Sun-soaked and culture-packed, Vietnam has everything newlyweds could possibly ask for, from spas, beaches and culture to adventure and lip-smacking cuisine. Get a chic city fix in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, sink your toes into the sandy shores of Con Dao Island and Phu Quoc, float blissfully along the Mekong Delta or find some headspace in the peaceful hills of Mai Chau. It’s also perfectly positioned for a country-hopping adventure and can be easily paired with neighbouring Cambodia – ideal for those looking to explore the famous ruins of Angkor. To help you out, we’ve put together our favourite trips to help you plan a Vietnam honeymoon, and the ideal first holiday as newlyweds.
Vietnam in a nutshell
If you want to get under Vietnam’s skin and check off (almost) every hotspot, this is the trip for you. Begin by exploring Hanoi, the country’s boisterous capital, where you and your beloved can tuck into tasty local delicacies like pho and banh mi and explore the city’s history and heritage. From there, head to the picturesque Halong Bay and bask in the jaw-dropping scenery from an opulent junk boat, watching the sun set over those iconic limestone karsts – best enjoyed with a cocktail in hand, of course. Then, make your way down to Hoi An, a perfectly preserved historical river town packed with history, culture and beautiful architecture – its winding streets ideal for romantic strolls hand in hand. Enjoy a brief stop in Ho Chi Minh City – the former capital where old meets new – before escaping to the peace and quiet of the blissful Mekong Delta. Slowly drift along the waterways, taking in the waterside villages bustling with life in the same way as they have for centuries. Finally, look forward to a bit of beach time to wind-down your epic adventure and relax on the powdery sand of Con Dao Island.
Top spots to stay
Starting at the very beginning, Hanoi’s La Siesta is the perfect city stop off, decorated with a touch of modern elegance, on the doorstep of the Old Quarter and with a spa to boot. In Halong Bay, an iconic junk boat stay is a must and with its boutique cabins, jacuzzis and spa rooms, Halong Violet is ideal for loved-up newlyweds. Time for a little beachside opulence now, and it doesn’t get much better than Hoi An’s InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort with its luxurious decor and jaw dropping views – tick tick tick! For old-school charm in Ho Chi Minh City, the glamorous Park Hyatt Saigon is your girl, and to really experience the Mekong Delta you should travel on it and the three-tiered Pandaw Ship is an ideal place to perch yourself and watch the world go by. If the word ‘honeymoon’ conjures up ritzy beachside luxury then Six Senses Con Dao is just the ticket!
Explore the north of Vietnam
Mixing lush hideaways with some of Vietnam’s famous hot spots, this is the trip for those seeking a little bit of everything. First up are the green hills and rice fields of secluded Mai Chau, where you’ll get a taste of traditional Vietnamese life in the pretty villages sprinkled about, best explored on foot or by bike. Then it’s onto Halong Bay to take in the emerald green water and knock-your-socks-off landscapes as you spend a few nights aboard a luxury junk boat, living like royalty and drifting past the limestone karsts. Next, it’s time to re-enter the world and you’ll do so with a bang as you land in the charmingly chaotic capital of Hanoi. Hit the streets to the soundtrack of buzzing mopeds, sample next-level street food, and take in the rich history and culture of the city. As we’re talking honeymoons, it would only be right to pack in some beach time so you’ll end your trip on the sandy shores of Phu Quoc. With its turquoise waters, lengthy beach (it runs the whole way around the island) and swaying palm fronds this is the seaside spot you’ve been dreaming of.
Top spots to stay
With its wooden walls and traditionally thatched roof, Mai Chau Eco Lodge blends in perfectly with its surroundings – and what surroundings they are! In Halong Bay, you’ll find yourself lulled to sleep as you make yourself at home on the luxurious Halong Ginger – you can take a kayak out on the emerald water, whip up a feast during on-board cooking classes, and even enjoy a dip in the rooftop pool. Hanoi is known for its old-world charm and the Sofitel Legend Metropole reflects that with its rich history and classic French feel. And from one French mansion to another (this time by the seaside), La Veranda Resort Phu Quoc with its ocean views, exquisite service and charming decor, is dripping with character.
Ultimate Vietnam & Angkor Wat
Lovers of history and culture will find their honeymoon heaven on this twin-country escape in Vietnam and neighbouring Cambodia. Begin your adventure in the rambunctious Hanoi, where a food tour is a must, as is visiting some of the city’s 600 pagodas and temples. Halong Bay provides ultimate romance as you set sail and enjoy water sports and gorgeous sundowners against a backdrop of incredible scenery. With its beautiful architecture, enchanting palaces and aptly named Perfume River, Hue evokes all the charm you might expect of an ancient royal city, whilst lovely Hoi An, the pearl in Vietnam’s crown, drips with romance. Ho Chi Minh City provides some exhilarating modern thrills, and then you’ll head right to the other end of the spectrum with a lazily float down the Mekong Delta. Then, you’ll be speeding towards Cambodia and the delights of Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, home of the famous Angkor ruins that grace many a bucket list. This is a busy, packed-to-the-brim trip, perfect for newlyweds seeking adventure!
Top spots to stay
You can’t go far wrong with Hanoi’s swanky La Siesta; it screams city chic and is right in the heart of the action. We don’t like to play favourites but as far as junk boats go, the Halong Jasmine is up there – you’ll feel as though you’ve been whisked back to the dazzling 1930s. In Hue, choose the Ancient Hue Garden Houses with its striking architecture and dark wood walls and in Hoi An, opt for the Four Seasons Resort : The Nam Hai for a touch of honeymoon luxe. Ho Chi Minh City’s Hotel Des Arts Saigon is something special with its sweeping metropolitan views, and you’ll be right in the heart of the action too. The Aqua Mekong Cruise is the way to travel the famous river in style, and this three-storey boat offers a spa, rooftop pool and bar and even a cinema. With the Raffles name comes a lot of expectation and the Phnom Penh outpost with its famous past guests (Jackie O once stayed!), stately decor and top notch service doesn’t disappoint. Then, end at Belmond La Residence d’Angkor for a final luxury flourish next to the world-famous ruins.
Journey along the Mekong
The Mekong, that famous river that winds its way through no less than six countries, is an epic backdrop for a honeymoon. You might not have time to explore the whole river but we can guarantee you a journey you’ll never forget travelling from Cambodia to Vietnam – and it definitely beats catching a flight! But let’s start at the beginning with a few days in Siem Reap in Cambodia, where the real draw is nearby Angkor. The sprawling ancient city is on travel bucket lists the world over for good reason thanks to its beautiful temples and buildings that cover an area of over 400 square kilometres. Once you’ve seen the sights of Angkor, head to the capital Phnom Penh for two days of history and then take to the Mekong. Spend three days floating along the famous river enjoying the peaceful village life along its banks and leaving Cambodia behind for the sights of Vietnam. You’ll end your trip in the vibrant and exciting Ho Chi Minh City where modern life coexists perfectly alongside ancient foods and traditions.
Top spots to stay
With its traditional style buildings set out to look like a Cambodian village, Phum Baitang Resort is a lush green delight. Whilst it might look as though you’re staying in traditional lodgings, the spot is nothing but luxury with plunge pools and plush beds to fall into at the end of a long day. There are a number of spots to stay in Cambodia’s capital but we don’t think there are any quite like Rosewood. At 25 floors up, you’ll be sitting pretty with views across the city and all manner of swanky bars and restaurants at your fingertips. On the Mekong, there’s no better than the Aqua Mekong Cruise – this luxury three-storey vessel will see to it that your journey passes by in a blur of luxury. Finish your trip off in style by checking into the pretty-as-a-picture Villa Song in Ho Chi Minh City, which sits just outside the hustle and bustle of the city and provides just the sort of peaceful escape honeymooners dream of.
