Phu Quoc beach among Asia's best for summer escape

Sao Beach on the southern tip of Phu Quoc. Photo by ShutterstockSoutheast Asian travel firm Tripzilla has listed Sao Beach off the southern island of Phu Quoc as one of Asia's 15 best beaches for summer vacation.

Located around 25 km from downtown Phu Quoc, Sao Beach features 7 km of white sand along Phu Quoc's southern tip.

"It tends to get crowded during the peak season, but you can still find quiet spots to relax at the south and north ends of the beach. Most visitors are drawn to the center of the beach which holds many water sports facilities and eateries," said Tripzilla, travel media and technology company.

The ideal time to visit the beach is between November and March with temperatures ranging from 25 to 28 degrees Celsius.

"Sao" is Vietnamese for star. According to locals, the beach got its name as in the past thousands of starfish could be seen along the white sand every night at sunset.

Phu Quoc, dubbed "pearl island," became a global destination after getting an international airport in 2012 and allowing 30-day visa-free entry for foreigners in 2014.