From Croatia to Vietnam, we've got the best new honeymoon offerings around the world. Bonus: They're also wallet-friendly.
By: Sandra Ramani
If You Like Thailand, Try: Vietnam
History, culture, food, beaches — Vietnam shares many of the same attributes as Thailand, minus the crowds and with more bang for your buck. Split your stay between city sites and the beach.
What to Do:
Though close to seven million people call the Hanoi area home, Vietnam’s capital retains an easy charm, with French Colonial mansions and leafy streets dotting the Old Quarter. Spend a couple of days exploring the top sites, including the Presidential Palace complex, home to a Beaux-Arts mansion, gardens and Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House and the Temple of Literature, a stunning 11th-century, five-courtyard complex dedicated to scholars. Browse the shops tucked along the narrow streets for lacquer tableware, embroidered silk robes and artwork. And join locals to indulge in Hanoi specialties like pho (a rice noodle soup made with chicken or beef) and bánh cuon (thick rice rolls stuffed with pork, mushrooms and shallots).
Photo courtesy of Hotel Metropole
Get a feel of the conflux of Vietnam’s early history, its French Colonial period and post-war lifestyle in the southern town of Hue. Tour the sprawling Imperial Citadel complex of temples, moats, museums and pavilions in the Old Town area. Just out of town are the Tombs of the Emperors, a collection of royal resting places from the 19th and 20th centuries, set around peaceful lakes and gardens. Back in Hue, enjoy a sunset stroll along the riverside boardwalks, the area’s signature bún bò hu (noodle soup) and traditional Vietnamese coffee with sweet condensed milk.
End with a stay at the famous Nam Hai resort area on the South China Sea. Along with beach time, you can explore the town of Hoi An, an important trade port from the 15th to the 19th centuries hat still boasts the eclectic buildings of those times. Wander around the car-free Old Town, checking out the ornate temples, historic homes (some with ceramic or antique museums), and riverside cafés. Hoi An is known for silk, pearls, jade and fine linens. And the town is full of tailors who can whip up dresses and suits in just days for reasonable prices.
Where to Stay:
In Hanoi, the Sofitel Legend Metropole, built in 1901 has hosted everyone from Jane Fonda and John McCain to Mick Jagger. Rooms are spread over the colonial Metropole wing — with classic French-Asian furnishings and Vietnamese silks — and the modern Opera Wing (room rates start at $230 a night; sofitel.com).
Photo courtesy of Hotel Metropole
In Hue, check into La Residence Hotel & Spa, a colonial villa-style spot with gardens, a retro- chic lounge, and 122 rooms, many of which overlook the Perfume River (room rates start at $182 a night; la-residence- hue.com).
At The Nam Hai, repose in chic villas inspired by traditional Vietnamese homes (complete with indoor-outdoor spaces), a three-tiered pool and wide Ha My Beach. Every room has bikes to explore the grounds (room rates start at $570 a night; thenamhai.com).
Photo coutesy of The Nam Hai
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