An Exciting New Adventure in Phu Quoc
Words: Stephen Reid
Photos: Monica Tindall
When my phone pings with a notification from Monica, our editor at The Yum List, it usually signals a new restaurant visit. This time, however, her message offered an exciting twist: “Would you be interested in flying out to write about New World Resort Phu Quoc?”
New World Phu Quoc Resort, Vietnam
Living in Kuala Lumpur, I often crave an island escape from the city’s relentless heat and hustle, despite its vibrant culture and food scene. Malaysia’s excellent air connectivity makes quick getaways easy and affordable. Over the past 13 years, I’ve frequented familiar spots like Bali, Langkawi, Penang, and Koh Samui. But even beloved destinations can start to feel repetitive. So, the chance to discover somewhere new was thrilling. I was delighted to join The Yum List’s team to explore the stunning New World Phu Quoc Resort, Vietnam, a destination just an 80-minute flight from KL.
Your Visa-Free Gateway to Phu Quoc
Phu Quoc offers an effortless, visa-free entry experience, making it incredibly convenient for travellers, especially those from Kuala Lumpur. As fellow ASEAN members, Malaysian citizens can enjoy a 30-day visa exemption, needing only a passport valid for at least six months with two blank pages—no prior forms required. What’s even more exceptional is Phu Quoc’s unique 30-day visa exemption policy for all nationalities. The only requirement for these visitors is to fly directly into and out of Phu Quoc International Airport. This policy makes the island an incredibly accessible destination for a wide array of international visitors.
Phu Quoc’s Booming Tourism
Phu Quoc’s tourism has experienced significant growth in recent years. Thanks to its accessible visa policies and growing appeal, the island saw international visitor numbers increase by 134.8% in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period last year, with flights rising a phenomenal 186%. This impressive growth positions Phu Quoc as one of Southeast Asia’s fastest-emerging travel hotspots.
New World Phu Quoc Resort Location: Island Paradise Found
On the idyllic southwestern tip of Phu Quoc Island, New World Phu Quoc Resort boasts an exclusive beachfront location along the pristine 3.5km crescent of Khem Beach, offering guests unparalleled access to the serene turquoise waters of the Gulf of Thailand. This luxurious retreat is conveniently situated approximately 17-19 kilometres (around a 25-minute drive) from Phu Quoc International Airport, and a complimentary airport shuttle service is available. Otherwise, the average Grab fare is less than RM 40.
Beyond its private stretch of white sand, the resort offers easy access to significant island attractions, including the Hon Thom Cable Car & Aquatopia Water Park (about 15 minutes away), the tranquil Ho Quoc Pagoda (18 minutes), and the vibrant Phu Quoc Night Market (around 30 minutes), making it a perfectly positioned base for both relaxation and island exploration.
Your Luxurious Retreat
New World Phu Quoc Resort offers an exclusive escape with its range of all-villa accommodations. While every villa has a private pool, you can choose from the spacious Garden Villas, expansive Premium Villas, Deluxe Villas, scenic Ocean Villas, popular Beachfront Villas, or the opulent Presidential Villa.
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay in a Premium Pool Villa. This two-level haven featured two king-sized bedrooms and one twin-bedded room, each with its own en-suite. Monica faced a delightful dilemma: the downstairs room with direct access for her usual morning pool plunge versus the upstairs king bedroom’s luxurious freestanding bath and private outdoor Groh rainfall shower – so powerful it truly felt like a tropical downpour. Both would be perfect ways to start the day; however, the bathtub won in the end!
The villa boasts expansive shared spaces, including a large kitchen equipped with a full-sized fridge, a Nespresso machine (which we made good use of!), and a kettle. While bottled water was provided daily, we especially appreciated the office-style water dispenser offering chilled water on tap – a feature we wish more resorts would adopt for refilling our reusable bottles. The spacious dining area comfortably seated eight, and both the downstairs king bedroom and the comfy sofa lounge opened directly onto a private garden and large pool. Deeply upholstered sun loungers and cushioned seating offered ample space for lounging with a book or enjoying a drink in the shade. This villa truly felt like a home away from home, perfect for friends or family.
The bathrooms were stocked with full-sized Malin + Goetz toiletries, and Monica particularly appreciated that toothpaste and toothbrushes were packaged separately, which helped reduce waste. Each room also featured an up-to-date Samsung Smart TV, allowing me to easily connect my phone and catch up on Netflix before bed. Speaking of beds, they hit that magic spot – neither too firm nor too soft – ensuring a genuinely relaxing night’s sleep. The air conditioning was exceptionally quiet and individually controllable in each room, as well as in the living area. The clearly labelled light switches, which included a master switch for turning everything off at once, were very welcome.
Designed for Paradise
The New World Phu Quoc Resort masterfully blends traditional Vietnamese village charm with contemporary luxury, offering an immersive escape on Phu Quoc Island. Its architectural design, deeply inspired by local aesthetics, is evident in the 366 all-villa accommodations. Each villa boasts traditional thatched roofs and interiors thoughtfully adorned with natural materials, such as wood, bamboo, and woven macrame-style wall hangings, creating an authentic sense of place. Each features a private pool for an exclusive touch of indulgence.
We were thoroughly impressed by the resort’s lush, expansive gardens, meticulously designed by One Landscape. Their masterful integration of greenery, intricate fish-filled water features, and a 120-meter infinity lagoon pool, which gracefully extends to the beach, seamlessly blends the built environment with nature, creating a serene seaside village ambience. This thoughtful design, coupled with a commitment to sustainability and a blend of heritage and modern comfort, ensured a unique and welcoming experience. Despite hosting over a thousand guests, the resort never felt crowded, offering each guest their own “slice of paradise.”
Resort Fun Awaits
New World Phu Quoc Resort offers a wide array of recreation facilities designed for the entire family. Guests can enjoy a variety of activities at ‘The Hub,’ which features three bowling lanes and several luxurious karaoke rooms (chargeable), as well as complimentary use of pool tables, table football, and shuffleboard games. A dedicated Kids’ Play area boasts indoor slides, a giant ball pit, arts and crafts, and an outside water splash park. The resort also offers extensive options for leisure by the water, including a beautiful beach and pool area, as well as an exciting Amusement Water Park for endless fun.
For those looking to stay active, a fully equipped Health Club is available, outfitted with the latest Technogym machines and free weights up to 22kg, which Monica made full use of each morning. You’ll find a comprehensive program of yoga and other classes at the Gym and Fitness Centre. Many of these are complimentary, but some, along with spa treatments, are available at an additional cost. Check with the centre to see what appeals to you. Meanwhile, I borrowed one of the many free-to-use bikes (available in all sizes, even with stabilisers for little ones) to explore the expansive, lush resort grounds and water features, enjoying some exercise surrounded by nature. These comprehensive facilities ensure an exhilarating and activity-filled day, even when the sun isn’t shining, ensuring both adults and children always have something fun to do until a shower passes.
Food & Drink at New World Phu Quoc Resort
New World Phu Quoc Resort offers a diverse and inspiring culinary experience, featuring distinctive restaurants and bars designed to cater to a wide range of tastes and preferences. The heart of the resort’s dining scene is The Bay Kitchen, with a vibrant setting for a generous breakfast buffet alongside regional Vietnamese specialities and international classics for lunch and dinner. For an interactive and sensory experience, Lua Grill & Bar specialises in woodfire and charcoal cooking, serving contemporary yet soulful flavours crafted from fresh, local ingredients and the day’s finest seafood.
The Pool Bar is the perfect spot to savour refreshing drinks and light snacks while taking in the poolside atmosphere. This comprehensive selection ensures that every culinary desire, from gourmet dinners to casual refreshments, is met with quality and authentic experiences.
Vietnamese High Tea at The Hub
After a smooth check-in with a Sim Berry cordial, we were escorted to our villa, then to ‘The Hub.’ Having missed lunch, Monica was eager for the resort’s Vietnamese high tea. We chose a sunny table overlooking the main pool. The assistant outlet manager, Thang, took our tea orders: jasmine for Monica, Earl Grey for me. Moments later, a striking, four-tiered bronze cake stand arrived, laden with local cakes and savoury treats. We enjoyed the cured herring ceviche in a passion fruit shell, smoked eel macarons, and fresh Vietnamese spring rolls. White bean paste-filled sesame balls were delightful, as were the lotus root and pandan layer cakes. Fruit scones prompted our cream-or-jam-first debate (cream first!). Suitably satiated and charmed, we returned to our villa to unpack.
Breakfast at The Bay Kitchen: A Feast for Everyone
The Bay Kitchen is a spacious restaurant, thoughtfully designed to comfortably accommodate its many guests. With ample, varied seating, we never struggled to find a table, even during peak hours, making it perfect for couples or large families.
To ensure a smooth experience, popular breakfast items, including cereal, juices, fruits, eggs, and pastries, are conveniently available at multiple stations throughout the venue. You’ll also find diverse speciality stations offering Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, and Western options – we were even surprised by pumpkin risotto! With such a bountiful choice, a quick walk-around on your first visit is highly recommended to take it all in.
Friendly staff were always on hand to take orders for delicious, barista-style coffees. My cappuccino, made with an imported La Cimbali espresso machine, was a standout. Tables were cleared quickly, cutlery replaced, and any spills handled promptly and efficiently.
Senior Chef de Cuisine Truong Phung shared that his team can comfortably cater to up to 2,000 guests, highlighting their ability to manage large numbers with ease, even during a recent resort-wide five-day wedding booking.
Even with a two-week stay, you’d be hard-pressed to try everything! During our two-day visit, we particularly enjoyed the Eggs Benedict, scrumptious filled croissants by Executive Pastry Chef Peter Nguyen, the delicious bánh mì Vietnamese sandwich, as well as fresh juices, congee, and rice bowls. Even if your toddler insists on their favourite Cheerio cereal, you’ll find it here!
Lunch: Pan Asian à la carte, The Bay Kitchen
We revisited The Bay Kitchen for lunch, finding it a serene oasis compared to the morning’s vibrant energy. The staff remained as friendly and attentive as ever. We began with refreshing drinks; Monica enjoyed a fresh coconut, while I sipped a pomelo lemonade, a less acidic and subtly sweet alternative to typical citrus flavours. Monica then insisted I try the Vietnamese Coconut Coffee, a delightful indulgence reminiscent of a coffee-infused coconut ice cream sundae.
Intrigued by the local “sim berries,” or rose myrtle, which we’d seen on menus, we explored their presence in both drinks and dishes. We sampled a highball made with Sông Cái Spiced Roselle flavoured Gin, a unique Vietnamese spirit that offered an intriguing, almost medicinal flavour. The rose myrtle also graced our artfully presented Rose Myrtle & Mantis Shrimp Salad, a surprisingly flavourful dish featuring the intriguing mantis shrimp, which I discovered later has the fastest punch in the animal kingdom, using it to hunt its prey. We also relished a refreshing Pomelo & Mango Salad with beautifully butterflied prawns. The Bun Quay Fresh Rice Noodles, with its savoury squid, shrimp, and fish paste, was a satisfying taste of local flavours. To conclude our meal on a sweet note, we indulged in a tropical fruit pavlova, a delightful take on Monica’s native Australian classic.
Family Feast at The Hub
Evenings at The Hub transform with a different cuisine celebrated nightly. During our visit, it was Vietnamese, much to Monica’s delight, given her love for its fresh, light flavours. Senior Chef de Cuisine Truon Phung graciously guided us through an array of authentic Vietnamese dishes from various regions of the country. From savoury pancakes and fresh spring rolls to “broken” rice dishes, pho, and noodles, there was something to satisfy every palate. Even the youngest guests had their dedicated table featuring mini-burgers, French fries, hot dogs, and fish balls. Chef Phung (affectionately known as Chef Trevor) mentioned that the previous evening had showcased Korean cuisine.
We were also intrigued to learn that the resort’s owners, Sun Group, operate the “Sun Kraft Beer” craft brewery on the island. We happily sampled a few of their beers on tap at The Hub while enjoying a live band performance. Other guests embraced the lively atmosphere, engaging in games of ten-pin bowling and pool. For a complete experience, ask about the available free-flow and dining packages at the front desk or with staff at The Hub.
Kiss of the Sea Show: An Ocean Spectacle Unleashed
The “Kiss of the Sea” show in Phu Quoc delivers a truly world-class multimedia experience. Staged on the world’s largest sea-based outdoor amphitheatre in Sunset Town, this impressive production by French company ECA2 combines cutting-edge technology with captivating live performances. Audiences are immersed in a dynamic interplay of water, fire, laser, light, music, and stunning 3D mapping, all woven into an engaging, fantastical storyline about love and protecting the universe. Adding to its appeal, especially for Malaysian readers, is the fact that the Artistic Director and Head of Show Operations for Kiss of the Sea and other Sun Group parks is a Malaysian named Llew Marsh – a fitting connection, given that around 100 Malaysians currently attend every evening!
The highlight of the show is undoubtedly its grand finale, featuring an incredible, high-altitude fireworks display that lights up the Phu Quoc night sky. With over 100 unique pyrotechnic effects choreographed to iconic music, it creates an unforgettable, almost celebratory atmosphere that leaves viewers in awe. “Kiss of the Sea” has quickly become a must-see attraction on the island, praised by visitors for its multi-sensory impact and ability to create goosebump-inducing moments. A free double-decker shuttle bus, playing lively party tunes, provides convenient transport to and from the show, with New World Phu Quoc resort guests enjoying complimentary and swift entry via facial recognition.
Stay Like a Pro: Savvy Tips for Smart Travellers
For convenient access to the main facilities and beach at New World Phu Quoc Resort, guests should consider booking Deluxe Pool Villas or Premium Pool Villas, particularly those in ranges 900-940, 839-842, and 855-859, other equally luxurious villas might require buggy transfers for guests with young children or those with limited mobility.
The Kiss of the Sea Show’s impressive projection effects rely on a fine seawater spray, so we recommend sitting towards the back or bringing a rain poncho to stay dry. For thrill-seekers, head to the “splash zone” at the very front to immerse yourself in the show!
If the bustling main dining room feels too lively at breakfast, you’ll find plenty of quieter outdoor seating options. We discovered a delightful spot at the far end of the patio, near the pool area. The helpful staff are happy to provide a fan if you find it a little warm.
Should you forget your phone charger or adapter, the bedside clocks conveniently feature a USB socket on the back.
New World Phu Quoc Resort Review
New World Phu Quoc Resort offers a polished, villa-only escape on one of the island’s most beautiful beaches, Khem Beach. With private pools, lush gardens and a horizon-skimming lagoon, the property feels more like a serene seaside village than a traditional resort.
The experience is seamless from arrival, with thoughtful touches like airport transfers, well-planned family facilities, and easy access to local attractions. Dining is varied, service is warm, and the pace is slow enough to properly exhale. It’s a place that balances comfort with character — ideal for travellers looking to unwind without feeling disconnected.
Reasons to visit New World Phu Quoc Resort: visa-free travel; every villa boasts a private pool; The Bay Kitchen provides an astonishingly vast and high-quality breakfast experience with barista coffee; comprehensive family-friendly facilities, including a “Hub” with bowling, karaoke, and a kids’ water park, alongside free bikes for exploring the lush grounds; set on one of the prettiest beaches in Phu Quoc.
New World Phu Quoc Resort
Khem Beach, An Thoi Ward, Phu Quoc City,
Kien Giang Province, Vietnam
Link to New World Phu Quoc Resort on Google Maps
+84 297 371 6666 or +84 918 265 088
phuquoc.newworldhotels.com
www.facebook.com/newworldphuquocresortofficial
www.instagram.com/newworldphuquocresort
Find more recommendations for travel in Vietnam here and stay up-to-date on the latest luxury travel finds via The Yum List on Instagram and The Yum List on Facebook.
