Luxury Vietnam Hideaway Honeymoon 14 Days

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, we will spend a couple of hours exploring the Old Quarter’s best street food. You can choose from dishes like ‘pho’ (beef noodle soup), ‘nom’ (green papaya salad with seasoned beef), ‘banh goi’ (deep-fried minced pork and mushroom pastry), ‘banh cuon’ (warm rice paper with pork and fried onion), and ‘bun cha’ (fresh noodles with grilled pork and a sharp sauce). Try 3-4 varieties as you like.

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, it’s time to depart Ninh Binh for Mai Chau, with the road trip spanning approximately 4 to 4.5 hours, allowing for stops along the way.

Upon arrival in Mai Chau, check-in at the Avana Retreat. You’ll have free time to relax until dinner. Your overnight stay will be in Mai Chau.

Avana Retreat offers a luxurious escape with thirty-six stunning villas nestled on the mountainside, providing guests with a retreat amidst nature. Inspired by ethnic culture, the retreat features rattan ceilings, earth walls, and thatched roofs blending seamlessly into the natural surroundings of imposing forests, terraced rice fields, and the vast valley below.

Benefits for in-house guests at Avana Retreat:

• Complimentary welcome set upon check-in
• Accommodation with daily buffet breakfast from 6:00 to 10:00 AM at Green Chili Restaurant
• Daily fruit basket in the room
• Two bottles of freshly squeezed juice daily
• Four bottles of Avana purified water daily
• Complimentary minibar in the 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 the room
• Buggy service
• Daily turndown service
• Complimentary usage of the 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)

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)

You’ll embark on a journey to Ha Long Bay, a breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its vast marine limestone ‘karst’ landscape.

Upon arrival at Emperor Cruises at Tuan Chau International Marina, our team will welcome you before boarding.

Our Cruise Director will assist with boarding, initiating the cruise through Ha Long Bay.

Lunch will be served at the Panorama Restaurant on the 3rd deck, offering a set menu of delicious Vietnamese cuisine amidst the bay’s beauty.

Next, the cruise will approach Nha Lat Area, where guests can explore the historic and archaeological marvels of Me Cung Cave.

Guests will then be taken to Tung Sau Area to paddle colorful kayaks and marvel at Halong Bay’s stunning landscape.

Afternoon tea with music and canapes will be served on the sundeck, followed by a cooking demonstration where guests can try traditional Vietnamese cooking.

Dinner will be served at the Royal Palace Restaurant on board, allowing guests to savor an à la carte course menu while experiencing the charm of Halong Bay at night.

The evening offers an opportunity for squid fishing, a fun night activity aboard the cruise. You’ll spend the night on board.

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

Engage in Vovinam exercise on the sundeck in the morning sunshine.

Indulge in a luxury breakfast at Can Chanh Palace Restaurant.

Embark on a journey to Viet Hai Village via a day boat/speedboat. Explore the village on a bicycle or electric car, immerse in the local lifestyle, and enjoy lunch either in the village or on the dayboat. Return to visit Lan Ha Bay.

Discover the Cat Ba Archipelago, cruising through Cai Beo floating village and exploring Ba Trai Dao beaches, including secret caves and beaches enclosed by vertical cliffs (weather and tide permitting), or enjoy swimming and kayaking in the Tra Bau area.

Relax with a massage service or join a special tour on art and history featuring Pham Luc’s paintings or Emperor Bao Dai’s palaces.

Partake in afternoon tea with music and canapes on the sundeck. Join the cooking demonstration to learn traditional Vietnamese cooking.

Savor an a la carte course menu for dinner at the Royal Palace Restaurant on board, experiencing the enchantment of Halong Bay at night.

End the day with the interesting nighttime activity of squid fishing.

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

Engage in Vovinam exercise on the sundeck in the morning sunlight.

Indulge in a light breakfast, including tea, coffee, pastries, cookies, and fresh juices, at our luxury restaurant.

Explore Luon Cave by bamboo boat, rowed by a local, to witness a variety of plants, including ferns, cycads, Benjamin’s fig trees, and beautiful orchids.

Complete packing and check-out.

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

Disembark at Tuan Chau International Marina and Emperor Cruises lounge for your onward journey back to Hanoi.

You’ll spend the night 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 10-13: Con Dao’s Free Days (B)

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.

You could enjoy 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 snorkelling 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.

Another option is an exploration of Con Dao’s historical significance by visiting the Con Dao Museum to learn about its past as a penal colony, or the Infamous Con Dao Prison, which used to be the primary use of the island during the French and American wars.

On the last day it would be recommended 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.

Key

B = Breakfast

L = Lunch

D = Dinner

G = Guide

GP = Guide pick-up

DP = Driver pick-up