Zlata Ognevich's Disappointing Vacation on Phu Quoc
Ukrainian singer Zlata Ognevich has voiced her dissatisfaction with a trip to Vietnam's Phu Quoc Island, citing an overwhelming presence of Russian tourists and severe ocean pollution from litter. She shared her experience on the social network Threads, stating that the sight of trash in the ocean caused her physical pain and shame for humanity. Ognevich strongly advised against visiting the island, quoting,
"I do not recommend Phu Quoc Island at all"due to its current state, which left her with bitter impressions. Her comments highlight a growing tension in Southeast Asian tourism, where popular destinations often struggle to balance visitor numbers with environmental sustainability.
Tourism Conditions and Environmental Concerns
The singer noted that the large number of citizens from the Russian Federation on Phu Quoc further detracted from her enjoyment. She pointed out that despite the existence of good beach clubs and hotels, her overall impression of the resort was negative. She specifically mentioned the Vinpearl complex, calling it a "ghost town" and a "facade." However, Ognevich did acknowledge that other areas in the vicinity offered worthwhile attractions, such as:
- the city of Hue
- a safari park
- the cable car to Hon Thom Island
The singer remains actively engaged in environmental advocacy, urging others to sort their waste. She expressed a belief that Vietnam could undergo significant transformation in the next decade due to the pressures of mass tourism.
Zlata Ognevich's experience on Phu Quoc underscores the critical importance of environmental awareness and responsible travel. Pollution and overtourism can severely damage the ecosystems of popular destinations, a concern becoming increasingly urgent globally. By calling for action to improve the situation, she hopes to inspire other tourists to consider the environmental impact of their travels on local communities and nature.