Honeymoon in Vietnam – 16 Days

DAY 1 – HANOI ARRIVAL (D)

On arrival at Hanoi’s Noi Bai Airport, we will greet and transfer you by private car through the city to your hotel. Note: normal check in time for hotels is 1400 and schedule of this day will be adapted to your international flight arrival time.
Vietnam’s quaint capital is a city of wide tree lined boulevards with tranquil lakes and colonial villa’s and a more sedate pace than other Asian cities. Hanoi offers something for everyone and will leave you wishing that you had longer to explore this enthralling capital.

This afternoon wind down and indulge in the city’s best spa followed by a Vietnamese dinner with a French touch in one of Hanoi’s most charming restaurants housed in a beautiful villa.

Overnight at De L’Opera hotel Hanoi

DAY 2 – HANOI (B,D)

After breakfast depart for an insider’s tour of the capital. Start with a tour of the Long Bien Bridge (originally name Doumer Bridge) which was built in 1902 by Sir Gustave Eiffel. Take a walking tour of this fascinating structure to learn more on how this bridge helped shape Hanoi’s future.

From Long Bien, drive by vehicle to the capital’s Old Quarter. This bustling area of narrow streets and alleys is home to literally thousands of small businesses and shopkeepers.

It’s a great place to explore with plenty of photo opportunities all around you. It is here in this area that lies the soul of the city, one the most ancient capitals of Southeast Asia. A mixture of village and old way of life amidst a modern and growing city offer amazing contrasts.

Continue to the Temple of Literature. In 1076 Quoc Tu Giam – Vietnam’s first university, also referred to as Van Mieu, was established within a temple to educate Vietnam’s royalty, mandarins and members of the elite. The university functioned for an incredible 700 years and its gardens and well-preserved architecture offer a fascinating glimpse into Vietnam’s past.
Time permitting, or as an alternative to one of the above, visit the highly acclaimed Vietnam Women’s Museum (closed on Mondays). The museum is located near Hoan Kiem Lake and offers wonderful insight into the lives of Vietnamese women. Displays highlight Vietnam’s vast cultural diversity and educate on the significant role Vietnamese women play in Vietnamese society. Learn historic and modern-day traditions centered around births, weddings, motherhood, spirituality and more.

For sunset continue to West Lake and one of the oldest Buddhist pagodas in Hanoi, Tran Quoc. The romantic Than Nhien causeway where the pagoda and temple are situated makes an excellent backdrop for photographs.

Dine tonight at one of Hanoi’s best tables.

Overnight at De L’Opera hotel Hanoi

DAY 3 – HANOI – HALONG BAY (B,L,D)

After breakfast leave Hanoi for an overnight boat trip on Halong Bay. Journey there through the rich farmlands of the Red River Delta, observe everyday life of Vietnamese villagers as they work the rice fields, take pigs to the market on bicycles and plough the fields with their water buffaloes. Arrive in Halong City late morning and board your traditional, private wooden junk for the overnight journey into the Bay. En-route lunch will be served.

Following cruise by rock formations with such names as Sail, Dog and Dinh Huong (incense pot).

Towards the end of the day set anchor for the night. As the sun sets over the bay dinner is served on board with fresh seafood, salads, and fruits.

Overnight on Halong Bay

DAY 4 – HALONG BAY – NOI BAI AIRPORT – DANANG – HOI AN (B,L)

On your return to Halong City enjoy a wholesome brunch as your boat weaves through strange-shaped limestone rock formations. Upon disembarkation your driver will meet you for the transfer to Noi Bai Airport for the flight to Danang.
En route visit Thanh Chuong Palace, the home and studio of Thanh Chuong who is one of the most celebrated painters in Vietnam today is an architectural gem showcasing Vietnamese traditional cultural objects and structures. A living space rather than a museum which showcases Vietnamese archaeology, art, history and other culture values.

Have lunch here before exploring the monuments at this fascinating museum. Flight to Danang and transfer to Hoi An

Overnight at Luxury Resort, Hoi An

DAY 5 – HOI AN (B,L)

After your breakfast it’s time to discover Hoi An. Despite the passing of 200 years and the ravages of weather and war, the centre of Hoi An remains much the same as it was in its heyday. A walking tour is the best way to see this marvelous town.
Lunch at one of Hoi An’s best restaurants which serves original and creative cuisine that can only be described as Vietnam-Latin American-Japanese fusion. With a combination of refreshing flavours, beautiful presentations and a relaxing atmosphere this eatery has won the heart of many loyal and happy customers.

This afternoon is free to relax with car and guide at disposal. Browse for souvenirs in Hoi An’s art galleries and silk shops, or maybe cycle to the nearby Cua Dai Beach (on own account).

Overnight at Luxury Resort, Hoi An

DAY 6 – HOI AN (B,L)

Today spend time with a local farming family to learn about their daily lifestyle and to discover the flavors of fresh Vietnamese cuisine.
From the hotel ride a bicycle along shady lanes and by rice fields to Tra Que Village, see the farmers as they work on their organic herb garden. Join in at making tam huu, a local delicacy before sitting down for a light, home cooked meal including bang khoai, a speciality savoury pancake wrapped in rice paper. At the end of the afternoon return to Hoi An by vehicle.
Afternoon free at leisure

Overnight at Luxury Resort, Hoi An

DAY 7 – HOI AN – NHA TRANG (B)

It’s time to hit the beach. Take a short flight to Vietnam’s beach capital Nha Trang which has every single activity that a sun worshipper may want (in Nha Trang the airport – resort transfer will be by hotel guide and vehicle). Besides the pre-requisite golden stretches of land and crystal clear waters, the coast is dotted with many islands each with their own distinct character. The turquoise waters play host to a variety of marine life, and snorkeling and scuba diving are perennial favorites. Check into the exclusive and outstanding Six Senses Evason Hideaway (your resort can only be reached by sea) and your private pool villa which will be your home for the next 2 nights. A private butler is assigned to every villa to arrange all your wishes.

Overnight at Luxury Resort, Nha Trang

DAY 8 – 9: NHA TRANG (B)

The next two days are free at leisure. True to the Six Senses Resorts & Spas philosophy, the Evason Hideaway creates wonderfully innovative and enriching experiences in a sustainable environment. The Evason Hideaway occupies a unique site near to Nha Trang on Ninh Van Bay accessible only by boat. The impressive rock formations, coral reef and sandy beach give the sense of being luxuriously at one with nature. The architectural style reflects the traditions of Vietnam and the 53 pool villas provide generous personal space and an uncompromised standard of luxury. The resort’s restaurant features the best of East meets West fusion cuisine.

The Six Senses Spa, nestling among rocks beside a gently cascading stream, has an international team of therapists on hand providing signature treatments together with individual rejuvenation specialties of the region.

Overnight at Luxury Resort, Nha Trang

DAY 10 – NHA TRANG – HO CHI MINH CITY (B,L)

Depart for Nha Trang Airport after breakfast for the short flight to dynamic Ho Chi Minh City, still called Saigon by the locals. Take an orientation tour of the city in a classic Citroen car which will include a visit to the former Presidential Palace, the War Remnants Museum and the Old Saigon Post Office.

For lunch try some traditional Saigon fare. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure to discover Ho Chi Minh City at your own pace.

Overnight at the Nikko, Ho Chi Minh City

DAY 11 – HO CHI MINH CITY – MEKONG DELTA (B,L,D)

The Cuu Long region, which translates as ‘Nine Dragons’, otherwise known as the Mekong Delta is a great place to discover Vietnam. Amazing waterways hidden amongst vibrant tropical fruit gardens, bustling floating markets that offer a cornucopia of items and acres of emerald rice fields are what make this region so unforgettable.
The private Song Xanh is designed as a traditional sampan and its small size allows you to discover the smaller canals, rivers and tributaries of this region. Cruise Cai Be’s and Cai Rang’s colourful floating markets; visit Sadec, the Mekong town made famous from Marguerite Duras’ novel ‘The Lover’, enjoy an unforgettable dinner in a 19th century house and the sights of sounds of this fascinating region.

After breakfast, depart for the Mekong Delta. Leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind as you travel through Vietnam’s picturesque countryside with its rice paddies and rural villages. Upon arrival in the Delta board the private ‘Song Xanh’, modeled after a traditional sampan. The boat’s small size allows you to discover the smaller canals and tributaries of this region. Your visit includes the home of Mr. Huyen Thuy Le, a character from the novel ‘The Lover’ by Marguerite Duras as well as Thien Hau Pagoda. Return to the boat for lunch. Continue to Can Tho stopping en-route at a Cao Dai Temple. Cao Daism is indigenous to South Vietnam and the colorful and unusual murals that cover the temple’s interior will blind you with their brilliance.

Before sunset, the last stop is at a splendid 19th century house where an unforgettable dinner will be served. After dinner, proceed for one hour to Can Tho where your sampan will be moor for the night.

Overnight aboard the Song Xanh Boat

DAY 12 – MEKONG DELTA – CAN THO – PHU QUOC (B)

Crossing the Mekong on the way to Cai Rang Floating Market, take in traditional sights such as rice barges, wooden ship building yards and even fruit drying along the Mekong’s banks

After visiting the colourful floating market transfer to Can Tho Airport for the flight to the island of Phu Quoc. On arrival at the islands sleepy airport, transfer to La Veranda Resort. Many properties in Asia claim to be ’boutique’, but few fit the bill so perfectly as La Veranda. The resort features sumptuous villas, a wonderfully indulgent spa and a pristine sandy beach. The rest of your day is at leisure to kick back or enjoy the resorts facilities as you please.

Overnight at Luxury Resort, Phu Quoc

DAY 13 – 14 – 15: PHU QUOC (B)

Situated in the Gulf of Thailand, Phu Quoc is one of Asia’s least developed beach destinations. The island’s clear waters, undiscovered beaches, forested interior and charming local character make for an ideal holiday escape.
Spend the next three nights in Phu Quoc enjoying the perfectly laid backed surroundings. Recommended touring options (on own account) are diving and snorkeling trips to the outer laying reefs and visits to the islands infamous fish sauce factories and if you desire, a trekking to discover the islands interior consisting of pristine rainforest.

Overnight at Luxury Resort, Phu Quoc

DAY 16 – PHU QUOC (B)

Today is departure day. Enjoy some free time before the short flight back to Ho Chi Minh City and your onward departure from Vietnam. If time allows it is possible to transfer back into Ho Chi Minh City for last purchases or simply relax at the airport before your onward flight.