Phu Quoc among CNN’s top five destinations to visit this fall

Phu Quoc's dry season starts in November. (Courtesy JW Marriott Emerald Bay Resort)

CNN has selected the top five up-and-coming Asia Pacific destinations to visit this fall, including Phu Quoc island off Vietnam’s southern province of Kien Giang.

According to CNN, for those planning their first trip to the Asia-Pacific region, major destinations usually top the list, such as Shanghai and Hong Kong (China), Tokyo (Japan) and Singapore.

These power-hitters promise international flights and easy infrastructure, making them logical entryways for travelers trekking around the world.

But with shoulder-season prices and better weather -- cooler days in Southeast Asia and warmer temperatures Down Under -- fall is the perfect season to explore the region more deeply, it said, rounding up destinations across Asia-Pacific for the fall 2018.

Apart from Phu Quoc island, other destinations in the CNN list are Chengdu (China), Fukuoka (Japan), Jeju (Japan) and Perth (Australia).

“If you're dreaming of a beach getaway in Asia this fall, Phu Quoc in Vietnam should be a top contender. For starters, the dry season begins in November and runs till April,” CNN wrote on its website.

In addition, it's is just an hour from Ho Chi Minh City and offers a 30-day visa exemption policy for all foreign passports.

Formerly a prison island during French colonial times, Phu Quoc's photogenic setting and clear waters caught the attention of international brands like JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay, which debuted its Bill Bensley-designed resort late last year.

There's plenty to do aside from lounging and snorkeling around Ong Lang Beach.

The Phu Quoc Prison Museum offers a peek into the island's dark history while the Phu Quoc National Park and Suoi Tranh Waterfall will spoil nature lovers.

“As for the food, this island is famous for its fish sauce, so don't miss every chance to try it -- which shouldn't be hard, seeing as it's a main ingredient of most Vietnamese dishes,” the channel said.

VNA