- July 11, 2026
Phu Quoc Boat Tragedy: Why Millions Of Tourists Explore Vietnam’s ‘Island Paradise By Sea’
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The Phu Quoc boat tragedy has put the spotlight on Vietnam’s booming marine tourism industry, which attracts millions of visitors, including over 7.4 lakh Indians annually.
From island-hopping tours and scuba diving excursions to sunset cruises and fishing trips, boat tourism has become a key pillar of Phu Quoc’s tourism economy. (Photo: AFP file)
The deaths of 15 Indian tourists in a boat accident near Vietnam’s Phu Quoc Island have drawn attention to one of Southeast Asia’s busiest marine tourism destinations.
Located in the Gulf of Thailand, Phu Quoc is Vietnam’s largest island and one of the country’s top tourist hotspots. Known for its turquoise waters, white-sand beaches, coral reefs and surrounding archipelagos, the island attracts millions of visitors every year. Boat travel forms a crucial part of the visitor experience, providing access to offshore islands, snorkelling sites and coastal attractions that cannot be reached by road.
The tragedy comes at a time when Vietnam is witnessing a surge in Indian visitors. More than 7.4 lakh Indians travelled to Vietnam in 2025, making India one of the country’s fastest-growing source markets and underscoring the growing popularity of destinations such as Phu Quoc among Indian travellers.
From island-hopping tours and scuba diving excursions to sunset cruises and fishing trips, boat tourism has become a key pillar of Phu Quoc’s tourism economy. The island serves as a gateway to the scenic An Thoi Archipelago, where dozens of smaller islands are accessible only by sea.
Here are five reasons why boat tourism plays such a vital role in Phu Quoc and Vietnam’s broader travel industry:
1. Island-Hopping Is One Of Phu Quoc’s Biggest Attractions
Phu Quoc serves as the gateway to the An Thoi Archipelago, a group of picturesque islands off its southern coast. Many of these islands can only be reached by boat, making island-hopping tours among the most sought-after experiences for visitors.
Tourists regularly embark on day-long excursions that include visits to secluded beaches, lagoons and snorkelling spots, creating year-round demand for tour boats and marine operators.
2. Coral Reefs And Marine Life Attract Thousands Of Visitors
The waters around Phu Quoc are home to vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine ecosystems, making the island a popular destination for snorkelling and scuba diving enthusiasts.
Boat operators run daily trips to offshore reefs, giving tourists access to some of Vietnam’s most celebrated underwater attractions. As interest in marine tourism has grown, boat services have become a cornerstone of the island’s tourism infrastructure.
3. Vietnam’s Geography Makes Water Tourism Essential
With more than 3,000 kilometres of coastline and hundreds of islands, Vietnam is naturally suited to water-based tourism.
From luxury cruises in Ha Long Bay to island-hopping adventures in the south, boats play a central role in how millions of tourists experience the country each year.
4. Tourism Drives Phu Quoc’s Economy
Over the past decade, Phu Quoc has evolved from a relatively quiet island destination into one of Vietnam’s fastest-growing tourism hubs.
The rise of luxury resorts, entertainment complexes and improved transport connectivity has helped attract millions of visitors annually. Alongside this growth, boat operators, tour companies and marine activity providers have expanded rapidly, making maritime tourism a major source of jobs and local revenue.
5. The Best Views Are From The Water
Many of Phu Quoc’s most stunning landscapes are best experienced by sea. Sunset cruises, coastal sightseeing trips, fishing excursions and private yacht tours offer visitors panoramic views of the island’s beaches, cliffs and surrounding islets.
For many travellers, a boat trip is not simply an add-on activity but a defining part of the Phu Quoc experience.
As investigations continue into the tragedy involving Indian tourists, the incident has also highlighted the scale of boat tourism in Phu Quoc, where thousands of visitors take to the water every day to explore one of Vietnam’s most popular island destinations.
About the Author
Saurabh Verma is a Chief Sub-Editor at News18.com, specializing in Indian politics, national current affairs, and breaking global news. With years of experience tracking power shifts, election strateg…Read More
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