YenYan

 

Thursday, April 1st, 2027

Jiva Hoa Lu Retreat l Ninh Binh, Vietnam

The Vows

4:00 PM

Join us as we exchange vows among the limestone peaks. Please arrive by 3:30 PM.

Elegant Formal Attire

Golden Hour Gathering

4:30 PM

Immediately following the ceremony, join us for cocktails, light bites, and conversation as the sun begins to set.

Velvet Evening

6:30 PM

An intimate dinner celebration followed by toasts, dancing, and an evening under the Ninh Bình sky.

COUNTDOWN

Beyond the Wedding Day

Welcome Dinner

Wednesday, March 31 • 6:00 PM

Hosted on-site at Jiva’s Nhat Yen Restaurant, join us for an evening of good food, drinks, and reconnecting before the wedding festivities begin. Dinner will be served buffet-style. Resort casual or smart casual attire is encouraged.

Trang An Boat Tour

Friday, April 2 • 12:00 PM

Explore the waterways and limestone landscapes that make Ninh Bình one of Vietnam’s most beautiful destinations. The boat tour lasts approximately 2.5–3 hours, with transportation provided to and from the departure point, for a total experience of about 3.5 hours. Comfortable clothing recommended.

TRAVEL TIPS

FLIGHTS

Noi Bai International Airport (HAN)
Take a Grab from the airport to Hanoi (approximately 1 hour, $10–15 USD)
Please remember that travel from the U.S. to Vietnam typically takes 15–30+ hours including connections, and Vietnam is 11–14 hours ahead of U.S. time zones.
We recommend arriving in Vietnam by March 29 or 30 and booking flights early to allow for delays and jet lag.

VIETNAM VISA

U.S. passport holders are required to obtain a visa before traveling to Vietnam
Apply online for an e-Visa at least 1 month before departure
Most applications are approved within a few business days
Cost: $25 (single entry) or $50 (multiple entry)
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date and have two blank pages.
If your passport expires before September 2027, we recommend renewing it before applying for your visa.

GETTING AROUND

Grab is the easiest way to get around Vietnam — think Uber, but for Southeast Asia
Install the Grab app before leaving the U.S.
Credit cards are accepted in the app
Most rides cost between $1–5 USD
We recommend avoiding street taxis when possible, as they may not always use a meter

SIM CARD / E-SIM

We recommend setting up an eSIM before your trip
Airalo and Ubigi are easy options
Set it up the day before you fly so you have service when you land
Your phone must be carrier unlocked to use an eSIM
Physical SIM cards are available at the airport

CASH & CURRENCY

Street food vendors and smaller shops are often cash-only
We recommend withdrawing Vietnamese đồng (VND) from an airport ATM using your debit card
You can also bring USD and exchange it at the airport currency counters
Credit cards are widely accepted at hotels, malls, and most sit-down restaurants

FOOD & WATER

Vietnam has some of the best food in the world
Stick to bottled or filtered water
Don’t be afraid of street food—some of the best meals come from tiny shops and street vendors
If you have a sensitive stomach, consider bringing a few travel essentials such as Imodium, just in case

POWER & OUTLETS

Vietnam uses 220V power, most phone and laptop chargers work automatically
Vietnam primarily uses Type A, C, and F outlets
Bring a universal adapter or Type C adapter
Hair tools like curling irons may require a voltage converter

LANGUAGE

Vietnamese is the local language
English is commonly spoken in hotels and tourist areas
Download Google Translate before your trip

MAPS & NAVIGATION

Download offline maps before your trip
Google Maps works well throughout Vietnam
Save your hotel and important destinations ahead of time

SAFETY

Vietnam is generally very safe for travelers
Use Grab for transportation whenever possible
Always check your driver’s license plate before getting in
Do not get into cars claiming to be Grab or offering a cheaper ride
Wear backpacks and purses in front in crowded areas, and avoid displaying valuables unnecessarily
Be extra careful when crossing the street — walk slowly, stay predictable, and let motorbikes move around you

STAYING CONNECTED

If you have an iPhone, iMessage will continue to work over Wi-Fi or cellular data
WhatsApp, Instagram DM, and FB Messenger is also a great option for international communication

BEFORE YOU LEAVE

Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond travel dates
Vietnam visa approved & printed
Grab downloaded
eSIM installed
Credit card notified of travel

ACCOMODATIONS

JIVA HOA LU RETREAT

5-star luxury retreat — Starts at $250/night

Thai Vi Temple Valley, Hoa Lu, Ninh Bình

Preferred Hotel & Home of Our Wedding Celebration
All wedding festivities will take place on-site.
We have reserved room blocks for March 31 and will have exclusive use of the resort on April 1 for our wedding.
Guest rooms are not included, but discounted rates are available through our room block.

EMERALDA RESORT TAM COC

4-star hotel — starts at $150/night

Tam Coc, Hoa Lu, Ninh Bình

Approximately 7 minutes from Jiva Hoa Lu Retreat by car
Please make sure you book the Tam Coc location. There is another Emeralda property in Ninh Bình that is much farther away and is not the one located near our wedding venue.

La Sen Village

4-star hotel — starts at $90/night

No. 7, Tam Coc Street, Nam Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh

Approximately 7 minutes from Jiva Hoa Lu Retreat by car
A charming boutique resort located in the heart of Tam Coc.

FAQ

Travel & Accommodations

Which airport should I fly into?

We recommend flying into Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) in Hanoi, the closest major airport to Ninh Bình. The airport is approximately 50 minutes from Hanoi’s city center, and we recommend taking a Grab upon arrival.

When should I arrive in Vietnam?

We recommend arriving in Hanoi by March 30, giving you plenty of time to settle in, relax, and make your way to Ninh Bình before the wedding festivities begins. You are also welcome to arrive earlier if you would like to explore Hanoi, the surrounding areas, or other parts of Vietnam. Some guests are even turning the trip into a longer vacation, so feel free to make the most of your time here. We hope you’ll join us for the Welcome Dinner on March 31.

Will transportation be provided for the wedding?

Yes. Complimentary shuttle transportation will be provided between Hanoi and Ninh Bình, as well as for wedding-related events throughout the week. Shuttle schedules will be coordinated with hotel check-in times whenever possible. Additional details will be shared closer to the celebration.

Can I arrive in Ninh Bình before March 31?

Yes, you are welcome to arrive early if you would like extra time to explore the area. Please note that complimentary shuttle transportation will only be provided on March 31, April 1, and April 2. If you arrive earlier or depart on a different date, you will be responsible for arranging your own transportation.

Can I arrive in Ninh Bình on the wedding day, April 1?

Yes. We will provide shuttle transportation on April 1 for guests who are unable to attend the Welcome Dinner the night before. However, please allow plenty of time to get ready, as the ceremony will begin promptly at 4:00 PM. Hotel check-in is typically at 2:00 PM, so if you choose to arrive that day, we recommend doing your hair and makeup beforehand or planning accordingly.

Where should I stay?

We highly recommend staying at Jiva Hoa Lu Retreat, where the Welcome Dinner and all wedding day events will take place. We have reserved a room block for our guests and will have a private buyout of the entire property on April 1. While you are welcome to stay elsewhere, staying on property will be the most convenient way to enjoy the wedding celebrations and experience one of Ninh Bình’s most beautiful retreats. Additional accommodation recommendations can be found on our Travel page.

What if I stay at another hotel in Ninh Binh?

Guests are welcome to stay wherever they feel most comfortable. Please note that we will not be providing transportation to and from the wedding venue for guests staying at other hotels in Ninh Binh. Grab is widely accessible and affordable in the area, and there are plenty of hotels located within a 5-minute drive of the venue.

Are visas required for Vietnam?

Yes. If you are traveling on a U.S. passport, you will need to obtain a visa before traveling to Vietnam. The e-visa application is completed online and typically takes about 3 business days to process. The fee is $25 USD for a single-entry visa or $50 USD for a multiple-entry visa. Visa on arrival may be available, but we highly recommend applying online ahead of time to avoid any travel issues. More details can be found on our Travel page.

I’ve never been to Vietnam before. Should I be worried?

Not at all. Vietnam is an incredibly welcoming country, and Ninh Bình is one of its most beautiful destinations. Please visit our Travel Tips section, where we’ve shared food recommendations, activity ideas, travel tips, and personal suggestions from our own experiences across Vietnam — including Ninh Bình, Hanoi, and other regions throughout the country.

Wedding Day

What is the dress code for the wedding?

Formal attire. We invite guests to dress elegantly for the occasion, with suits for men and ankle-length or floor-length dresses for women. As the celebration will take place in Vietnam, breathable fabrics are encouraged. We kindly ask guests to avoid wearing white, ivory, or similar bridal shades.

Will the wedding be outdoors?

Yes. Our celebration will take place in an outdoor setting surrounded by the natural beauty of Ninh Bình. All wedding day events will take place at Jiva Hoa Lu Retreat, with each activity located within walking distance of one another. While we don’t anticipate bugs being a major issue, bug spray will be available for guests throughout the evening.

What will the weather be like?

April in Ninh Bình is typically warm and pleasant, with daytime temperatures ranging from 70–85°F (21–29°C). We recommend checking the forecast closer to your travel dates. Should the weather be warmer than expected, fans will be available to help keep guests comfortable throughout the celebration.

Can I arrive to the ceremony early?

We kindly ask that guests arrive no more than 30 minutes before the ceremony begins. As we may still be finalizing preparations and setup, early arrivals may not be accommodated. Thank you for helping us ensure everything is ready for the celebration.

Is it okay to take pictures with our phones during the ceremony?

Yes! We love seeing the celebration through your eyes and encourage guests to take photos throughout the festivities. We simply ask that everyone be mindful and respectful of our photographers and videographers as they capture the day. We also kindly request that guests refrain from livestreaming any portion of the ceremony.

What kind of food will be served?

The Welcome Dinner will be served buffet-style. On the wedding day, cocktail hour will include passed bites and a few surprises, followed by a 12-course Vietnamese family-style dinner. Late-night snacks will also be served, so come very hungry. If you know Yen, you already know there will be an overwhelming amount of food.

What if I have food allergies or dietary restrictions?

Please include any food allergies or dietary restrictions in your RSVP. We will do our best to accommodate everyone, but please note that severe allergies, such as nut allergies, may be difficult to guarantee due to possible cross-contamination. While some of our guests are doctors, they may not be carrying an EpiPen, so please don’t rely on them as your emergency plan. 😄

Will there be an open bar?

Yes! Drinks are on us. Beer, cocktails, and non-alcoholic beverages will be served throughout the evening, so come ready to celebrate.

Do you have a registry?

We do not have a traditional registry. Your presence at our wedding is more than enough, and we are simply grateful to celebrate with you in Ninh Bình.

Will basic medications and first aid supplies be available?

Yes. We will have a small assortment of basic medications and first aid supplies available throughout the wedding day, including bandages, antacids/Tums, pain relievers, allergy medication, electrolyte packets, and other common over-the-counter remedies. While we hope everyone stays healthy and comfortable, we recommend bringing any personal medications or specialty items you may need during your travels.

Wedding Festivities

Do I have to attend the Welcome Dinner or Tràng An Boat Tour?

Not at all. While we’d love to celebrate with you throughout the wedding festivities, both the Welcome Dinner and Tràng An Boat Tour are entirely optional. We understand that everyone has different travel plans and priorities, so please feel free to participate in as much or as little of the weekend as you’d like.

Is there a cost to attend the Welcome Dinner or Tràng An Boat Tour?

No. Both the Welcome Dinner and Tràng An Boat Tour will be hosted by us for invited guests. We hope you can join us!

What should I wear to the Welcome Dinner?

The Welcome Dinner is a more relaxed gathering. Resort casual or smart casual attire is encouraged.

What should I wear for the Tràng An Boat Tour?

Comfortable clothing, sunglasses, and sun protection are recommended. We suggest dressing for a warm afternoon outdoors.

What should I pack for the wedding festivities?

Vietnam is typically warm in April, so we recommend packing lightweight, breathable clothing suitable for a tropical climate. Be sure to bring formal attire for the wedding, comfortable shoes for exploring Ninh Bình and other parts of Vietnam, and a swimsuit if you’d like to enjoy the pool at Jiva Hoa Lu Retreat. Guests are welcome to use the pool throughout the celebration, with the exception of April 1, when it will be reserved for wedding festivities. If you plan to explore the area’s mountains, viewpoints, or nature trails, consider packing activewear or hiking clothes as well. Don’t forget essentials such as sunscreen, sunglasses, and any personal medications you may need during your travels. 🌴☀️👙🥾

RSVP & Guests

When is the RSVP deadline?

Please submit your RSVP for the wedding and Welcome Dinner by January 15, 2027.

Responses for the Tràng An Boat Tour are due by March 30, 2027.

May I bring a guest?

Due to limited capacity, we are only able to accommodate the guests listed on your invitation. If a plus-one has been extended to you, their name will appear on your invitation and RSVP.

Can I bring my children?

We would be honored to celebrate with your entire family. Children are welcome if they are listed on your invitation. While alcoholic beverages will be served, the wedding will be a family-friendly celebration for guests of all ages, and non-alcoholic beverages will be available for both children and adults.

What should parents do if their children become disruptive during the ceremony?

We understand that little ones will be little ones. If your child becomes upset or disruptive during the ceremony, we kindly ask that you step away briefly until they are comfortable again. We appreciate your help in ensuring all guests can enjoy this special moment. 😊

What should I do if I need to cancel after RSVPing?

We understand that plans can change. If you need to update your RSVP after submitting it, please let us know as soon as possible by email or text so we can make the necessary arrangements with our venue and vendors. We appreciate any advance notice you can provide.

Other Questions

What's the best way to contact you if I have additional questions?

Please send us an email or text. We’re happy to help and will do our best to respond as quickly as possible. For non-urgent questions, we recommend checking the Travel Tips and FAQ sections first, as many common questions are answered there.

RSVP