Vietnam used to be one of the most underrated honeymoon destinations in the Southeast Asia. This amazing country is home to many romantic places, pristine beaches, historical sites and breathtaking natural landscapes. Therefore, it checks all the boxes for young couples who are looking for a unique honeymoon destination. Recently, Vietnam has become very popular among tourists and honeymooners. It is slowly becoming one of the hottest destinations in the region. In this article, we’ll talk about what should you expect from a honeymoon in Vietnam.
Table of Contents
- Honeymoon in Vietnam at a glance
- Honeymoon destinations in Vietnam
- Things to do in Vietnam on honeymoon
- Best time to visit Vietnam
- Useful information for Vietnam
Honeymoon in Vietnam at a glance
Vietnam is a perfect place for honeymoon couples who want relaxation and adventure at the same time. From golden beaches to lush green mountains, enormous caves to spectacular waterfalls; all kinds of natural wonders exist in this long and thin country.
The best part of traveling to Vietnam for honeymoon is that even by Asia standards, Vietnam is extremely affordable destination. You can find many luxury hotels and resorts which are quite cheap but do not compromise on their service quality. For price that you can only find an average resort in other popular destinations, you can book 5 star resorts where you can indulge yourself with extreme luxury. Dining out, transferring between cities and booking tours and activities are also very affordable.
The Vietnamese Cuisine is also another good reason to visit this amazing country. It is considered as one of the richest cuisines not only in the Southeast Asia but in the world. Having influence from both Chinese and French cuisines, Vietnamese cuisine is admired by many people around the world thanks to its distinctive flavors and fresh ingredients.
If you are looking for an unforgettable honeymoon full of fun, adventure and relaxation, Vietnam should definitely be in your list. At a glance, a honeymoon in Vietnam is full of adventure, exploration and relaxation.
Honeymoon destinations in Vietnam
Since Vietnam is a geographically long and thin country, it’s relatively easy to navigate. You can start your Vietnam honeymoon from the north and explore all the sights and cities across the country until you reach to the south or vice versa. You can even find cruise tours which explore the coastline of Vietnam from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh.
Hanoi and the Ha Long Bay
If you want to begin your journey from the North, Hanoi is a perfect city to do so. Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam and also its second biggest city. You can observe the Sino-Vietnamese culture blended with French influences. In addition to historic buildings and temples, Hanoi is also a known for its vibrant nightlife, dining venues and shopping districts. Just 170 km east of Hanoi, the world famous natural wonder called the Ha Long Bay awaits you. Ha Long Bay is a popular tourist destination and since 1994 it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Cruising along the Ha Long Bay is a must do activity and attracts thousands of visitors from everywhere.
Hoi An and the Cham Islands
One of the most important cities in Vietnam is the city of Hoi An. The city, whose historical texture is very well preserved, has many temples, historical buildings and museums. In 1999, old town areas of the Hoi An was declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Exploring the rich history and culture of this well-preserved coastal town which was built centuries ago will be one of the highlights of your honeymoon.
After your small culture trip, you can head to the golden sandy beaches of Hoi An and enjoy the sea and the sun with your significant other and indulge yourself with fresh and delicious seafood. If you want a little bit exploration, Cham Islands off the coast of Hoi An are waiting for you. Cham Islands consists of 8 small islands and one of them is recognized by UNESCO as a World Biosphere Reserve. You can try various water sports or explore the amazing underwater world by snorkeling.
On your way down to Hoi An, don’t forget to visit the city of Hue, which is located 126 km north of Hoi An and was once the imperial capital of Vietnam.
Ho Chi Minh, Da Nang and the other important places
Other important destinations in Vietnam which you can either stay a few days or stop by during your trip can be listed as follows;
- Sa Pa Valley
- Largest Island in Vietnam: Phu Quoc Island
- Coastal Fishing Town of Miu Ne: The Desert by the Sea
- Ho Chi Minh City
- The biggest city of Central Vietnam, Da Nang
Things to do in Vietnam on honeymoon
- Enjoy the breathtaking scenery in Ha Long Bay while kayaking or cruising on a sailboat
- Go on a hiking tour in Sa Pa and watch the amazing scenery of rice terraces
- Explore the Phong Nha Cave
- Try as many dishes as possible from the amazing Vietnamese Cuisine
- Enjoy a lazy day on the beach in the island paradise of Phu Quoc
- Explore the bustling and colorful cities of Vietnam such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh and Hoi An; both during the daytime and nighttime
- Visit the capital of coffee in the Central Highlands of Vietnam, in the city of Buon Ma Thuot
- From Hanoi, go on a day trip to see the Bai Dinh Pagoda, explore the Trang An Cave with a boat and enjoy the panaromic view from on top of the Mua Caves after climbing 500 stone steps
- Visit the Ban Gioc Waterfall, the 4th largest cross-border waterfall in the world
- Explore the Hoi An Ancient Town
Best time to visit Vietnam
In general Vietnam is a year-round destination. However, it is a long and thin country with a 1,650 km distance from the northernmost point to the southernmost point. Southern part of Vietnam is closer to the Equator. If you are planning a trip across the country, deciding on when to go is a little bit complicated.
Overall, if you would like to see a little bit of everything and visit the whole country, spring and autumn months are probably the good seasons, March and April being the best ones.
If you are planning to visit Vietnam in the winter, we suggest you to go to the Souther Coast of Vietnam. Mui Ne, Phu Quoc and Ho Chi Minh are great places to visit during winter and enjoy pleasant weather. Northern parts of Vietnam during the winter can get a little bit chilly.
During the summer, South Vietnam experiences rainy days but generally with short bursts during the day. On the other hand, North Vietnam is very hot and humid during the summer months with occasional rains. Summer season is dry in the central Vietnam as well, with blue skies until the mid August with hot and humid weather.
Useful information for Vietnam
- Official language of Vietnam is Vietnamese. You can find many people in touristy areas who can speak some English but in remote places or rural areas, finding an English speaker is very hard.
- Local currency in Vietnam is Vietnamese Dong. You can find ATM machines in major cities, airports and hotels.
- Tipping is usually not expected in Vietnam but highly appreciated. Many people in Vietnam make very little money and therefore extra cash from the tips they collect is very valuable for them. Some restaurants add a service fee to the bill but unfortunately this money doesn’t always collected by the restaurant staff.
- In touristy areas, the dress code is relaxed and you can dress however you like. However, before entering temples or religious sites, you should dress modestly.
- When shopping at the markets, you will see that most of the goods don’t have fixed prices. Therefore, be prepared to haggle over the price.
- Pack some medication with you in case you experience food poisoning, diarrhea or headache. Better safe than sorry.
- Bring a lightweight rain jacket and a pair of comfortable shoes for hiking and sightseeing. Many people in Vietnam are using plastic ponchos which are very convenient during unexpected rain showers
- Bring a mosquito repellent with you.
- During your stay Vietnam, always prefer bottled water instead of tap water
- Always try to organize your tours in advance via reputable agencies or tour guides