Planning a Vietnam holiday or honeymoon has grown to be popular over the last decade, but much of the country is still remarkably undeveloped. Its positively-minded, welcoming people & richly varied landscapes complement wonderful stretches of barely touched tropical beach – an excellent combination, whichever honeymoon style you dream of. Hotels here are often world class, or historically interesting, if not. Alternatively, you could try a home-stay in a mountain village (interesting for a few days, if lacking the privacy you’ll most likely seek for most of your honeymoon), a Colonial-style river cruiser or even hire a private boat, complete with crew & discreet staff.
Halong Bay for hidden glamour & sunset junks
There’s something about those orange, fan-shaped sails against the dark green bay & towering limestone crags – they speak of Vietnamese tradition, simplicity & beauty, but also of downplayed glamour. That last bit may have something to do with The Man With The Golden Gun, so perhaps the less said about that the better – especially since Scaramanga’s junk is Chinese.
Halong Bay, however, really is all about that subtle blend of simplicity, beauty & glamour that Vietnam does so well. Several junks sail its waters. Most have luxurious cabins ideal for honeymoon splendour, but for a truly regal experience you can hire one all to yourselves. You’ll spend the days snorkeling & picnicking on isolated beaches, with evenings relaxing on deck, surrounded by the apricot splendour of a Halong sunset, your personal crew quietly preparing dinner below.
Ha Giang Province to go back in time
Until very recently, foreigners rarely visited Ha Giang, Vietnam’s most northern region. This was partly due to its proximity to the Chinese Border, with authorities seeking to prevent tourists from accidentally trekking over the line. Its remoteness & lack of transport infrastructure also contributed to the inaccessibility. However, these same barriers have preserved a remarkable rural landscape, full of misty emerald hill-sides, terraced with rice paddies. In many ways, they’ve also preserved history.
Traditional hill-tribe life, protected from modern influence, has flourished here for centuries with little change. Small settlements are scattered through the mountains, home to at least 20 distinct ethnic minorities – long established tribes whose members sometimes only number in the hundreds. Market days are still the hub of social & commercial life here, with tribes-people gathering to trade livestock, goods & gossip. There are no hotels, so a home-stay is necessary, & you shouldn’t expect any Western luxury whatsoever – but if you prefer being off the beaten trail to being on a sun lounger, it’s absolutely worth it.
Con Dao archipelago for remarkable wildlife
Off Vietnam’s south coast – below the Mekong Delta & just 45 minutes flight from Ho Chi Minh City or a hydrofoil ride from Vung Tau – Con Dao is protected by National Park status. It’s a wonderful destination for any couple seeking wilderness that’s balanced by gentle tourist infrastructure. It’s still pleasantly undeveloped, but there are a couple of upmarket hotels to choose from. The scenery here is spectacular – deserted tropical beaches & natural jungle filled with many endangered species, which can be observed on ranger-supervised treks & dives.
