Start your honeymoon by arriving in Hanoi, the vibrant capital city of Vietnam. In the morning, explore the charming Old Quarter with its narrow streets, ancient temples, and bustling markets. In the afternoon, visit the Temple of Literature, a tranquil sanctuary of education and culture. As the evening sets in, enjoy a romantic dinner at one of Hanoi's rooftop restaurants, overlooking the city lights.
Old Quarter: Estimated cost: Free, Time spent: 3-4 hours
Temple of Literature: Estimated cost: $2, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Rooftop Restaurant: Estimated cost: $30-50 per person, Time spent: 2-3 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Pho 10, known for their flavorful and authentic Vietnamese pho. A bowl of pho costs around 80,000 VND per person.
For lunch, head to Bun Cha Huong Lien, a famous restaurant where you can enjoy the traditional dish of bun cha. A meal here costs about 120,000 VND per person.
In the evening, treat yourselves to a romantic dinner at La Terrasse Du Metropole. This sophisticated restaurant offers a blend of French and Vietnamese cuisine, with average prices of around 800,000 VND per person for a full course meal.
Saturday, December 23: Hanoi City Tour
Embark on a full day city tour of Hanoi. In the morning, visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and surrounding sites, including the One Pillar Pagoda and Ho Chi Minh Museum. In the afternoon, explore the serene Hoan Kiem Lake and take a leisurely stroll across the iconic red Huc Bridge to Ngoc Son Temple. As the evening sets in, indulge in a traditional Vietnamese water puppet show.
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum: Estimated cost: Free, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Hoan Kiem Lake: Estimated cost: Free, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Water Puppet Show: Estimated cost: $10-15 per person, Time spent: 1 hour
Sunday, December 24: Ha Long Bay Cruise
Embark on an enchanting cruise to Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its breathtaking limestone islands and emerald waters. Spend the day exploring the stunning landscapes, kayaking through hidden caves, and enjoying a romantic sunset on the deck of your cruise ship.
Ha Long Bay Cruise: Estimated cost: $150-200 per person, Time spent: Full day
Restaurants
For a delicious breakfast, head to The Note Coffee & Tea in Hanoi. This quirky café is known for its unique coffee creations and vibrant decor. Average cost for a meal is about 80,000 VND per person.
For a satisfying lunch in Hanoi, try Quan An Ngon. This restaurant offers a wide variety of authentic Vietnamese dishes in a charming setting. Average cost for a meal is about 150,000 VND per person.
If you're looking for a romantic dinner spot, check out Waterfront Restaurant in Da Nang. Situated by the river, this restaurant offers stunning views, fresh seafood, and a cozy atmosphere. Average cost for a meal is about 400,000 VND per person.
Monday, December 25: Travel to Da Nang
Take a morning flight from Hanoi to Da Nang, a coastal city known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant culinary scene. In the afternoon, relax on My Khe Beach, soak up the sun, and take a dip in the crystal-clear waters. As the evening sets in, explore the famous Dragon Bridge and catch the mesmerizing fire and water show.
My Khe Beach: Estimated cost: Free, Time spent: 3-4 hours
Dragon Bridge: Estimated cost: Free, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Restaurants
The Corner Cafe: Start your day with a delicious breakfast at The Corner Cafe, located near My Khe Beach. Indulge in their freshly baked pastries and aromatic coffee. The average cost for a meal is about 100,000 VND per person.
Beachside Seafood BBQ: Enjoy a mouthwatering lunch at Beachside Seafood BBQ, where you can feast on a variety of freshly caught seafood grilled to perfection. The average cost for a meal is about 250,000 VND per person.
Dragon Bridge Restaurant: For dinner, head to Dragon Bridge Restaurant and savor the flavors of authentic Vietnamese cuisine while enjoying panoramic views of the city and the Dragon Bridge. The average cost for a meal is about 300,000 VND per person.
Tuesday, December 26: Hoi An Excursion
Embark on a day trip to the charming ancient town of Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the morning, explore the narrow streets filled with beautifully preserved buildings, boutique shops, and art galleries. In the afternoon, visit the Japanese Covered Bridge, the colorful Tan Ky House, and enjoy a boat ride along the Thu Bon River. As the evening sets in, experience the magical lantern-lit streets and indulge in delicious local cuisine.
Day trip to Hoi An: Estimated cost: $30-50 per person, Time spent: Full day
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Cargo Cafe, known for its cozy atmosphere and scrumptious Vietnamese coffee. Average cost for a meal is about 100,000 VND per person.
For lunch, head to Bale Well, a popular local spot famous for its mouth-watering banh mi sandwiches. Average cost for a meal is about 50,000 VND per person.
For dinner, indulge in a romantic dining experience at Mango Mango, offering a blend of Asian and Western cuisine with stunning views of the Thu Bon River. Average cost for a meal is about 300,000 VND per person.
Wednesday, December 27: Marble Mountains Exploration
Discover the natural beauty of the Marble Mountains, a cluster of five limestone and marble hills. In the morning, explore the caves, pagodas, and panoramic viewpoints. In the afternoon, take a short drive to the nearby Non Nuoc Beach to relax and enjoy the tranquil surroundings. As the evening sets in, savor a romantic dinner at a beachside restaurant.
Marble Mountains: Estimated cost: $5-10 per person, Time spent: 3-4 hours
Non Nuoc Beach: Estimated cost: Free, Time spent: 2-3 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Ma Maison in Da Nang. This cozy cafe offers a variety of French pastries and freshly brewed coffee. Average cost for a meal is about 100,000 VND per person.
For lunch, head to The Banh Mi Queen in Hanoi, famous for their mouthwatering Vietnamese sandwiches filled with a variety of ingredients. Average cost for a meal is about 50,000 VND per person.
In the evening, enjoy a romantic dinner at Mango Rooms in Hoi An. This vibrant restaurant offers a fusion of Vietnamese and international flavors in a charming setting. Average cost for a meal is about 500,000 VND per person.
Thursday, December 28: Departure
Bid farewell to Vietnam as you depart from Da Nang. Take some time in the morning to enjoy a leisurely breakfast and reflect on the wonderful memories created during your honeymoon. Check out of your hotel and head to the airport for your return flight.
For breakfast, head to Cafe Pho Co in Hanoi. Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese breakfast while taking in the beautiful views of Hoan Kiem Lake. Average cost for a meal is about 80,000 VND per person.
For lunch, try Banh Xeo 46A in Da Nang. This popular street food spot serves delicious crispy Vietnamese pancakes filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts. Average cost for a meal is about 50,000 VND per person.
For dinner, visit Madame Hien in Hanoi. This charming restaurant offers a cozy atmosphere and serves authentic Vietnamese dishes with a modern twist. Average cost for a meal is about 300,000 VND per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For a more off the beaten path experience, consider visiting the Bat Trang Ceramic Village near Hanoi, where you can try your hand at making traditional ceramics and explore the local workshops. In Da Nang, venture to the Son Tra Peninsula to visit the stunning Linh Ung Pagoda and enjoy panoramic views of the city. Don't miss the chance to savor delicious street food in Hanoi's hidden alleyways or experience a traditional Vietnamese massage at a local spa.