A Captivating 15-Day Vietnamese Honeymoon

Highlights of the Trip

Destinations and the Landmarks / Sights to Visit

Ho Chi Minh City

• Reunification Palace: This building holds great significance as it was the site of the end of the Vietnam War when a North Vietnamese Army tank crashed through its gates on April 30, 1975.
• Jade Emperor Temple: Built in 1909 by the city’s Chinese community, the temple is dedicated to the Jade Emperor, the supreme Taoist god.

Nha Trang

• Free Days: Here you can spend time relaxing, snorkelling, or taking part in some beach sports and swimming pool games. You can also opt for a boat ride to local craft villages.

Hanoi

• Temple of Literature: Built in 1070, it is dedicated to Confucius and honours scholars and intellectuals.
• Fine Art Museum: Established in 1966, the museum is housed in a beautiful colonial-era building that was once used as a boarding house for French girls, combining traditional and French architectural elements.
• Tran Quoc Pagoda: Located on a small islet on West Lake, the pagoda dates back over 1,500 years and serves as an important symbol of Buddhism in Vietnam.
• Old Quarter: Located near Hoan Kiem Lake, this bustling area is the heart of the capital, with a rich history that dates back over a thousand years.
• Long Bien Bridge: Long Bien Bridge played a crucial role during the French colonial period, serving as a key transportation link between Hanoi and the northern regions of Vietnam.

Ha Long and Lan Ha Bay

• Trung Trang Cave: One of the most impressive caves on Cat Ba Island.
• Ao Ech Kayaking.

Cultural Experiences & Activities of this Holiday

Ben Thanh Market: This market is home to hundreds of stalls selling various goods, including fresh produce, seafood, spices, clothing, souvenirs, handicrafts, jewellery, and textiles.

Lacquer Workshop: Here you can see this traditional Vietnamese craft product’s complex processes and meticulous workmanship.

Water Puppetry: Enjoy these cultural and traditional shows. This ancient art form is a captivating blend of storytelling, music, and puppetry performed on water, making it one of the most distinctive cultural expressions in Vietnam.

Cooking Demonstration: Enjoy a cooking demonstration onboard your cruise.

Tai Chi: Embrace a morning Tai Chi session on board your Ha Long Bay cruise.

Local Cuisine and Traditional Dishes to try while in Vietnam

During your holiday to Vietnam, numerous opportunities will arise for you to savour the authentic local cuisine, whether from the menus of included meals or from your own culinary exploration during your free time in the itinerary. Indulge in traditional dishes that showcase the rich flavours of the region, including pho, a fragrant noodle soup with beef or chicken, and banh mi, a savoury Vietnamese sandwich made with a crispy baguette and filled with meats, pickled vegetables, and herbs. Goi cuon (fresh spring rolls) are light, healthy, and packed with shrimp, pork, and vegetables, served with a flavourful dipping sauce. Bun cha features grilled pork patties and slices served over vermicelli noodles with fresh herbs and dipping sauce, while com tam (broken rice) is often enjoyed with grilled pork, fried egg, and pickled vegetables. Street food like bun rieu (crab noodle soup) and cha gio (fried spring rolls) also showcase Vietnam’s rich culinary traditions, emphasising the use of local herbs, spices, and produce.

Water-based Activities and Cruises

• Cruise around Ha Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay on Orchid Trendy Cruises. 
• Kayak around the Ao Ech area of the bay.

Accommodation of this Tour

• Ho Chi Minh City: Eden Star Saigon hotel (city center location, nice rooftop swimming pool – Premium Deluxe room).
• Nha Trang: Mia Resort Nha Trang  (uniquely designed buildings with grass roofs, all rooms with sea view and private veranda – Ocean View One-bedroom).
• Hanoi: MK Premier Boutique Hotel (a Vietnamese-style hotel, located in the Hanoi Old Quarter – Luxury City View room).
• Lan Ha Bay: Orchid Trendy Cruise (Deluxe quality boat with elegant design – Deluxe Balcony cabin).

Itinerary

Day 1: Ho Chi Minh Arrival

Arrive at Tan Son Nhat Airport and be driven to your hotel. In the evening, enjoy a unique candlelit Welcome Dinner.

✓ Dinner

Day 2: Discover Ho Chi Minh City

In the evening, savour a fusion dinner made with the freshest ingredients. You can also enjoy squid fishing or relax at the bar.

For your Ha Long excursion, you’ll be sailing aboard the Orchid Trendy cruise. This boat features 20 beautifully designed cabins, each reflecting modern design aesthetics. Most cabins come with private balconies, giving you your own outdoor space to enjoy the views of Halong Bay. All cabins are air-conditioned and equipped with large windows that overlook the bay and are furnished with either two twin beds or a queen/king-sized bed. All meals, primarily featuring fresh seafood, will be served on board.

✓ Lunch, Dinner

Day 14: Lan Ha Bay

Relax and unwind with a morning tai chi session, before enjoying a breakfast onboard. You can kayak in the Ao Ech area before savouring a delightful brunch. After, transfer back to Hanoi.

✓ Brunch

Day 15: Hanoi Departure

After breakfast, depart Hanoi.

Price

£2420

– Price per person based on two-people group size.

– The price is subject to availability, based on twin or double room sharing.

– Peak season surcharges may apply during local public holidays.

Please note, this tour is an example of our many exciting offers. We are happy to check up-to-date prices for the dates and times that suit you for your perfect holiday or to tailor or upgrade elements of any holiday. Please feel free to contact us at enquiry@asiara-holidays.com or call us on 01473 356 000.

Tour Map

Tour Summary

Day 1 – Ho Chi Minh Arrival.

Upon arrival you will be met and driven to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at your leisure to relax, before a candlelit Welcome Dinner.

Overnight at Eden Star Saigon Hotel (Superior Standard).

Day 2 – Discover Ho Chi Minh

Enjoy a champagne breakfast before visiting the Reunification Palace, the Ben Thanh Market, the Jade Emperor Temple, and then enjoy a visit to a lacquer workshop.

Overnight at Eden Star Saigon Hotel (Superior Standard).

Day 3 – Ho Chi Minh to Nha Trang

Enjoy some free time before a flight to Nha Trang.

Overnight at Mia Resort Nha Trang  (Superior Standard).

Day 4 to 10 – Discover Nha Trang

Enjoy free time at this beautiful spot.

Overnight at Mia Resort Nha Trang  (Superior Standard).

Day 11 – Nha Trang to Hanoi

Enjoy a relaxing morning before your flight to Hanoi. Experience a water puppet show in the evening.

Overnight at MK Premier Boutique Hotel (Superior Standard).

Day 12 – Motorbike Tour of Hanoi

On the back of a motorbike explore the Temple of Literature, the Fine Art Museum, the Tran Quoc Pagoda, the Old Quarter, and the Long Bien Bridge. You will also be treated to a street food brunch, before a water puppet show.

Overnight at MK Premier Boutique Hotel (Superior Standard).

Please note, you can also opt for a private car instead of a motorbike.

Day 13 – Ha Long and Lan Ha Bay

Sail around Ha Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay with Orchid Cruises. Visit Trung Trang Cave on Cat Ba Island, join a cooking demonstration, and savour a fusion dinner made with the freshest ingredients.

Overnight on Orchid Trendy Cruise (Superior Standard).

Day 14 – Lan Ha Bay

Rise with a relaxing Tai Chi session before enjoying kayaking in the Ao Ech area.

Overnight at MK Premier Boutique Hotel (Superior Standard).

Day 15 – Hanoi Departure

Enjoy breakfast and free time before your departure.

Tour FAQs

What is the best time to go on this tour?

The best time to visit Vietnam is typically from November to April, when the weather is cooler and dry, making it ideal for beach activities, romantic city tours, and outdoor exploration.

What is included in the tour?

The tour includes accommodation, meals as specified each day (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner), domestic flights, transportation (including transfers between cities and cruise boats), guided tours, and entrance fees to attractions listed in the itinerary.

Who is this tour suitable for?

This tour is suitable for those seeking a cultural and romantic honeymoon in Vietnam. This tour is currently offered as a private, tailored made tour.

What is the currency  in Vietnam?

The official currency of Vietnam is the Vietnamese đồng (VND). It is widely used across the country, with banknotes available in denominations ranging from 1,000 VND to 500,000 VND. While credit and debit cards are accepted in major cities, especially in hotels, restaurants, and shopping centers, cash remains the primary method of payment, particularly in rural areas and for smaller transactions.

Do I need Travel Insurance for this trip?

Travel insurance is not included in this trip, so will have to be arranged separately. When purchasing your travel insurance, we recommend for this to include medical care and emergency evacuation.

Do I need a visa for Vietnam (travelling from the UK)?

For this specific tour, you will not require a visa. You can visit Vietnam without a visa up to 45 days for tourism or business. If you would like to stay for longer than 45 days, you will need to arrange a visa. Please be sure to check your country’s relevant website or contact us directly for up to date information.

What are the Passport Requirements for entering Vietnam (travelling from the UK)?

To enter Vietnam, you must ensure your passport has the following:

• An expiry date of at least 6 months after the date you arrive in Vietnam.
• At least 2 blank pages.
• No damage to your passport.

When entering Vietnam, ensure that your passport is stamped and that the correct visa expiry date is written in your passport. Please be sure to check your country’s relevant website or contact us directly for up to date information.

Which airlines fly from London to Ho Chi Minh City?

Common Airlines include Vietnam Airlines, British Airways, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways, Air France, and Cathay Pacific.

Which airlines fly from Hanoi to London?

Common Airlines include Vietnam Airlines, British Airways, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways, Air France, and Cathay Pacific.

Is the Orchid Cruise on Ha Long Bay comfortable?

Yes, the Orchid Trendy cruise offers modern and comfortable cabins with large windows or private balconies to enjoy the stunning views of Ha Long Bay. The cabins are air-conditioned and furnished with twin or queen-sized beds, and all meals, including fresh seafood, are served onboard.

What happens if there’s bad weather during the cruise?

In the case of unfavourable weather conditions, the cruise operator may adjust the itinerary for safety reasons. If certain activities like swimming or kayaking are not possible, alternative activities will be arranged.

What is the fitness level required for the activities?

The fitness level required for this tour is moderate. Activities such as walking tours in the cities, a motorbike tour in Hanoi, kayaking in Ha Long Bay, and a tai chi session on the cruise are accessible to most travellers. However, some physical effort may be needed for activities like cycling and hiking at certain sites.

Are there opportunities to relax during the tour?

Yes, there are plenty of opportunities to relax, especially in Nha Trang where you have free days to unwind at the resort, enjoy the beach, snorkel, or indulge in spa treatments. The Ha Long Bay cruise also offers time for relaxation, including a fusion dinner, Happy Hour, and evening activities like squid fishing.

Can I book optional activities like diving or a private tour?

Yes, there are optional activities available, such as diving with a recommended PADI 5-star diving centre in Nha Trang, and you can also opt for a private tour for the motorbike excursion in Hanoi for a more personalised experience.

Are meals provided during the cruise?

Yes, all meals are provided during the Ha Long Bay cruise, and they primarily feature fresh seafood. There is also an onboard cooking demonstration, and you’ll be served a fusion dinner on the first night.

Are there vegetarian or special meal options available?

Yes, special dietary requests, including vegetarian meals, can typically be accommodated, but it’s recommended to inform us in advance.

What should I pack for this tour?

Pack lightweight, comfortable clothing for warm weather, swimwear for the beach and activities, comfortable shoes for walking and exploring, and a light jacket for cooler evenings. Don’t forget sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses for sun protection, as well as any necessary personal items like medications.

How can I stay connected during the tour?

Wi-Fi is available in most hotels and on some cruise boats, but coverage may vary, especially in more remote areas like the Mekong Delta and Ha Long Bay. It’s a good idea to have a local SIM card for better connectivity if needed. In Vietnam, the most used power socket types are Type A, Type C, and Type D.