Honeymoon Holiday to Vietnam: Serenity and Tranquillity

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi

Arriving at Noi Bai airport in Hanoi, you’ll be met by your local guide and taken to your hotel. Stay overnight in the Bendecir Hanoi, Junior Suite City View.

Day 2: Discover alluring Hanoi like a local

Hanoi is an amazing holiday destination in Vietnam. At 8:00am today, your tour guide will accompany you on a sightseeing excursion around Hanoi. Your first stop will be the Ngoc Son Temple, followed by a visit to a local coffee shop where you can sample the famous Vietnamese iced coffee, known as ‘Ca phe sua da’. For those feeling adventurous, you can also try the unique ‘Egg coffee’. Afterward, continue to explore the city’s street food scene, where we highly recommend trying the delicious ‘banh mi’ – a mouth-watering baguette sandwich filled with a variety of fresh local ingredients. As you make your way through Hanoi’s Old Quarter, you will be able to spot snippets of French architectural influence in the city’s buildings. Your first destination will be the St. Joseph Cathedral, a stunning French gothic structure built in 1886. Next, you will visit Hoa Lo Prison, a historical site where Vietnamese, American, and French prisoners were held at different times. Vietnam is renowned for its delectable cuisine, and you will have the opportunity to taste the famous ‘Bun Cha’ at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, you will visit Huu Tiep Lake, we meet a fascinating elderly resident of the area who regales us with stories of the past in a 400-year-old temple. It’s then a short walk to see the B52 crash site at the lake. This US bomber was shot down during the 1972 bombing raids of Hanoi, a poignant reminder of recent history. You then visit the Temple of Literature. Built in 1076, this temple was the site of Vietnam’s first university, established to educate Vietnam’s royalty, mandarins and members of the elite.

The day’s final sightseeing stop will be at the railway line cutting through urban Hanoi, sometimes running just meters away from the front doors of houses! Walking along a stretch of the railway with your guide offers some incredible photo opportunities. The tour will finish, in true local style, at a Bia Hoi where you can enjoy some local draft beer.

*Note that innumerable street food specialties will be available throughout the day; to best appreciate them you may wish to skip your hotel breakfast before this tour.

✓ Breakfast, Street food.

Day 3: Enjoy the slow and captivating pace of Pu Luong Nature Reserve

After breakfast, your private driver and guide will pick you up to begin your journey to Pu Luong Nature Reserve. The drive will take approximately 4 hours. Upon arrival at Pu Luong Retreat, you will be greeted with a delicious lunch prepared by the Retreat. Take some time to explore the stunning retreat and its panoramic views, overlooking the rice terraces, mountains, and valleys.

In the afternoon, you will be transported to a suspension bridge over the Cham River. From there, you will embark on a walk to see the breath-taking water wheels. You will have the opportunity to get up close to each wheel and learn about how water is transported from the river to handmade bamboo aqueducts through a series of simple constructions. At one point, you will arrive at a local fisherman’s house, where you can take a short break before continuing your adventure.

Next, you will experience a thrilling rafting excursion with Dinh and his team. As you float along the peaceful river, take in the beautiful views and learn how to paddle and steer your own handcrafted raft. The experience will surely be one to remember and an experience you need on your Vietnam travel itinerary.

✓ Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Scenic hiking around serene surroundings

Today during your honeymoon holiday to Vietnam, take a leisurely stroll through the breath-taking rice terraces that surround the Retreat. As we descend into the valley, you’ll be greeted by a stunning view of the terraced fields. We’ll wind our way through lush paths surrounded by foliage, leading us to the charming Uoi village nestled at the foot of a majestic mountain. Don’t forget to capture the beautiful panoramic view of the village from above. Our next stop will be at a local home, where you can take a break before hopping on a bike to explore nearby Lan village. If time permits, we may also have the opportunity to visit a family and learn about their traditional brocade weaving techniques (subject to availability). As we cycle through the rice paddies and another village, you’ll have a chance to immerse yourself in the stunning landscape.

After returning to the local home, our car will transport us back to Puluong Retreat for a delicious lunch before heading back to Hanoi. You’ll arrive in the early afternoon and have the rest of the day to yourself. Spend the night in Hanoi before continuing your journey.

✓ Breakfast, Lunch

Day 5: Hanoi/Halong Bay/Lan Ha Bay/ and an overnight cruise!

A must visit honeymoon and holiday destination in Vietnam! From 8:30am to 9:00am, a cruise shuttle service will pick you up for your journey to Halong City. At 11:30, you will be greeted by our experienced Sealife staff at the Sealife Legend lounge located at Tuan Chau International Marina. Then, from 12:00pm to 12:30pm, you will be taken by speedboat to board the Sealife Legend cruise. As you board, you will be offered a welcome drink and refreshing towels. Before checking in, the cruise manager will provide a brief introduction to the cruise and go over safety regulations.

From 13:00 to 14:00, guests are invited to dine at the Fishnet Restaurant area, located on the Sealife Legend cruise. As you savour your meal, you can take in the breath-taking sight of the towering limestone mountains rising from the glistening blue waters of Lan Ha Bay. The cruise will continue its journey through the bay during this time.

Between 15:30 and 16:45, the cruise will make its first stop at Dark and Bright Cave, which marks the border between Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay. To explore this cave, guests will be taken on a bamboo boat rowed by local fishermen. As you glide through the floating houses, you can witness them feeding various marine creatures such as fish, clams, and oysters.

Afterward, from 16:45 to 17:30, guests can return to the cruise and take a refreshing swim in the cool, emerald waters around the Bat Cave area. This is also a great opportunity to appreciate the natural beauty of Lan Ha Bay. For those feeling adventurous, kayaking is available (subject to weather conditions) to explore the area at your own pace.

Between 17:30 and 19:00, guests can board the cruise once again to relax and unwind. Indulge in a soothing massage or take a dip in the Jacuzzi while enjoying a refreshing cocktail and watching the sunset over Halong Bay. This is the perfect time to sit back and take in the stunning views that surround you.

At 6:30 PM, after a soothing break, we invite you to join our engaging cooking class led by our Master Chef. At 7:15 PM, revel in a delectable set menu for dinner at our restaurant while taking in the enchanting sight of the heritage site lit up at night. By 9:00 PM, let loose and unwind at the Navy Club with music and drinks, or sing your heart out with our high-quality karaoke equipment. Relax on the sundeck and admire the twinkling lights of Lan Ha Bay, or try your hand at catching fresh squid. Alternatively, take a peaceful moment to watch the sunset over Halong Bay from your cabin balcony. At 10:30 PM, retreat to your private cabin for some rest, preparing for an exciting day ahead.

Embark on a journey to discover the stunning Lan Ha Bay, a tranquil and unspoiled gem neighbouring the famous Halong Bay. The renowned luxury ship, Sealife Legend, beckons travellers to uncover the secrets and untold stories of this majestic bay, brimming with enchanting beauty waiting to be uncovered by adventurous souls. Enjoy a 2-day 1-night cruise program, meticulously crafted to provide a rejuvenating escape from the chaos of everyday life. Indulge in a plethora of exquisite on and off-board activities and treat your taste buds to our delectable menu prepared by our experienced 5-star chefs. Join us on this voyage to immerse yourself in the natural splendour and vibrant life of the bay, and leave all your worries behind.

✓ Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Align with the sunrise through a tranquil Tai-chi class.

At 6:00 AM, start your day with an invigorating Tai-chi class on the deck as you watch the sunrise. This is a serene and unforgettable experience on your Vietnam travel itinerary. From 6:30 AM to 7:00 AM, a light breakfast of tea, coffee, traditional Pho, and cakes is available at the restaurant. At 7:00 AM, join a tour of Cat Ba World Biosphere, reachable from Gia Luan to Trung Trang, a 30-minute journey. Trung Trang is home to one of the most impressive caves on Cat Ba island in Vietnam, with thousands of unique stalactites and a diverse cave ecosystem.

After the tour, at 8:30 AM, return to the Sealife Legend Cruise to recheck your belongings before checking out at 9:00 AM – 9:30 AM. Take this time to make final payments for any additional services. From 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM, enjoy a buffet brunch at the restaurant while the cruise heads back to the dock. At 11:00 AM – 11:30 AM, your trip ends as you disembark the cruise and take a speedboat back to the waiting house in Tuan Chau. Please note that the program may be adjusted to accommodate weather and other operational conditions without prior notice.

Then, at 11:30 AM, say farewell to the cruise at Tuan Chau Marina and take a drive back to Hanoi, where you will be dropped off at Noi Bai airport to catch an afternoon flight to Danang (scheduled between 5:00 PM and 6:30 PM). On arrival at Danang airport, you will be greeted and driven to your chosen resort, where you can spend the night and enjoy your free time.

✓ Brunch

Day 7: Discover Hoi An – a natural setting for romance

Your guide will meet you in the morning and take you on a 45-minute drive to Hoi An. From there, you will board a Vespa and begin your journey through the ancient town. Hoi An is a serene holiday destination in Vietnam and a beautiful backdrop for your honeymoon. Crossing the bridge to Cam Kim island, you will ride along the riverside and into the picturesque countryside. Your first stops will include an Ancestral House and a traditional boat builder’s yard, before continuing on to explore the charming villages on the island.

Along the way, you will experience the stunning scenery of rice paddies and farmland as you weave through zigzagging paths. Local families will teach you the art of mat weaving, farming, and how to make and enjoy the perfect banh dap (rice cracker). After snacking on the rice crackers, you will visit a small village and stop at a local café to fuel up on drip-coffee and learn the art of coffee roasting.

Then, get ready for an exhilarating 300-meter bamboo bridge river crossing to the sea-board side of the island, surrounded by lush casuarina pine and cashew nut trees. Your adventure continues as you ride over the new bridge, offering breath-taking views of Hoi An. Finally, you will pass by the water coconut palm-fringed Cam Thanh and end up at a local restaurant for a delicious lunch in a picturesque location (seasonal).

At 1:00 PM, you will be transported to a designated meeting point in the charming Hoi An ancient town. You will have a couple of hours to leisurely explore the town’s historic streets. At 3:00 PM, you will be picked up and driven back to Danang resort, where you can unwind on the beautiful beach or engage in any activities that interest you. The stops along the way will provide opportunities for your guide to share insights into local culture, lifestyles, and traditions, as well as to admire the picturesque rural scenery en route to Hoi An.

✓ Breakfast, Lunch

Day 8: Ba Na hills – discover a fairyland high in the mountains

Your morning will begin with a 30-minute drive to Bana Hill, where our guide will accompany you. This mountain resort offers a unique blend of whimsical fun and timeless beauty, making it the perfect retreat for you and your loved one to escape the sweltering heat.

You’ll ascend Ba Na Hills via a scenic cable car ride and have the opportunity to ride the Funicular train, explore the charming Le Jardin D’Amour, see the newly constructed Golden Bridge, and visit the impressive Giant Buddha Statue. Your ticket also grants you access to the games at Fantasy Park, a great option for children. After your Bana Hill adventure, your guide will take you back to the resort for some rest and refreshment. You’ll have free time in Danang until your guide accompanies you to the airport for your return flight, marking the end of the tour.

✓ Breakfast, Lunch