Arrive in Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam, and check into your hotel. In the morning, take a stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake and visit the Ngoc Son Temple. Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, explore the Old Quarter and its bustling streets filled with shops and street food vendors. In the evening, savor a romantic dinner at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the city.
Hoan Kiem Lake & Ngoc Son Temple: Cost - Free, Time Spent - 2 hours
Old Quarter: Cost - Free, Time Spent - 3 hours
Rooftop Restaurant: Cost - $30-50 per person, Time Spent - 2 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Cafe Pho Co, located near Hoan Kiem Lake. Indulge in traditional Vietnamese dishes such as pho and banh mi. Average cost for a meal is about 90,000 VND (approximately $4) per person.
For lunch, head to Quan An Ngon for an authentic Vietnamese dining experience. This restaurant offers a wide range of dishes, including fresh spring rolls, grilled meats, and noodle soups. Average cost for a meal is about 150,000 VND (approximately $6) per person.
End your day with a romantic dinner at Stellar Restaurant & Bar. Located on a rooftop, this restaurant offers stunning views of Hanoi's skyline. Enjoy a fusion of Vietnamese and international cuisines. Average cost for a meal is about 500,000 VND (approximately $22) per person.
Friday, December 29:
Take a day trip to Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its stunning limestone karsts and emerald waters. Board a traditional junk boat for a cruise through the bay and explore the caves and hidden lagoons. Enjoy a seafood lunch on the boat and spend the afternoon kayaking or swimming. Return to Hanoi in the evening.
Halong Bay Day Trip: Cost - $100-150 per person, Time Spent - Full day
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at The Note Coffee. This charming cafe offers a variety of breakfast options such as pancakes, omelettes, and Vietnamese-style coffee. The average cost for a meal is about 80,000 VND per person.
For lunch, head to Quan Com Hue Nha Hang. This local eatery serves authentic Hue cuisine, including traditional dishes like bun bo Hue (spicy beef noodle soup) and banh khoai (stuffed pancake). The average cost for a meal is about 120,000 VND per person.
Treat yourself to a romantic dinner at The Gourmet Corner Restaurant. Located on the top floor of a hotel, this restaurant offers panoramic views of Hanoi and a menu featuring international and Vietnamese dishes. The average cost for a meal is about 500,000 VND per person.
Saturday, December 30:
Fly to Hoi An, a charming ancient town known for its well-preserved architecture and lantern-lit streets. Explore the UNESCO-listed Old Town and visit the Japanese Covered Bridge, the Assembly Hall of the Fujian Chinese Congregation, and the Hoi An Market. Enjoy a relaxing boat ride along the Thu Bon River in the afternoon and witness the beautiful sunset. Indulge in a candlelit dinner by the river.
Hoi An Old Town: Cost - $5 entrance fee, Time Spent - 4 hours
Boat Ride on Thu Bon River: Cost - $10-20 per person, Time Spent - 1 hour
Riverfront Restaurant: Cost - $30-50 per person, Time Spent - 2 hours
Restaurants
Enjoy a delicious Pho breakfast at Pho Viet, located in the heart of Hoi An. Average cost for a meal is about 50,000 VND per person.
For lunch, head to Miss Ly Cafe, a popular spot known for its authentic Vietnamese dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 120,000 VND per person.
Treat yourself to a romantic dinner at Brother's Café, a charming restaurant overlooking the Thu Bon River. Average cost for a meal is about 300,000 VND per person.
Sunday, December 31:
Celebrate New Year's Eve in Hoi An. Spend the morning exploring the nearby An Bang or Cua Dai beach and relax by the sea. In the afternoon, join a lantern-making class and create your own traditional lantern. As evening falls, take part in the lantern festival along the riverside and enjoy fireworks displays at midnight.
Beach Visit: Cost - Free, Time Spent - 3 hours
Lantern-Making Class: Cost - $5-10 per person, Time Spent - 1 hour
Restaurants
A quaint beachfront cafe called "Sunset Bistro" offers delicious breakfast options such as fresh fruit bowls and avocado toast. The average cost for a meal is about 150,000 VND per person.
For a delightful lunch experience, head to "Mango Mango," a riverside restaurant known for its Asian fusion cuisine. Treat yourself to their famous mango salad and indulge in their mouthwatering spring rolls. The average cost for a meal is about 250,000 VND per person.
Experience a romantic dinner at the atmospheric setting of "Morning Glory." This trendy restaurant specializes in authentic Vietnamese dishes with a modern twist. Try their signature cao lầu noodles and be prepared to be amazed. The average cost for a meal is about 300,000 VND per person.
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Morning Glory Restaurant, known for its authentic Vietnamese cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about $10 per person.
For lunch, head over to Nomad Cafe & Restaurant, which offers a fusion of Vietnamese and Western dishes. Average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.
Dine at Lanterns Restaurant for a romantic dinner in Hoi An, serving fresh seafood and local specialties. Average cost for a meal is about $25 per person.
Monday, January 1:
Fly to Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon. Visit the historic Cu Chi Tunnels, an extensive underground network used during the Vietnam War. Learn about the country's history and explore the tunnels, which served as living quarters, communication routes, and supply routes. Return to the city in the afternoon and take a tour of the famous landmarks, including the Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office.
Cu Chi Tunnels: Cost - $10-20 per person, Time Spent - 4 hours
Ho Chi Minh City Landmarks: Cost - Free, Time Spent - 3 hours
Restaurants
Start your day at "The Workshop Cafe" for a delicious breakfast. This charming cafe offers a variety of Western and Vietnamese dishes, including fluffy pancakes and fresh fruit bowls. The average cost for a meal is about $6 per person.
For a hearty lunch, head to "Pho 10" which is famous for their traditional Vietnamese beef noodle soup, pho. The restaurant also offers a selection of other authentic Vietnamese dishes. The average cost for a meal is about $4 per person.
Indulge in a romantic dinner at "Cuc Gach Quan" where you can enjoy traditional Vietnamese cuisine in a beautiful setting. The restaurant sources fresh ingredients from their organic farms, ensuring the highest quality dishes. The average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.
Tuesday, January 2:
Take a day trip to the Mekong Delta, a fertile region known as the "rice bowl" of Vietnam. Explore the floating markets, visit local fruit orchards, and take a boat trip along the canals. Experience the local way of life and enjoy a delicious lunch with regional specialties. Return to Ho Chi Minh City in the evening.
Mekong Delta Day Trip: Cost - $30-50 per person, Time Spent - Full day
Wednesday, January 3:
End your honeymoon with a relaxing day in Phu Quoc, a tropical island paradise. Spend the day sunbathing on the pristine beaches, snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters, or exploring the island's lush nature reserves. Enjoy a romantic beachfront dinner and toast to an unforgettable honeymoon in Vietnam.
Beach Relaxation: Cost - Free, Time Spent - Full day
Snorkeling: Cost - $20-50 per person, Time Spent - Flexible
Beachfront Dinner: Cost - $30-50 per person, Time Spent - 2 hours
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For a unique experience, visit the remote island of Con Dao, known for its pristine beaches and natural beauty. Explore the Con Dao National Park, go hiking or snorkeling, and indulge in fresh seafood. For a taste of local life, visit the charming town of Hoi An during the monthly Full Moon Lantern Festival, when the streets are adorned with colorful lanterns and traditional performances take place. Don't miss the chance to try the local delicacies, such as Banh Mi and Pho, from street food stalls.