Vietnam Honeymoon Guide: Where to Go, When to Visit & My Personal Experience

Thailand has always been a firm favourite of mine, but Vietnam was such a fabulous surprise. It's every bit as good as Thailand, completely different in so many ways and, dare I say it, even better in some parts.

For couples considering a Vietnam honeymoon, it's a fantastic choice. Fascinating cities, beautiful countryside, incredible food, lovely beaches and fabulous luxury hotels. Best of all, you can experience so much without giving up your creature comforts.

Ho Chi Minh City – A Brilliant Introduction to Vietnam:

The first thing that hits you when you arrive in Ho Chi Minh City is the sheer number of motorbikes!

The whole city is full of them, and the trick seems to be how many people or things you can fit onto one bike. From two adults, two children and a baby to someone carrying a six-foot ladder, you'll see it all. It certainly makes for some great people-watching!

The city has quite a European feel in parts, thanks to its French colonial architecture. There are beautiful old buildings, great sightseeing and fantastic markets. I particularly enjoyed the shopping, where bargaining is all part of the fun without the pressure you sometimes find elsewhere.

Visiting the Cu Chi Tunnels

One experience I'd definitely recommend is visiting the Cu Chi Tunnels, approximately an hour or more from Ho Chi Minh City, depending on traffic.

These tunnels were used during the Vietnam War, and some of the original passages are so narrow you'd struggle to fit a small spaniel through them!

What fascinated me was the amount of thought that went into everything, including how smoke from underground kitchens was dispersed to avoid detection. It's quite an eye-opener and well worth visiting.

The Mekong Delta – One of My Favourite Experiences

Next, we headed to the Mekong Delta, and I absolutely loved it here.

Life revolves around the river, with farmers working the land, boats transporting goods and families going about their daily lives.

We cruised along the Mekong before stopping for lunch at a local house, where we tried the speciality of elephant ear fish, freshly caught that morning.

Then we took to our bikes and cycled through the villages, crossing little humpback bridges and passing rice paddies where farmers in their traditional conical hats were tending the fields.

My favourite part was passing the local schoolchildren. Absolutely every child seemed to shout "hello" and wait for us to shout it back. Such a lovely experience!

We also explored the smaller waterways in traditional sampan boats before finishing the day at a riverside lodge, with rooms on stilts overlooking the Mekong. What a fabulous way to end the day.

My honeymoon tip: If you have the time, spend at least one night in the Mekong Delta rather than just visiting for the day. It's a wonderful way to experience a completely different side of Vietnam.

Vietnamese Food – Another Reason I Loved It

The food in Vietnam is absolutely gorgeous. Everything seems to be freshly prepared and cooked while you wait, with wonderful flavours and plenty of choice.

Before visiting, I'd heard stories about some of the more unusual foods eaten in Vietnam, but we didn't come across anything that put us off. Instead, we enjoyed fabulous fresh meals and really friendly service.

For honeymoon couples who love their food, Vietnam certainly won't disappoint.

Hue – History and Imperial Vietnam

Heading into Central Vietnam, we visited Hue, the former imperial capital and home to the UNESCO-listed Complex of Hue Monuments, including the Imperial City and Citadel.

It's a fascinating place to learn about the Nguyen Dynasty and Vietnam's history. For couples who enjoy culture and sightseeing, Hue is well worth including in a honeymoon itinerary.

Hoi An – My Favourite Town in Vietnam

Now, Hoi An really captured me. What a beautiful town!

The historic streets, colourful lanterns, Japanese Covered Bridge and Chinese temples make it such a lovely place to explore. In the evening, when the lanterns are lit, the whole town takes on a completely different atmosphere.

The restaurants are fabulous, the food is gorgeous and the shopping is brilliant.

Hoi An is famous for its tailoring, and when I say they can make you almost anything, I mean it! Bring along a photograph from your favourite magazine, choose your material and you can often have a new outfit made within a day or two.

There's plenty happening in the evenings too, from little riverside bars with live music to livelier nightlife spots.

And best of all, you can be on the beach in just 15 minutes from Hoi An's Old Town, so it's easy to combine sightseeing, shopping and fabulous restaurants with some relaxing beach time.

It's one of those places where you can spend hours exploring or simply sit back and watch the world go by. For me, it's one of the highlights of a Vietnam honeymoon.

What Type of Couple Would Love a Vietnam Honeymoon?

Vietnam is ideal for couples who want more from their honeymoon than simply spending two weeks beside a swimming pool.

I'd particularly recommend it for couples who enjoy:

• Exploring new places and experiencing different cultures.
• Fantastic food, local restaurants and markets.
• Combining sightseeing and soft adventure with luxury hotels.
• Travelling between several destinations before finishing with some relaxing beach time.

It's also a great choice for couples who've already visited Thailand and loved it but fancy experiencing somewhere different.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Vietnam for a Honeymoon?

Vietnam is a long country, and the weather can be very different between the north, centre and south.

February to April: One of the best times to consider for a multi-centre Vietnam honeymoon, with generally favourable conditions across much of the country.

May to August: Often a good time for beach stays around Hoi An and Da Nang, although southern Vietnam experiences its wetter season.

September to November: Central Vietnam can experience heavy rainfall, flooding and typhoons, making this a more challenging period for a multi-centre honeymoon.

December to January: Generally a good time for southern Vietnam, including Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta, although Central Vietnam can still be wet and the north cooler.

Planning Your Vietnam Honeymoon from Ireland?

If you're considering Vietnam for your honeymoon, I'd love to help you plan it.

Having travelled through Vietnam myself, I can share my own experiences, recommend places worth visiting and help you choose the right combination of destinations, experiences and hotels.

Get in touch and let's have a chat about your Vietnam honeymoon.