Sometimes, planning that first trip together as a married couple calls for something "out of the box," beyond the ordinary… something unique and memorable. How about a Vietnam honeymoon? Sure, it's far away but you will find that it will be well worth the effort and you will return home with a lifetime of rich memories.

The small, luxurious, 5-star Nam Hai, provides the perfect honeymoon haven from which to launch your romantic sojourn. Situated in the ancient trading port of Hoi An, tucked into a seemingly endless stretch of beach along Vietnam's central coast, the resort offers villa accommodations - some with private butlers - with garden, pool or seaside views. Inspired by 2,500 years of history, drawn from ancient royal sites, the hotel's regal architecture is enhanced by subtle touches of water and air, inspired by the harmonious feng shui philosophy.

Three swimming pools, a full service spa and gym provide R & R, while distinctive dining can be enjoyed in three tranquil locales. Western and Eastern breakfast is served on the outdoor deck of The Restaurant, while evenings feature fusion fare in the romantic dining room. Comfort food and the "catch of the day" are dished up at The Beach Restaurant, which serves Vietnamese delicacies when the sun goes down. The Bar is the place for creative cocktails, live entertainment and stunning water garden views.

Should you wish to explore, cultural options abound. Outside tours can be arranged by hotel staff to the captivating nearby UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Hoi An and My Son - considered the most sacred place during the ancient Champa Kingdom. Hue, with its Buddhist pagodas, royal tombs and historic citadels, or the mysterious Marble Mountains are other interesting sites.

Or, if you prefer, hop on a traditional "cyclo" and sift through colorful shopping "treasures" in shops along cobblestone streets boasting lacquer ware, jades, pearls and silk. There are some 200 tailors and cobblers in the area who will fashion clothing and footwear for you in just a matter of hours, while you dine at a vast selection of renowned restaurants nearby. If you prefer, the Nam Hai staff will bring a tailor to your villa for a private fitting.

Hoi An houses art galleries with works ranging from original landscapes to copies of the French masters. You can also have your portrait or caricature done in oil or charcoal by one of the many local portraitists.

Once a month, a Full Moon Festival is staged by the residents of Hoi An with food offerings to their ancestors set-up in every house and many public establishments around the city. Pungent smoke wafting from the thousands of lighted joss sticks and traditional dancing in the streets add to the heady atmosphere.

The Nam Hai offers experiential tours like “Meet the Farmer,” which takes you to local farm to participate in daily customs. On the popular “Sunrise Fisherman Tour,” you travel to the river at daybreak to welcome local fishermen with their catch, assist them in unloading it and then have breakfast together by the port.

“A Day in the Life of a Fisherman,” includes a tour of a water coconut plantation at Hoi An while the River Delta tour teaches you how to catch fish using traditional Vietnamese nets.

When day is done, head back to the Nam Hai to kick back, relax and watch the setting sun over the exotic horizon

What more unique way to start married life together then venturing to a far flung foreign country and exploring its ancient culture….all from the luxurious perch of a 5-star resort?

For information about The Nam Hai, visit: http://www.ghmhotels.com/en/nam-hai-vietnam/home/#home