With your nuptial day behind you, it’s time to plan for your honeymoon (if you hadn’t planned before the wedding.)
You probably have a couple of potential honeymoon destinations lingering in your head, but one seems to stand out: Vietnam!
First things first, congratulations on choosing a Vietnam honeymoon!
Even though a mention of the country’s name evokes memories of war, it is today a hot destination among tourists and newlyweds. Millions of foreigners come to the Southeast Asian country to enjoy its tropical climate, white sand beaches, crystal clear waters and exquisite cuisines among other attractions.
So, how do you ensure your Vietnam honeymoon is successful and memorable? In this article, we’re unpacking the tips you need to effectively plan your honeymoon.
Plan Early
Although many couples plan for their honeymoons before the wedding, others start planning right after the wedding. There is nothing wrong with the second option, as long as you aren’t jetting off immediately after saying “we do!”
Regardless of your timing, be sure to start planning at least two weeks before the day of your departure.
This should give you enough time to pack all the stuff you need. You don’t want to touch down in Hanoi and suddenly remember you forgot to pack your favorite beachwear, do you?
Create a checklist of all the items you want to carry and cross them out as you pack.
Set a Budget (and Try to Stick to it)
Weddings are getting more expensive by the day, and so are honeymoons.
Even though you’re going to have the time of your life, it’s important to draft a budget before jetting off.
An ideal budget should take care of airfares, accommodations, meals, and costs of undertaking activities such as boat rides. You must also set aside some money for emergencies.
Once you have the budget all drawn up, try to stick to it. Avoid engaging in activities you hadn’t budgeted for. Carry some money in cash, and the rest in your travel cards.
Know the Vietnam Entry Requirements (Get Your Travel Documents Ready)
Like most Asian nations, Vietnam requires foreign nationals to have a valid tourist visa and a passport. Your passport must have at least one blank page, and it must be valid for at least six months beyond the period of your planned stay.
If you’re not able to secure a tourist visa in time, you can also enter the country with a pre-approval for a visa.
Depending on your home country, you should be able to apply for your tourist visa online. These e-visas last 30 days and are single-entry. This means once you enter the country, you should not exit until your Vietnam honeymoon is complete!
There are no vaccination requirements, and you must declare foreign currency worth more than $5,000 (or it’s equivalent in any other foreign currency.)
Plan with Vietnam’s Weather in Mind
How well do you understand Vietnamese weather? Does it experience all four seasons?
To enhance your chances of having a memorable honeymoon, you must plan with an eye on the country’s current weather. You don’t want to have a summer wedding only for cold winter to welcome you to your Vietnamese destination.
First, you need to determine whether you’ll be spending most of your time in North, South, Central or Far North Vietnam. It’s not uncommon for these regions to experience different weather at different times of the year.
Research the present weather of the places you want to visit will help you carry the right clothing. It will also help you better plan your activities. If you’re a skiing enthusiast, for instance, and you hope to ski in Vietnam, you’ll likely be disappointed. Snows only show up occasionally in the Northern Highlands.
| To have fun trips in Ho Chi Minh City, check out our authentic motorbike tours with professional local guides! |
Know the Local Attractions
Of course, the primary reason couples go on a honeymoon is to celebrate their love and create stronger bonds and memories of a lifetime.
That aside, you’re also tourists with a need to learn the culture and history of your destination.
Every country has its landmark attractions you wouldn’t want to miss. Ever told someone you visited a certain country, and the first thing they ask you is: did you visit this or that place? And if you tell them you didn’t, they will immediately start doubting you even visited the country in the first place!
As such, do your research and find the local places that are a must-visit. Know another couple that honeymooned in Vietnam? Ask them about the country’s popular attractions. Comb through travel blogs and note down their recommendations.
You can also take our advice! If you’re a kayaking aficionado, you should visit Ha Long Bay. You only need to take a four-hour drive from downtown Hanoi to reach this destination, which has been a UNESCO world heritage site since 1994. Visitors get to experience movie-esque scenery, boat cruises, and a vibrant nightlife.
Other top attractions include Cu Chi Tunnels, My Son Sanctuary, Complex of Hue Monuments, War Remnants Museum and Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Museum.
Plan for Travel and Accommodation
Unless you know your way around the cities or towns you want to visit, you should make your travel and accommodations plans in advance.
Traveling without solid travel and accommodation plans in order is a recipe for disaster, especially if your destinations are experiencing a high season. You will certainly find all the best providers fully booked.
If you want to seek accommodation ideas apart from the standard hotels, check out these craziest Airbnb rentals.
The best way to get this sorted is to go online, find reputable providers (read reviews), and then make your reservations.
Use a Tour Provider for the Best Vietnam Honeymoon Experience
Sure, you’re an adventurous couple. You want to find your way around Vietnam by yourselves.
While that is understandable, a honeymoon is (for most couples) a once-in-a-lifetime experience. You can’t afford to let things go wrong.
This is why you should let a licensed tour provider give you a customized experience filled with all the adventures you love! Book your tour now and let us add adventure, fun, and spice to your Vietnam honeymoon.
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