Vietnam's cultural diversity—from Ho Chi Minh metropolis, the metropolis of a million motorcycles, to the street cuisine in Hanoi, to the buffalo plowing the rice fields—pulls honeymooners to Southeast Asia.
The cuisine, the history, the temples, and the hospitable demeanor of the locals all contribute to Vietnam's enduring allure as a romantic destination. It also has almost 2,000 miles of coastline and no end of beaches to relax and take in the somewhat unusual world. Vietnam is a wonderful honeymoon option with its beautiful scenery, delicious food, and cultural sites. Check out our Vietnam travel guide on My Way Travel for ideas on planning the perfect honeymoon in Vietnam.
My honeymoon ideas for Vietnam
Nighttime motorcycling in Ho Chi Minh City
Foreigners doing a motorbike tour of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam (formerly Saigon).
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam's largest and most cosmopolitan city, is a humming metropolis that roars to life with the help of a million mopeds every night.
Riding a pillion in Ho Chi Minh City like a native is an exhilarating experience. It's a great way to see parts of the world that would be inaccessible on foot.
My first advice is to take a Vespa motorcycle evening tour of Ho Chi Minh City with a local guide and discover the hidden gems you would never see.
Along the way, you'll sample some of the area's best cuisine at different restaurants, pubs, and food stands. A huge rice pancake I once sampled, served hot and crackling, has stayed with me ever since.
The rest of the evening is at your leisure, and you can return to your hotel, go out to a club, or check out some live local music.
I recommend ditching your inhibitions and going headlong into the sensory overload that awaits you.
Street food tours in Hanoi
Hanoi, Vietnam's Street Food Tours
Hanoi is the first stop for many newlyweds, and it's a big change from Ho Chi Minh City.
On the other hand, Hanoi has managed to keep the rustic allure of a riverside provincial capital, while its rival, Ho Chi Minh City, has become known as the "Pearl of the Orient" for its luxury.
There are several street food tours in Hanoi, and although local blogger Mr. Tu (whose site Vietnamese God provides great aspirations) has been writing about Hanoi's top from-the-street food exponents for more than 12 years, the city is also known for its street cuisine.
That makes him an expert on restaurants, food markets, and the background of regional foods.
The beauty of this tour is that it focuses on more than simply eating. As you go about the city, following your nose, you'll notice it's unlike any other capital you've visited. The city's busy atmosphere contrasts sharply with French colonial influences, such as the tree-lined boulevards and easily accessible baguettes.
Hanoi at dawn
The Mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh in Hanoi
The city of Hanoi presents a drastically different scene in the early morning compared to the late evening. People start their days off well by taking dancing lessons and practicing sports like badminton and football in the open air.
At 5:30 or 6 in the morning, you may ride a 'cyclo,' like a rickshaw, for a city tour and get a feel for local life.
Before President Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum, visitors may observe the daily flag-raising ceremony in Ba Dinh Square.
There is a lot of ceremony around it, but it shows how seriously the Vietnamese take their national flag and the values it represents.
Live like a local
Water buffalo used by a rice farmer. Hoi An, in Vietnam.
It is impossible to know what goes on in the hundreds of paddy fields you pass daily in Vietnam.
Experience authentic rural Vietnam on your honeymoon with a hands-on rice growing tour in Hoi An.
Wear traditional garb, the conical hat, and overalls to plow fields, harvest rice, and make rice milk.
Ride a buffalo (if you dare) and sample the incredible variety of rice-based foods that comprise essential components of Vietnamese cuisine, such as pancakes, crackers, and a wide range of delicacies.
Enjoy a home-cooked meal with a local farmer and his family at the end of the day while learning about the hard work and devotion required by Vietnamese farmers.
Private dining in a cave
Nha Trang, Vietnam's Rock Villa at Six Senses Ninh Van Bay
Private beachside dinners are a staple of every traditional honeymoon, and Vietnam's beachside hotels know how to provide them.
Breakfast on the beach is also available at Fusion Maia in Da Nang, up the coast from Hoi An, so you may enjoy the world-famous South China beach before the crowds come.
But if you want a romantic dinner for two in a secluded setting, I highly recommend the private dining cave at Six Senses Ninh Van Bay.
The hotel converted a wine cellar into a private dining room for honeymooning couples to have an intimate supper together.
The cool air and natural lighting make for a romantic finale to a Vietnam honeymoon, even though the country is known for its heat.
Nha Trang, one of Vietnam's first seaside destinations, is today a bustling city with its airport. Reaching the Six Senses takes 40 minutes in a vehicle and another 20 in a speedboat. The resort is located on a horseshoe-shaped stretch of golden sand beach against a background of forested mountains.
Where to stay on honeymoon in Vietnam
Six Senses Con Dao Ocean Villa, Vietnam
A second Six Senses resort, located on the Con Dao archipelago in the south, is also ideal for a honeymoon or romantic getaway.
Formerly a penal colony under French authority, Vietnam's islands now draw tourists with their stunning natural beauty.
The beach at Six Senses Con Dao, which leads gently into the crystal-clear water, is located in a traditional horseshoe harbor, and the hotel itself has individual pools for each guest.
The abundance of local animals is one of the nicest parts of vacationing at Six Senses Con Dao, a national park. Long-tailed macaques lurk in the trees, ready to steal your shades, while giant black squirrels scamper through the branches.
The best time to honeymoon in Vietnam
The best time of year to visit Vietnam for a honeymoon depends on the couple and their preferences. February through August is the peak season, when the whole nation, except the extreme north, has high temperatures and high humidity. September and October are often the wettest months.
It is often warm and dry someplace in the nation because of its topography. In the south, for instance, it is typical to see a blue sky and sunlight in the middle of December. However, if you're planning a honeymoon in Vietnam, the best time to travel is between March and May.
Start planning your trip to Vietnam
Start thinking about your experience. These itineraries are simply suggestions for how you could enjoy some of the same experiences as our specialists. They’re just for inspiration, because your trip will be created around your particular tastes.
