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THE ASIA INTERVIEWS – Phu Quoc with kids

THE ASIA INTERVIEWS – Phu Quoc with kids

The Asia Interviews is a series of guest posts where fellow family travel bloggers talk about their best destination in Asia for family travel. TraveLynn Family hasn’t been everywhere, and we love hearing about the adventures of other families in Asia and being able to share them with you.

Political situations can change since this interview took place. Please check the GOV.UK Foreign travel advice before venturing to a country.

Melissa from Thrifty Family Travels chats about her best holiday destination in Asia for family travel – Phu Quoc, Vietnam. Have you thought about visiting Phu Quoc with kids?

This place sounds absolutely divine! Southeast Asia offers so many wonderful beaches, but it can be so difficult to track down the right one that works for young families. I reckon Thrifty Family Travels is on to a winner here!

Phu Quoc also features on our South Vietnam itinerary. The perfect place to wind down after temple and jungle exploring.

Phu Quoc - Vietnam beach with kids

1. Tell us a bit about yourselves. Where are you from and how often do you travel as a family? How old are your children?

We are Thrifty Family Travels which is made up of myself (Melissa), my partner Andy and our daughter Myla who is currently 6. Both Myla and I are born and breed Australians, however Andy is from New Zealand but has called Australia home for over 20 years.

We travel as often as we can around school and work both internationally and within our own country which is Australia and even our own local city of Brisbane.

Phu Quoc - Vietnam beach with kids

2. How many times have you travelled to Asia and why do you love travelling there?

I personally have been to Asia over 10 times, gosh maybe even over 20 times! Even Myla has been to Asia 5 times. Myla’s first international trip was to Thailand when she was 18 months old.

Given Asia, in particular SE Asia is so close to us in Australia it makes it an easy and cheap holiday destination. We also love the gorgeous beaches, the exotic culture and how friendly and welcoming the people are in SE Asia. Oh and the food – it is amazing!!!! We love Asian food.

3. Why is Phu Quoc your favourite destination?

Phu Quoc is one of our family favourites. We just love the stunning beaches here. The water is so calm and warm and crystal clear. We all just love lying around the beaches all day. Unlike other SE Asian beach destinations, it’s not crazy busy (yet!!) and I find there are not as many vendors trying to sell you things, so you can relax a lot more.

I love the fact that the water is calm so its super kid friendly. Andy and I can dine on the beach or have a few drinks and Myla can swim in the shallow water or build a sandcastle.

Once you have had enough of lying around, there are plenty of other beaches to explore, islands for snorkelling and little villages.

Phu Quoc with kids

4. What were your top 3 things to do in Phu Quoc with kids?

I have probably already mentioned them but swimming in the calm beaches, playing in the sand and visiting the friendly local people in the villages.

5. Where did you stay and do you recommend it?

We stayed at Viet Thanh Resort on Long Beach. They have fairly large bungalows and a few of them are right on the beach which is perfect for watching the kids play whilst you relax on the veranda. They are located on what I believe is the most beautiful part of long beach and the accommodation is basic and cheap.

Phu Quoc - Vietnam beach with kids

If you’re looking for a bit more luxury, check out Green Bay Resort.

6. What did Myla eat?

Well Myla loves rice, so she’s always good in Asia. There is all the usual western food if your kids are not into Asian food like sandwiches and chips. Myla loved the pancakes at Viet Thanh that she had for breakfast every morning.

Phu Quoc - Vietnam beach with kids

7. How did you get around Phu Quoc with kids?

We like to hire a motorbike, but there are plenty of taxi’s around too.

8. What is your top tip for  travelling to Phu Quoc with kids?

Book into one of the beach bungalows at Viet Thanh Resort – you will think you are in paradise!!!

My other tip is to get out and explore the island, there are so many gorgeous beaches and the little villages are awesome.

9. What item could you not have done without in Phu Quoc?

My swimmers! I lived in them.


Read more about Thrifty Family Travels on their website. You can also follow on Facebook and  Instagram

You may also like to read:
Best Thailand beaches for families
Things to do in Vietnam with kids
South Vietnam itinerary