12-Day Luxurious Vietnam Honeymoon

Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, Sonasia’s guide & driver will pick you up and transfer directly to the hotel in the old quarter of Hanoi.

Vietnam's capital races to make up for time lost to the ravages of war and a government that as recently as the 1990s kept the outside world at bay. Its streets surge with scooters vying for right of way amid the din of constantly blaring horns, and all-around layers of history reveal periods of French and Chinese occupation – offering a glimpse into the resilience of ambitious, proud Hanoians.

This morning be picked up at 08:30 at the hotel for an off-the-beaten-track Hanoi city tour. Drive pass the historical Ba Dinh Square where Ho Chi Minh proclaimed the independence of Vietnam in 1945.

Driver drops off at Lenin Garden – a communal space for locals. Enjoy taking an easy walk through before strolling through areas where family generational sewing shops line the streets and people still practice the old ways. Admire the daily life of local people in the alley of Hanoi.

Proceed to the millenia-old Temple of Literature and explore its role in the country’s past, as both a university and a temple.

If interested, make a stop at the last courtyard where Vietnamese traditional instruments contribute to an oriental feel. For music lovers, there are opportunities to play some notes under the guidance of the artists.

Towards the end of the tour, embark on a walk through Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Witness the ancient commercial street names, mirroring the crafts and businesses dating back over a thousand years. Then stop at a Hanoian’s home for tea break and listen to family stories that stretch over decades.

Later this afternoon, take part in a hands-on cooking class with the charming Ms Ai, a renowned local chef. Shop for ingredients at the neighbourhood wet market and step into the kitchen of Chef Ai’s family home.  

Prepare and dine on authentic North Vietnamese cuisine during this afternoon of culinary and cultural discovery. Learn all about the secrets behind North Vietnam’s most popular foods. Using Chef Ai‘s recipes, slice, dice and cook delicious dishes. Enjoy the self-made dinner with Chef Ai.

Overnight in Hanoi

This morning, depart the hotel for a 40-minute transfer to Noi Bai Airport then embark on a join-in seaplane at 09:00 (10:00 in winter) for a 60-minute scenic flight to Ha Long Bay. Afterwards, be welcomed with champagne and tropical fruits on a private yacht.

Start cruising to the most beautiful middle core of Halong Bay, languidly enjoy the very first impressions of the spectacular scenes established by stunning hundred-year karst limestone formations.

Disembark at Viet Hai Village for a leisurely bike trip of 3 km through the pristine Cat Ba National Park. Enjoy lunch at a family-run homestay. Continue an engaging afternoon with jet skiing and swimming after getting to the quiet Ba Trai Dao Island for a rest.

Tonight enjoy a candle lit dinner in a romantic setting served on a floating wooden raft immersing in the tranquilising night of the bay. Take part in squid fishing for an unforgettable moment with loved ones.

Overnight on private yacht.

This morning, freshen up for a new day with breakfast served on board while the yacht cruises towards Luon Cave for kayaking.

Spend an hour kayaking around the marvellous karst limestone for an intimate discovery of hidden green lagoons. Kayak back to the yacht and get ready to check-out when the boat arrives towards port.

Disembark the yacht at Tuan Chau pier then enjoy a join-in seaplane flight back to Hanoi at 12:30. Connect to the onward flight to the next city.

After the short flight arrive at the central port city of Danang. On arrival in Danang transfer 40-minutes to Hoi An, a major Asian trading port in the 17th and 18th centuries whose architecture and relaxed lifestyle have changed little over the years.  

Overnight in Hoi An
 

At 08:30 today, be transferred from the hotel to meet an aromatherapy expert and begin the journey to explore, listen and heal the inner self.

As a yoga teacher, chemist and qualified aromatherapist with 10 years of experience, the expert will share the story of aromatherapy, essential oils and how to use it as a method to see what the body truly wants. Learn how each smell and oil has a different use and effect on the mind and body.

Immerse in the peaceful atmosphere of this cozy and lovely workshop and get a chance to creature a personal mix, a ‘one-of-a-kind’, essential oil.

At 11:30 be transferred back to the hotel. Spend the rest of the day free at leisure for spa treatment or shopping or simply enjoy couple time.

Overnight in Hoi An

At 08:00 this morning, hop on a 15 minutes drive from Hoi An Ancient Town to Cua Dai Estuary. Upon arrival at Duy Hai Fishing Village, observe the hustle and bustle of the morning fish market and visit a family-run fish sauce factory. Under the guidance of the owner, learn about this essential ingredient in Vietnamese cuisine.

Hop on a boat and go upstream from Thu Bon to Duy Vinh Village. Well-known  for traditional weaving sedge mat, this land that is made up of three Alluvium Rivers - Thu Bon, Truong Giang and Ly Ly makes it a perfect location for producing sedge mats. Pass by a shrimp and duck farm to get a glimpse of agriculture river life.

Depending on the season (from Feb to Apr and from Jul to Sep), see golden paddy fields during harvest season or green groves of jute along the banks of the Thu Bon River. Upon arrival at Ban Thach Mat Village, where abundant sources of raw rush used to weave mats have allowed the villagers to develop their own handicraft and improve their lives for 400 years.

Begin cycling to explore the beauty of a typical village in the Central of Vietnam. Learn the full process of sedge mat weaving from cutting sedge on the field to weaving the mat using the traditional method.

See the way locals manage to keep their traditional occupation in a modern and constantly evolving time. Then, get hands-on and make a personal mat with a unique pattern. End the trip with a simple and shared friendly home-hosted lunch. Return to Hoi An by bike crossing the Cam Kim Bridge.

Spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure exploring the ancient town.

In the late afternoon, celebrate this romantic vacation, re-living couple memories with a romantic and delightful dinner cruise! Watch the sunset over the sleepy river accompanied by romantic music while feasting on fine cuisine.

Overnight in Hoi An

Spend the morning at leisure. Transfer to Danang Airport after breakfast for the short flight to dynamic Ho Chi Minh City, still referred to as Saigon by the locals. Upon arrival to Ho Chi Minh City, be met by the guide and driver and be transferred to the hotel for check-in. Enjoy the afternoon free at leisure.

After the sunset, hop on a Vespa and dive into Ho Chi Minh City’s vibrant nightlife and culinary scene. Climb aboard the back of this classic motorbike and zip through the city’s buzzing streets. See the city come to life as the sun sets and offices close down for the day.

The first stop of the evening is at a rooftop bar to take in views of the streets below while enjoying some snacks and refreshments.

Kick off the mobile aspect of the evening by visiting a series of local restaurants and street stalls. The food-loving host will explain each of the items on offer and purchase a selection of sweet and savoury dishes to sample. During the tour, sample a range of dishes from simple satays to more exotic, yet highly popular treats. Raise a glass and toast the night out alongside local diners.

End the night at a hidden and quiet cafée to enjoy a traditional musical performance. Enjoy the performance with a drink and ice cream before returning to the hotel.

After breakfast, start with a visit to the iconic Saigon Central Post Office built between 1886 and 1891. Based on the design of French architect Foulhoux, it is the creation of a unique vaulted ceiling with wrought iron beams and columns reminiscent of industrial architecture, which is now considered a symbol of Saigon and one of its most famous landmarks.

Walk along Dong Khoi street, formerly la rue Catinat and pay a visit to Gialong Palace – Ho Chi Minh City Museum for its beautiful architecture and listen to its history through times. Continue to ‘Le Loi Street’ to meet a local artisan who specialises in traditional engravings.

Next, stroll through the old central market (your vehicle will be available)  before arriving at the city’s oldest colonial-era apartment, built in 1886, and see what the young creative Vietnamese are up to from their funky boutiques and coffee shops. Sit down at one of the stylish coffee shops and interact with a local resident who moved here in 1975.

Leave the compound and have a look at the building on the other side, which used to be ‘Banque de l’Indochine’ (Indochina Bank) during the 1920s. It’s a stunning example of the ‘Indochinois’ east/west fusion style of architecture that this area is known for. After this last stop, head back to the hotel at noon.

Overnight in Saigon

This morning after breakfast, take a short flight to Vietnam's beach capital Nha Trang which has every single activity that a sun worshipper may want. Be met at the airport and be transferred to the resort of choice. 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, snorkelling and scuba diving activities which are perennial favourites.

Spend the day free at leisure until sunset.

In the late afternoon, find the best spot to watch a romantic sunset. Cheers to a glass of champagne before getting ready for a seafood barbecue dinner on the beach. Then spend the long night indulging in a movie under the beautiful starry night sky with comfortable soft cushions by the beach.

Overnight in Nha Trang.

Spend the day at leisure until dinner.

Escape to the secluded basement where Six Senses’s private wine atmosphere for an exclusive dinner. Warm up with a fresh bottle of white wine before an appetizer is served. Spend precious moments to share with each other on this sensational wine pairing culinary journey decorated with dimly lit candles of Six Senses Ninh Van Bay.

Overnight in Nha Trang.

Enjoy some free time in the morning before taking a short flight back to Saigon and the onward departure from Vietnam. If time allows it is possible to transfer back to Saigon for last purchases or simply relax at the airport before the onward flight.