9 best things to do in Phu Quoc Vietnam with kids
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The tropical island of Phu Quoc, Vietnam is quickly becoming a must-visit destination for families travelling through South East Asia — and after spending several weeks here during our family gap year, it’s easy to see why. Yes, the long stretches of golden sand and turquoise sea are every bit as dreamy as the photos suggest, and I’ll admit that when we added Phu Quoc to our itinerary, the beach was very much the main draw. We pictured long lazy days, salty hair, and a string of picture-perfect sunsets.
But what surprised us almost immediately was just how many incredible things to do in Phu Quoc Vietnam with kids there actually are. Far from being just a beach destination, the island turned out to be a full-on playground — cable cars, waterparks, cooking classes, animal encounters, snorkelling trips, theme parks, hidden beaches… the list kept growing the longer we stayed.
In fact, there were moments when the boys actually asked for a rest from all the fun. (A rare family-travel problem if ever there was one.)
In this guide, we’re sharing the exact tours, activities, and days out we personally tested — what they cost, which ages they’re best for, and our honest thoughts as a travelling family. Whether you’re planning a week or a month on the island, these are the experiences that genuinely deserve a spot on your Phu Quoc itinerary.
Table of Contents
- Quick Picks: Best Things to Do in Phu Quoc for Families
- 1. Ride the scenic cable car to Aquatopia Waterpark
- 2. See the animals at Vinpearl Safari Park
- 3. Visit the stunning Khem Beach
- 4. Take an island-hopping snorkelling tour
- 5. Learn to cook Vietnamese food
- 6. Enjoy some family fun at Vinwonders Theme Park
- 7. Watch the sunset on the beach with a mocktail
- 8. Wander round the famous night market
- 9. Take a street food tour with a local guide
- Final thoughts on the best Phu Quoc family activities
- Want more family travel tips?
- ⭐ FAQ: Things to Do in Phu Quoc, Vietnam With Kids ⭐
Quick Picks: Best Things to Do in Phu Quoc for Families
Short on time or planning your itinerary?
Here are the absolute best family activities in Phu Quoc — based on what our boys loved most, what offered the best value, and what we’d 100% do again.
🏆 Best Overall Family Activity
Aquatopia Waterpark + Hon Thom Cable Car
Huge slides, amazing kids’ areas, and the world’s longest sea-crossing cable car.
👉 Book tickets here
👶 Best for Toddlers & Younger Kids
Vinpearl Safari Park
Gentle, stroller-friendly, and loads of animals up close.
👉 Reserve tickets here
🤿 Best for Adventure-Loving Kids (5+)
Island-Hopping Snorkelling Tour
Crystal-clear water and calm conditions — ideal for confident swimmers.
👉 Book your snorkelling trip
🍴 Best Cultural Experience for Families
Vietnamese Cooking Class with Troc
Hands-on, kid-friendly, and you’ll eat enough food for two meals.
👉 Join a cooking class here
🎢 Best for Mixed-Age Families
VinWonders Theme Park
Huge, varied, and perfect when you need a full day of entertainment.
👉 Get VinWonders tickets
🌴 Best Free Activity
Khem Beach
Quiet, stunning, and perfect for sandcastles and calmer waves.
🌅 Best Evening Activity
Sunset on Long Beach at Vida Loca Sunset Beach Resort
Mocktails + beach toys = happy kids and relaxed parents.
👉 Book a stay at Vida Loca Sunset Beach Resort
🍢 Best Foodie Activity
Phu Quoc Night Market OR Street Food Tour
Great for trying local dishes (with or without a guide).
👉 Book a street food tour
1. Ride the scenic cable car to Aquatopia Waterpark
We hit a LOT of waterparks during our travels around South East Asia with the boys. And this was without a doubt one of the very best.
It’s modern and well-designed and features quite a few waterslide designs that we haven’t encountered anywhere else. Which is always fun! There’s plenty for all ages of kids – older children and teens will love the thrill of the big waterslides – there’s 8 huge flumes plus several ‘racer’ type slides.
Younger kids can splash about to their heart’s content in Monkey Beach which has smaller slides, a climbing frame and several enormous buckets ready to dump water on your head at any moment.
But a massive part of a day out at Aquatopia is actually in the getting there. Based on Hon Thom Island, you get there by taking the world’s longest cable car which stretches out across the stunning aquamarine ocean below. Entry to the waterpark and the cable car are all rolled in to one admissions price.
We loved Aquatopia so much that we ended up going twice! This one gets top marks from the boys – they loved every second.
You can check out our full review of Aquatopia Waterpark Phu Quoc here for more in-depth info.
Click here to book your tickets to the most scenic waterpark in the world!
Best for ages: All. Teens and older kids have plenty to keep them entertained; toddlers will love Monkey Beach. And adults can enjoy the Lazy River 🙂
Cost: £30/US$40 for adults, £25/US$33 for kids (under 140cm). Children under 100cm are free.
Top parent tip: No zips at all are allowed on the slides, so make sure that rash vests and swimsuits don’t have these (as they WILL be checked before you ride).
2. See the animals at Vinpearl Safari Park
We’d been lucky enough to already see a LOT of animals in the wild during our family gap year. So I was a bit dubious about whether we really needed to take a day trip to a safari park to see more.
But the boys won the argument here – after all, for them, there’s no such thing as seeing too many animals. And to be honest I’m glad they pressed for a day out here as it really did exceed all my expectations.
The visitor experience here is really well thought-out. There’s big sections of the park to wander around where you can see monkeys, big cats, bears, otters, crocodiles, flamingos and so much more. Or you can hop on the little tram that runs around the park and drops off/picks up on the way. This is a lifesaver for later in the day when legs are getting a bit tired!
There’s also a section of the park where animals roam more freely in bigger enclosures. For this part you take a safari bus where you can view the animals from. The boys loved this area as there were several types of big cats (including lions and tigers).
Best of all, lunch at one of the on-site restaurants is included in the price of admission. We didn’t initially realise this so it was a very pleasant surprise!
You can read up on our full review of our day out at Vinpearl Safari Park here.
Book your tickets for Vinpearl Safari Park here
Best for ages: All – the trolley tram and the bus through the safari make it easy even for little legs
Cost: £22/US$29 for adults, £17/US$22.50 for kids under 12.
Top parent tip: If you want to visit both here and the Vinwonders Theme Park you can save cash by booking a combo ticket for both.
3. Visit the stunning Khem Beach
Whilst we might have spent a lot of time on Long Beach in Duong Dong (as this is definitely the easiest and most convenient beach for families in Phu Quoc), Khem Beach was the stunning stretch of sand that we all remember.
Located right down at the South of the island, you’ll either need your own transportation or you’ll need to book a Grab taxi to get here and back. It’s absolutely worth the effort though – this is the kind of paradise cove you’ve been dreaming of.
There’s not a huge amount here (which is part of the appeal) – it’s much quieter and more laidback than the stretch of beaches in and around Duong Dong. There’s loads of space for kids to build sandcastles and play in the surf though. Plus there’s a nice area shaded by palm trees where you can chill out if the sun gets a bit much.
The water here is gorgeous and the waves were really calm when we visited. We saw far less plastic here than on the beaches around Duong Dong too.
Check out the exact location of Khem Beach on Google Maps here
Best for ages: All, although be aware that there are not many facilities here such as toilets/places to eat.
Cost: Free!
Top parent tip: Aim to arrive either early in the morning or in the evening to avoid the heat – otherwise it’s a long, hot beach day.
4. Take an island-hopping snorkelling tour
One of the absolute highlights of our time in Phu Quoc was getting out onto the water for an island-hopping snorkelling tour. The colour of the sea around the An Thoi archipelago is unreal — that brilliant emerald-green shade that looks filtered in photos, except it isn’t. The boys announced within the first five minutes that it was the “clearest water we’ve seen anywhere in Vietnam,” and honestly, they weren’t wrong.
Our tour included several snorkelling stops, each with slightly different coral and fish to spot. The kids loved the sense of adventure — swimming over giant coral formations, spotting clownfish, and trying to dive down to get a closer look at the sea urchins (which gave me heart palpitations, but they were in their element!).
Even if you’re not a confident swimmer, the guides provide life jackets, rings, and plenty of patient help getting in and out of the boat. The pace is relaxed, and there are lots of chances to sit back on deck, eat fresh fruit, and soak in those dreamy island views.
If your kids enjoy being in the water, this is easily one of the best things to do in Phu Quoc — and one of the activities our boys still talk about months later.
Snorkel in the emerald waters off Phu Quoc – book your boat trip now
Best for ages: 5+ and confident swimmers to make the most of it (most operators specify a minimum age of 4)
Cost: £40-£45/US$53-60 for adults and £30-35/US$40-46 for kids under 10 (depending on boat type and inclusions)
Top parent tip: Bring your own kids’ snorkel masks if you can — the boat-provided ones are fine, but having a mask that your child is already comfortable with makes the whole day smoother.
5. Learn to cook Vietnamese food
Want to immerse yourself in Vietnamese culture AND get to scoff some delicious food at the same time? Then this is absolutely the activity for you.
For so many people – including us – the food is a massive part of the appeal of a visit to Vietnam. And taking a cooking class is a fab opportunity to learn some of the dishes so you can take a taste of Vietnam home with you.
Troc is a truly wonderful teacher and was so great with the kids. The Bún thịt nướng noodle salad that we learnt to make here is now a staple in our house, and the kids still help to make it. We also learnt how to make traditional spring rolls, caramelized pork, Vietnamese pancakes AND a banana fritter dessert.
There are also specialist Pho masterclasses and vegetarian menu options too. The whole class lasted around 4-hours; it was just our family of four at our class so it was great value for essentially a private session.
And best of all we got to eat it all! Though there was SO MUCH food that actually we took loads of it home – it fed us for another two meals.
Best for ages: 5+. Youngers kids may struggle to join in with all the cooking.
Cost: £34/US$45 per person
Top parent tip: Don’t plan on a separate evening meal. You get to take home all the food you don’t eat during the class – which is a lot!
6. Enjoy some family fun at Vinwonders Theme Park
If your kids love theme parks, then VinWonders Phu Quoc will be an absolute hit. It’s the largest theme park in Vietnam, and honestly, you could spend an entire day here and still not manage to do everything. We originally thought we’d stay a couple of hours — but the boys were still dragging us from ride to ride long after we’d run out of energy.
The park is split into themed zones, with everything from gentle rides for younger kids to full-on adrenaline attractions for thrill-seeking teens. Our two made a beeline for the waterpark as soon as they spotted it, and I swear their eyes almost popped out of their heads when they saw the size of some of the slides. The wave pool was another big hit — especially when they realised the waves came in much stronger bursts than they expected!
The only thing to watch out for is the weight and height restrictions on certain waterpark rides. A lot of the bigger slides require a minimum 60kg rider weight (and yes, they are strict about checking). But don’t worry — there’s still loads for lighter kids to enjoy.
If you’re travelling with kids of different ages, this is one of those brilliant all-rounder days out where everyone finds something they love.
Book your VinWonders Theme Park tickets here and enjoy a full family day out
Best for ages: All ages will find something fun here, though thrill-seekers will get the most variety
Cost: £32/US$42 for adults and £25/US$33 for kids aged 2-12years
Top parent tip: Arrive early, head straight for the waterpark before it gets busy, and leave the indoor attractions for the hottest part of the day.
7. Watch the sunset on the beach with a mocktail
There are few better ways to end a day in Phu Quoc than on the beach, watching yet another dramatic sunset melt into the horizon. After full days at the waterpark or out snorkelling, we loved heading straight to Vida Loca Sunset Beach — a place that quickly became our go-to evening spot.
The setup is perfect for families: adults can relax with a cocktail or cold beer, while the kids sip on fresh juice or a mocktail and immediately disappear into the sand with the stash of beach toys provided for free. It felt like the best kind of holiday magic — kids happily occupied and parents actually getting a moment to sit back and breathe.
Our boys spent countless evenings swimming right up until dusk, racing in and out of the waves, and taking turns on the big wooden swing over the beach (which also doubles as a fantastic photo op). If you’re staying at Vida Loca, you also get access to their beautiful infinity pool overlooking the sea — the perfect spot for a pre-dinner dip.
The whole vibe is relaxed, easy, and family-friendly in a way that instantly makes you slow down and appreciate where you are. This became one of those simple daily rituals we looked forward to so much.
Book a stay at Vida Loca Sunset Beach here to enjoy the best sunsets on the island
Best for ages: All ages
Cost: Free to visit; drinks typically £2–£3/US$3–$4
Top parent tip: Go during Happy Hour for 2-for-1 drinks — and arrive slightly before sunset to grab the front-row seats closest to the water.
8. Wander round the famous night market
The Phu Quoc Night Market is one of those places that completely comes alive after dark — colourful lights, sizzling grills, the smell of seafood and sugar cane juice, and stall after stall selling everything from souvenirs to coconut ice cream. It’s busy, chaotic, and a little overwhelming at first… but it’s also one of the best places to let kids experience the fun side of Vietnamese street culture.
Our boys loved wandering from stall to stall picking out snacks to try (the coconut ice cream served in a coconut shell was a firm favourite). They also enjoyed pointing out the slightly… unusual seafood on display — some of which made them stare wide-eyed before declaring, “Nope, definitely not trying that!”
Even if you don’t buy anything, it’s a great evening activity. Families can stroll, taste-test, people-watch, and soak in the buzzing atmosphere. If you’ve been at the beach all day and want something low-effort with lots of sensory excitement, this is a perfect option.
Check out the exact location of the night market on Google Maps here
Best for ages: 4+, although younger kids may find the crowds intense
Cost: Free to enter (street food typically £1–£3 / US$1–$4 per item)
Top parent tip: Go earlier in the evening (around 6pm) before it gets too crowded — and bring tissues or wet wipes for sticky post-snack hands.
9. Take a street food tour with a local guide
One of our absolute favourite activities we did in Vietnam was a street food tour. The local guides are brilliant and really add to the whole experience of trying new dishes.
The street food tour in Phu Quoc takes you to local restaurants to try special seafood dishes, then heads out to the streets so you can try to best Banh Mi, chicken skewers and coconut ice-cream (amongst other tasty bits and pieces too along the way).
This is also an opportunity to visit the night market with a guide in tow to point out where the best stalls are (and which to avoid!).
The guides though will talk you through more than just the food – they’re full of info on the history of Phu Quoc and Vietnam too. So you get a bonus history lesson while you’re also sampling all that delicious food!
To find the best street food in Phu Quoc, book your tour here
Best for ages: 7+
Cost: £35/US$46 for adults and £21/US$28 for kids (4-9years).
Top parent tip: There’s not that much walking involved but the tour doesn’t start until 7pm so it’s a late night for younger kids.
Final thoughts on the best Phu Quoc family activities
Phu Quoc turned out to be one of those rare destinations that genuinely works for every type of travelling family — beach lovers, thrill-seekers, foodies, wildlife enthusiasts, even kids who “don’t like walking.” What started as a simple beach stop on our family gap year quickly became one of the most activity-packed places we visited in all of Vietnam.
From cable-car adventures and waterslides to cooking classes, sunsets on the sand and night markets buzzing with energy, our days here always felt full — in the best possible way. And if you’re planning your own family trip, these are the activities that truly stood out for us, the ones our boys still talk about, and the ones we confidently recommend to other parents.
If you’re ready to start planning your own unforgettable Phu Quoc itinerary, here are the tours and activities we loved most:
Our Top Recommended Phu Quoc Tours for Families
👉 Aquatopia Waterpark & Cable Car Tickets
Perfect for all ages, and the cable car alone is worth the trip.
Book your family’s tickets here
👉 Vinpearl Safari Park
Brilliant for younger kids and animal lovers.
Reserve your tickets here
👉 Island-Hopping Snorkelling Tour
The clearest water we found anywhere on the island.
Snorkel the Phu Quoc islands
👉 Vietnamese Cooking Class with Troc
A cultural highlight and one of our personal favourites.
Book your cooking class
Whether you’re squeezing Phu Quoc into a packed Vietnam itinerary or staying a little longer like we did, these experiences are the ones truly worth your time (and money).
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⭐ FAQ: Things to Do in Phu Quoc, Vietnam With Kids ⭐
1. Is Phu Quoc a good destination for families?
Yes — Phu Quoc is one of the easiest and most family-friendly islands in Vietnam. It has calm beaches, great weather for most of the year, waterparks, animal encounters, snorkelling, and plenty of activities for toddlers through teens. We spent several weeks here and found it incredibly safe, relaxed, and welcoming for children.
2. What are the best things to do in Phu Quoc with kids?
Our top family favourites were:
- Aquatopia Waterpark via the cable car
- Vinpearl Safari Park
- Island-hopping snorkelling tour
- Vietnamese cooking class
- Khem Beach
- VinWonders Theme Park
- Sunset evenings on Long Beach
These were all kid-approved during our own travels.
3. What age is best for visiting Phu Quoc?
Phu Quoc works well for all ages, but activities vary:
- Toddlers: beaches, Vinpearl Safari, evening beach play
- Ages 5–8: cooking classes, waterparks, gentle snorkelling
- Ages 9+: big waterslides, snorkelling trips, VinWonders
- Teens: cable car views, bigger thrill rides, snorkelling, night market
4. Is Phu Quoc expensive for families?
Phu Quoc can be very affordable. Many of the best activities (beaches, sunsets, night markets) are free. Paid attractions range from £20–£40 per ticket depending on the activity. Food is excellent and inexpensive, especially local restaurants.
5. How many days do you need in Phu Quoc with kids?
For a relaxed beach trip with a few activities, 3–5 days is perfect.
If you want to do the waterpark, safari, snorkelling, VinWonders, AND explore different beaches, 7–10 days gives you enough time without rushing.
6. Is Phu Quoc safe for children?
Yes. We found the island exceptionally safe — clean beaches, gentle waves, friendly locals, and family-friendly attractions. Standard travel caution applies (sun protection, hydration, and ocean safety), but we never felt unsafe at any point during our stay.
7. What is the best beach in Phu Quoc for families?
For convenience, Long Beach (Duong Dong) is the easiest.
For calm, stunning water with fewer crowds, Khem Beach was our family favourite — worth the trip south for a quieter, postcard-perfect day.
8. Do you need to book tours in advance?
For popular activities like the cable car + waterpark, Vinpearl Safari, and snorkelling trips, it’s best to book ahead — especially during high season (Dec–Feb). We’ve included the exact tours we used and loved throughout this guide.
9. Is the Phu Quoc cable car safe for kids?
Very. The cabins are enclosed, modern, and stable, and the journey is incredibly scenic. Our boys loved it (and asked to go again). Most families find it one of the highlights of visiting Phu Quoc.
10. What should I pack for a family trip to Phu Quoc?
Helpful items include:
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Rash vests/swimwear without zips (for waterparks)
- Sand/sea shoes
- Lightweight clothes
- Snorkel masks for kids (if you prefer your own)
- Wet wipes + tissues for the night market
- A dry bag for boat days
11. What’s the best month to visit Phu Quoc with kids?
The best weather is November to March — sunny, calm, and great for beaches.
April–June is hot but still good for families.
July–October is rainy season, with short heavy showers and choppier seas.
12. Can picky eaters manage the food in Phu Quoc?
Yes. Alongside Vietnamese dishes, most restaurants offer kid-friendly options like fried rice, noodles, grilled chicken, and chips. The night market also has plenty of simple snacks kids love.
Looking for even more info on Vietnam with kids?
Check out some of our other posts below for more advice, guidance and inspo for a fab family trip.
