Vietnam Honeymoons

As one of the most diverse Southeast Asian countries, Vietnam attracts a slew of travelers—from backpackers and digital nomads to honeymooners and families. Part of the appeal of a Vietnam honeymoon is the dynamic variety it offers: unbelievable beaches, bustling cities, historical Buddhist landmarks and a foodie paradise. For couples who want to travel east for their first romantic married getaway, it’s recommended to book at least a week for your Vietnamese tour—and two, if you can make it happen. This gem nestled in the South China Sea will fascinate each of your senses, leaving newlyweds craving another getaway ASAP.

Before you decide to sign on the dotted line, check out our tips and advice for a Vietnam honeymoon.

Best Time to Visit Vietnam

Because of its popularity, you can expect crowds year-round in Vietnam. This is especially due to the rainforest-esque climate that can be unpredictable, prompting travelers to visit during the spring and fall. These seasons have more comfortable temperatures, less rainfall and of course, thicker lines to weed through. The summer will be balmy and sticky, and the winter can become cooler if you head north. Though you can visit whenever, try to plan for April or October for optimal timing.

What to See

Are you ready? You won’t believe the wonders you’ll see during your Vietnam honeymoon—beaches, mountains, street markets, oh my! Here’s a few to consider.

• Hike and see rice fields in Sa Pa: In northwestern Vietnam, this is a small town in the Hoang Lien Son Mountains that’s known as a hiking base. But even if you aren’t a serious trekker, you’ll be dazzled by the rice fields and the opportunity to tour through local tribes. If you and your partner are up for a multi-day hike, you can summit the peak of Phang Xi Pang from here.
• Learn about the Vietnam War in Hue: This was the imperial capital of the Nguyen Dynasty and is home to the infamous Forbidden City. As you tour through on bikes, you will see bullet holes from the Vietnam War, and have the opportunity to visit the tombs of emperors.
• Spend the day on the beach in Da Nang: It’s the countries fifth largest city and was one of the greatest hubs during the Vietnam War. Today, there’s more of a digital nomad community, thanks to China Beach, where you can lounge away on a budget.
• Release a lantern in Hoi An: This used to be a secret escape for well-versed travelers, but today, it features plenty of tourists. It’s for a good reason, considering this UNESCO World Heritage Site is the spot to see a picture-perfect sunset, and release a lantern into the sky from the beautiful Japanese Bridge. Make sure to have a custom suit made here for a fraction of the cost in the states.
• Explore Ho Chi Minh City: Formerly known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City can’t be missed on your Vietnam honeymoon. You can enjoy 50-cent beers, countless fragrant markets, museums, boutiques, restaurants and endless to-dos to fill your days. Considering it’s the largest city in the country, you can expect a nightlife here, too.
• Take a cruise through the Mekong Delta: Not too far from Ho Chi Minh City is this agricultural area, featuring a myriad of canals and waterways, ancient villages and sprawling rice paddies. You can understand what traditional Vietnamese life is like when you make the four-hour trek here.
• Learn about the Hindu religion in My Son: From the 4th to the 14th century, My Son was Asia’s Hindu hub, where ceremonies were held. Today, you can tour through many temples and learn about this archaeological site’s impressive and interesting history.
• See Hanoi: It’s worth a day or two of your honeymoon to see Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam. Here, you’ll notice touches of China and France, with the Old Quarter being the most lively center. You can also temple hop and taste local fare from street carts to keep you fueled.
• Go scuba diving in Nha Trang: For honeymooners who want to explore the shore below, stay a handful of days at Nha Trang. Here you can see coral reefs and caves, and plenty of sea life.
• Visit the fishing village of Phan Thiet: Three hours from Ho Chi Minh City, this town is where locals like to visit. There’s a bit of wonder here, like every other part of Vietnam, including red sand dunes, bungalows and plenty of beach bars.

Article by Lindsay Tigar