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Maldives - More than just a holiday paradise
The Maldives, a paradise resort, is a favorite destination for many tourists, especially newlyweds, and Nguyen Dieu Linh and Phan The Trung (currently living and working in Sydney, Australia) are no exception.
“The Maldives has always been a dream destination for my husband and me. Although we were torn between Bora Bora, Fiji, and the Maldives, we ultimately decided on the Maldives for our honeymoon because it has so many beautiful resorts and is more convenient to get to,” Dieu Linh shared. The trip took place in late November and early December 2024, lasting a week, after their seven-year relationship, which began in high school, blossomed.
Linh and Trung researched and learned about the trip through social media platforms, planned it, and booked services. This was the most exciting part for them, as they got to personally tailor their dream trip.
“Although the long and continuous journey was quite tiring, as soon as we set foot in the resort, all the fatigue seemed to disappear. Before my eyes was the crystal-clear seawater sparkling in the golden sun, along with the warm welcome from the resort staff,” Dieu Linh recalled. They spent time snorkeling, admiring the beautiful coral reefs and countless colorful fish, even sharks, sea turtles, and stingrays right below the surface.
The highlight of the trip was also the unique relaxing experiences to recharge after the wedding. The couple enjoyed a spa service with a glass floor, allowing guests to receive massages while watching fish swim below.
Besides exploring, the Maldives also offers plenty of romantic moments. As the sun sets, the sky is bathed in a soft pink hue, reflecting beautifully on the calm, turquoise waters. In this setting, the resort offers the couple a meal floating on the water. They swim in the warm water, enjoy their meal, and admire the picturesque sunset on the horizon, surrounded only by the gentle sound of waves and sea breeze – a romantic scene straight out of a movie.
The honeymoon also coincided with Dieu Linh's birthday. Her husband and the hotel secretly organized a surprise birthday celebration in their room with cake, wine, and heartfelt wishes. "This is definitely a moment I will never forget," Linh recounted emotionally.
Although the cuisine in the Maldives isn't particularly spectacular due to limited resources, the friendliness and dedication of the service staff left a deep impression. For Linh and Trung, the Maldives is not just a romantic destination but also a place to explore and create unforgettable memories. The Maldives is completely different from any beach the couple has ever visited, not only in the rare blue color of the sea but also in the feeling of closeness to nature, where every moment becomes a cherished memory.
Additional information
Ideal time: The dry season, from December to April of the following year.
- Visa: Maldives does not require a visa for Vietnamese citizens. Tourists only need to fill out an online application form via the Maldives Immigration Department website. https://imuga.immigration.gov.mv/travellerThen, receive a QR code to present at the airport.
- Transportation: You can fly from major cities to the capital Malé (Maldives). From the airport, resorts usually arrange private transportation such as seaplanes or speedboats to take guests to their islands.
- Cost: A 7-day trip could cost around 170 million VND for two people.
- Note: The dry season is also the peak tourist season in the Maldives, so book your flights and hotel rooms early to get the best prices.
Trekking through the snow in Kashmir, India
For many couples, the honeymoon is a time to relax and enjoy luxury services at romantic resorts. However, Le Xuan Thao and Bach Hoang Trung Duc, a young couple from Ho Chi Minh City, sought out a different and more challenging experience – trekking the snow-capped Marchoi Mountains in Kashmir (India) during the Lunar New Year.
For them, this wasn't just a trip to see snow for the first time, but also an opportunity to disconnect, challenge themselves, and experience things together, because "while we're young, we should travel; later, when we can't travel anymore, we can just relax then."
“My husband’s job requires him to be on the phone constantly, so Tet (Lunar New Year) is a rare opportunity for him to truly disconnect. Therefore, we both wanted to choose a completely different trip – no internet, no social media, just the two of us and nature,” Xuan Thao shared. Initially, they considered popular destinations like South Korea and China, but tour prices during Tet were very high. When an acquaintance suggested a snow-covered mountain trekking tour in Kashmir, the idea of “seeing snow for the first time” immediately captivated them with its completely new experience.
Located in the northwest of the Indian subcontinent, Kashmir is a valley nestled between the majestic Pir Panjal and Himalayan mountain ranges, boasting a diverse ecosystem. Among its attractions, the Marchoi trek (also known as Naranag-Dhumail-Marchoi trek) is an easily conquerable winter mountaineering route offering spectacular views of North India.
The journey began in Naranag village, crossing the valley to reach a campsite nestled amidst a snow-covered forest. In winter, the temperature difference between day and night is enormous. Lying in their small tent, the couple used heat packs and hot water bottles, but still felt cold, so they had to add extra layers of clothing, hot water bottles, and warm water to stay warm.
However, the real challenge came the following day, when they began their ascent of Marchoi. Despite having previous trekking experience, Thao was unable to conquer the summit due to her poor physical condition. "Marchoi is very steep; we had to move along a zigzag path to reach the summit. However, I could only go a short distance before I was out of breath. After trying a few more short stretches but failing, we both decided to return to the campsite," Thao recalled. They spent time enjoying the snow-covered scenery, camping under the starry night sky, and sharing stories around the campfire.
Duc was healthier and could have continued, but decided to stop and return with her. “He was more worried about me than about conquering the mountain peak. So he happily accepted putting his hobby on hold, while I felt sorry for him,” Thao shared. Even so, that moment of companionship and sharing was more valuable to them than any "check-in" photo of the mountain peak. “When trekking in a remote place, without internet or phone signal, we seemed to rely on each other more. Every act of care, support, and assistance was more evident than in typical honeymoons,” Thao said.
Besides the challenges, the trip left a deep impression on Thao and Duc. “The people of Kashmir are gentle, friendly, and hospitable. The children here, despite their limited resources, are very eager to learn, speak English very well, and are full of dreams,” Thao shared. The female traveler was also particularly delighted with the fruit there, especially the apples, which she found “both inexpensive and juicy.”
For Thao and Duc, this honeymoon was not just a vacation, but a journey to discover the beauty of nature, people, and above all, to discover their own love. "My husband and I didn't put too much emphasis on the meaning of the trip. For us, everything was an experience, a journey with its own unique and interesting aspects, worth enjoying," Thao expressed.
Additional information:
Ideal time to trek Kashmir: Visitors can trek year-round to enjoy its diverse beauty. Winter-spring: approximately October to April, summer: May to September, autumn: October to December.
- Visa: Tourists can apply for an e-visa through the official Indian government website https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/, fill out the form, scan photos and passport, pay the fee, and wait for the approval result. The visa will be sent via email as an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA).
- Getting there: Tourists can fly from Ho Chi Minh City to New Delhi, then take a connecting flight to Srinagar. From Srinagar airport, it's about a 45 km drive to Naranag village.
- Cost: A 5-day trip could cost around 40 million VND for two people.
- Note: If trekking in winter, visitors should bring thermal clothing, warm jackets, hot water bottles, and emergency medications. You can also prepare extra food if you don't like Indian food.
Live like in a movie in South Korea.
For many, South Korea is the land of romantic movies, K-pop idols, autumn foliage, and snow. Minh Hang and Anh Duc, a couple from Quang Ngai, are no exception. After their wedding, they chose South Korea for their honeymoon, to experience the picturesque scenes they've seen in films.
“South Korea is a destination we’ve both wanted to visit together for a long time. Since it was snowing, we decided to go right away to enjoy the snow and celebrate the New Year,” Hang shared. Winter there isn’t just cold; it also retains some golden autumn leaves, creating a poetic and romantic scene.
Their journey included visits to the Blue House, Gyeongbokgung Palace, Ewha Women's University, Starfield Library, and a kimchi-making experience… And one of the most “absolutely romantic” moments was gazing at Seoul at night from Namsan Tower. From above, Seoul shone brightly with lights, stretching out like a sparkling carpet, with the Han River winding through the city in the distance. The cool winter night air made them feel even more strongly the vibrant yet gentle rhythm of the city. In that moment, time seemed to slow down, and only the two of them were immersed in that romantic scene.
Their most memorable experience was their first time skiing – a thrilling and exhilarating feeling surrounded by white snow. In the evening, they immersed themselves in the lively atmosphere of Myeongdong night market, enjoying a variety of delicious street food.
Korean cuisine quickly captivated both of them from the very first dishes, from ginseng chicken stew, braised pork trotters, grilled meat, and grilled offal to street food like tteokbokki, fish cake skewers, and, of course, fried chicken along with beer and soju. "There's a funny but embarrassing memory: I fainted after drinking somaek (beer mixed with soju), luckily everyone helped me in time," Hang recalled.
The trip also brought Hang and Duc some pleasant surprises. "We celebrated New Year's Eve right on the plane. Not only that, the group of passengers happened to be newlyweds, and I was even lucky enough to 'see my idol' at Incheon Airport," Hang recounted.
For Minh Hang and Anh Duc, this honeymoon is not just a trip, but a sweet film, capturing the first moments of their married life. Next time, they want to continue their love story in Busan or Jeju Island.
Additional information:
- Ideal time to visit: South Korea is beautiful year-round. To see snowfall, you should visit in winter (from late November to February of the following year). This is a great time to experience activities such as skiing and ice fishing.
- Visa: Vietnamese tourists can apply for group visas through designated travel agencies, making the process simpler and faster. Alternatively, you can apply for a tourist visa at the Korean Embassy/Consulate in Vietnam.
- Getting there: You can fly directly from major Vietnamese cities such as Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Da Nang to Incheon International Airport.
- Cost: A 6-day trip for two people is estimated to cost around 140 million VND.
- Note: If traveling in winter, please prepare plenty of warm clothing such as thick coats, scarves, hats, gloves, and use heat patches to ensure your health.
Pregnancy honeymoon in Da Lat
For Mr. Vu Hoang Khanh and Ms. Nguyen Hong Hanh (Ho Chi Minh City), this trip to Da Lat was more special than any previous one. Instead of combining work with tourism, they dedicated their entire vacation to enjoying a "pregnancy honeymoon"—a relaxing time for couples, helping expectant mothers unwind and prepare mentally before the baby's arrival.
Instead of choosing faraway destinations, the couple decided to return to Da Lat (Lam Dong province), a place that holds many beautiful memories for both of them. The trip took place in July, when the expectant mother was in her seventh month of pregnancy. In the summer, the city is cool and pleasant, sometimes with light rain, but it retains its peaceful and romantic charm, perfect for a relaxing getaway.
Being very familiar with Da Lat, the couple planned a simple trip, traveling by private car from Ho Chi Minh City to ensure the pregnant mother's comfort.
“I decided to stay in a fully equipped wooden house with a classic 1940s design, decorated with flowers and pine wood. The house has a fireplace and valley views, creating a relaxing and peaceful atmosphere,” Hoang Khanh shared. Avoiding crowded tourist spots, the couple spent their time relaxing, strolling around the city, enjoying the atmosphere of Da Lat, and enjoying quality time in their cozy homestay.
In the final months of her pregnancy, Hong Hanh no longer had difficulty eating, so the couple could freely enjoy Da Lat's specialties in the cool weather. "We were also lucky enough to buy delicious durians brought from the orchards of the ethnic minority people in Da Lat to sell in the city center. The creamy, fragrant durian segments are something we'll remember forever," Khanh said.
For Khanh and Hanh, their "pregnancy honeymoon" in Da Lat was not just a relaxing vacation; it was also a sweet moment of quiet reflection that helped them bond and prepare to welcome a new member to their family.
Additional information:
- Ideal time to visit: Da Lat is beautiful all year round. Spring (January-April) with romantic cherry blossoms, summer is mild and rainy (May-August), autumn (September-October) has cool weather, not too cold and not too rainy, late autumn - early winter (October-December): cool weather, with vibrant yellow wild sunflowers in bloom.
- Getting there: Tourists can travel to Da Lat by bus or car, or fly to Lien Khuong airport and then take a taxi to the city center.
- Cost: A 5-day trip for two people is estimated to cost around 10-15 million VND.
- Note: Choose accommodation in a safe location, near the city center or beautiful destinations for convenient transportation, and with a picturesque view.
