Love Amidst Tranquility: A 14-Day Vietnam Honeymoon

A day dedicated to exploring Hanoi's most remarkable cultural sites and historical monuments:

• The Temple of Literature, symbolizing feudal education and standing as one of Hanoi's iconic landmarks.
• Visit Ba Dinh Square, the location of the former palace of the Indochina governor, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and his residence.
• Explore the Ethnography Museum, home to a vast collection of 25,000 ancient and contemporary artifacts providing insights into the history of local populations.
• In the evening, enjoy a water puppet show – a distinctive feature of Vietnamese culture.

Spend your tranquil night in Hanoi.

Departure to Ninh Binh – a country of limestone rocks, sugar loaves, and rice fields flooded by rivers and lakes all year round.

Arrival in Ninh Xuan, visit to Mount Mua which was in the past a place recognized for its performances of dancers for the Tran kings. Climbing a white staircase of 486 stone steps to the top, this bell-shaped mountain will give you a panoramic view of the Tam Coc region.

A limestone mountain located near the rivers and sugar loaves of Tam Coc. In the past, it was famous for its dance performances offered to the kings of the Tran dynasty (13th-14th century).

Then, transfer to Tam Coc, bike ride, and relaxation to discover this fabulous region. Cross villages and sugar loaves then enjoy the peaceful atmosphere that reigns in this rural region.

A vast landscaped area including sugar loaf rock formations, rice fields and rivers. Boat trips on the Ngo Dong River, through the sugar loaves, will allow you to fully enjoy the lush surrounding nature.

In the afternoon, boat ride on the Ngo Dong river to discover Tam Coc. This long river winds between rice fields, sugar loaves, and passes under the three caves at the foot of the limestone peaks. Your boat will glide gently over the water thanks to the local rowers, who will take you through magical landscapes.

• Explore Hoa Lu - the ancient imperial capital of Vietnam (960-1009), visit the temples of Kings Dinh and Le, nestled at the foot of a valley of rice fields and sugar loaves.
• Discover the particular history of the millennial conflict of Vietnam against the Chinese troops (being the kings Dinh and Le the first winners and unifiers of the country).

Overnight in Ninh Binh.

Set off on a journey to Halong, renowned as the most beautiful bay in Vietnam and one of the most enchanting landscapes in Asia. Upon arrival, board a traditional junk and receive a warm welcome from the crew before setting sail on a magnificent cruise through the bay. Visit Bai Tu Long, the northern part of Halong Bay, and admire its beauty:

• Cherish picturesque islands and islets with various shapes, such as sail, dog, rooster, and incense.
• Explore the splendid caves of Halong Bay, including Thien Canh Son, which houses stalagmites and stalactites dating back thousands of years.
• Continue the cruise to Cap La, where you can enjoy a kayak ride and swim in the sublime waters of the bay (weather permitting).

In the late afternoon, relax on the upper deck of the junk. Indulge in lunch and dinner served on board, and enjoy a free evening for personal rest and relaxation. This could include activities like card games or night fishing. Spend the night on board, surrounded by the serenity of Halong Bay.

Rise at dawn to savor a truly unique spectacle: the first rays of sunlight peering over the countless sugarloaf peaks of the bay, followed by a serene Tai Chi session on the terrace.

Tai Chi, the art of deep relaxation, involves performing a series of slow, flowing, and circular movements.

Initiate a boat or kayak excursion to explore the charming fishing village of Vung Vieng, where you may have the chance to meet local residents.
Enjoy lunch on the junk, then go ashore and return to Hanoi.
In the evening, catch a flight to Hue, the historic imperial city located in the heart of the country.
Spend the night in Hue.

Begin your city tour of Hue, the last imperial capital of Vietnam from 1802 to 1945:

• Explore the Imperial City, the historic residence and workplace of the 13 Nguyen kings over 143 years.
• Visit the mausoleum of Minh Mang, famously known for fathering 142 children with 43 concubines.
• Discover Phu Mong village, recognized for its garden houses, an essential part of Hue's imperial heritage.
• Experience the Thien Mu Pagoda, one of Hue's most beautiful and frequently visited pagodas. Alternatively, visit the serene Tu Hieu Pagoda, where the tombs of eunuchs from the Nguyen dynasty rest. Depending on the time, you may witness a monk's prayer session.
• Explore the Dong Ba market, the city's largest and oldest market, where you can find local specialties like conical hats and tunic dresses.

Enjoy your night at the hotel in Hue.

Commence a road journey to the enchanting town of Hoi An, situated approximately 150 km to the south of Hue. This scenic drive offers several captivating stops along the way:

• Discover the unspoiled, less-touristy Thuan An and Lang Co beaches, both boasting long stretches of golden sands. Additionally, you'll encounter vast lagoons where diverse types of fish farms support the local community.
• Traverse the Hai Van Pass, renowned as the highest mountain pass in central Vietnam. This significant pass, nestled between Hue and Da Nang, serves as a natural climatic boundary that separates the northern and southern regions of the country. As you reach its summit, you'll be treated to awe-inspiring vistas of the stunning bays of Lang Co and Da Nang, stretching as far as the eye can behold.

The Hải Vân Pass (Đèo Hải Vân), is an approximately 21-kilometre (13 mi) long mountain pass on National Route 1 in Vietnam. 

• Be captivated by picturesque roadside cemeteries affectionately known as "Ghost Towns." These cemeteries feature clusters of intricately carved tomb castles, each showcasing distinct Asian architectural styles. From a distance, they resemble opulent cities.

Upon your afternoon arrival in Hoi An, you'll proceed to check in at your hotel, where you'll enjoy a comfortable overnight stay.

Enjoy a full day at your leisure for your own exploration of Hoi An's charming old town. You have various options:

Explore the historic Old Quarter, wander through its narrow streets, and discover its unique charm. You can also indulge in shopping for local products like lacquerware, handicrafts, and more.

Consider getting tailor-made clothing at one of the renowned silk shops in town. Hoi An is famous for its skilled tailors, and you can have custom garments created to your liking.

Embark on a delightful bike ride into the picturesque countryside surrounding Hoi An. Along the way, you'll encounter traditional villages specializing in various crafts such as vegetable farming, pottery, and carpentry.

Weather permitting, unwind on the exquisite Eastern Sea beaches, including Cua Dai and An Bang, renowned as Vietnam's most beautiful. Bask in the sun and embrace the refreshing sea breeze for a truly revitalizing experience.

After a day of exploration and relaxation, return to your hotel for the night. 

After a flight to Ho Chi Minh City, the capital of the south (formerly Saigon), you'll begin your exploration of the city's center, often referred to as "colonial Saigon." Here are the details:

Formerly known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City is the country's largest city, home to around 10 million people. The city is also the access point to the Mekong Delta, the coastal coast and the southern highlands.

Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, is the largest city in the country, with a population of around 10 million. It serves as a gateway to various regions, including the Mekong Delta, the coastline, and the southern highlands.

Visit Ben Thanh Market, an iconic symbol of the city.

Explore the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office, both architectural gems designed according to the plans of Gustave Eiffel.

Discover the Headquarters of the People's Committee of Ho Chi Minh City, which was once the Central Town Hall and stands as one of the city's most beautiful colonial buildings.

The Museum of Traditional Medicine of Vietnam, a discovery of traditional Vietnamese medicine, more than 3000 years old.
Spend the night at your hotel.

Begin your journey with a scenic drive down to the Mekong Delta, where land seamlessly blends with water at the country's southern tip. Arrive in Cai Be, a charming village nestled on the north branch of the mighty Mekong. Here, board your private sampan, Song Xanh, and embark on a majestic cruise along the river's expansive waters.

Taking its source in the gigantic Himalayan range, the Mekong crosses five countries upstream in Southeast Asia (China, Burma, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos) before emptying into the Pacific Ocean on the territory of Vietnam. This river has shaped a vast and fertile delta in the southern part of the country known as the 'Mekong Delta.'

• From the sampan, observe life on both banks and the scenic landscapes, while your attentive crew serves tea and seasonal fruits.
• Throughout the cruise, several stops are planned to discover some of the artisanal industries of the region, including a brick factory where everything is handmade, passing through rope bridges and small villages to visit a Caodaist temple.
• Arrival at Sa Dec, a little-known small village in the heart of the Mekong Delta, where the famous French writer, Marguerite Duras, lived much of her childhood. Visit the “Chinese House” described by Marguerite Duras’s novel – the Lover, the Caodaism temple, the pagodas,…
• Lunch is served on board while the sampan sails to Can Tho along a canal. Boat ride through streams to discover the landscape.
• Last stop before sunset at an old house (a “Nha Co” in Vietnamese), dating from the 19th century. The owner will welcome you and a candlelit dinner will be served in this authentic setting.

After dinner, return on board and continue the cruise to the Hau River.
Overnight on board.

Rise and shine at 6:00 in the morning to experience the renowned floating market of Cai Rang, bustling with activity from 5:00 every day. Enjoy breakfast on board as the Song Xanh glides through the market, surrounded by boats laden with fruits, vegetables, and various goods for trade. Witness the unique "river trade" practiced by the locals of the Mekong region.

After going ashore, we'll transfer to the airport for a flight to Phu Quoc, the idyllic island nestled at the southern tip of the country, in the Gulf of Thailand. Spend the night in Phu Quoc, soaking in the island paradise.

Enjoy two leisurely days with complete freedom to explore and unwind on the captivating island of Phu Quoc, often referred to as a "paradise for relaxation and well-being" by enthusiasts of pristine sandy beaches.

You can spend your time relaxing on the serene, unspoiled beaches, nestled in the shade of towering trees along the Gulf of Thailand. Take leisurely strolls along the coastline, immersing yourself in the island's stunning natural beauty. Alternatively, embark on invigorating hikes through the untouched jungles of Phu Quoc National Park.

As the sun sets, retire to your comfortable hotel for a peaceful night's rest, rejuvenated by your idyllic days on this island paradise.

Your final day will depend on your flight schedule. You may fly to Ho Chi Minh City and then connect to your departure flight home.

End of our 2-week journey from Halong to Phu Quoc! Safe travels!