Begin your romantic journey in Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam. Start your morning with a visit to Hoan Kiem Lake, a picturesque spot perfect for a leisurely stroll. In the afternoon, explore the bustling Old Quarter, known for its narrow streets and traditional architecture. As the evening approaches, take a romantic cyclo ride around the city and enjoy a delicious dinner at a local restaurant.
Hoan Kiem Lake: Entrance is free, approximately 2 hours.
Old Quarter: Free to explore, approximately 3-4 hours.
Cyclo ride: Around $10 per hour, approximately 1 hour.
Restaurants
Start your morning off with a delicious breakfast at The Hanoi Social Club. This cozy cafe offers a range of options from traditional Vietnamese dishes to Western-style breakfasts. The average cost for a meal is about 100,000 VND per person.
For lunch, head to Cha Ca Thang Long, a famous Vietnamese restaurant known for its specialty dish, Cha Ca. This flavorful fish dish is served with vermicelli noodles, herbs, and peanuts. The average cost for a meal is about 200,000 VND per person.
End your day with a romantic dinner at La Badiane, a charming French restaurant located in the heart of Hanoi. Indulge in their exquisite French cuisine and enjoy a cozy ambiance. The average cost for a meal is about 500,000 VND per person.
Monday, December 4: Halong Bay
Embark on a breathtaking cruise to Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its emerald waters and towering limestone islands. Spend the morning exploring the stunning caves and grottoes, and indulge in a delicious seafood lunch on board. In the afternoon, kayak through the karst formations and enjoy a romantic sunset on the deck of the cruise ship.
Halong Bay Cruise: Prices vary, approximately 6-8 hours.
Kayaking: Included in the cruise package, approximately 1-2 hours.
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Sunrise Restaurant which offers a variety of hot and cold dishes. Average cost for a meal is about $10 per person.
For lunch, head to Sea View Restaurant where you can enjoy fresh seafood along with stunning views of the bay. Average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.
Indulge in a romantic dinner at Lantern Restaurant, known for its intimate ambiance and delectable Vietnamese cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about $20 per person.
Tuesday, December 5: Hoi An
Fly to Hoi An, a charming ancient town known for its well-preserved architecture and lantern-lit streets. Start your day with a visit to the Japanese Covered Bridge, a symbol of Hoi An. In the afternoon, explore the local markets and indulge in a couples' spa treatment. As the sun sets, take a romantic boat ride along the Thu Bon River and admire the town's illuminated beauty.
Japanese Covered Bridge: Entrance is free, approximately 1-2 hours.
Local markets: Prices vary, approximately 2-3 hours.
Couples' spa treatment: Prices vary, approximately 2 hours.
River boat ride: Around $10 per person, approximately 1 hour.
Restaurants
The Secret Garden Restaurant: This hidden gem in Hoi An offers a tranquil breakfast spot with a lush garden setting. Enjoy a delightful spread of local and international breakfast dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 120,000 VND (5 USD) per person.
Banh Mi Phuong: For a quick and delicious lunch, head to Banh Mi Phuong, famous for its mouth-watering Vietnamese sandwiches. The crispy baguettes are filled with a variety of savory meats and fresh vegetables. Average cost for a meal is about 40,000 VND (1.75 USD) per person.
Mango Mango Restaurant: Indulge in a romantic candlelit dinner at Mango Mango, overlooking the Thu Bon River. This restaurant offers a blend of Vietnamese and international cuisine, using fresh local ingredients. Average cost for a meal is about 400,000 VND (17 USD) per person.
Wednesday, December 6: Hue
Take a scenic drive to Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam. Begin your morning by exploring the majestic Imperial City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the afternoon, visit the serene Thien Mu Pagoda and take a romantic boat ride along the Perfume River. Wrap up your day with a romantic dinner and enjoy traditional music performances at a local restaurant.
Imperial City: Entrance fee is $6 per person, approximately 3-4 hours.
Thien Mu Pagoda: Entrance is free, approximately 1-2 hours.
Boat ride: Around $10 per person, approximately 1 hour.
Dinner and music performance: Prices vary, approximately 2 hours.
Restaurants
For breakfast, try the charming Garden House Restaurant, located near the Imperial City. They offer a delicious variety of Vietnamese and Western breakfast options. Average cost for a meal is about 150,000 VND per person.
For lunch, head to the popular Ancient Hue Restaurant, known for its authentic Hue cuisine. Don't miss their signature dish, Com Hen, a flavorful combination of rice and baby clams. Average cost for a meal is about 200,000 VND per person.
For dinner, indulge in a romantic dining experience at the Royal Saigon Restaurant. Located on the Perfume River, this restaurant offers exquisite Vietnamese and international dishes, along with stunning river views. Average cost for a meal is about 450,000 VND per person.
Thursday, December 7: Phong Nha
Travel to the stunning Phong Nha National Park, home to breathtaking caves and lush forests. Start your morning by exploring the mystical Paradise Cave, known for its impressive stalactite formations. In the afternoon, take a boat trip along the Son River and visit the hidden gem of Phong Nha Cave. Enjoy the tranquility of the surroundings and take beautiful photos together.
Paradise Cave: Entrance fee is $9 per person, approximately 2-3 hours.
Boat trip and Phong Nha Cave: Prices vary, approximately 2-3 hours.
Restaurants
Breakfast at Farmstay Restaurant: Enjoy a hearty breakfast at Farmstay Restaurant, located within Phong Nha Farmstay. Indulge in traditional Vietnamese dishes such as pho or banh mi. Average cost for a meal is about 100,000 VND per person.
Lunch at Easy Tiger Hostel: Grab a quick bite at Easy Tiger Hostel's restaurant. They offer a variety of Western and Asian dishes, including burgers, sandwiches, and Vietnamese noodles. Average cost for a meal is about 150,000 VND per person.
Dinner at Jungle Boss: Experience a unique dining experience at Jungle Boss, a jungle-themed restaurant serving delicious Vietnamese cuisine. Try their signature dishes like lemongrass chicken or beef noodle soup. Average cost for a meal is about 250,000 VND per person.
Friday, December 8: Ho Chi Minh City
Fly to Ho Chi Minh City, the vibrant metropolis of Vietnam. Start your day with a visit to the historic Reunification Palace, followed by a stroll through the beautiful Notre-Dame Cathedral and the bustling Ben Thanh Market. In the evening, enjoy a romantic dinner cruise along the Saigon River, admiring the city lights and skyline.
Reunification Palace: Entrance fee is $2 per person, approximately 2 hours.
Notre-Dame Cathedral: Entrance is free, approximately 1 hour.
Ben Thanh Market: Free to explore, approximately 2 hours.
Dinner cruise: Prices vary, approximately 2-3 hours.
Restaurants
Enjoy a scrumptious breakfast at Nhu Lan Bakery, known for its freshly baked bread and pastries. Average cost for a meal is about $5 per person.
For lunch, head to Cuc Gach Quan and indulge in traditional Vietnamese cuisine in a charming setting. Average cost for a meal is about $10 per person.
Savor a delightful dinner at The Deck Saigon, a riverside restaurant offering a fusion of Western and Vietnamese flavors. Average cost for a meal is about $20 per person.
Saturday, December 9: Mekong Delta
Embark on an enchanting day trip to the Mekong Delta, known as the "rice bowl" of Vietnam. Explore the floating markets, visit local fruit orchards, and take a relaxing boat ride along the narrow canals. Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese lunch with the locals and immerse yourselves in the rural charm of the region. Return to Ho Chi Minh City in the evening.
Mekong Delta day trip: Prices vary, approximately 8-10 hours.
Restaurants
Start your morning at Cafe Apartment in Ho Chi Minh City. This cozy cafe offers a variety of breakfast options like freshly baked pastries and Vietnamese coffee. Average cost for a meal is about 100,000 VND per person.
For lunch, head to Ben Tre Riverside Restaurant in Ben Tre. This riverside eatery serves delicious Vietnamese cuisine with a focus on fresh seafood. Average cost for a meal is about 200,000 VND per person.
In the evening, dine at Nha Hang Ngon in Ho Chi Minh City. This popular restaurant offers a wide range of Vietnamese dishes in a vibrant setting. Average cost for a meal is about 300,000 VND per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For a truly unique experience, consider a visit to the charming town of Sapa in the northern mountains of Vietnam. Marvel at the breathtaking rice terraces, interact with local ethnic minority communities, and embark on scenic hikes through the picturesque landscapes. Sapa offers a romantic and off-the-beaten-path escape for couples seeking tranquility and natural beauty.