Honeymoon in Vietnam: 10 reasons to spend your honeymoon in Vietnam

Honeymoon in Vietnam? Some of you may have already seen it on Instagram: At the beginning of December 2022 I went back to Vietnam. Tobias and I have a lot of memories with Vietnam, especially because we lived and worked there for almost two months 10 years ago. It was our first long-distance trip and you can probably imagine how excited we were at the time.

After an initial culture shock, we fell in love with the south of Vietnam so much that we didn't want to leave anymore and vowed at the time that we would definitely like to come back. Apparently it took 10 years before it finally happened. This time we didn't just want to go to Vietnam for the delicious Ca Phe Sua Da, but above all for the honeymoon qualities check.

Vietnam is definitely a diverse destination for couples looking for an unforgettable honeymoon experience. The country offers a unique combination of breathtaking nature, fascinating culture and incredibly delicious food. Vietnamese dishes have been one of our favorite foods since we were in Vietnam, well ahead of Italian cuisine! So get ready for a true taste explosion. Let's go!

1. Breathtaking scenery & nature

Vietnam offers a breathtaking landscape panorama. One of the most famous scenic highlights is Halong Bay with its 775 islands. Vietnam is worth a trip just to see the bay. But Vietnam also has beautiful mountain regions with cities such as Da Lat. Da Lat, also known as the “City of Eternal Spring”, is a romantic, quite original town in the central mountains of southern Vietnam. In addition to impressive mountain regions, you can also look forward to breathtaking waterfalls and kilometers of beaches in Vietnam.

2. Historic and vibrant cities

Unfortunately, we have only made it to the airport in the capital of the country so far, but Hanoi should definitely not be missed on a trip to Vietnam. Hanoi's Old Quarter is full of historical treasures, such as Hoan Kiem Lake, Ngoc Son Pagoda and Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum. Hanoi with its colorful old town is also particularly exciting for street photography. If you are interested in historical cities, then definitely plan a visit to Hoi An. The charming city with a beautiful, romantic old town was even declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999.

3. Ho Chi Minh City aka Saigon & the coffee culture

We would like to highlight Saigon at this point because we believe that a visit to Saigon should definitely be planned when traveling to Vietnam. Ho Chi Minh City wasn't love at first sight for us, but it was a memory for life. Saigon is noisy, dirty in many places and very lively at the same time. We had to get to know each other and warm up to each other. But then it happened to us and we didn't want to travel any further. And in Germany we suddenly missed a lot about this city: The lively Ben Thanh market, the largest market in Saigon with an unimaginable variety of food, clothing and souvenirs, the chaotic traffic, the relaxed attitude of the locals and of course the Vietnamese coffee with condensed milk.

We also liked going to the Ben Thanh market after work and tried the local cuisine. Back in Germany, we also missed the beautiful, unique cafés that we hadn't seen in Europe at the time, such as Café L'Usine. This café is located in an old factory building and offers a wide range of fresh food and drinks in a relaxed atmosphere, as well as the opportunity to shop locally and get to know clothing by Vietnamese designers.

In general, coffee plays a major role in Vietnam, because Vietnam is the second largest exporter of coffee in the world after Brazil. In contrast to many of its neighboring countries, a broad and sophisticated coffee culture has developed here. Condensed milk is used to prepare a Ca Phe Sua, i.e. a milk coffee, and the mixture is served cold. With the tropical temperatures, this coffee is just right and refreshingly delicious.

4. Direct flight connection with Vietnam Airlines

The easiest way to get to Vietnam is with Vietnam Airlines. Since December 2022, Vietnam Airlines has been flying from Germany ten times a week. There are direct flights from Frankfurt am Main, Munich and Düsseldorf to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. The flights are operated with modern aircraft and offer a very good service on board. You can choose between Economy, Premium Economy and Business Class. For the perfect start to your honeymoon in Vietnam, we recommend booking Business Class or Premium Economy. The extra legroom is worth its weight in gold, especially on long journeys. And of course we don't say no to a delicious aperitif or champagne before the flight. You can also take up to 23kg of luggage with you. Maybe you also want to combine your Vietnam honeymoon trip with a stopover in another Asian city. In any case, it is advisable to book early and check the availability of flights.

5. Adventurous Activities

In Vietnam you can look forward to a variety of adventurous activities. Nature lovers in particular will find many opportunities in Vietnam to enjoy the beauty of the country at their own pace. Vietnam is famous for impressive mountains and forests. Unfortunately, due to massive deforestation and the war, only 75% of the original 25% of the forest that once covered Vietnam is left, but this piece of nature is definitely worth seeing. There are many routes suitable for both beginners and experienced hikers. An exciting way to explore Vietnam's nature is a kayak or canyoning tour or boat tour. Many bays are also excellent for snorkeling.

If you are enthusiastic about climbing, you will also find it in Vietnam. At Halong Bay Climbing (3 hours by car from Hanoi) you can put your climbing skills to the test on bizarre rock formations and sinter columns. For even more adrenaline you can also take a jeep tour, for example in the dunes of Mui Ne.

6. relaxation on the beach

In the south of Vietnam you can even look forward to tropically warm temperatures of over 30 degrees during the European winter. Perfect for relaxing beach days! Of course we don't want to withhold the most beautiful beaches in Vietnam from you. We found our favorites on the popular honeymoon island of Phu Quoc. You get a real “The Beach” feeling from Phu Quoc when you take the boat to the An Thoi Archipelago.

This piece of paradise with many small islands is perfect for swimming, snorkeling and diving. On the mainland, Mui Ne awaits you, a popular beach town in eastern Vietnam. The small town in Binh Thuan Province is about 200 kilometers from Ho Chi Minh City and is not only popular with international tourists, but also with locals who want to escape the urban jungle of Saigon. The beach of Mui Ne is a highlight of the region and is also often planned as a relaxed end to Vietnam tours.

7. Beautiful temples

Vietnam is rich in cultural and historical sights, including many impressive temples. One temple that we particularly remember is the Ho Quoc Temple, also called Phu Quoc Pagoda. This Buddhist temple sits picturesquely on a hilltop with sweeping sea views. If you look at the architecture of this temple, you might think it is a historic temple complex, but the Ho Quoc Temple was actually only built in 2012. In any case, we were able to rest very well in this temple before the flight back to Germany and really enjoyed the peaceful, idyllic atmosphere there. Admission is free and despite a few tour buses stopping here, the temple is by no means overcrowded.

8. The Vietnamese street food culture

Good and fresh food plays an important role in Vietnam. With the many fresh ingredients, strong aromas and the use of herbs and spices, Vietnamese cuisine is not considered one of the best and healthiest in the world for nothing. A very classic dish is the Phở noodle soup. It is traditionally served with beef or poultry, but there are now many vegetarian Phở variants. The heart of Vietnamese food culture is street food. We love to really eat our way through the markets in the evenings. You can tell the quality of the food by the crowds at the food stand. There, where many locals cavort, it is usually very tasty and fresh.

Eating out in Vietnam is simply fun: trying things out and mingling with the people at pleasant temperatures until late in the evening, discovering vegetables and fruit that you have never heard of before and being able to order a cool coconut on every corner. Pure holiday feeling! And the best thing about it: You can eat really well for two at the street stalls for the equivalent of 5 €.

9. Hospitable & helpful people

Vietnam's hospitality is legendary. During our stay in Vietnam we met so many warm and friendly people. It does happen that families invite guests into their homes to eat together. This warmth is also the reason why Vietnam is one of our favorite travel destinations and why we have taken the country to our hearts.

In Vietnam, the importance of family and friendship plays a very central role. We became aware of this pretty quickly during our stay of several weeks. Although Buddhism is the main religion in Vietnam, less than 15% of the Vietnamese profess Buddhism and around 75% do not feel they belong to any particular religion. Rather, the family is the most important thing in the life of the people in Vietnam and everyday life is designed around the family. This attitude is also reflected in daily interactions, such as in the Vietnamese food culture, in which many different small dishes are usually prepared and shared with each other. You might even have the opportunity to experience life in a Vietnamese host family during your honeymoon.

10. Unforgettable honeymoon in Vietnam at a low price

Vietnam offers you unbeatable value for money for your honeymoon. Whether you opt for a luxurious beach resort, a traditional guesthouse, a fancy city hotel or a varied mix of all, Vietnam has something for every taste and budget. The cost of food, accommodation and excursions is really cheap compared to other popular honeymoon destinations. Hardly anywhere else can you get a fresh, chilled coconut for only 1-2 euros (in the markets you only pay a few cents), even in a luxury hotel, or if you decide to go for street food, a whole lunch for two under 10 €. You can also go on amazing excursions for very little money. In 2012 we only paid 12 dollars for our half-day Mekong tour including food. Of course, prices have also increased in Vietnam, but they are still very low compared to many other travel destinations.

Honeymoon in Vietnam FAQ?

What you should pay attention to when traveling to Vietnam:

How much time should we allocate?

Be sure to plan enough time! It should be at least two weeks. Of course, the same applies in Vietnam: the longer you can travel, the better. The country is large and the distances should not be underestimated. But with the many comfortable domestic flight connections from Vietnam Airlines, you can travel to Vietnam in a relaxed manner within two to three weeks.

When is the best time to travel?

The best season for a Vietnam trip cannot be said in general terms, as there are three climate zones in Vietnam. That's why it depends on your travel route, in which regions you will be traveling. Basically, the months between October and May are best for a round trip in Vietnam. In the south of Vietnam it is dry and pleasant, especially between December and February. The months from November to April are considered the best travel time for northern Vietnam. The driest months here are December, January and February. From June to October is the rainy season in southern Vietnam.

Also pay attention to the high temperature differences in Vietnam between the individual regions. While it can have a cozy 33 degrees in December in southern Vietnam, it is often only between 15 and 18 degrees in the north at this time. From May to September is the rainy season in northern Vietnam. But due to climate change, more and more fluctuations can also be observed in Vietnam. That's why it's best not to drive yourself too crazy when planning your trip. We spent almost two months in Saigon during the rainy season and didn't find it disturbing. However, it is important to note that Ha Long Bay, for example, is not accessible during the rainy season. It is also advisable to pay attention to the local festivals when planning a trip to Vietnam, since during festivals such as the New Year or the Moon Festival, many accommodations have less capacity and prices can fluctuate greatly.

Which first-aid kit is required?

During your honeymoon in Vietnam, you should definitely have a well-stocked first-aid kit with you. Some things we pack in tropical countries are:

• Sunscreen with a high sun protection factor
• Insect repellent against mosquitoes and other crawling creatures (please pay attention to the extra tropical version, as the normal mosquito repellent may not be sufficient)
• anti-diarrheal medication
• Painkiller
• Vomex against nausea
• Hand disinfection
• Buscopan & Novalgin

Find out in advance about the current health recommendations for Vietnam.

Our hotel recommendations for your honeymoon in Vietnam

Of course, a lot has happened in the hotel landscape of Vietnam in the last 10 years. Already in 2012 the trend was higher, faster, further. Even then, you could feel how much the country was on the move, and it is still very noticeable, especially in the cities. Vietnam now has a wide range of accommodation options, from luxurious resorts that leave nothing to be desired to simple guesthouses and hostels. For your honeymoon, we recommend a mix to get to know the country. We especially like hotels that are designed in a traditional style. Often the traditional hotels are equipped with antique furniture and decorations. But after long excursions and trips, we also appreciate a pinch of luxury. Here you will find our hotel recommendations (budget & exclusive options) for your honeymoon in Vietnam.

Saigon

On a Budget: Golden Central Hotel

Admittedly, the Golden Central Hotel no longer amazes us today, but in 2012 it was our accommodation for several weeks and also a temporary home. The location right at the Ben Thanh Market is an ideal starting point for your exploration of Saigon. In between, you can escape the hustle and bustle of the city and relax in the pool area on the roof terrace. This hotel has certainly been overtaken in terms of furnishings and comfort, but we still think that it is still a top address to get a first impression of Saigon and that for a small price.

Exclusive & extraordinary: Adora Art Hotel – romance in the urban jungle

A real gem is the Adora Art Hotel in the heart of Saigon. All rooms are individually designed and decorated with unique artworks mainly by Vietnamese artists. The free-standing bathtub is particularly romantic. A highlight is the pool area on the roof terrace with a view of the skyline of Ho Chi Minh City.

Orange line

Exclusive: Radisson Blu Resort

In bustling Vietnam, it's rare to feel like you're the only person within a kilometer radius. This is exactly what makes Cam Ranh Bay so special. The quiet beach town is situated on a long peninsula with pristine white sandy beaches, away from mass tourism but with some really nice hotels. One of them is the recently opened one Radisson Blu Resort.

The luxury resort right by the sea really leaves nothing to be desired: Huge, modern rooms with panoramic windows, large balconies and views of the ocean, a spacious, stylish bathroom with a free-standing bathtub and cozy bathrobes. The decor is modern, yet cozy and inviting. A highlight is the beautiful spacious pool and garden area, which leads out to the sea. We were particularly impressed by the breakfast area with the large panoramic windows and the stylish furnishings and decoration. In this ambience with such a beautiful view of the sea, the breakfast tasted even better.

On a budget and still fancy: Wyndham Grand KN Paradise Cam Ranh

This beautiful, modern resort is also situated on the picturesque Cam Ranh coast and also offers you a breathtaking view of the ocean and the surrounding mountains. You can find retreat and togetherness in the stylish rooms. Some of them have their own balcony or even a terrace with sea views. The resort also offers a variety of romantic experiences, such as a candlelit dinner on the beach or a relaxing couples massage at the spa.

Mui Ne

On a Budget: Allez Boo

As chance or fate would have it, we ended up staying at the same hotel on this press trip as we did more than 10 years ago. Crazy, right? The Allez Boo is now a somewhat outdated but still very pretty, welcoming resort in the French colonial style. It is located right on Mui Ne Beach. The lovingly designed tropical garden with a romantic water lily pond is particularly beautiful. It is only a short hop from the pool to the beach. Every now and then there is even an open air cinema on the beach. Because who says you can only watch movies on the couch. And what could be nicer than cuddling up to each other and enjoying a movie on the beach during your honeymoon?

Exclusive: The Cliff

For that extra dose of romance in Mui Ne, we definitely recommend this The Cliff Resort. It is located directly on the most beautiful stretch of beach in Mui Ne and you have a magnificent view of the sea from the rooms. If you want to surf, you will find one of the best spots for surfing here. The hotel is furnished in a hyggelic, maritime style. The rooms are so cozy and comfortable that you want to stay in bed all day, which would be a shame when you can also lie on the beach all day or go for a walk together.

Phu Quoc

Exclusive and still cheap: Best Western Premier Sonasea Phu Quoc

Idyllically located on the beach, that leaves Best Western Premier Sonasea in terms of colorful paradise vibes, nothing to be desired. The highlight of this resort is definitely the beach aka Instagram Eldorado. Everywhere you will find cozy corners, hammocks, "photo nests" and even a crooked palm tree that you can climb together for a snapshot. The sea is calm on this beach, almost like an oversized swimming pool. Another treat is the 360° Rooftop Bar, where we drank the best cocktails on our Vietnam trip. No danger of getting lost: The next eye-catcher par excellence is the river-shaped curved pool, which shows you the way to the beach.

Romantically different: Anja Beach Resort & Spa

The romantic Anja Beach Resort & Spa is a bit smaller and more tranquil. And only 10 minutes from the airport is this romantic hideaway with direct access to the beach. Maybe you feel like getting on your bike and exploring the beautiful surroundings by bike. Because the hotel not only offers a free airport transfer, but also free bike rental. If just chilling by the pool and beach is too boring for you, you can also take a romantic sunset cruise. For example, John's Tours offers a 2-hour sunset tour on board a traditional Vietnamese wooden boat. The tour includes a cruise along the Phu Quoc coast, a visit to An Thoi Islands and dinner on board.

Honeymoon in Vietnam: our conclusion

Honeymoon in Vietnam is a true voyage of discovery. From the photogenic streets of Hanoi to the paradisiacal beaches of Phu Quoc, Vietnam is as diverse as it is colourful. The hospitality of the locals and the incredible variety of landscapes and delicious dishes will make your honeymoon trip a sensual, unforgettable experience. But beware, the next time you order a pho soup in Germany, you will probably be disappointed that it doesn't taste the same as in Vietnam. In short, honeymoon in Vietnam is like a culinary and cultural rollercoaster that is a must experience. For even more honeymoon input, check out our article 5 Extraordinary Honeymoon Destinations .

Transparency: This article was created as part of a cooperation with Vietnam Airlines & BZ.Comm: We were supported in our research. Thanks a lot for this!