Luxury Vietnam Hideaway Honeymoon 14 Days

Embark on a romantic and luxurious 14-day honeymoon journey through Vietnam, designed to immerse you in the country’s stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture while providing intimate and exclusive experiences. This “Luxury Vietnam Hideaway Honeymoon” begins in the bustling capital of Hanoi, where historical charm meets modern vitality. You and your partner will explore ancient temples, indulge in exquisite Vietnamese cuisine, and enjoy a unique cyclo ride through the colonial quarters.

From Hanoi, the adventure leads to the tranquil beauty of Mai Chau and the majestic landscapes of Ha Long Bay, where you’ll cruise on a private luxury junk boat, exploring secluded lagoons and dining under the stars. As you journey south, the ancient town of Hoi An offers a blend of cultural excursions and relaxing moments on pristine beaches, providing a perfect backdrop for romance.

The experience deepens in the serene surroundings of Con Dao, an island paradise known for its crystal-clear waters and soft sandy beaches, ideal for unwinding and reflecting on your shared experiences. Each destination has been carefully selected to offer luxury accommodations, ensuring privacy and comfort, combined with personalized services that cater exclusively to honeymooners.

This meticulously planned honeymoon is not just a trip but a celebration of love and union, offering a seamless blend of adventure, relaxation, and luxury—a perfect beginning to your married life.

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Text Box: Key B = Breakfast L = Lunch D = Dinner G = Guide GP = Guide pick-up DP = Driver pickup

Day 1: Hanoi arrival (D, GP)

Arriving at Noi Bai airport in Hanoi, you’ll be met and driven to your hotel. You’ll have time to relax before your afternoon trip. You’ll cruise around the Colonial Quarter in a cyclo to discover the city’s architectural mixture of French colonial style, social realism (mostly public buildings – designed or influenced by the USSR), pagodas and communal houses with many distinctly Chinese features, merchants’ residences, ‘tube’ dwellings, modern buildings and vernacular houses.

In the evening, you’ll have tickets for a performance of traditional Water Puppetry (an art form unique to northern Vietnam, and an interesting, light-hearted introduction to its rural culture) before a welcome dinner at a good restaurant in a restored colonial building. Your overnight stay will be in Hanoi.

The bustling Old Quarter, is a magnet for visitors – it’s noisy and hectic, but definitely a ‘must-see’ attraction. It is a maze of shopping streets and restaurants with a hotchpotch of architecture – traditional tube houses, religious buildings, artisans’ workshops and cottages, colonial houses and modern concrete edifices.

Day 2: Hanoi City tour with street food (street food, G)

After a leisurely breakfast, you’ll visit the Fine Art Museum which is consider the most interesting art collections in Vietnam. Your next stop will be Temple of Literature, the first university in Vietnam dating back to the 11th century and Hoa Lo Prison– better known by captured US pilots as the ‘Hanoi Hilton’

Later, we will be wandering a couple hours in the Old Quarter to explore many of the best street food. You can choose your own selection, for example from ‘pho’ (Hanoi’s famous beef noodle soup), ‘nom’ (green papaya salad with seasoned beef), ‘banh goi’ (minced pork and mushroom pillow-shaped pasty covers in breadcrumbs and deep-fried), ‘banh cuon’ (warm rice paper with pork and fried onion), or bun cha (fresh noodle with grilled pork and a sharp sauce), or Bun Cha (fresh noodle with grilled pork). Try 3-4 varieties as you wish.

The tour will finish, in true local style, at a Bia Hoi where you can enjoy some local draft beer. You’ll retuning back to your hotel and rest. Your accommodation will be in Hanoi.

Note that innumerable street food specialties will be available throughout the day; we just mention some of the famous dishes but you may find some other interesting on the way exploring. Your special dietary will be arranged.

Day 3: Hanoi/ Mai Chau/AVANA RETREAT (B, D, DP)

After your breakfast, it’s time to leave Ninh Binh for Mai Chau, the road trip will take approx. 4 to 4.5 hours and you can have some stops on the way.

Arrival Mai Chau, check in the Avana Retreat, free on own to rest until DINNER. You’ll spend the night in Mai Chau.

Avana is a luxury retreat from which guests can plan a wide range of adventures and experiences. Avana Retreat consists Thirty-six gorgeous villas nestle on the mountainside and await a luxury retreat in the midst of nature. Inspired by ethnic culture, rattan ceilings, earth walls, and thatched roof blend seamlessly into a backdrop of imposing forest, terraced rice fields, and the vast valley below.

*** Benefit for in-house guests at Avana Retreat:

– Complimentary Welcome Set Upon Check-in

– Accommodation & daily buffet breakfast from 6:00 to 10:00 AM at Green Chili Restaurant

– 1 Fruit basket in room daily

– 2 Bottles of freshly squeezed juice daily

– 4 bottles of Avana purified water daily

– Complimentary minibar in room, replenished daily

– In-room coffee & tea maker with coffee capsules and Vietnamese traditional tea

– Daily afternoon snack service at Cloud Pool Bar

– Complimentary usage of the tablet in room

– Buggy Service

– Daily Turndown service

– Complimentary usage of heated infinity swimming pool at Cloud Pool Bar

– Complimentary usage of Fitness Centre, Kids Club & Playground, Library, Stilt House Museum, Yoga House

– Complimentary Wi-Fi access in the room and throughout the retreat

Day 4: AVANA RETREAT/ free day (B)

The time will be free on own to do rest, appreciate the Nature or perhaps join some complimentary activities on site that Avana can be offering.

Day 5: Mai Chau/ Hanoi (B, DP)

In the morning, you’ll be free until leaving Mai Chau for Hanoi, directly to Hanoi.

Day 6: Hanoi/Ha Long for Emperor Hideaway 3 Days (B, L, D, DP)

This morning, you’ll leave for Ha Long Bay, one of the most spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Areas and the world’s largest marine limestone ‘karst’ landscape.

11.30 – 12.00 upon arrival at Emperor Cruises, located at No.28B of Tuan Chau International Marina, our team will welcome you in our lounge before boarding.

12.00 – 12.15 Our Cruise Director will assist you with boarding to start cruising in Halong Bay.

13.15 – 14.00 A set lunch menu will be served at our Panorama Restaurant on the 03^rd deck. Enjoy delicious Vietnamese food while admiring the grace of the bay.

14.45 – 15.30 The cruise approaches Nha Lat Area. This is time for guests to visit Me Cung Cave (Cave of Maze) – a spectacular destination with plenty of historical and archaeological values about Ha Long Culture from 10,000 years ago. Guests will be charmed by the magnificent complex structure with stalactites and stalagmites in various shapes and the most diverse ecological system in Halong Bay.

15.45 – 16.30 And then, the tender takes the guests to Tung Sau Area, free time for guests to paddle on colourful kayaks to explore the stunning landscape of Halong Bay.

17.00 – 18.30 Attending the Afternoon tea with music and Canapes on Sundeck and join in the cooking demonstration and try your skills in the art of traditional Vietnamese cooking in a truly stunning setting.

19.30 – 21.00 Enjoy our A La Carte course menu for dinner at Royal Palace Restaurant on board as you experience the charm of Halong Bay at night.

21.00 – 22.00 Try your luck with interesting activity at night – Squid fishing. You’ll spend the night on board.

Day 7: Ha Long Bay (B, L, D, G on board)

06.15 – 06.30 Enjoy Vovinam exercise in the sunshine morning on sundeck.

08.00 – 08.30 Luxury breakfast is served at Can Chanh Palace Restaurant.

09.00 – 13.30 Transfer to a day boat/speedboat to visit Viet Hai Village. Take a bicycle ride or electric car through a rainforest tunnel that leads to a rice-field vista. Visit a traditional house in a village deep in a national park where you can observe the lifestyle of the local people and enjoy lunch on the village/on the dayboat. Back to the speedboat/dayboat to visit Lan Ha Bay.

13:30 – 15.00 Visiting the Cat Ba Archipelago, cruise through Cai Beo floating village and then go to the Ba Trai Dao beaches where you can visit secret cave and beaches, enclosed by vertical cliffs (if the weather and tide permit) or just swimming and kayaking in Tra Bau area.

16.00 – 17.00 Enjoy massage service or join special tour of art and history about Pham Luc’s paintings or Emperor Bao Dai’s palaces.

17.30 – 18.30 Attend the Afternoon tea with music and Canapes on Sundeck and join in the cooking demonstration and try your skills in the art of traditional Vietnamese cooking in a truly stunning setting.

19.30 – 21.00 Enjoy our A La Carte course menu for dinner at Royal Palace Restaurant on board as you experience the charm of Halong Bay at night.

21.00 – 22.00 Try your luck with interesting activity at night – Squid fishing.

Day 8: Ha Long/Hanoi (B, G on board, DP)

06.00 – 06.30 Enjoy Vovinam exercise in the sunshine morning on sundeck.

06.45 – 07.15 Enjoy light breakfast including tea, coffee, pastries, cookies, fresh juices…at our luxury restaurant.

07.15 – 08.30 Visit Luon Cave. Sitting on a bamboo boat rowed by a local, you can see a variety of plants such as ferns, cycads, Benjamin’s fig trees, and many beautiful orchids.

08.30 – 09.15 Finish packing all the luggage and check out.

09.30 – 10.30 Enjoy brunch A La Carte in CAN CHANH restaurant on the 1st floor while cruising back to the mainland.

11.00 – 11.15 Arrive in Tuan Chau International Marina and Emperor Cruises lounge for disembarkation your onward journey back to Hanoi

You will spend the night in Hanoi.

Day 9: Hanoi/Con Dao (D, DP)

In the morning, you’ll take a flight to Con Dao. On arrival, you’ll be driven to your hotel. You’ll have time to relax, explore the nearby beach or wander in the quiet town. You’ll stay overnight on the island.

Day 10 to Day 13: Con Dao free (B)

Your time will be your own!

Day 14: Con Dao/ Ho Chi Minh Departure (B, GP)

Your time will be your own until a car and drive arrives to pick up to the airport for an afternoon flight to Ho Chi Minh City in good time to connect with your international departure flight.

Visas for Vietnam

We offer a free visa service for clients travelling to Vietnam with Haivenu.

All you have to pay is the visa stamp, varied from US$45 to US$90 (check with your Embassy).

However, please note that this facility is only available to people who have booked an itinerary with Haivenu – we cannot process visas for casual visitors.

Choose one of the two options below:

Option 1: visa in advance

I send you a form requesting basic information (full name, passport details and so on). You fill in one for each person and send them to me. I will then apply for the visas at the Immigration Office in Hanoi. About five working days later, I’ll receive the approval paper and will fax it to the Vietnamese Embassy in your country. I’ll then notify you to send your passports to the Embassy by post with a cheque to pay the visa stamp. Alternatively, you can pick up your visas in person. Please ring the Embassy for their opening hours, cost of visa stamps and for other arrangements.

Option 2: visa on arrival

I will apply for visas upon arrival for you. For this, I will send the approval document direct to you by fax or by a scanned attached file. Upon your arrival at the airport, the approval document will be sufficient proof of your visa status. Please ensure that you pick up the visa form near the custom check points and fill in the details before you queue for immigration. You’ll need a colour passport photo and the fee for the visa stamp (about $45 at present).

Do it yourself

This option is only available to people living in a country with a Vietnamese Embassy. If you prefer to obtain a visa by yourself, feel free to do so. Please contact the Embassy for application information, their opening hours, cost of visa stamps and for other arrangements.

Itinterary

Day 1: Hanoi Arrival (D, GP)

Upon your arrival at Noi Bai Airport in Hanoi, you will be warmly greeted and transferred to your hotel where you can settle in and relax. In the afternoon, embark on a cyclo tour around the Colonial Quarter, a showcase of Hanoi’s rich architectural heritage combining French colonial style with indigenous Vietnamese elements. As the sun sets, you will attend a traditional Water Puppetry show, providing a delightful introduction to rural Vietnamese culture. The day concludes with a welcome dinner at a well-regarded restaurant housed in a beautifully restored colonial building. Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 2: Hanoi City Tour with Street Food (B, L, G)

Start your day with a leisurely breakfast before visiting the Fine Art Museum, which boasts one of Vietnam’s most fascinating art collections. Continue to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university, and the historic Hoa Lo Prison, infamously nicknamed the ‘Hanoi Hilton’ by American POWs. Later, dive into Hanoi’s vibrant street food scene in the Old Quarter, sampling local delicacies like pho, nom, banh goi, and bun cha. Conclude the culinary adventure at a Bia Hoi corner, where you can mingle with locals over draft beer. Return to your hotel for some well-deserved rest. Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 3: Hanoi to Mai Chau/Avana Retreat (B, D, DP)

After breakfast, depart for the serene Mai Chau Valley, a roughly four-hour drive from Hanoi. On arrival, check into the luxurious Avana Retreat, nestled in the lush mountainside. Here, you can unwind in nature and enjoy facilities such as a heated infinity pool, a fitness center, and various cultural activities. Dinner and overnight stay at Avana Retreat, where you’re treated to a basket of fresh fruit and complimentary beverages.

Day 4: Avana Retreat Free Day (B)

Enjoy a day at leisure in the tranquil setting of Avana Retreat. Participate in complimentary activities offered by the retreat, such as yoga, trekking, or cultural workshops. Explore the scenic surroundings, indulge in spa treatments, or simply relax by the pool, enjoying the panoramic views of the valley. Overnight at Avana Retreat.

Day 5: Mai Chau to Hanoi (B, DP)

After a morning at leisure, depart Mai Chau and return to Hanoi. The afternoon and evening are free for you to explore more of the city at your own pace or rest up at your hotel. This transition day is perfect for soaking in the last moments of the peaceful countryside before re-engaging with the bustling city life of Hanoi. Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 6: Hanoi to Ha Long Bay (B, L, D, DP)

Depart from Hanoi in the morning for Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its stunning natural beauty and myriad limestone islands. Upon arrival at the port, you’ll be welcomed aboard the luxurious Emperor Cruises. After a brief introduction and safety briefing, enjoy a sumptuous lunch while cruising towards the less-visited Bai Tu Long Bay. In the afternoon, explore Me Cung Cave, which features impressive stalactites and stalagmites formed over millions of years. Later, kayak around the Tung Sau area, known for its rich biodiversity and tranquil waters. Enjoy a cooking class followed by an evening of leisure with music and canapés on the sundeck. Dinner is served on board, followed by squid fishing or simply relaxing under the starlit sky. Overnight on the cruise.

Day 7: Ha Long Bay Exploration (B, L, D, G)

Start your day with a Vovinam session on the sundeck, embracing the morning sun. After breakfast, board a day boat to Viet Hai Village, nestled in the heart of Cat Ba National Park. Explore the village by bicycle or electric car, engaging with local traditions and enjoying a rustic lunch. Continue your journey to Lan Ha Bay, a quiet part of Ha Long Bay, where you can swim or kayak in the crystal-clear waters around Ba Trai Dao beach or Tra Bau area. Return to the main boat for a relaxing evening with a massage session or an art tour. Participate in another cooking class and enjoy another splendid dinner on board. Overnight on the cruise.

Day 8: Ha Long Bay to Hanoi (B, G)

Rise early for another Vovinam session or enjoy a tranquil morning on the sundeck. After a light breakfast, visit Luon Cave on a local bamboo boat, experiencing its peaceful atmosphere and observing the lush vegetation and diverse fauna. Return to the cruise for a hearty brunch as you sail back to the marina. Disembark and transfer back to Hanoi, arriving by mid-afternoon. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure, perhaps exploring more of Hanoi’s cultural sites or indulging in some last-minute shopping. Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 9: Hanoi to Con Dao (D, DP)

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Con Dao, one of Vietnam’s most beautiful and serene archipelagos, known for its crystal-clear waters, sandy beaches, and dense tropical forests. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and spend the day relaxing or exploring the island at your own pace. Discover the rich history of Con Dao through its museums and former prison, or take a leisurely stroll along the pristine beaches. Overnight in Con Dao.

This portion of the itinerary allows you to fully immerse yourself in the natural beauty and historical depth of Vietnam, from the majestic Ha Long Bay to the serene and contemplative atmosphere of Con Dao.

Spend these days at your leisure exploring the enchanting Con Dao Islands, a secluded escape known for its stunning natural beauty and tumultuous history. Con Dao offers a unique blend of pristine beaches and dense forests alongside a dark historical narrative as a former prison island.

Day 10: Exploring Con Dao’s Natural Beauty

Start your exploration with a visit to Con Dao National Park, which offers a variety of hiking trails that range from easy walks to challenging treks. You can explore diverse ecosystems, including mangrove forests, coastal vegetation, and coral reefs. Opt for a guided tour to learn more about the island’s unique flora and fauna. Enjoy snorkeling or diving to see vibrant coral and marine life, or simply relax on beaches like Dam Trau Beach, known for its soft sand and clear waters.

Day 11: Historical Tour of Con Dao

Dedicate this day to understanding Con Dao’s historical significance by visiting the Con Dao Museum to learn about its past as a penal colony. Follow this with a visit to the infamous Con Dao Prison where thousands of prisoners were held during the French and American wars. The preserved Tiger Cages offer a poignant glimpse into the harsh conditions faced by inmates. Reflect on this somber history with a walk through Hang Duong Cemetery, where many notable Vietnamese leaders are buried.

Day 12: Local Life and Culinary Exploration

Engage with local life by visiting the Con Dao Market in the morning, where you can sample local fruits and fresh seafood. Learn about local culinary practices by participating in a cooking class where you’ll make traditional Vietnamese dishes using fresh, local ingredients. Spend your afternoon relaxing at one of Con Dao’s less frequented beaches, such as Ong Dung Beach, which is ideal for swimming and snorkeling.

Day 13: Leisure and Wellness

Take this day to fully relax and rejuvenate before your journey back. Indulge in a wellness day at your hotel’s spa, enjoying treatments that incorporate local ingredients like coconut and sea salt. Enjoy leisure activities such as yoga or meditation. Alternatively, consider a boat trip around the smaller islands of the archipelago, some of which are accessible for day trips and offer secluded beaches and excellent snorkeling spots.

These days in Con Dao provide a balanced mix of relaxation, exploration, and historical reflection, making the most of the serene and beautiful environment before your departure.

Day 14: Con Dao to Ho Chi Minh City Departure (B, GP)

As your memorable journey draws to a close, take advantage of your final morning in Con Dao to soak in the tranquil beauty one last time. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel, and perhaps a final stroll along the beach, capturing a few more photographs or simply reflecting on the serene moments of your stay.

Morning Activities:

Early Morning Walk: Start your day early with a walk along the pristine beaches of Con Dao. The quiet morning hours provide a peaceful atmosphere and a chance to observe local fishermen starting their day.
Visit a Local Café: Sample some local Vietnamese coffee at a café. Vietnamese coffee, known for its robust flavor and often served sweetened with condensed milk, is a must-try experience that invigorates the senses.

Departure Preparations:

Hotel Check-out: Ensure you have all your belongings and check out of your hotel. The hotel staff can assist with arranging transportation to the airport and any last-minute details.
Souvenir Shopping: If time allows, visit local shops to purchase some last-minute souvenirs. Con Dao is known for its pearl jewelry and local handicrafts, perfect for bringing a piece of your travels back home.

Transfer to Airport:

Airport Transfer: Your arranged transportation will take you from your hotel to Con Dao Airport. Enjoy the scenic drive and reflect on the beautiful moments of your trip.
Flight to Ho Chi Minh City: Board your flight to Ho Chi Minh City. The short flight is the perfect moment to start transitioning from the tranquil pace of island life back to the bustling city environment.

Upon arrival in Ho Chi Minh City, connect with your international departure flight or continue your adventure if you’re extending your stay in Vietnam. This day marks not only the end of your itinerary but the beginning of many memories that will last a lifetime.

Price

The price for this honeymoon holiday is in US dollars for a group of two people: US $6,894 per person

The price is valid until March 31, 2025. Please note that bank transfer fees are not included.

Inclusions

Breakfast and accommodation in double room
Pick-ups and transfers by private air-conditioned vehicle as specified in the itinerary above (Please note: pick-ups will be by a guide and driver or, where a guide is not necessary, a driver only. All unaccompanied drivers will be briefed in advance, and will carry a mobile phone to ensure smooth transfer arrangements)
Domestic flight tickets (business class): Hanoi – Con Dao – Ho Chi Minh, including domestic airport taxes.
Return train tickets: Hanoi – Lao Cai (2-berth Deluxe ‘Victoria’ Compartment)
Travel in an appropriate private air-conditioned vehicle with an experienced safe driver.
The services of experienced English-speaking guides as indicated in the itinerary (please note: guides will be on hand from pick-up until guests’ return to their hotel or reaching their destination). Free days or part days will not include the services of a guide unless requested and included in the final itinerary.
Where necessary, entry fees for all visits as mentioned in the programme.
Lunches and dinners (as specified in the itinerary) in the best local restaurants, or picnics where no suitable restaurant is available.
VAT and other taxes

Exclusions

nternational flight tickets and airport tax
Dinners except as specified above
Drinks, gratuities and personal expenses
Visa services
Diving fees
Insurance
Alternatives in blue
Surcharges for peak season (if any)
Compulsory meal if any

Hotel List

Hanoi: Sofitel Metropole Hotel (*****historic colonial building in a city centre location – Luxury Room Historic Wing)
Mai Chau: AVANA RETREAT (***** is a discreet and luxurious eco-resort at this eco-luxe mountain hideaway, overlooking a breath-taking valley enhanced by a series of beautiful waterfalls. – Bauhinia Mountain Suite)
Ha Long Bay: Emperor Cruise (was inspired by the lavish lifestyle of Emperor Bao Dai, Vietnam’s last monarch with 10 en-suite cabins with a private balcony, ocean views, a butler service, and a limousine Hanoi/Saigon)
Con Dao: Six Senses Con Dao (is an exclusive island hideaway resort amidst a pristine marine and national park, and the only Six Senses beach resort in Vietnam’s archipelago of Con Dao. – Ocean View Duplex Pool Villa)

Please note that Vietnam hotels do not recognise provisional reservations, so specific hotels cannot be guaranteed until you have booked your chosen tour. As many of the better hotels are often full during the October to April peak season, early booking is advisable.