Phu Quoc in September, this can be a useful period to compare different areas and hotel options before the island enters its busier international tourism season.
Phu Quoc Was One of Vietnam’s Biggest National Day Destinations
Phu Quoc was among the most popular destinations for Vietnamese travelers during the five-day National Day holiday.
Traveloka data released ahead of the holiday showed Phu Quoc leading domestic destinations with a demand index of 100 points. Bookings for the island were approximately 86% higher than during the same period in 2025.
The island’s beaches, resorts, family activities and package tours were among the main attractions for domestic visitors.
This strong demand was reflected in the island’s transport infrastructure.
Phu Quoc Airport Handled a Huge Holiday Surge
Phu Quoc International Airport expected to handle approximately 570 flights during the National Day holiday, an increase of more than 66% compared with the same period in 2025.
The airport also expected around 84,800 passengers, representing an increase of more than 81% year-on-year.
The busiest period was September 1 and 2, when the airport expected almost 150 flights and more than 22,000 passengers per day.
These numbers show how strong the holiday demand was, but they do not mean that the island will remain at the same level of crowding throughout September.
Are Flights to Phu Quoc Still Expensive?
Interestingly, airfares to Phu Quoc during the National Day holiday were described by local tourism authorities as relatively reasonable despite the large increase in demand.
Typical round-trip economy fares from Ho Chi Minh City or Can Tho to Phu Quoc were reported at approximately VND 2.5–3.5 million per passenger, depending on the airline and travel date.
Round-trip flights from Hanoi or Hai Phong were generally more expensive, at approximately VND 3.2–6 million per passenger.
These are holiday-period reference prices rather than guaranteed September fares, so travelers should check their exact dates before booking.
If you are planning a trip after the holiday, the end of the National Day peak gives you a better opportunity to compare different departure dates rather than booking on the busiest days.
What Happens to Phu Quoc After September 2?
The island does not suddenly become empty after National Day.
Phu Quoc remains one of Vietnam’s most popular beach destinations, and international tourism is becoming increasingly important to the island.
However, the extraordinary domestic demand generated by the five-day holiday is temporary.
This means travelers visiting after September 2 may find a different atmosphere from those who arrived during the peak holiday period.
If you prefer a quieter trip, traveling outside Vietnamese public holidays is generally a better strategy than trying to visit during the busiest domestic travel periods.
What About Hotel Prices in Phu Quoc?
There is currently no reliable evidence that hotel prices across the entire island have suddenly dropped immediately after National Day.
Instead, the more useful point for travelers is that hotel availability should be easier to compare once the holiday rush has passed.
Phu Quoc has a very large range of accommodation, from inexpensive hotels and apartments to major beachfront resorts and luxury properties.
If you are searching for hotels in Phu Quoc, compare several dates rather than assuming that every hotel will offer the same price after the holiday.
Travelers can also find a hotel near the beach without necessarily paying the premium associated with the most expensive resort properties.
Where to Stay in Phu Quoc After National Day
The best place to stay depends heavily on what you want from your trip.
If you want restaurants, shops and easy access to everyday services, staying around Duong Dong is convenient.
If your priority is a resort holiday, the southern part of the island offers a large concentration of major properties and beach resorts.
Travelers looking for a more resort-focused experience can consider staying at a resort around Bai Kem or the Sunset Town area.
If you are comparing resorts in Phu Quoc, consider the location carefully because the island is large and attractions are spread across different areas.
You can also base yourself near the southern beaches if your itinerary focuses on beach time, cable cars, snorkeling and attractions in the south.
Should You Book a Beachfront Resort?
If your main reason for visiting Phu Quoc is to relax, a beachfront resort can make a significant difference to the experience.
You can spend more time at the property instead of traveling around the island every day.
This is particularly useful during September, when weather conditions can be less predictable than during the island’s main dry-season period.
Travelers searching for luxury resorts should compare the full package rather than just the room price. Breakfast, beach access, pools, airport transfers and included activities can make a significant difference to the total cost.
Is September a Good Time to Visit Phu Quoc?
September is part of Phu Quoc’s wetter period.
That means visitors should expect a higher chance of rain and more changeable conditions than during the island’s main dry season.
However, this does not mean that it rains continuously throughout the day.
For travelers who are comfortable with occasional showers and want to avoid the biggest holiday crowds, September can still be an interesting time to visit.
It can also make sense for visitors who are more interested in resorts, restaurants and relaxing than in planning a full schedule of boat excursions every day.
What About the Beaches?
Phu Quoc’s beaches remain one of the island’s main attractions, but September conditions can vary considerably from day to day.
Before booking a boat trip or snorkeling excursion, check the marine forecast and confirm conditions with the operator.
If the sea is rough, you may prefer to spend the day at your resort, visit restaurants or explore attractions on land.
This is another reason why choosing a convenient hotel location can be more important than simply finding the cheapest room.
Phu Quoc Is Becoming More International
The island’s tourism story is no longer driven only by Vietnamese domestic travelers.
Phu Quoc continues to expand its international air connectivity, giving foreign visitors more direct options for reaching the island.
On September 1, Sun PhuQuoc Airways launched a new daily direct service between Kuala Lumpur and Phu Quoc.
The flight takes approximately 95 minutes, creating another direct connection between Phu Quoc and a major Southeast Asian aviation hub.
This growing international network could become increasingly important after the National Day holiday, when domestic demand begins to normalize.
Should You Book Phu Quoc Now?
If your dates are flexible, there is no need to rush simply because the National Day holiday has just ended.
Instead, compare several dates and check both flights and accommodation together.
For example, a slightly more expensive flight may still make sense if it allows you to book a significantly cheaper hotel night.
Likewise, a cheaper room in a remote part of the island may not actually save money if you need expensive transfers every day.
If you are staying in Phu Quoc for several nights, choosing the right area can have a bigger impact on your total trip cost than saving a small amount on the room itself.
Phu Quoc After National Day: What Travelers Should Expect
- Domestic holiday crowds: Lower than during the September 1–2 peak period.
- Flights: More flexibility should be available once the National Day travel peak has passed.
- Hotel availability: Easier to compare outside the main holiday dates.
- Weather: September remains part of the wetter period.
- International connectivity: Continuing to expand, including the new Kuala Lumpur–Phu Quoc route.
- Resorts: A strong option for travelers who prefer a relaxed holiday and are comfortable with occasional rain.
Phu Quoc or Nha Trang After the Holiday?
If you are deciding between Vietnam’s major beach destinations, the choice depends on what kind of trip you want.
Nha Trang has a more urban beach-city atmosphere, with restaurants, nightlife and attractions concentrated relatively close together.
Phu Quoc is more spread out and offers a stronger resort-oriented experience, with long beaches, large properties and island excursions.
Our Nha Trang vs Phu Quoc comparison looks at the differences between the two destinations in more detail.
The Bottom Line
Phu Quoc was one of the biggest winners of Vietnam’s 2026 National Day travel boom, with demand up sharply and the airport preparing for an unprecedented holiday surge.
Now that September 2 has passed, travelers can expect the extraordinary domestic holiday pressure to ease.
That does not mean Phu Quoc will suddenly become quiet or that every hotel will immediately cut its prices. Instead, the main advantage is greater flexibility when choosing travel dates and accommodation.
If you are considering a September trip, compare hotels in Phu Quoc across several dates, check flight prices from your departure city and choose your accommodation area based on the type of holiday you want.
For a relaxed resort trip, staying at a resort in the south can make sense. For travelers who want restaurants, shops and easier access to everyday services, staying around Duong Dong may be more practical.
Phu Quoc is also entering a period of increasing international connectivity, so the island’s tourism season is far from over after National Day.
Sources
- Vietnam.vn — Tourists flocked to Phu Quoc for the September 2 holiday: Why aren’t airfares high?
- Tuoi Tre News — Vietnam’s Phu Quoc expects tens of thousands of visitors for National Day holiday
- Vietnam.vn — Will Phu Quoc experience a tourism boom during the National Day holiday?
- Lao Dong — Phu Quoc strictly manages services and prices during the holiday
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