Honeymoon in Vietnam: From Ho Chi Minh to Hanoi

Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City

Morning: Start your honeymoon by exploring the historical landmarks of Ho Chi Minh City. Visit the iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral and the War Remnants Museum to learn about Vietnam's history. Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese breakfast at Pho 2000.

Afternoon: Take a tour of the Cu Chi Tunnels, an intricate network of underground passages used during the Vietnam War. Indulge in a delicious lunch at Nha Hang Ngon, known for its authentic Vietnamese cuisine.

Evening: Experience the vibrant nightlife of Ho Chi Minh City by visiting the bustling Bui Vien Street. Enjoy a romantic dinner at The jasminum and end your evening with cocktails at Chill Skybar, offering breathtaking city views.

• Notre-Dame Cathedral: Free, 1 hour
• War Remnants Museum: VND 40,000 (approx. $1.75), 2 hours
• Cu Chi Tunnels: VND 110,000 (approx. $4.80), 4 hours
• Nha Hang Ngon: VND 200,000-400,000 (approx. $8.75-$17.50), 1.5 hours
• The jasminum: VND 400,000-800,000 (approx. $17.50-$35), 2 hours
• Chill Skybar: VND 300,000-500,000 (approx. $13-$22), 2 hours

Day 2: Ho Chi Minh City

Morning: Start your day by exploring the vibrant Ben Thanh Market, where you can immerse yourself in the local culture and shop for souvenirs. Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese coffee at Trung Nguyen Coffee.

Afternoon: Visit the Reunification Palace, once the home of the South Vietnamese President. Discover the preserved history at the Museum of Vietnamese History. Enjoy lunch at Propeller Rooftop Bar & Grill, offering panoramic views of the city.

Evening: Take a leisurely stroll along Nguyen Hue Walking Street, lined with shops, restaurants, and entertainment. Indulge in a romantic dinner cruise on the Saigon River with Indochine Cruise.

• Ben Thanh Market: Free, 2 hours
• Trung Nguyen Coffee: VND 40,000-60,000 (approx. $1.75-$2.60), 1 hour
• Reunification Palace: VND 40,000 (approx. $1.75), 1.5 hours
• Museum of Vietnamese History: VND 40,000 (approx. $1.75), 1.5 hours
• Propeller Rooftop Bar & Grill: VND 400,000-800,000 (approx. $17.50-$35), 2 hours
• Nguyen Hue Walking Street: Free, 2 hours
• Indochine Cruise: VND 2,000,000-3,000,000 (approx. $87-$130), 3 hours

Day 3: Da Nang

Morning: Fly from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang. Explore the Marble Mountains, a cluster of five limestone and marble hills. Enjoy the breathtaking views from the top and visit the ancient stone-carving village.

Afternoon: Visit the famous Golden Bridge and walk along the pristine My Khe Beach. Indulge in a seafood lunch at the local beachfront restaurants.

Evening: Explore the vibrant Han Market and taste local street food delicacies. End your day with a romantic beachfront dinner at La Maison 1888.

• Marble Mountains: VND 40,000-100,000 (approx. $1.75-$4.40), 3 hours
• Golden Bridge: VND 40,000-150,000 (approx. $1.75-$6.55), 2 hours
• My Khe Beach: Free, 2 hours
• Han Market: Free, 2 hours
• La Maison 1888: VND 2,000,000-3,000,000 (approx. $87-$130), 3 hours

Day 4: Hoi An

Morning: Take a short drive from Da Nang to Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the well-preserved Ancient Town, known for its historic architecture. Visit the Japanese Covered Bridge and explore the local markets.

Afternoon: Join a cooking class and learn to prepare traditional Vietnamese dishes. Enjoy a delicious lunch with your culinary creations.

Evening: Experience the enchanting Lantern Festival by the Thu Bon River, where the town comes alive with colorful lanterns. Enjoy a romantic dinner at Mango Mango Restaurant.

• Ancient Town: VND 120,000 (approx. $5.25), 3 hours
• Japanese Covered Bridge: VND 20,000 (approx. $0.87), 1 hour
• Local markets: Free, 1.5 hours
• Cooking class: VND 900,000-1,200,000 (approx. $39-$52), 3 hours
• Mango Mango Restaurant: VND 400,000-800,000 (approx. $17.50-$35), 2 hours

Day 5: Hanoi

Morning: Fly from Da Nang to Hanoi. Explore the vibrant Old Quarter, with its narrow streets filled with shops and street food vendors. Visit Hoan Kiem Lake and the Ngoc Son Temple.

Afternoon: Dive into the rich history at the Temple of Literature and learn about ancient Vietnamese education. Enjoy an egg coffee at Cafe Giang, a Hanoi specialty.

Evening: Take a romantic cyclo ride around the city and explore the bustling night market in the Old Quarter. Experience a traditional water puppet show at Thang Long Water Puppet Theater.

• Hoan Kiem Lake: Free, 1 hour
• Ngoc Son Temple: VND 30,000 (approx. $1.30), 1 hour
• Temple of Literature: VND 30,000 (approx. $1.30), 2 hours
• Cafe Giang: VND 30,000-50,000 (approx. $1.30-$2.20), 1 hour
• Cyclo ride: VND 150,000-250,000 (approx. $6.55-$10.90), 2 hours
• Thang Long Water Puppet Theater: VND 100,000-200,000 (approx. $4.40-$8.75), 1 hour

Day 6: Hanoi

Morning: Explore the historic Ho Chi Minh Complex, including Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda, and the Presidential Palace. Visit the charming West Lake and enjoy breakfast at Bun Cha Huong Lien, where Obama famously dined.

Afternoon: Take a tour of the fascinating Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, showcasing the country's diverse ethnic groups. Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese lunch at Cha Ca La Vong.

Evening: Experience the vibrant street food scene by exploring the Old Quarter's food stalls and try local specialties like bun cha, pho, and banh mi. Explore the lively Ta Hien Street, known as "Beer Street," and enjoy a few drinks at local bars.

• Ho Chi Minh Complex: Free, 2 hours
• West Lake: Free, 1 hour
• Bun Cha Huong Lien: VND 60,000-80,000 (approx. $2.60-$3.50), 1 hour
• Vietnam Museum of Ethnology: VND 40,000 (approx. $1.75), 2 hours
• Cha Ca La Vong: VND 150,000-200,000 (approx. $6.55-$8.75), 1.5 hours
• Old Quarter street food: Varies, 2 hours
• Ta Hien Street: Free, 2 hours

Day 7: Hanoi

Morning: Take a day trip to the stunning Trang An Landscape Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy a boat ride through the scenic karst landscape and visit the ancient temples and caves.

Afternoon: Indulge in a traditional Vietnamese lunch at a local restaurant and savor the flavors of the region.

Evening: End your honeymoon on a high note by watching a traditional water puppet show at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theater. Enjoy a farewell dinner at the unique and stylish Sen Restaurant.

• Trang An Landscape Complex: VND 200,000 (approx. $8.75), 4 hours
• Local restaurant: Varies, 1.5 hours
• Thang Long Water Puppet Theater: VND 100,000-200,000 (approx. $4.40-$8.75), 1 hour
• Sen Restaurant: VND 500,000-1,000,000 (approx. $22-$44), 2 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

For a romantic and off-the-beaten-path experience, consider visiting the Ba Vi National Park near Hanoi. Enjoy a hike through lush forests, visit the Ngoc Hoa Pagoda, and soak in the tranquility of the mountain landscapes. Locals also love exploring the charming alleys of Hanoi's French Quarter, where you can find cozy cafes, boutique shops, and art galleries.

Check out hotel and flight prices on Kayak.