Family Trip Stop Three: Facing the Ocean, Taking a Drone to Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam — A Complete Travel Guide for a 17-Month-Old Baby

Meta Description: Planning a family trip to Phu Quoc Island with a toddler? Discover our 12-day Vietnam travel guide for a 17-month-old baby, including packing secrets, drone travel tips, visa info, and kid-friendly accommodations.

Introduction: Why Phu Quoc Island is Perfect for Families with Toddlers

When your child reaches 17 months old, they begin developing their own little moods and ideas—yet they still can't fully express themselves with words. As parents, we often find ourselves confused: Why is he crying? Why is he being difficult? We try to understand, but the wall of language is temporarily insurmountable. So, we decided to take him out—not to conquer attractions, but to let him experience the world in his own way, in a different environment.

Our destination this time was Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam—a relatively off-the-beaten-path gem that perfectly matched our current state of mind: no rushing, no checking off bucket-list spots, no anxiety. We spent 12 days entirely on this island, facing the ocean, daydreaming, taking walks, helping our little one dig in the sand, and watching dad fly his drone.

If you're searching for a Vietnam family travel guide for toddlers or wondering how to travel Phu Quoc with a baby, this article is for you. We'll share real, tested advice on packing, flying with a drone, visa requirements, and accommodations that work for families with young children.

Itinerary Overview: 12 Days, All Devoted to One Island

We chose a direct flight because children have limited patience. We scheduled the flight for a time when he would normally be sleeping. This decision proved very wise—the little guy slept soundly on the plane and arrived full of energy.

Why 12 days on one island? For a Phu Quoc family trip with a toddler, less is more. You don't need to island-hop or rush between attractions. The best moments often come from unstructured time—playing in the sand, watching sunsets, and enjoying simple meals together.

[Link: Benefits of slow travel with babies]

Packing Secrets: One Hiking Backpack Handles Everything

Many people bring a huge suitcase when traveling with a child, but we opted for two hiking backpacks (40L + 50L), plus a foldable green mini backpack. The reason is simple: hiking backpacks free up your hands. You can carry the baby in front and the backpack behind, making it easy to climb stairs, cross streets, or squeeze onto buses. Even if a budget airline charges for overweight luggage, they usually won't ask you to open your bag for inspection.

Baby Essentials: Tested and Proven for a 17-Month-Old

Clothing: - 5–6 sets of short-sleeved tops and shorts - Baby swimsuit, swim ring (sit-in style), swim diapers - Pool towel, muslin wrap, small blanket - Sun hat, baby sunglasses (Thinkbaby sunscreen is a must)

Food: - 2 cans of formula (900g each, packed in compression bags to reduce volume by half) - Portable formula dispenser, baby snack container (Anpanman style) - Rice cereal, shredded beef jerky, cod sausage, crackers, and other snacks - Lunchbox, spoon, fork, baby scissors (brand: Dad's Choice)

Daily Necessities: - 40+ diapers (packed in compression bags) - Disposable tablecloths, bathtub liners - Baby toiletries - Medicine kit: fever patches, cold patches, belly button patches, montmorillonite powder, comfrey ointment, mosquito repellent bands, band-aids, ibuprofen suspension, probiotics, herbal tea - Nail clippers, insulated water bottle, drool bibs, handkerchiefs

Other: - Foldable baby stroller (rain cover wasn't used because the rain was too heavy—we ended up buying a conical hat) - Anti-lost backpack - Toy car (baby's favorite) - Baby carrier (Babycare brand)

Highly Recommended: Compression bags! They're great not just for diapers but also for clothes. Summer clothes are lightweight, but diapers take up a lot of space. Compression bags save a significant amount of room.

Adult Items

• Clothes, toiletries
• 2 water bottles
• Adult buoyancy swim vest (essential for non-swimmers playing in the water)
• Towels, swimwear
• Compression backpack, small portable bag
• Towel, hat, sunglasses, umbrella

Digital Devices

• Camera
• Drone (DJI Mavic)
• Gimbal, gimbal tripod
• Power bank, iPad, phone

After packing everything, there was still extra space in the hiking backpacks. The foldable green mini backpack was specifically for baby items like bottles and blankets that we needed at the airport—easy to access after checking in luggage.

[Link: Best baby travel gear for Southeast Asia]

Can You Bring a Drone on a Plane? A Firsthand Test for Vietnam

Before departure, I searched extensively. Vietnam has no clear regulations on drones. We decided to take a gamble: direct flight with China Southern Airlines, visa-free entry—it probably wouldn't be too strict. If it didn't work, we'd just ship it back from the airport.

Our Method: We removed the battery from the drone and packed it in the checked backpack. This worked both ways—no issues, no questions asked. Interestingly, on the return trip, security asked my husband to take out his electric toothbrush to ask what it was—the drone went completely unnoticed.

Key takeaway for drone travel: If you're wondering how to fly with a drone to Vietnam, pack the battery separately in checked luggage, and keep the drone body accessible if needed. Always check current airline policies before departure, as regulations can change.

[Link: Drone travel regulations in Vietnam 2024]

Useful Apps to Recommend for Your Phu Quoc Trip

1. Travel guides and stories: Mafengwo, Qyer
2. Flight and hotel booking: Ctrip
3. Maps: Google Maps (download offline maps in advance)
4. Translation apps:
5. Google Translate (download English and Vietnamese offline packs for voice playback)
6. Xiaoyi Translate (voice or text input gives instant translation; English translations are accurate, even for place names)
7. Note: We didn't buy a local SIM card this time—relied entirely on hotel WiFi, so translation apps were unusable
8. Food recommendations: TripAdvisor—restaurants with high rankings generally had good food and accurate navigation
9. Hotel booking: Airbnb (choose high-rated options; reviews can be translated from various languages), Booking
10. Ride-hailing:
11. Uber International: Prices similar to domestic Didi; requires a linked credit card
12. Grab: Popular in Southeast Asia; said to be cheaper than Uber
13. Since we didn't buy a SIM card, we had the hotel or host call a taxi for us
14. Currency conversion: XE Currency
15. Airline apps: China Southern, Jetstar, etc.

Visa Information: New Passports Need to Fill Out a Landing Visa Form

Phu Quoc Island offers visa-free entry for Chinese tourists, but holders of new-style passports need to fill out a landing visa form. Old-style passports can go through directly with just the passport.

Important Reminder: Babies also need to fill out a separate form! Although the form states that children under 13 can be listed with an adult, the staff required one form per person. We didn't know this rule, so we had to queue up again and wait a long time.

At the visa office, there's a famous chubby guy who speaks a little Chinese and has a friendly attitude. After submitting the form, each person pays 20 RMB, and they arrange a photo (the photo isn't attached). Many people hadn't filled in their accommodation address. When the chubby guy saw Chinese travelers, he would kindly remind them, "Stay at Marriott," and then write "JW" for them—quite amusing.

Pro tip for families: Always carry a pen and a printed copy of your hotel address. Fill out forms in advance if possible to avoid long queues with a restless toddler.

[Link: Vietnam visa requirements for families with children]

Accommodation Experience: From Cozy Guesthouse to Trendy Hotel

1. Tom Hill — A Warm Welcome Late at Night

Located about 4–5 kilometers from the airport, Tom Hill became our home base. We arrived around 1:00 AM, but the flight was delayed, and the landing visa queue took forever—we didn't leave the airport until 3 or 4 in the morning. The taxi driver asked for 200,000 Vietnamese dong (about 60 RMB). When we got to the hotel, the front desk guy was still waiting for us—and he refunded our taxi fare! It turned out they had sent a car to pick us up but couldn't find us.

The staff were all very warm. The girls in the restaurant would help watch our baby while we ate, teaching him to walk. It was a peace and quiet we hadn't enjoyed in a long time! On the last day, with a 2:00 AM flight, we returned here—it felt like coming home.

Address: Tom Hill, located in the center of the island, convenient for going north or south.

Why it works for families: The staff genuinely care about your baby. They'll help entertain your toddler while you enjoy a meal—a rare luxury for parents traveling with young children.

2. Kim 2 Beach — A Little Beach Hut

Booked on Booking.com at the last minute—rating 9.6. Located at the northernmost tip of the island, about 4–5 kilometers from Vinpearl Land. We originally planned to visit Vinpearl, but the beach hut itself became the highlight. Simple, rustic, and right on the sand—perfect for a toddler who loves digging and splashing.

Tip: If you're looking for Phu Quoc family-friendly hotels, consider booking a mix of central and beachfront accommodations. Central locations make it easy to explore, while beachfront spots offer relaxation and easy access to the ocean.

[Link: Best family resorts in Phu Quoc]

FAQ: Family Travel to Phu Quoc Island with a Baby

1. Is Phu Quoc Island good for a family trip with a 17-month-old?

Absolutely. Phu Quoc is relatively quiet, with gentle beaches, warm water, and a relaxed pace. There are no crowded attractions to rush through, making it ideal for unstructured family time. The local people are incredibly friendly and often help watch your baby in restaurants or hotels.

2. How do I pack diapers and formula for a long trip?

Use compression bags to reduce the volume of diapers and formula by half. We packed 40+ diapers in compression bags and 2 cans of formula (900g each) in the same way. This saved significant space in our hiking backpacks.

3. Can I bring a drone to Vietnam for personal use?

Yes, but regulations are unclear. We successfully brought a DJI Mavic on a direct China Southern flight by removing the battery and packing it in checked luggage. No one asked about it. However, always check current airline and customs policies before traveling.

4. Do I need a visa for Phu Quoc Island?

Chinese tourists can enter Phu Quoc visa-free. However, holders of new-style passports must fill out a landing visa form upon arrival. Babies also need their own form—don't assume they can be listed with an adult.

5. What should I do if my baby gets sick on the trip?

Pack a comprehensive medicine kit including fever patches, cold patches, belly button patches, montmorillonite powder, comfrey ointment, mosquito repellent bands, band-aids, ibuprofen suspension, probiotics, and herbal tea. Most pharmacies in Phu Quoc are well-stocked, but having your own supplies saves stress.

Final Thoughts & Call to Action

Traveling with a 17-month-old isn't about checking off landmarks—it's about creating space for discovery, connection, and joy. Phu Quoc Island gave us exactly that: 12 days of ocean breezes, sandy toes, and the simple pleasure of watching our little one explore the world at his own pace.

If you're planning a family trip to Vietnam with a baby, don't overthink it. Pack light, embrace the unexpected, and let the island's gentle rhythm guide you. The memories you'll make—of drone flights over turquoise water, of shared meals with helpful locals, of your toddler's first steps in the sand—are worth every ounce of preparation.

Ready to plan your own Phu Quoc family adventure? Start by booking your direct flight and finding family-friendly accommodations that match your style. And don't forget to pack those compression bags—they're a game-changer!

Have you traveled to Phu Quoc with a baby? Share your tips and questions in the comments below—we'd love to hear from you!