In the morning, arrive at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi. After checking into your hotel, explore the charming Old Quarter, known for its narrow streets and traditional architecture. In the afternoon, take a romantic walk around Hoan Kiem Lake and visit the Ngoc Son Temple. In the evening, enjoy a leisurely dinner at a rooftop restaurant with views of the city.
Old Quarter: Estimated Cost - Free, Time Spent - 2-3 hours
Ngoc Son Temple: Estimated Cost - VND 30,000 (approx. $1.50), Time Spent - 1 hour
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Pho 10 Ly Quoc Su, a popular eatery known for its authentic Vietnamese noodle soup. A bowl of pho here will cost you around $5 per person.
For lunch, try Bun Cha Huong Lien, the restaurant where former President Barack Obama famously dined on his visit to Hanoi. Enjoy the delicious grilled pork with vermicelli noodles, which costs about $8 per person.
For dinner, indulge in a romantic meal at The Hanoi Social Club, a trendy restaurant serving a fusion of Vietnamese and international cuisine. Expect to spend around $15 per person for a delightful dining experience.
Sunday, February 4: Halong Bay Cruise
Embark on a day trip to Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy the breathtaking views as you cruise through the turquoise waters and limestone karsts. Visit the Surprise Cave and indulge in a delicious seafood lunch on board. In the evening, relax on the deck and watch the sunset over the bay.
Halong Bay Cruise: Estimated Cost - VND 1,500,000 (approx. $65), Time Spent - Full day
Restaurants
Morning Glory - Enjoy a delicious and authentic Vietnamese breakfast at Morning Glory. They offer a variety of options including Banh Mi, Pho, and Vietnamese coffee. Average cost for a meal is about 100,000 VND per person.
Quan An Ngon - Indulge in a flavorful lunch at Quan An Ngon. This restaurant serves traditional Vietnamese dishes in a lively and bustling setting. Average cost for a meal is about 200,000 VND per person.
La Maison 1888 - For a romantic and upscale dinner experience, head to La Maison 1888. Located in a beautiful colonial mansion, this restaurant offers exquisite French cuisine with a touch of Vietnamese flavors. Average cost for a meal is about 1,500,000 VND per person.
Monday, February 5: Hanoi City Tour
Explore the historical and cultural landmarks of Hanoi. Start your day at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and visit the One Pillar Pagoda. Take a cyclo ride through the French Quarter and visit the Temple of Literature. In the evening, try some traditional Vietnamese dishes at a local restaurant.
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum: Estimated Cost - Free, Time Spent - 1-2 hours
One Pillar Pagoda: Estimated Cost - Free, Time Spent - 30 minutes
Temple of Literature: Estimated Cost - VND 30,000 (approx. $1.50), Time Spent - 1-2 hours
Tuesday, February 6: Da Nang and Hoi An
Take a flight to Da Nang and explore the beautiful city. Visit the Marble Mountains and enjoy panoramic views of the city from the peak. In the afternoon, head to Hoi An and wander through its ancient town, admiring the well-preserved buildings and lantern-lit streets. Experience a romantic boat ride along the Thu Bon River during sunset.
Hoi An Ancient Town: Estimated Cost - VND 120,000 (approx. $5), Time Spent - 4-5 hours
Boat Ride on Thu Bon River: Estimated Cost - VND 100,000 (approx. $4), Time Spent - 1 hour
Wednesday, February 7: Explore Da Nang
Discover more of Da Nang's attractions. Start your day with a visit to the famous Dragon Bridge and catch its spectacular fire and water show. Take a cable car ride to the top of Ba Na Hills and explore the Golden Bridge and French Village. End your day with a relaxing evening on My Khe Beach.
Ba Na Hills: Estimated Cost - VND 700,000 (approx. $30), Time Spent - 4-5 hours
My Khe Beach: Estimated Cost - Free, Time Spent - 2-3 hours
Thursday, February 8: Ho Chi Minh City
Fly from Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). Start your day with a visit to the historic Reunification Palace and the War Remnants Museum. Explore the narrow streets of the vibrant Ben Thanh Market and sample delicious Vietnamese street food. In the evening, take a relaxing stroll along Nguyen Hue Walking Street.
Embark on a day trip to the Mekong Delta. Cruise along the peaceful canals, visit local villages, and experience the traditional way of life. Sample fresh tropical fruits and enjoy a traditional Vietnamese lunch. In the afternoon, take a rowboat ride through the picturesque canals of Tan Thach village.
Mekong Delta Excursion: Estimated Cost - VND 1,200,000 (approx. $50), Time Spent - Full day
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For a unique honeymoon experience, consider visiting Phu Quoc Island. Known for its stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters, this tropical paradise offers secluded resorts and romantic sunsets. Another off-the-beaten-path destination is Ninh Binh, where you can take a boat ride through the scenic Trang An Grottoes and explore the ancient temples.
Booking flights and hotels can be done through KAYAK.