Vietnam’s jewel in the Gulf of Thailand is undergoing a dramatic transformation that could redefine eco-tourism in Southeast Asia. Phu Quoc’s ambitious plan to eliminate all petrol and diesel vehicles is just one part of a grand vision to become one of the world’s greenest destinations by 2030. As someone who’s visited the island four times in the past decade, I’ve witnessed its meteoric rise firsthand—but is this latest eco-makeover the island’s most ambitious reinvention yet?
The first time I visited Phu Quoc back in 2015, I rented a spluttering Honda scooter that belched smoke as I navigated the island’s dusty, potholed roads. Fast forward to my most recent trip last autumn, and I found myself dodging a surprising number of shiny SUVs and tour buses clogging the now-paved main arteries. It seems the Vietnamese government has also noticed this dramatic shift—and decided it’s time for a dramatic course correction.
In a move that would have seemed utterly fantastical just a few years ago, Vietnam’s government has directed Phu Quoc to phase out all petrol and diesel-powered vehicles, aiming to transform this rapidly developing island into “one of the islands with the best environment in the world.” Having spent countless hours traversing the island’s once-quiet roads that are now increasingly congested, I can only say: it’s about bloody time.
From Sleepy Backwater to Eco-Pioneer
“It’s like they’re trying to build the Bali of Vietnam, but without making the same mistakes,” remarked an Australian traveller I met at a beachside café in Duong Dong last year. We were watching yet another multi-storey hotel complex being constructed along what was once an uninterrupted stretch of pristine beach. Now, it seems the government is acknowledging that unbridled development comes at a cost.
Vietnamese authorities have instructed the island to preserve its “core values” like eco-tourism and world-class hospitality—values that some might argue have been somewhat compromised by the recent construction boom. As someone who’s seen the transformation from sleepy fishing villages to bustling tourist hotspots, I’ve often wondered if Phu Quoc might be at risk of killing the golden goose by overdeveloping.
Aerial view of Phu Quoc showing development alongside natural forests
The island’s new green mandate isn’t merely cosmetic. It’s part of a comprehensive plan that includes “digital transformation” by 2027 and complete “green transformation” by 2030. That means not just electric vehicles, but also sustainable water management, forest conservation, and energy-efficient infrastructure.
What makes this particularly noteworthy is that it’s happening on an island that still struggles with basic infrastructure like consistent electricity and waste management. During my last stay, power outages were still a regular occurrence, and plastic waste remains a visible problem on some of the less-maintained beaches.
The APEC Catalyst
So what’s driving this sudden eco-awakening? While environmental concerns are certainly valid, there’s a more immediate motivator: Phu Quoc has been selected to host the 2027 APEC Summit, an event the government describes as a “golden opportunity” to accelerate development and showcase Vietnam to the world.
Nothing motivates infrastructure improvements quite like international scrutiny, does it? I’ve seen similar patterns across Southeast Asia, where major international events spark rapid modernisation efforts. The cynical part of me wonders if the vehicles ban would be happening without APEC looming on the horizon.
That said, the government seems to be taking a surprisingly long view. Deputy PM Dung has insisted that planning should look not just to 2030, but 100 years into the future, with the ambition of making Phu Quoc “comparable to famous destinations such as Bali and Phuket.” Having visited all three, I can confidently say Phu Quoc has the natural beauty to compete, but currently lacks the infrastructure finesse of its more established rivals.
What Travellers Can Expect
Let’s get to what matters most to visitors planning a trip to Phu Quoc: what will these changes mean for you?
In the short term, probably not much. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and transitioning an entire island’s transport system will take years. But if you’re planning to visit after 2027, you might find yourself zipping around in electric taxis or tuk-tuks, hiring electric scooters instead of petrol ones, and potentially enjoying cleaner air and quieter streets.
The island is divided into two distinct regions, with the developed southern portion home to most large resorts and attractions, while the northern half remains relatively undeveloped with national park covering much of the area. This development dichotomy might actually work in favour of the green transition—new infrastructure can be built with sustainability in mind in the south, while the northern wilderness can be better preserved.
For context, Phu Quoc isn’t tiny—at nearly 600 square kilometers, it’s Vietnam’s largest island. During my visits, I’ve found that having some form of transport is essential for exploring beyond your immediate area, so an efficient electric transport network would be a genuine game-changer for tourists.
The Reality Check
While the vision is undeniably appealing, I feel obliged to offer a reality check based on my experiences in Vietnam. Government announcements and on-the-ground implementation can sometimes be very different things.
When I first read about the plan to eliminate petrol vehicles, I immediately thought of the practical challenges:
- Charging infrastructure: As of my last visit, Phu Quoc’s electrical grid was still unreliable in parts of the island. Building a robust charging network will require significant investment.
- Vehicle replacement costs: Who will bear the cost of replacing thousands of motorbikes, cars, and buses? Will there be subsidies for locals, or is this an unfunded mandate?
- Tourism impact: Will tour operators and taxi services be able to afford the transition? Could this lead to higher prices for visitors?
- Implementation timeline: The plan calls for completion by 2030, but the details of the phase-out schedule remain unclear.
During a conversation with a local restaurant owner near Long Beach last year, he expressed concern about previous government initiatives that were announced with fanfare but implemented inconsistently. “Sometimes big plans come from Hanoi, but the reality here is different,” he told me as we watched the sunset over the Gulf of Thailand.
A Vision Worth Supporting
Despite the practical challenges, I find myself genuinely excited about Phu Quoc’s green ambitions. Having witnessed the rapid development of the island—from the massive Vinpearl resort complex in the north to the cable car connecting to Hon Thom island in the south—I’ve often worried about sustainability being sacrificed for quick tourism growth.
This initiative suggests a recognition that Phu Quoc’s greatest asset is its natural beauty. The archipelago encompasses 22 islands with vibrant marine ecosystems, lush forests, and some of the most beautiful beaches in Vietnam. Preserving these while developing infrastructure that allows visitors to enjoy them responsibly seems like the right balance to strike.
Aerial view of Phu Quoc’s clear waters and marine life for snorkelling
What This Means for Travellers
If you’re planning to visit Phu Quoc in the coming years, here’s what I’d suggest keeping in mind:
- Consider visiting during the transition: The next few years could offer an interesting perspective on a destination actively reinventing itself. You might witness both the challenges and innovations of a major sustainability shift.
- Seek out eco-conscious accommodations: Several resorts and hotels on the island are already moving toward sustainability with solar power, plastic reduction, and water conservation. Supporting these businesses sends a signal to the market.
- Be prepared for growing pains: As infrastructure changes, there might be disruptions or inconsistencies in service. Pack patience along with your swimwear.
- Explore beyond the southern tourist zone: Some of Phu Quoc’s most pristine areas are in the less-developed north. Bai Dai (Long Beach) still offers relatively quiet stretches, and the national park provides an escape from construction noise.
- Check transport options before booking: If you’re visiting before the transition is complete, research what transportation is available near your accommodation. Some areas are still poorly served by public transport.
Having spent countless hours traversing Phu Quoc on two wheels, I’m genuinely curious about what an all-electric island might feel like. Will the air be fresher? Will the beaches be cleaner? Will the island recapture some of the tranquillity that first made it special?
One thing’s certain—Phu Quoc’s bold green gambit has put it on my must-revisit list. I want to see if this paradise island can pull off what might be the most ambitious eco-transformation in Southeast Asia.
Have you visited Phu Quoc recently or are you planning a trip? I’d love to hear your thoughts on how these changes might affect your travel plans in the comments below.
