How many days are enough in Ho Chi Minh City (including over New Year with kids), and is it better to split the trip with Phu Quoc or Nha Trang?
Based on 2 discussions with 3 participants · Last activity: 7 days ago
TL;DR
3-4 days is usually enough for Ho Chi Minh City itself (Ben Thanh Market, Cu Chi Tunnels, War Remnants Museum) before adding beach time — Phu Quoc tends to have less rain and calmer seas in October than Nha Trang. New Year's Eve (Dec 31) brings big street celebrations on Nguyen Hue walking street, and Dec-Jan is dry season, which works well with kids.
What the community said
With two kids, spending all 9 days in Ho Chi Minh City is likely too much — the city is more about museums, markets and street food than beaches. Recommended: 3-4 days in the city (Ben Thanh Market, Cu Chi Tunnels, War Remnants Museum), then move to Phu Quoc or another beach spot for the rest.
8 days ago 3-4 days in Ho Chi Minh City
Spending New Year's Eve (Dec 31) in Ho Chi Minh City with kids is quite comfortable: Nguyen Hue walking street hosts big public celebrations and fireworks, and December-January is the dry season with little rain, which is convenient for family sightseeing.
8 days ago Nguyen Hue walking street, Dec 31
For an October trip, Phu Quoc is generally a better choice than Nha Trang: October-December is Nha Trang's peak rainy season with rough seas, while Phu Quoc tends to be drier with calmer water during this period.
15 days ago Phu Quoc vs Nha Trang, October
For first-time visitors to Asia beyond Thailand/Phuket, Phu Quoc offers a similar relaxed resort-and-beach experience, while Ho Chi Minh City is more of an intense urban experience (street food, markets, history) — so it's worth combining both in one trip.
28 days ago