Honeymoon Indochina - Independent Travel

Begin your honeymoon in Hanoi, Vietnam's bustling capital, where lively markets, bustling streets, and tranquil lakes create a wonderful blend of energy and tradition. After exploring the highlights of the city travel onwards to the enchanting waters of Halong Bay, where you board your delightful Chinese-style junk boat and set sail into the bay. Here you have two days to unwind and savour the spectacular scenery.

 

Your next stop will take you to Central Vietnam, to the historical town of Hue. With the lush and secluded Pilgrimage Village Resort as your base explore the incredible temples, pagodas, tombs of this former imperial capital. Cruise down the majestic Perfume River and indulge in some of the fabulous cuisine for which this city is famed. From Hue you will take a scenic drive on to the charming town of Hoi An. With its streets lit by beautifully crafted silk lanterns, this quintessentially Vietnamese town is the ideal place to relax and enjoy a couple of leisurely days. Also known for its fine cuisine, you will have the chance to take a cookery class and learn first hand how to create some of Vietnam's most iconic and delicious dishes.

 

From Central Vietnam fly south to the secluded bays of Phu Quoc Island. Here you will find a wonderful intimate retreat to spend a few days of well-earned relaxation.  Swim in the crystal waters, sunbathe by the pool, or taking some time out to sample the excellent seafood and enjoy island living. After this rejuvenating escape fly back to modern Ho Chi Minh City for a last, exciting night in Vietnam before flying on to Siem Reap, ancient capital of Cambodia. This laid-back town is the gateway to the breath-taking, jungle-clad temples of Angkor. Spend your last days here at a fabulous resort, giving you plenty of time to relax, enjoy the fantastic night markets and explore one of the world's most impressive sights.   

 

 

Day 1 Hanoi On arrival at Hanoi's Noi Bai International Airport you will be met by your English speaking guide and taken by private vehicle to your centrally-located hotel. The rest of the day will be spent at your leisure to relax and enjoy the bustling streets of Hanoi. 

 

One of the best ways of understanding Vietnamese culture, and the differences between the regions, is through food, and our favourite local food expert, Mr Tu, will combine a tour of Hanoi's old town with an introduction to the markets, cuisine and eating habits of North Vietnam. As you stroll through the narrow lanes we will sample pho tiu and bun dau, pick out the best seasonal fruit and maybe stop at a French-influenced patisserie for coffee and cakes. There is no better, or tastier, way to get to know the city - just don't eat too much breakfast! Later today take in a traditional Water Puppet Show, famous for bringing traditional story-telling and water puppetry to life. Meals included: Breakfast

 

Today leave Hanoi for a two-night cruise on glorious Halong Bay. After an early breakfast your guide will pick you together with your driver you will drive east to Halong Bay. Your cruise departs at noon and after checking into your beautifully appointed en-suite cabin you will enjoy a fabulous lunch, then spend the rest of your day cruising gently through the serene waters of Halong Bay. There will be optional activities such as swimming and kayaking later today, before sitting a romantic evening dinner onboard. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

Having a full day today to further enjoy and discover the beauty of Halong Bay, you will continue after breakfast to Cat Ba Island. Mostly protected by a National Park, this jungle-covered island is a stunning place to take an easy walk or cycle ride, and visit a secluded village nestled on the island. After lunch, you have time to relax and take a rowing boat tour out in Bai Tu Long Bay and see how local floating fishing villages survive out on the water. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

After a sumptuous brunch and leisurely morning exploring some of the natural caves found in many of the island that dot the bay, you will head back to the mainland and continue your journey to Hue in central Vietnam. Drive back to Hanoi and catch the flight south to Hue, where you arrive by late afternoon and check into your delightful resort hotel on the outskirts of town. You will have the rest of the evening at your leisure to enjoy one of the many lovely restaurants this beautiful town has to offer. Meals included: Breakfast

 

Situated on the bank of the Perfume River, with an endless choice of pagodas, tombs and temples to visit and with the impressive Imperial City all on your doorstep, Hue is a fascinating place to explore. Thanks to its role as Vietnam's capital between 1802-1945, Hue's citadel is a UNESCO World Heritage site and with your guide you will visit the best historical sights this city offers.  Lunch will also be included today so you can enjoy some of the fine imperial cuisine for which Hue is renowned. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

 

After a leisurely breakfast, you will join your guide and driver and take the scenic Pass of Ocean Clouds over to Hoi An. Arriving by early afternoon in Hoi An you will have the rest of the day and evening to enjoy this picturesque town, or just spend some time on the beach. Situated 10 minutes from the coast the old town of Hoi An is a UNESCO world Heritage Site and boasts some of the finest and best-preserved traditional architecture in Vietnam. The town is easily navigated at your own pace and hours can be spent meandering slowly through the pedestrian only streets, enjoying a traditional Vietnamese coffee or snack and just taking time to enjoy these colourful streets which are lined by hand crafted silk lanterns. Meals included: Breakfast

 

Today will be a full day of leisure, allowing you to enjoy the historical town of Hoi An at your own pace. As well as being known for its cultural and historical significance Hoi An has a fine reputation for its cookery schools, many attached to the excellent local restaurants. The town is also known as the best place to arrange a local tailor to create a unique piece of made to measure clothing for you, so if you fancy having a garment made for you, Hoi An is the place for it. You can also learn how to create a beautiful silk lantern for yourself here. However you choose to use your day, Hoi An is a fabulous place to spend time soaking up the traditional atmosphere whilst you watch the world go by. Meals included: Breakfast

 

This morning return to Danang and fly south to the idyllic Phu Quoc, where you have the next few days relaxing and enjoying the delights of this island paradise. Phu Quoc is a beautiful and diverse island offering white sandy beaches, clear waters, bustling night markets, secluded bays, snorkelling trips and a range of beautiful resorts and fantastic cuisine to choose from. If you want time to lie on the beach or have a range of activities to choose from Phu Quoc has something to offer you.  Meals included: Breakfast

 

This morning you will take a short mid-morning flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Formerly known as Saigon, his buzzing city will offer you a short city break and a chance to experience Vietnam's most cosmopolitan city. This afternoon will be spent at your leisure to explored the surrounding area. Close to your hotel is the Ben Thanh Market, one of Saigon's biggest and most well known markets, the riverfront and countless restaurants and shops to enjoy. you may like to finish your time in Vietnam with one of the most fun things we've ever done: hopping on the back of a Vespa and scooting round the city to our favourite street food stalls, sampling as you go. In the city with four million motorbikes, this is the only way to travel! Meals included: Breakfast

 

Wave farewell to Vietnam this morning and take the short flight over the border to Siem Reap in Cambodia. After completing customs and immigration procedures, meet your local guide and drive the short distance to town where you check in and freshen up before your afternoon adventure commences. Travel in local style by tuk tuk, the local motorbike taxi to your first stop the iconic Angkor Wat, built during the reign of King Suryavarman II in the early 12th century. The image of Angkor Wat forms the centrepiece of Cambodia's national flag, such is its symbolic power. Visit during the late afternoon, when there are fewer visitors and the carvings of the beautiful Apsara dancers glow in the late sunlight. Meals included: Breakfast

 

After breakfast, head out on a wonderful exploration of the Angkor sites on a leisurely tuk tuk ride - the perfect way to escape the crowds and make your own discoveries. First, head to the ancient city of Angkor Thom; enter the city from the ancient South Gate, an impressive stone gate carved with Elephants and four giant faces, and cycle to the remarkable Bayon Temple in the exact center of the city. The Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King are also must-visits, and explore the grounds of the former Royal Palace to discover some small hidden temples that are rarely visited. Later this morning visit the famous Ta Prohm temple, the atmospheric jungle-clad temple that featured in the Tomb Raider film. Take a break at midday back at your hotel. Perhaps relax with a massage or a cooling dip in the hotel swimming pool, before being met in the late afternoon and taken for a romantic and magical cruise with drinks and canapés on the great moat of Angkor Thom, to enjoy sunset at Prasat Chroung temple. Meals included: Breakfast

 

This morning embark on an interesting boat trip on the vast Tonlé Sap Lake, South East Asia's largest freshwater lake. Board a local boat and visit Kampong Phluck, a village where you will see houses on stilts that are submerged when Tonlé Sap Lake extends during the rainy season. On the way, you will pass floating houses and impressive flooded forests, portraying life on the water.Disembark for a tasty picnic lunch served in a floating house and enjoy the views as the local community goes about its daily life. Return to Siem Reap for a final leisurely afternoon. As this is the last evening in Cambodia and of your honeymoon, treat yourself to a sumptuous dinner at the renowned Cuisine Wat Damnak. The restuarant was founded on the simple concept of using only local fresh seasonal produce with which to create exquisite Cambodian food. The Head Chef and owner Joannès Rivière has a reputation as one of the top chefs in Cambodia and is the author of the book, 'Cambodian Cooking', one of the first cookbooks on Khmer cuisine. Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

 

After a final breakfast your honeymoon reaches its end, and your guide and driver will be there to transfer you to the airport to start your journey back home.  Meals included: Breakfast