Planning a trip to Phu Quoc but unsure where to start? Wondering where to stay, what to eat, how to get around, or what activities to do? Don't worry because everything has been compiled by Mytour in the article 'Expert Tips for Family Travel in Phu Quoc' below. Don't miss out on this article for a smooth journey for you and your family on the Pearl Island!
1. About Phu Quoc - Southern Paradise of Vietnam
Nestled in the Gulf of Thailand, Phu Quoc is a beautiful island in Kien Giang province. This island has long been famous among domestic and international tourists. It boasts pristine natural beauty with emerald waters and immaculate white sandy beaches that have captivated countless travelers.
When visiting Phu Quoc, you'll be mesmerized by the stunning sunsets over the sea. Photo: Collection
Additionally, the 99 mountains, hills, and abundant primeval forests also add to the allure of this place. When you come to Phu Quoc, you'll have the chance to visit peaceful islands, experience exciting outdoor activities like night squid fishing, snorkeling to see coral reefs, turtle egg hatching, stargazing, and of course, indulge in exquisite seafood feasts.
Perhaps that's why this place is dubbed the resort paradise of Vietnam. It's truly an enticing destination, isn't it? So why wait? Let's continue to explore the detailed family travel tips for Phu Quoc below!
2. Best Time to Visit Phu Quoc
Phu Quoc is completely surrounded by the sea and nestled deep within the Gulf of Thailand, making the weather quite pleasant. There are two distinct seasons on this island:
☀ Phu Quoc Dry Season: starting from November to April the following year. This is considered the 'golden time' to visit Phu Quoc because of the beautiful sunny weather, calm and clear seas, and minimal rainfall.
☁ Phu Quoc Rainy Season: lasts from May to October, with peak rainfall occurring in September and October. During this time, the beaches on the east side of the island may not be as calm, while the west coast areas might experience large waves and rough seas. Therefore, if planning a trip to Phu Quoc during this time, travelers should arrange their itinerary to visit the Northern islands like Rach Vem, Ganh Dau, etc., or spend time exploring the Southern islands with Bai Sao, An Thoi pier, Hoi Quoc pagoda, etc.
Visit Phu Quoc during the dry season to frolic in the crystal-clear waters. Photo: Collection
A small note for travelers visiting Phu Quoc in November is to check the weather forecast carefully before making plans. Because this month marks the transition between seasons, there may be unpredictable weather patterns. To avoid disrupting your travel itinerary, make sure to prepare necessary items and plan accordingly!
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3. What to Prepare for Family Travel to Phu Quoc?
Preparing for a Phu Quoc family trip requires careful consideration of essential items. However, depending on whether you are traveling as a couple, with elderly individuals, or young children, the items you need to bring along may vary.
3.1. Essential Personal Documents
These are the top priority items, especially if you're traveling to Phu Quoc by plane. You'll need to prepare essential personal documents such as passports or ID cards, driver's licenses, birth certificates for children, etc., to ensure smooth boarding, car rental, and check-in procedures.
3.2. Personal Grooming Items
➤ For young couples: The travel experience for young families in Phu Quoc suggests bringing plenty of fashionable clothes and accessories for Instagram-worthy photos. Don't forget swimwear, beach towels, sandals, and more to add a touch of glamour to your pictures.
Don't forget to bring along trendy maxi dresses for some 'picture-perfect' moments. Photo: Collection
➤ Travel Tips for Visiting Phu Quoc with Toddlers: For children under 5 years old, parents should pack short-sleeved clothes for the daytime and long-sleeved ones for the nighttime. More importantly, parents should bring along baby food as the child may not be accustomed to unfamiliar food, along with basic medicines, insect repellent,... Additionally, parents can bring along items specifically for the child such as toys, toothpaste, inflatable armbands (uninflated),...
➤ Travel Tips for Phu Quoc with Elderly Family Members: Travelers should also bring along basic and specialized medicines if the elderly accompanying them have underlying health conditions. To be more cautious, you should also bring along medical records in case of emergencies. Additionally, it's advisable to bring warm clothes for the evenings, hats/sun umbrellas,...
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4. Getting to Phu Quoc and Getting Around
4.1. Transportation Options to Phu Quoc
There are various ways to reach the Southern Pearl island. Depending on the number and age of family members as well as the distance, you can choose the most suitable transportation method to Phu Quoc:
➤ Travel Tips for Young Couples Visiting Phu Quoc: Being young and healthy, you have many options to choose from: sleeper buses, high-speed ferries, airplanes,...
➤ Tips for Traveling to Phu Quoc with Young Children, Elderly, and Pregnant Women: For these groups, you should choose airplanes as the means of transportation to Phu Quoc. The flight time is short, ensuring health and a smoother journey compared to boats, avoiding long periods of crying for the baby.
From Ho Chi Minh City, it only takes about 50 minutes to 1 hour flying through the sky to reach the Pearl Island. Photo: Collection
4.2. Transportation Options in Phu Quoc
Phu Quoc has well-planned roads, so whether traveling by public transport or renting a car for self-driving, it's very convenient. The three most popular modes of transportation here are:
➤ Taxi:
➤ Renting Motorbikes/ Cars for Self-Driving: If you want the freedom to explore various destinations, renting a vehicle is an exciting option. Many rental services offer pick-up and drop-off right at the airport, making it very convenient for you. Renting a motorbike costs around 100,000 - 200,000 VND/day, which is affordable and suitable for groups of two people.
For young couples, exploring Phu Quoc by motorbike is an unforgettable and exciting experience. Photo: Collection
➤ Phu Quoc Bus/ Vinpearl Bus: Another attractive mode of transportation is the bus. There are free bus services operating on fixed schedules, so if you're only traveling to popular destinations and not too far, you can use this type of transportation.
Explore famous spots in Phu Quoc with the complimentary Vinpearl bus route. Photo: Collection
5. Where Should Families Stay When Visiting Phu Quoc?
Depending on your preferences, budget, and itinerary, choose the most suitable accommodation. For example, if you enjoy experiential travel and exploration, opt for hotels or homestays in the center of Duong Dong town or along Tran Hung Dao street. Here, you'll have easy access to sightseeing spots and dining options. Some prominent hotels in this area include Hill Star Hotel, Leaf Hotel, Duong Dong Hotel, Halona Hotel, Phu Quoc Hotel, and more.
The luxurious charm of JW Marriott Emerald Bay Resort will captivate travelers from the moment they step into the lobby. Photo: Collection
If you prefer resort-style accommodations, a plethora of luxurious 5-star resorts are ready to serve you. Phu Quoc's resorts are typically located on serene beaches such as Bai Dai, Ong Lang, Ham Ninh, ensuring utmost tranquility. Some popular resorts include the Vinpearl chain (Vinpearl Golf Phu Quoc, VinOasis...), Fusion Resort Phu Quoc, Novotel Phu Quoc Resort, JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay, Movenpick Resort & Residence, and more.
Alternatively, you can choose from upscale hotels near the city center such as Golden Daisy Hotel, Cottage Village Resort, La Veranda Resort Phu Quoc, The Shell Resort & Spa, Seashells Phu Quoc, and others.
6. Where to Go When Traveling to Phu Quoc with Family
It's no exaggeration to call Phu Quoc a 'resort paradise' as it boasts numerous unique sightseeing and entertainment spots. Moreover, Phu Quoc can satisfy diverse preferences of travelers. For those who enjoy photography and virtual experiences, Phu Quoc offers an abundance of beautiful scenery to explore.
If you're traveling to Phu Quoc with young children, don't forget to take them to Vinpearl Safari to interact with adorable animals. Photo: Collection
For kids who love playing, Phu Quoc offers lively games and exciting amusement parks. Or for travelers who simply want to relax and unwind, the array of luxurious resorts will meet all your needs. Let Mytour introduce you to some of the most beloved destinations:
6.1. Beautiful Beaches You Must Visit When Traveling to Phu Quoc
✔ Long Beach, Phu Quoc: Known as the longest beach in Phu Quoc with a magnificent tourist complex. This beach attracts resort-loving travelers due to its numerous resorts nestled along the clear water. Accompanying the golden sandy beach is sparkling waves.
✔ Star Beach, Phu Quoc: This is renowned as a must-visit destination in Phu Quoc. Star Beach boasts its characteristic emerald clear water and smooth white sand.
✔ Ganh Dau Cape, Phu Quoc: This beach is a protruding landmass into the sea with rocky outcrops welcoming each wave. It possesses a pristine, tranquil, and serene beauty.
✔ Long Beach, Phu Quoc: When mentioning pristine white sand and crystal-clear water, Long Beach cannot be missed. Especially, witnessing the sunset at Long Beach Phu Quoc will be an unforgettable experience, so don't miss out!
Star Beach is one of the hottest beaches in Phu Quoc with its crystal-clear water and dreamy white sand. Photo: Collection
6.2. Family-Friendly Attractions in Phu Quoc
✔ Vinpearl Safari Zoo: According to family travel tips for Phu Quoc, this is an unmissable spot, especially for kids who love animals. It's a vast wild safari park covering an area of 380 hectares with over 3000 animals from 150 species.
✔ VinWonders Theme Park: At VinWonders, kids can enjoy unlimited fun with numerous modern attractions.
✔ Phu Quoc National Park: If you want your kids to immerse themselves in nature, breathe fresh air in the mountains and sea breeze, then Phu Quoc National Park is the place for your family. With diverse flora and fauna, kids can hike, swim, and explore.
Traveling to Phu Quoc with family, you can enjoy exploring lush zoos or national parks. Photo: Collection
6.3. Stunning Attractions to Visit and Check-In Phu Quoc with the Whole Family
✔ Grand World Phu Quoc: Surely, this is a must-visit destination if you're into shopping and living the virtual life. Grand World Phu Quoc is a complex of upscale shopping, entertainment, and resort outlets with international standard services.
✔ Namaste Coral Park Phu Quoc: Want some unique Instagrammable photos? Experience a 'walk under the sea' to admire coral at Namaste, designed to satisfy your wanderlust. You'll wander through the four most famous islets in Phu Quoc - Inside Cloud Withdrawal, Outside Cloud Withdrawal, What's Underneath, and Fingernail - for some unforgettable shots.
✔ Mediterranean Town Phu Quoc: Currently being whispered about by travel enthusiasts, this extremely hot spot is a project area of Sun Group located at the tip of Ong Bon, An Thoi town. Here, you'll feel like you're wandering in a seaside town in Europe because of the colorful, warm houses and unique architecture that are impossible to take your eyes off.
Mediterranean Town, romantic in the afternoon sun, is a poetic photography spot that couples shouldn't miss. Photo: Collection
6.4. Other Unique Tourist Destinations in Phu Quoc
✔ Phu Quoc Night Market: Take a family stroll through the bustling night market area of Phu Quoc, enjoy the local specialties, and shop for souvenirs here.
✔ Tranh Stream: Nature lovers shouldn't miss this destination. Tranh Stream boasts clean and cool water, and the pristine natural scenery will provide you with an unforgettable experience.
✔ Phu Quoc Prison: This is one of the historical sites that record the glorious history of our nation. Come here once to witness the most authentic scene of the arduous struggle and the indomitable spirit of the national heroes.
An Thoi Station - The station is inspired by medieval European structures. Photo: Collection
✔ Ham Ninh Fishing Village, Phu Quoc: To enjoy fresh seafood 'straight from the source' as well as experience the serene life of the locals, this is the destination for you.
✔ An Thoi Station - Hon Thom Cable Car: Here, you'll check-in with the unique architectural structure at An Thoi Station and ride on the longest sea-crossing cable car in the world.
✔ Ho Quoc Pagoda: This is a majestic structure nestled amidst the mountains and facing the sacred water.
✔ Other places: Sunset Sanato Beach Bar, Fish Sauce Production House, Dinh Cau, Ocsen Beach Bar & Club Phu Quoc,...
7. What to eat when traveling to Phu Quoc with family
With its seafood advantage, Phu Quoc is considered a 'culinary paradise' with countless delicious eateries and diverse menus. From street vendors to upscale, luxurious restaurants, all are ready to serve tourists. According to Phu Quoc family travel experience, here are some dishes you shouldn't miss:
- Seafood dishes: You can choose steamed or grilled seafood to enjoy the freshness of various types of seafood here. Try shrimp, crab, oysters, mantis shrimp, and more.
- Phu Quoc Stir-Fried Noodles: Although originating from the bun tom (shrimp noodles) of Binh Dinh, when in Phu Quoc, Phu Quoc Stir-Fried Noodles have been adapted and widely accepted by the locals. This dish is delicious due to its delicious sweet broth served with self-made dipping sauce with a characteristic red-orange color.
- Local specialties you should try: Crab fried rice, grilled squids with chili salt, ken noodle soup, grilled barramundi, tuna noodle soup, beef in hot pot, sea snails, coconut worm cake, and more.
However, according to Mytour's experience of traveling to Phu Quoc with young children, tourists should also be cautious when choosing restaurants. Because children's stomachs may be sensitive and unfamiliar with exotic dishes.
Phu Quoc Stir-Fried Noodles is one of the specialties of Phu Quoc that you shouldn't forget to taste when you visit here. Photo: Collection
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8. Some Phu Quoc Family Travel Itineraries for Reference
Typically, to fully explore the beautiful Pearl Island, tourists will spend about 4 to 5 days here. Therefore, Mytour will suggest 2 of the most popular Phu Quoc family travel itineraries for you:
8.1. Phu Quoc 4 Days 3 Nights Travel Itinerary
- Day 1: Visit Ham Ninh Village - Tranh Stream - Pepper Garden - Sunset at Dinh Cau - Night Market
- Day 2: VinWonder Phu Quoc and Vinpearl Safari Phu Quoc
- Day 3: Join the 4-island tour in Phu Quoc for fishing and snorkeling experience
- Day 4: Visit the fish sauce factories, sim wine production facility, and Phu Quoc Prison.
8.2. Phu Quoc 5 Days 4 Nights Travel Itinerary
- Day 1: Mediterranean Village - Ho Quoc Pagoda - Tranh Stream - Ham Ninh Fishing Village - Dinh Cau
- Day 2: Phu Quoc National Park - Ganh Dau - Long Beach
- Day 3: Phu Quoc family 4-island tour - Hon Thom Cable Car
- Day 4: Vinpearl Safari Phu Quoc - VinWonders
- Day 5: Bai Truong, Phu Quoc Prison, Bai Sao
9. Some Frequently Asked Questions about Phu Quoc Family Travel Experience
9.1. Is it better to travel to Phu Quoc with family independently or on a tour?
Traveling to Phu Quoc independently or on a tour both have their own interesting aspects. Depending on the purpose, preferences, or characteristics of the members, you can choose what suits you best.
➤ Traveling to Phu Quoc on a tour: According to Mytour's Phu Quoc family travel experience, going on a tour is very suitable for family groups. Especially if you have young children or elderly members in your family, using a tour is recommended. Because you won't need to worry about planning, scheduling, or preparing for the trip... Everything will be taken care of by the service provider. You just need to prioritize choosing resort tours or family travel tours in Phu Quoc.
➤ Traveling to Phu Quoc independently: If you enjoy exploring and prefer a flexible schedule, you can choose to travel independently. You can save time and money by hunting for Phu Quoc travel package deals including flights and hotels.
If you travel to Phu Quoc with your family, then the travel combo is a significant time and cost-saving option. Photo: Collected
9.2. How much does it cost to travel to Phu Quoc?
The cost varies depending on the type of travel you choose. Typically, the cost for a 3-day, 2-night independent trip to Phu Quoc, including hotel stays, is around 6,500,000 VND per person (including airfare). If you add a tour to visit 4 islands or an 'underwater walking tour,' the price may be higher, around 7,500,000 VND per person.
If you go independently and stay at a resort, the prices will usually be higher because you won't be able to find good hotel deals like travel agencies. Therefore, if you intend to go on a resort vacation with your family, you should choose a tour or buy a combo to save costs.
9.3. Key Considerations for Family Travel to Phu Quoc
From Mytour's family travel experience in Phu Quoc, here are some key points to ensure a complete trip:
✎ Everyone in the family should agree on the timing, itinerary, accommodation, transportation, etc., before booking.
✎ Refer to reviews and feedback about attractions, resorts, and dining options for a better experience.
✎ Prepare essentials such as cash, personal items, camera/phone, medical supplies, and necessary documents.
✎ If you choose to rent a car in Phu Quoc, ensure to fill up the gas tank to avoid running out of fuel on the way.
When traveling to Phu Quoc with family, remember to pack all necessary items for everyone, especially for children and the elderly. Photo: Collection
With the family travel experiences in Phu Quoc shared by Mytour, may you have a perfect trip. For any further questions or concerns, don't hesitate to contact Mytour. Our staff are ready to assist you. If you wish to book a family tour to Phu Quoc or affordable Phu Quoc travel packages, contact Mytour for detailed advice. Wishing you a memorable journey exploring the Pearl Island!