Planning a Vietnam Honeymoon or Holiday
Where to start with Vietnam, a country that, like Ireland, really punches above its weight. The history, the food, the scenery, you think you know what to expect, and then you arrive and it still surprises you. My biggest regret? Not having nearly enough time. If you want to see Vietnam properly, you need at least 3 weeks. We had 2, and it flew! Thinking about a Vietnam holiday or honeymoon? Let's go!
Why Choose Vietnam
Vietnam is just incredible and the contrast travelling from north to south is part of what makes it so good. You’ve got:
- busy cities full of energy
- limestone karsts and dramatic landscapes
- temples, ancient and recent history and culture
- beaches and island escapes
- some of the best food you’ll eat anywhere
No two stops are the same!
The Best Vietnam Spots
Hanoi and Halong Bay
We started in Hanoi, a city of constant movement, mopeds everywhere, street food on every corner, and a real buzz. It’s also the gateway to Halong Bay. Halong Bay is one of those places you’ve seen a hundred photos of, but being there is something else. Limestone karsts rising out of the water, boats weaving through the bay, and that slightly misty atmosphere that makes it feel surreal. It’s worth taking the time to do it properly, an 1 or 2 cruise is a must.
Central Vietnam
From Hanoi we took the overnight train south, which was actually far more comfortable than expected, and arrived into central Vietnam. This part of the country has a completely different vibe.
Hue, the former imperial capital and Hoi An, with its lantern-lit streets and old town. We had a brilliant few days here - cycling through rice paddy fields, experiencing Vietnamese karaoke, dressing up as the Empress and Emperor.
South Vietnam and Ho Chi Minh City
Further south, we stopped for some beach time in Nha Trang. It’s a busy beach town, but it worked perfectly for a few days to switch off, until a typhoon hit, which was… an experience.
We finished in Ho Chi Minh City. One of the best experiences here was visiting the Cu Chi Tunnels. It’s hard to get your head around how they were built and used, and you can’t help but admire the ingenuity of the Vietnamese people.
The War Remnants Museum is also worth visiting, even if it’s quite confronting in parts.
We also took a trip to the Mekong Delta, which I loved. Small boats, narrow canals, conical hats, it really felt like stepping into a Vietnam movie scene. I still think about the local coconut sweets, Keo Dua.
If you have more time, places like are worth adding on:
- Sapa, with its rice terraces and mountain scenery
- Ha Giang, for more off-the-beaten-track routes
- Ninh Binh for limestone karst scenery and rice paddy fields
Vietnam Beaches
Vietnam isn’t just cities and culture, there are some other great beach options too. Depending on your route and time of year, you’ve got:
- Mui Ne, known for its sand dunes and long coastline
- Nha Trang and Ninh Van Bay, for more tucked-away, luxury hotels
- Phu Quoc, off the coast of Cambodia
- Con Dao, famous for snorkelling and diving
- Da Nang, just north of Hoi An there are lots of international resorts
It’s easy to mix culture and beach in one trip without needing to leave the country.
Where To Combine With Vietnam
As you can see Vietnam works brilliantly on its own, but it also combines really well with other destinations. Popular options include:
- pairing it with a Cambodia holiday or Angkor Wat visit
- adding in Laos as part of a wider Indochina route
- combining with a Thailand itinerary, especially for beaches
- jumping on a flight to the Philippines or Malaysia for some island hopping
- Discovering more culture in Japan or a trip to China
- finishing or starting with a Singapore stopover
Planning Your Vietnam Trip
Vietnam is long and narrow, so how you plan your route makes a big difference. Things to think about:
- how many stops to include
- whether to add in beach time
- how long you actually have (it goes quickly!)
Vietnam is one of those places that keeps you on your toes, busy, chaotic at times, but full of moments you won’t forget. I'll create a seamless itinerary with planes, trains and automobiles and make travelling this brilliant destination feel really easy!
Ready to start planning a Vietnam honeymoon or holiday?
