Vietnam Honeymoon: Best Cities, Beaches and Tours
Entrance to the Phung Tien Palace in The Imperial City of Hue, Vietnam.
If you’re looking for an exciting destination with lots to see and do, a Vietnam honeymoon could be perfect for you. You’ll find romantic scenery, dreamy beaches and exciting cities as you travel through the country.
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Vietnam Honeymoon Itinerary
Generally, flights to Vietnam are pretty long. You’ll need to spend a few days traveling. To make it worth the trip, you’ll want to stay at least a few weeks. If you’ve got 14 days, you can start in bustling Hanoi. Then work your way south, visiting ancient temples, historical sites and beautiful beaches along the way.
Day 1 - Arrive In Hanoi
Start getting used to the city by taking a walking tour of the Old Quarter. You can book a day tour with a group, or you can explore on your own. There’s lots to see in this small area and it’s easy to walk from place to place.
Hoan Kiem Lake
Hoan Kiem is a freshwater lake in the center of Hanoi. There’s walking paths and peaceful spots to sit and gaze at Turtle Tower. As you walk around the lake, you’ll find the bridge to visit the Temple of the Jade Mountain.
Temple of the Jade Mountain
The Temple of the Jade Mountain, or Ngoc Son Temple, is on a small islet in Hoan Kiem Lake. You can cross a bright red bridge to get to the temple, where you’ll see pavilions and statues, plus a beautiful view of the lake.
St Joseph’s Cathedral
St Joseph’s Cathedral was built in 1886 and it’s one of the biggest Catholic churches in Hanoi. The church is open to the public. If you’re ready for a rest, there’s lots of cafes around the plaza where you can take a break, and enjoy the scene.
Bach Ma Temple
The Bach Ma Temple was built in the ninth century and is said to be the oldest temple in Hanoi. Bach Ma means white horse. The Bach Ma temple is named in honor of the white horse that showed King Ly Thai To where he should build the citadel for the new capital.
Ma May Ancient House
For an example of traditional architecture of the Old Quarter, you can visit the Ma May Ancient House. Originally built by a trader in the 19th century, the home is a wonderful way to see how a traditional Vietnamese family lived and worked in Hanoi.
Dong Xuan Market
If you’d like to visit a traditional style market, stop by the Dong Xuan Market. You’ll find everything from clothes and souvenirs to fresh fruit and vegetables.
Entryway to the Jade Mountain Temple in Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi.
Day 2 - In Hanoi
Start your first full day in Hanoi with a nice bowl of soup. It sounds weird at first, but once you try it, you’ll love it. Pho is the traditional Vietnamese breakfast, usually made with beef, noodles and broth. Plus loads of garnishes, like bean sprouts, fresh herbs, chili pepper and limes.
You can find pho everywhere, from fancy restaurants to sidewalk cafes. It’s all delicious. When you’re ordering your pho, you’ll see a few different types:
Pho ba is made with beef.
Pho ga is made with chicken.
Pho chay is vegetarian, made with tofu.
Pho hai san is made with seafood.
Pho ca is made with fish.
Sightseeing in Hanoi
Once you’ve finished your pho, you’ll find lots of places to explore. Public buses in Hanoi are a clean and inexpensive way to get around the city. There are stops near every major sight.
Another great way to get around is with a ticket for a Hop On, Hop Off bus. These are tourist buses that travel around to the main sites. You can buy a ticket, then get on and off at any of the stops for the entire day. Most are still running on limited schedules, so check the website before you finalize your plans: Hop On Hop Off Hanoi.
Temple of Literature
The Temple of Literature is where the Imperial Academy first began in 1076. You can visit courtyards and pavilions with countless bells, figures and statues.
One courtyard holds altars to Confucius and his disciples. Another courtyard is where the actual Academy was built for students. Today, you’ll see cultural exhibits and statues of beloved teachers and rectors.
Thang Long Imperial Citadel
The Citadel was built in 1010 and was the center of political power for 13 consecutive centuries. Today you can see the Flag Tower, one of the most famous symbols of Hanoi. In the heart of the citadel, you’ll see relics of the Kinh Thien Palace. The site also has interesting pagodas, gates and statues.
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
Ho Chi Minh, the founder of the Vietnamese Communist Party, is considered the father of Vietnam. Many Vietnamese travel to his mausoleum to pay respects. After the mausoleum, you can visit the nearby presidential palace and botanical gardens.
History Museums in Hanoi
There are some fascinating museums where you can learn more about modern history. The best ones to visit are Hoa Lo Prison, the Military History Museum and the Vietnam Women’s Museum.
Night Life in Hanoi
At night time in Hanoi, you can visit night markets, walking streets or lively bars and clubs. One favorite spot for travelers is Ta Hien Beer Street.
The Ta Hien Beer Street is in the Old Quarter, near Hoan Kiem Lake. The street is filled with sidewalk cafes, small tables and plastic chairs where you can get tasty food and of course - beer! Lots of people come here to mingle and enjoy the laid back vibe.
Day 3 and 4 - Ha Long Bay Overnight Cruise
The name Ha Long literally means “descending dragon”. In ancient times, the Vietnamese people were fighting off invaders. The Mother Dragon descended and spit jade and emeralds into the bay, to block the invaders and protect the land.
Today you’ll see the jewels in the form of 1,600 jade green island rising from the sea. As well as romantic sunsets and scenery, Ha Long Bay has lots of adventure, too. You can visit caves, tunnels and beaches. Or kayak and snorkel in the bay.
You can book a cruise that includes food and drinks, a welcome party, plus activities like hiking, swimming and kayaking. See the details: Halong at Lavender Elegance Cruises from Viator.
Day 5 - Overnight Train to Hue
After your Ha Long Bay tour, you’ll need to head back to Hanoi, in order to travel to Hue. You can find lots of inexpensive flights between cities in Vietnam. Or for a unique experience, you can book sleeper beds on an overnight train.
The train to Hue leaves Hanoi at 7:30 pm and takes 14 hours to arrive. Passengers can relax in their cabins and watch the scenery go by. Each cabin has either 2, 4 or 6 bunks for bedtime.
If you decide to take the train, bring your own snacks and bottled coffee. (They’ll give you breakfast in the morning, but it’s, um. Odd. Not in a good way.)
Once you arrive in Hue, you can spend the afternoon sightseeing. Or you can join a food tour, and cycle around the city enjoying tasty Vietnamese dishes: Hue Flavor Street Food Tour.
Cruise the Perfume River on dragon boats, in Hue, Vietnam.
Day 6 - In Hue
As the former capital of Vietnam, Hue has lots of historical monuments. Today you can visit a forbidden city, the tombs of ancient emperors, plus beautiful monuments and pagodas. The city is on the banks of the Perfume River, so you’ll also find activities like dinner cruises and dragon boat rides.
The Imperial City of Hue
The Imperial City of Hue was the capital of Vietnam from 1802 to 1945. Today you can visit the complex and see royal pavilions, temples, a library and theater.
Thien Mu Pagoda
A popular way to travel to the pagoda is by dragon boat. You can join this full day tour that includes all the best sights in Hue, plus a dragon boat ride to the Thien Mu Pagoda: Hue Deluxe Group Tour.
Bach Ma National Park
If you’d like to see some natural beauty in central Vietnam, visit Bach Ma National Park. The park has several hiking trails where you can see wildlife, jungle views, waterfalls and lagoons.
Day 7 - Travel to Hoi An
Hoi An is a short train ride from Hue. If you’d like to stop along the way to see the Marble Mountains, you can book a bus trip, instead.
Hoi An used to be a trading port, nowadays it’s a beautiful spot to wander the Old Town, visiting shopfronts and restaurants. You can spend the afternoon sightseeing. Watch the sunset from Cua Dai Bridge, then visit the Hoi An Night Market.
Strolling along the canal in Old Town, Hoi An, Vietnam.
Day 8 - In Hoi An
There’s lots of fun things to do in Hoi An. A tour to the nearby countryside is a fun way to see the local sights. You can join a bicycle tour, or a motorbike tour, and zip past rice fields, ponds and water buffalo.
If you’re in the mood for the beach, you can hop a 10 minute taxi ride to An Bang Beach. Bring a picnic, visit a beach club or rent lounge chairs for the day. You’ll find lots of activities, like parasailing and kayaking. Or go for a ride in a basket boat, the traditional Vietnamese fishing boats.
For a fun afternoon, learn how to make the lanterns that Hoi An is famous for. The lanterns bring happiness, wealth and good luck. In this workshop, you’ll learn how to make your own foldable silk lantern: Hoi An Full Lantern Making Class.
Traditional lanterns are lit as the sun sets in Hoi An, Vietnam.
Day 9 - Travel to Ho Chi Min City
Ho Chi Minh City used to be known as Saigon. Here, you’ll find an energetic mix of a modern city, ancient temples and sobering history. You’ll see the French influence in the city’s architecture and food. Don’t miss the fantastic coffee and bahn mi, made with fresh baguettes.
Visit the Notre Dame Cathedral, made with materials that were imported from France. Visit the Saigon Central Post Office and the Saigon Opera House for more examples of French architecture, and some great photo ops.
Spend the rest of the day visiting Ho Chi Minh City’s most beautiful temples and pagodas:
Jade Emperor Pagoda
Quan Am Pagoda
Giac Lam Pagoda
Giac Vien Pagoda
Xa Loi Pagoda
Vinh Nghiem Pagoda
Vietnamese National Pagoda
Day 10 - In Ho Chi Min City
If you’d like to learn more about history, the War Remnants Museum and Independence Palace are interesting spots to visit in Ho Chi Minh City.
Mekong Delta and Cu Chi Tunnels
Ho Chi Minh City is the perfect spot to book a day tour on the Mekong Delta. This tour includes VIP transportation from your hotel, a guided tour of the Cu Chi Tunnels, plus a boat trip through the Mekong Delta to visit a local family. See the details: Cu Chi Tunnels & Mekong Delta Full-Day VIP Tour.
Travel through the Mekong Delta for a unique view of the jungle in Vietnam.
Day 11 - Travel to Phu Quoc
Phú Quóc is a beautiful island in the Gulf of Thailand. With crystal clear waters and white sand beaches, it’s the perfect place to end your honeymoon. You’ll find fantastic resorts, delicious food and tons of water activities.
Day 12 and 13 - In Phu Quoc
Spend the days enjoying the beach at your resort. If you’re feeling active, you can find snorkeling, scuba diving or island tours. Or book a private catamaran for a romantic sail around Turtle Island.
This is a private tour, and you can set your own itinerary. You could snorkel in secluded bays, stroll along a hidden shore or watch the sunset from a deserted beach. The perfect end to an amazing honeymoon. See the details on Viator: Sailing to Turtle Island by Catamaran & Sunset at Casuarina Beach.
Day 14 - Time to go home
After one last sunrise at the beach, you’ll need to head back to Ho Chi Minh City, for your flight home.
Although it’s sad to say goodbye, after this perfect honeymoon in Vietnam, you’ll have memories to last a lifetime. And after this amazing start to your marriage, you’re sure to have many more travels ahead.
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Temple gate in Hue, Vietnam.
