Welcome to Vietnam! Start your honeymoon by arriving in Hanoi, the capital city known for its charming blend of both modern and traditional elements. In the morning, take a relaxing stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake, a picturesque spot in the heart of the city. In the afternoon, visit the Old Quarter, a bustling area filled with narrow streets, historic architecture, and lively markets. In the evening, savor the local flavors at a traditional Vietnamese restaurant.
Hoan Kiem Lake: Free, 1-2 hours
Old Quarter: Free, 2-3 hours
Dinner at a local restaurant: $15-25 per person, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, start your day at Pho Thin, a local favorite known for their delicious pho noodle soup. You can expect to spend around 50,000 VND (approximately $2.20 USD) per person for a hearty and flavorful breakfast.
For lunch, head to Cha Ca La Vong, a famous restaurant specializing in cha ca - a traditional Vietnamese dish of grilled fish with herbs and vermicelli noodles. A meal here will cost you around 200,000 VND (approximately $8.80 USD) per person.
For dinner, indulge in a romantic evening at Green Tangerine, an elegant French-Vietnamese fusion restaurant in the heart of the Old Quarter. Experience the unique blend of flavors and expect to spend around 500,000 VND (approximately $22 USD) per person for a memorable dining experience.
Friday, March 15: Exploration in Hanoi
Embark on a full day of exploration in Hanoi. Start your morning with a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, where you can pay respects to Vietnam's revered leader. Continue to the Temple of Literature, a historic site dedicated to Confucius and the pursuit of knowledge. In the afternoon, experience the captivating charm of the French Quarter, known for its colonial architecture and vibrant art scene. As the evening unfolds, indulge in a romantic dinner cruise along the scenic Red River.
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum: Free, 1-2 hours
Temple of Literature: $2-3 per person, 1-2 hours
French Quarter: Free, 2-3 hours
Dinner cruise: $50-75 per person, 2-3 hours
Restaurants
A popular breakfast spot in Hanoi is Pho Bat Dan, known for its delicious and authentic pho noodle soup. A bowl of pho costs approximately 50,000 VND per person.
For lunch, try Cha Ca La Vong, a renowned restaurant that specializes in grilled fish. Their signature dish, Cha Ca, is a flavorful combination of turmeric-marinated fish, dill, and vermicelli noodles. A meal at Cha Ca La Vong costs around 200,000 VND per person.
Indulge in a romantic dinner at Bobby Chinn, an elegant restaurant serving a blend of Vietnamese and international cuisine. With its stunning views of Hanoi at night and a creative menu, a dinner at Bobby Chinn typically costs 500,000 VND per person.
Saturday, March 16: Majestic Halong Bay
Escape to the breathtaking landscapes of Halong Bay on a day cruise. Marvel at the surreal limestone karsts rising from the emerald waters as you sail through this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy swimming, kayaking, and cave exploration. Indulge in a delicious seafood lunch on the cruise while enjoying the stunning scenery. In the evening, relax and enjoy the tranquility of your accommodation in Halong City.
Halong Bay day cruise: $50-100 per person, 6-8 hours
Accommodation in Halong City: $50-100 per night
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Café Indochine located in Halong City. This cozy café offers a variety of Vietnamese and Western breakfast options. The average cost for a meal is about 80,000 VND per person.
For lunch, visit The Cliff restaurant with a stunning view of Halong Bay. Offering a selection of seafood and international dishes, this restaurant is perfect for a leisurely lunch. The average cost for a meal is about 400,000 VND per person.
For dinner, indulge in a romantic dining experience at the Diners Lounge Restaurant. Located right by the waterfront, this restaurant offers a diverse menu featuring Vietnamese and international cuisine. The average cost for a meal is about 500,000 VND per person.
Sunday, March 17: Ancient Beauty in Hoi An
Leave Halong Bay behind and fly to the charming town of Hoi An. In the morning, immerse yourselves in the ancient architecture and narrow streets of the UNESCO-listed Hoi An Ancient Town. Visit historical landmarks like the Japanese Covered Bridge and the Assembly Hall of the Fujian Chinese Community. In the afternoon, take a leisurely boat ride along the Thu Bon River, meandering through serene countryside views. End the day with a romantic dinner at a riverside restaurant.
Hoi An Ancient Town: $5-10 per person, 2-3 hours
Boat ride on Thu Bon River: $10-20 per person, 1-2 hours
Dinner at a riverside restaurant: $20-40 per person, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
An Pho breakfast restaurant is a cozy spot serving traditional Vietnamese breakfast dishes such as pho and banh mi. Average cost for a meal is about 50,000 VND per person.
The Lunch Lady is a popular lunch spot known for its rotating menu of delicious Vietnamese dishes, including noodle soups and rice dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 100,000 VND per person.
Son Huong Riverside Restaurant offers a romantic dinner setting with beautiful views of the river. Enjoy a variety of fresh seafood and traditional Vietnamese dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 300,000 VND per person.
Monday, March 18: Cultural Delights in Hue
Travel to Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam. In the morning, explore the picturesque Imperial City, home to the Nguyen Dynasty emperors. Admire the intricate architecture and beautiful gardens within the Citadel. Afterward, discover the tranquil Thien Mu Pagoda, an iconic seven-story temple overlooking the Perfume River. In the afternoon, explore the royal tombs, such as the Tomb of Emperor Minh Mang or Tu Duc. Enjoy a traditional Hue-style dinner in the evening.
Imperial City: $5-10 per person, 2-3 hours
Thien Mu Pagoda: Free, 1-2 hours
Royal tombs: $3-5 per person per tomb, 2-3 hours
Dinner at a Hue-style restaurant: $15-30 per person, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Enjoy a delicious breakfast at Lac Thien Restaurant, known for its local Hue specialties such as banh khoai (Hue-style pancakes) and bun bo Hue (Hue-style beef noodle soup). Average cost for a meal is about 100,000 VND per person.
For lunch, head to Madam Thu Restaurant, a popular spot for authentic Hue cuisine. Try their famous nem lui (grilled pork skewers) and banh beo (steamed rice cakes). Average cost for a meal is about 150,000 VND per person.
Savor a romantic dinner at Ancient Hue Restaurant, situated in a charming colonial building. Indulge in their exquisite dishes like banh nam (steamed flat rice dumplings) and goi cuon (fresh spring rolls). Average cost for a meal is about 300,000 VND per person.
Tuesday, March 19: Coastal Gems in Nha Trang
Fly to the coastal city of Nha Trang, known for its stunning beaches and vibrant underwater world. Spend the morning relaxing on the white sandy beaches or exploring the nearby Hon Mun Island for snorkeling or scuba diving. In the afternoon, visit the interesting Long Son Pagoda, a historical Buddhist temple with a giant white Buddha statue. Enjoy a romantic dinner at a beachfront restaurant while relishing the beautiful sunset.
Beach relaxation in Nha Trang: Free, 2-3 hours
Snorkeling or scuba diving at Hon Mun Island: $20-50 per person, 2-4 hours
Long Son Pagoda: Free, 1-2 hours
Dinner at a beachfront restaurant: $30-50 per person, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
A popular breakfast spot in Nha Trang is The Rooftop Café which offers stunning views of the city and sea. Average cost for a meal is about 150,000 VND per person.
For lunch, head to Lanterns Restaurant for delicious Vietnamese cuisine with a modern twist. Average cost for a meal is about 250,000 VND per person.
Po Nagar Cham Towers is a great dinner option, situated on a hilltop with panoramic views of Nha Trang. Average cost for a meal is about 400,000 VND per person.
Wednesday, March 20: Vibrant Ho Chi Minh City
Conclude your honeymoon in Ho Chi Minh City, the bustling metropolis of Vietnam. Start your day by visiting the historic Reunification Palace, followed by the War Remnants Museum to gain insights into Vietnam's history. Explore the vibrant Ben Thanh Market and indulge in some shopping for souvenirs. In the evening, take a romantic sunset cruise along the Saigon River, and savor a delicious dinner in one of the city's rooftop restaurants.
Reunification Palace: $1-2 per person, 1-2 hours
War Remnants Museum: $1-2 per person, 1-2 hours
Ben Thanh Market: Free, 1-2 hours
Sunset river cruise: $30-50 per person, 2-3 hours
Dinner at a rooftop restaurant: $30-60 per person, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
For a delicious breakfast in Ho Chi Minh City, head to The Vintage Emporium. This charming cafe offers a wide selection of breakfast dishes, including homemade pastries and eggs benedict. The average cost for a meal is about 150,000 VND per person.
If you're looking for a tasty lunch spot, try Nha Hang Ngon. This restaurant features a variety of Vietnamese street food dishes, such as banh mi and pho, all prepared with high-quality ingredients. The average cost for a meal is about 200,000 VND per person.
For a romantic dinner, visit Temple Club Restaurant. Located in a historic building, this restaurant serves delicious Vietnamese and international cuisine in an elegant setting. The average cost for a meal is about 400,000 VND per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For a unique experience on your honeymoon, explore the pristine beauty of Phu Quoc Island. This secluded paradise offers idyllic beaches, lush forests, and romantic sunsets. Enjoy a beachside couples' massage, go snorkeling in the vibrant coral reefs, and savor fresh seafood delicacies. Another hidden gem to consider is the mountainous town of Sapa, known for its stunning rice terraces and the vibrant cultures of local ethnic minorities. Take a romantic trek through the breathtaking landscape and immerse yourselves in the local traditions and festivities.