One of the world's cheapest holiday destinations reveals £1.5billion airport expansion with phoenix-shaped terminal
The Phu Quoc International Airport, which serves a small island off the coast of Cambodia, is getting a billion pound upgrade - and it looks like a mythological phoenix.
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The airport works will be carried out in two phases, with the first set to be complete by 2030.
In the next five years, Phu Quoc International Airport should be able to accommodate up to 18 million passengers per year.
This is over four times its current capacity of four million.
By 2050, when the second phase is set to be complete, the airport is expected to handle up to 50 million passengers per year.
According to Vietnam Plus, the first stage will cost 26.57 trillion VND (over £756million) and the second will be an additional 25.79 trillion VND (£750million).
The airport is being designed by Singapore -based CPG Airport Consultants, and the unique shape of the terminal is intentional.
It's inspired by a phoenix spreading its wings, symbolising "national pride and prestige", according to Vietnam Plus.
In addition to the existing runway, a second runway will be constructed.
The two runways will be over 3,000 metres each, and will mean that wider aircraft used for long-haul flights from Europe and the US will be able to land on the island.
Inside, the designs for the terminal reveal a light and airy space.
I left the UK & moved to the cheapest country in the world - rent is £432 a month, petrol AND lunch is £1 & beer is 40p
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And it will be kitted out with a shopping centre as well as modern technology from remote check-in to automated baggage sorting, and biometric identification.
With all of this, the entry and exit times are set to be reduced to 15–30 seconds per person.
There will also be changes in the surrounding areas with major roads being built and expanded to accommodate for expected traffic.
Last year, Vietnam was named as being the most affordable place to live in the world for the fourth year in a row, according to the Expat Insider survey.
One Sun Travel writer travelled to Hoi An in Vietnam where he discovered bargain beers for as little as 30p.
Phu Quoc is an island off the coast of the mainland and has been given two affectionate nicknames because of its natural beauty.
The first being 'Pearl Island' because of its white sandy beaches, and 'the Venice of Vietnam' thanks to its narrow lanes and colourful shops fronts.
In 2024, Phu Quoc was named the World's Leading Nature Island Destination by the World Travel Awards.
And in July of 2024, the island was voted world's second most beautiful island by Travel+Leisure.
Here's more on the exotic beach town crowned 'cheapest destination' for Brits.
And one couple even upped sticks and decided to move to the destination.
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