We are travelling back to Vietnam after visiting the first time 6 1/2 years ago.

Our first time travelling from north to south in this great country was such a good experience, that we have wanted to come back ever since.

This time we will stay primarily in the Southern region we’re the weather is more stabile this time of the year (March).

Our travel itinerary is: Phu Quoc, Da Nang (Hoi An), Quy Nhon, Nha Trang (Ninh can Bay), HaLong Bay (a short de-tour), Ho Cho Minh city (also Mekong delta) and then we have a short stop over in Singapore on the way going back home.

Our first stop is Phu Quoc (pronounced fu cook). The island is nicknamed Pearl Island due to its many white sand beaches. It is the largest island in Vietnam and it is located in the Golf of Thailand. The climate is nice and warm all year around (with an average of 27 degrees), and it is a still under development from various enterprises both in terms of hotel expansions and tourist experiences.

Travelling with kids always requires a bit more preparation, and even more so when travelling with a baby. We brought a lot of stuff for baby Ellen and thank God we did. Everything is of course available in the larger cities, however, less is definitely available everywhere else. And mind you that baby food is rice congee here in Vietnam, so anything else is not really available.

Here is what we brought: diapers, wet wipes, foam cloths, instant organic porridge mix, baby fruit mash, sunscreen, UV 50 top and sun hats, a portable / foldable seat/baby harness and a stroller.

Phu Quoc is a little bit similar to Phuket in Thailand, however, the island’s environmental conservation efforts, fishing and agriculture remain as primary industries and more than half of the island has been protected by the UNESCO biosphere Reserve since 2006. The island is locally known for fish sauce, pepper and pearls, but also hosts caves, waterfalls and colourful snorkelling trips for the more adventurous.