If you love great beaches, fantastic food, and breathtaking scenery, you will find that and more on your Vietnam honeymoon.
Perhaps the best start to your Vietnamese honeymoon is a flight into Hanoi, a sophisticated city known for its exquisite restaurants and coffee. If you wish to explore outside of Hanoi, Halong Bay is a mere 170 kilometers north not far from the Chinese border. It’s a fairly quick car or bus ride, or, for a special treat, enjoy the sights of Vietnam by taking a helicopter ride. This Bay consists of 1,600 limestone islands and will treat you to some surreal, fabulous sights. There are excellent hotels here if you choose to stay. A romantic cruise throughout the islands is highly recommended, as is the food in the villages you will encounter along the way.
From Halong, head for Central Vietnam to Da Nang. Many tourists skip Da Nang, and you really shouldn’t. You will find every type of excitement here, such as the beautiful My Khe Beach with its perfect white sand, the Marble Mountains for hiking, and more of the restaurants for which Vietnam is justly famous. For some rugged adventure, hit the Hai Van Pass. A scooter exploration of the entire area will be one of your most memorable Vietnamese experiences. If you are looking for some first-rate snorkeling, visit nearby Cham Island.
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Table of Contents
About Vietnam 📖
Best Time to Visit Vietnam 📅
Top Things to do in Vietnam 👫
Weather in Vietnam ☀️
About Vietnam
Vietnam’s civilization is over a thousand years old, and it seems to have cornered the market on much of the world’s beauty. It is unrivaled in natural magnificence, its delicious food, and its diverse cultures, which are a perfect blend of French and Chinese.
In Hanoi, guests can find an example of the tranquil Chinese history amid the city’s hustle and bustle within the Hoan Kiem Lake. The Ngoc Son Temple lies in the middle of the lake as a refuge from the noise of the city. If entering the Temple, please wear appropriate attire – no shorts or sandals. To visit the Temple, or the tranquil park which surrounds it, cross the bright red Rising Sun Bridge. Stroll in the park and check out the turtles that are in the lake. Or join the locals in their daily Tai Chi. It’s also a popular place to court a loved one, so pretend you’re on a date. Sandals are forbidden, but smooching is allowed.
The Vietnamese are confirmed foodies. The cuisine, a blend of Chinese and French, might be the best in the world. Mention pho soup, and you will start an argument as to which Hanoi restaurant has the best.
For some Vietnamese history, head north from Hanoi to Ba Dinh, which is all about former leader Ho Chi Minh, who is considered by many as the Vietnamese George Washington. Visit the Ho Chi Minh Museum, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and the Presidential Park. If a fiercer history is of interest, Ba Dinh also is home to the Hoa Lo Prison.
Vietnam is geologically diverse, as well. Travel north to its many lakes, while you find sand dunes in central Vietnam. The country’s famed Delta is further south. Enjoy these geological wonders during your Vietnam honeymoon. There is no lack of adventure in Vietnam.
One advantage to a Vietnamese honeymoon is its low cost. Traveling around the country is inexpensive, so you can see more of its beauty. Riding the train for the entire length of the country is an easy trip. First-class is extremely affordable. The train system connects with the Chinese railroad, so you can spend some time traveling to China, as well.
While the train is a convenient way to get from one place to another, the favorite mode of transportation in Vietnam is the motorbike. It’s the best way to see the backcountry and how real people live. It also permits you to cross the borders into Cambodia and Laos, enjoying having a honeymoon in more than one country.
Wherever you roam, you will likely find a nearby beach. Even in the mountains, you can enjoy the waters of Ha Long Bay.
Vietnamese culture extends to its frenetic nightlife. In Saigon and Hanoi, the bars are lively and the cocktails excellent. Just join the party.
If you are planning a winter wedding, a January/February Vietnamese honeymoon is a one-time experience as the Lunar New Year is celebrated during the Tet holiday. This is the biggest festival of the year. Like most holidays everywhere, houses are cleaned, families get together (including dead ancestors), and food rules the day. Some restaurants are open, so join the locals in the excitement of the moment.
During Tet, the Vietnamese release carps into the river as an offering to the Gods. Watch this traditional ceremony regardless of where you are. Then, enjoy the fireworks and live performances, especially the ancient dance of the dragon. The festivities do not end when Tet is over. Following the holiday, there will be boat racing, more dragon dances, and wrestling.
Best Time to Visit Vietnam
Vietnam is a long and thin country and prone to monsoons that hit at different times. Monsoon hit the southern part from May to September, while the northern portion of the country sees monsoons during the months of October through May. The best time of your visit may depend on which part of the country you will be spending the most time in.
Fall, or September through December, and spring, or April and May, are the best time to catch most of the country at its best, weatherwise.
Visit southern Vietnam in December for some sunny frolicking on the beach. Ho Chi Minh City hovers around a comfortable 80 degrees during this period. North Vietnam is cool enough for some great hiking. As you move into January, the mountains get very cold. Hanoi will most likely be experiencing jacket-weather of around 70 degrees at this time.
When the rains stop in January, it’s a good time to visit the beaches in Da Nang.
March has what could be Vietnam’s best weather. The north is becoming less chilly and the waters and beaches are inviting in the southern region.
The southern region is approaching its monsoon season in May, and the north is seeing some rain. But there isn’t enough precipitation to keep you from exploring and hiking.
In early June, rain can make exploring hazardous. But Hanoi remains dry and the summer is the perfect time for a visit, although the city will see plenty of rain in July and August.
The weather tends to be ideal in both the southern and northern regions during November.
Top Things to do in Vietnam
The wonderful truth about Vietnam is that you could spend a lifetime here and not run out of things to do. It has the finest cuisine, adventurous treks, fascinating culture, and delightful beaches. Let’s not even mention that they have the best coffee anywhere.
Hanoi’s Old Quarter
It is likely that you’ll be vising Hanoi, and the best action is the city’s Old Quarter, which consists of a maze of alleys. A good map will be your best guide.
Dong Xuan Market on Dong Xuan Street is the oldest market in Hanoi and a veritable Eden for shoppers. From food to clothing, you will find it here. For even more shopping, check out the Night Market on weekends.
For some relaxing time, share a couple’s massage in the Old Quarters, which is filled with quality masseuses at good prices. Try anything from shiatsu to Swedish, to hot stone.
Take a Cruise Along Ha Long Bay
Ha Long Bay, an hour outside of Hanoi, is a must-see for most visitors to Vietnam, who come to see the 1,500 or so limestones in the bay. Some cruises offer a one or two night stay, and these will have the most activities. Enjoy water sports, such as kayaking and fishing. Take a cooking class or join in some karaoke fun. Several cruise lines offer a romantic candlelit dinner in a cave. This is what memories are made of.
Visit Hoi An
Hoi An is located on the coast of central Vietnam. This is where you will find the best beaches in Vietnam. The water is clear and warm, and the beaches themselves are uncrowded and a mecca for diving. If you are staying a few days, you will find plenty of coastal accommodations.
An unexpected find in Hoi An are its tailors. These workers are the things legends are made of – and they are indeed legendary. For that impeccable suit and dress, this is the place to go. They have been dressing South East Asia’s elite for centuries at marvelously low prices.
Much has already been said about Vietnam’s incomparable cooking. Hoi An offers a number of cooking classes that highlight local specialties. Begin your class with a shopping trip to the local market for the freshest produce. Then, return to the kitchen to learn how to blend and apply spices like an expert.
While you’re in Hoi An, don’t miss My Son temple site an hour’s drive away by motorbike. It is a complex filled with approximately 70 deteriorating Hindu temples. This used to be the religious center of the country when the Champa Empire ruled Vietnam. You can still see some of the wonderful decorations and bas reliefs.
Floating Markets in the Mekong Delta
In southwestern Vietnam, everything involves around the river. Goods are sold from a boat floating on the water, creating a busy floating marketplace. Watching the activity here is a worthwhile day trip from Ho Chi Minh City. The largest city by the floating markets is Can Tho. If you want, there is a guesthouse for an overnight stay. It is possible to spend a day on one of these boats or engage in a boat tour. It’s an amazing experience.
Weather in Vietnam
Vietnam is such a pencil-thin, long country stretching from north to south, you can go there any month and find either perfect or horrid weather. It all depends on where you are at the moment.
Most of Vietnam is tropical and subtropical, which means monsoons will happen. In Vietnam, they happen at different times. Generally, it a bit cooler up north than it is in the southern region, especially up in the mountains. Subzero is not unheard of.
Summer invariably brings a lot of heat with high humidity.
The South is tropical, hot, and humid. This is a time Saigon gets easily flooded during downpours.
