Potato Queen travel and lifestyle: Phú Quốc, Vietnam: Itinerary and Budget (travel with baby)

We meet again, readers!

In a blink of an eye 2024 is coming to an end! Lots of changes happened to us since the arrival of our baby boy last Boxing Day. I'm still adjusting to my mom life. Having a child wasn't part of the plan but after 10 years of marriage and honeymoon phase we decided to have one. Little Gabriel is such a blessing.

Our little adventure this time around is so different. Many things have to consider for the sake of the baby such as food, diapers, nap time etc. So our travel plan is no plan in other words it has to be flexible. Wake up then only decide where to go and visit one place per day. Be prepared to return to hotel anytime when the baby gets tired and agitated.

Phu Quoc is not really well known among Malaysians although the entire island is very tourist eccentric. But it is well known amongst Koreans. Everywhere you turn will surely hear Koreans. Can't escape them. You can also see for yourself that the attractions are "trying too hard". No offense but this is just based on my experience. If you are looking for authentic Vietnamese culture Phu Quoc might not be for you.

It's a really fun place for kids though. There's a safari, Disney-like themepark, waterpark which included when you ride the longest cable car in the world, gondola rides at Venice replica town, Positano replica town which is truly gorgeous, kissing bridge, teddy bear museum, starfish beach and even a casino.

This spontaneous trip was to prepare our baby Gabriel for a long haul flight on January next year so you can say it's just a trial run trip. However we returned from Phu Quoc with our hearts full. We simply can't get enough of Phu Quoc and hoping to return as there are so much activities to do and places to see. Hubby said the next time we go there he would like to stay in old town area where ambiance is more localized and authentic. Most importantly Vietnamese are the friendliest and most helpful people we have ever met. The only thing we dislike is the super hot weather.

ITINERARY

Day 1

8:05am PEN to KUL

9:10am Arrive KLIA2

2:30pm KUL to PHQ

3:40pm Arrived Phu Quoc

4:00pm Check in Novotel

6:00pm Dinner at Sonasea night market opposite hotel

Day 2

7:00am Wake up

8:30am Breakfast

10:20am Grab to sunset town

11:00am Cable car ride + Aquatopia

1:00pm Lunch

4:30pm Back to sunset town

6:00pm Back hotel + dinner

Day 3

8:00am Wake up

9:00am Breakfast

10:30am VinBus to Vinpearl Safari

11:50am Arrived Safari

1:00pm Lunch with giraffes

4:30pm Grandworld

7:00pm Back hotel + dinner

Day 4

8:00am Wake up

9:00am Breakfast

2:00pm Grab to temple

2:30pm Arrived Chùa Hộ Quốc

4:30pm Back hotel + beach walk

7:00pm Dinner

Day 5

11:30am Free shuttle to airport by Novotel

2:05pm PHQ to KUL

7:10pm KUL to PEN

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TEMPERATURE

Phu Quoc is hot and humid all year round. Avoid monsoon season from May - October. We went at the end of October around Deepavali and did not had a single drop of rain.

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EXCHANGE RATE

As in November 2024

VNĐ10 000 = RM1.75

Cash is widely preferred here

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BUDGET

Below are costs for 2 persons (not including food) otherwise stated. Everything is free for babies under 2 including flights. Vietnam is a well known budget friendly country so we don't really care about spending this time.

Flight

Air Asia

PEN - KUL - PHQ

Flight + baggage + tax&fuel = about RM3.5k (2 Pax + baby on lap)

Tips: Try to book front row when travelling with infant. It just cost a little extra.

Accomodation

There are so many choices of accommodation in Phu Quoc. Prices are so competitive and affordable hence we splurged on a villa. Pool villas are also available here.

Novotel Phu Quoc Resort (Deluxe bungalow 4 nights) = RM2205.90

Transportation

The green Vin bus is FREE. Do check out their stops and you can just hop on hop off. As for the rest of the trips we used Grab. Even when there's no internet connection, you can easily encounter grab drivers asking if you need their service. As I said, this island revolves around tourists so don't worry about not getting any transport. This bus is one of the reasons we chose Novotel.

Food

We didn't really count our budget for food this time. Whenever we wanna have lobster or pho we just order as we wish. Their local fried rice, congee and fried noodles are huge in portion. No matter how much you eat the seafood here is far cheaper than in Malaysia. Even when we had lobster, lala, scallop, squid etc for dinner the bill only total up RM200+.