Derek & Nhi — Da Nang, Vietnam

Nhi hugging Derek from behind, both laughing

Nhi and Derek in a heart-framed film photo — the beginning

Our Story

A Wedding Where Nhi's Story Began

Vietnam isn't just a beautiful backdrop for us — it's home. Nhi's family is from Vietnam, and many of her relatives still live there today. When we imagined the start of our next chapter, we kept coming back to the same picture: everyone we love, together on the coast that shaped her family's story.

So in February 2027, we're gathering our favorite people at Naman Retreat in Da Nang for a week of sunshine, unbelievable food, and one very long night of dancing on the beach. We can't wait to share this place with you.

— Derek & Nhi

02 · 26 · 2027 Naman Retreat Da Nang, Vietnam

The Week

Schedule of Events

All events take place at Naman Retreat. Arrive any time before Thursday evening — then the celebration begins.

Sunday, February 21st

Derek & Nhi Arrive in Da Nang

We'll land a few days ahead to settle in. Guests are welcome to arrive whenever suits your travel plans — just be on the ground before Thursday's welcome drinks.

Thursday, February 25th · 7:00 – 9:00 pm

Welcome Drinks

An easy seaside evening to say hello, meet everyone, and raise a glass to the days ahead. Dress code: smart casual.

Friday, February 26th · 4:00 pm – 3:00 am

Ceremony, Dinner & Afterparty

The main event — an oceanside ceremony at golden hour, dinner and toasts under the stars, then dancing until (very) late. Dress code: seaside chic — see the FAQ for details.

Where to Stay

Accommodations

The wedding weekend happens at Naman Retreat, a beachfront resort on a quiet stretch of coast between Da Nang and Hoi An. Designed by celebrated Vietnamese architect Vo Trong Nghia, it weaves bamboo, stone, and tropical greenery into airy villas with private pools, an infinity pool that spills toward the sea, and the soaring bamboo halls of the Hay Hay restaurant.

Details on room blocks and booking are coming soon. Arriving early? We'll be staying in the city at the Meliá Vinpearl Danang Riverfront earlier in the week, about ten minutes from the airport.

Garden villa with private pool at Naman Retreat — Pool Villas

Hay Hay bamboo restaurant at Naman Retreat — Hay Hay Restaurant

Pool at dusk at Naman Retreat — B Lounge at Dusk

Explore

Things to Do in Da Nang

Hoi An Ancient Town

20–30 min south

A UNESCO World Heritage town of lantern-lit streets, riverside cafés, tailor shops, and some of the best food in Vietnam. Magical after dark.

Marble Mountains

Minutes from the resort

Five limestone peaks honeycombed with caves, shrines, and pagodas — climb up for sweeping views of the coastline.

Ba Na Hills & Golden Bridge

About 1 hr west

A mountaintop park reached by cable car, home to the famous Golden Bridge held aloft by two giant stone hands.

My Khe Beach

Da Nang city

Miles of soft white sand along the city's east side — perfect for a lazy morning swim or a seafood lunch by the water.

Son Tra Peninsula

30–40 min north

A jungle-covered headland with the towering Lady Buddha statue, hidden beaches, and resident troops of rare langur monkeys.

Dragon Bridge

Da Nang city

Da Nang's iconic dragon-shaped bridge breathes real fire and water on weekend nights at 9pm — worth timing a dinner around.

Before You Go

Travel Tips

Everything you need to get to Da Nang smoothly — visas, money, phones, and a few things we wish someone had told us.

Flights & Arrival

Fly into Da Nang International Airport (DAD). From the U.S. it's typically one stop through a major Asian hub — Seoul, Tokyo, Taipei, Singapore, Hong Kong, or Bangkok. Naman Retreat is a 25-minute drive down the coast from the airport.

Consider landing a day or two early — the time difference (12 hours ahead of U.S. East Coast) takes a little adjusting.

Visa & Passport

Most visitors (including U.S. citizens) need a Vietnam e-visa — a simple online application, $25 for single entry. Processing is quick, but allow a buffer: apply 3–4 weeks before departure, then just show the approved PDF at the airport.

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date. The e-visa covers Vietnam only — check requirements separately for any other countries on your itinerary.

Getting Around

Download Grab before you fly — it's Southeast Asia's Uber and the easiest, cheapest way to get around Da Nang and over to Hoi An. Rides are inexpensive and you can pay in-app, no cash needed.

The resort can also arrange airport transfers and taxis if you'd rather book ahead.

Phone & Data

Ask your carrier about an international plan, or skip roaming fees with a travel eSIM from Airalo or Saily — set it up at home and it activates the moment you land. Both work on recent iPhones and Androids.

Language

Staff at Naman Retreat speak English, but download Google Translate with the offline Vietnamese pack for taxis, markets, and exploring on your own — the camera mode is great for menus.

Two words go a long way: xin chào (hello) and cảm ơn (thank you).

Good to Know

February weather — one of the nicest months: days in the mid-70s to low 80s °F, breezy evenings, a chance of light rain. Pack a light layer and sunscreen.
Power — 220V with plugs that accept flat U.S. pins; phones and laptops are fine, but check hair tools for dual voltage.
Water — drink bottled or filtered water rather than tap. Ice at the resort and established restaurants is safe.
Tipping — not expected in Vietnam, but appreciated: round up Grab rides, 20,000–50,000 ₫ (~$1–2) at local spots, 5–10% for great service at upscale venues.

Cash & Cards

The currency is the Vietnamese đồng (VND) — roughly 25,000 ₫ to the U.S. dollar. Cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay work at hotels and larger establishments, but carry cash for street food, markets, tours, and family-run restaurants.

Withdraw from ATMs at trusted bank branches — VPBank and Agribank have low or no fees
Skip airport currency-exchange counters; bank ATM rates are almost always better
Always decline Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) — pay in VND, never USD
If an ATM or card reader offers a choice, always choose VND

Questions

Frequently Asked

What should I wear?

Welcome Drinks (Thursday): smart casual.

Wedding (Friday): seaside chic — semi-formal with a beach twist. The ceremony is outdoors, so comfort matters as much as style:

Dresses of any length are welcome
Bright colors and bold prints are encouraged
Jackets optional, ties not expected
Breathable fabrics — linen, cotton, chiffon
Block heels, wedges, or dressy flats over stilettos

One important note: please avoid white and cream — Derek and Nhi will both be wearing white. (Khakis and white button-downs are fine.)

Do I need a visa to travel to Vietnam?

Yes — most travelers need a Vietnam e-visa. It's a simple $25 online application; apply 3–4 weeks before you fly. Full details in Travel Tips.

What's the weather like in February?

Lovely. February is one of Da Nang's best months — warm, sunny days with real-feel temperatures around the 80s °F, and cooler, breezy evenings. Pack light, breathable clothing, one warmer layer for nights, and sunscreen.

How do I get from the airport to the resort?

Naman Retreat is about a 25-minute drive south of Da Nang International Airport. Grab a Grab right outside arrivals, or contact the resort ahead of time to arrange a private transfer.

Will there be group activities during the week?

Details coming soon. We're planning a few group outings and excursions so we can explore Vietnam together — watch this space.

Is this the same event as the tea ceremony?

No — the tea ceremony and celebration is a separate event held in Newtown, PA. This is our destination wedding in Vietnam.

Can I extend my stay and travel around Vietnam?

Please do! Vietnam is an incredible country to explore. Hoi An and Hue are easy trips from Da Nang, and Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, and Ho Chi Minh City are all a short domestic flight away. We'd love for you to make a real trip of it.

When do I need to RSVP?

Formal invitations and RSVP details are on their way. In the meantime, feel free to reach out to us directly with any questions — contact info is at the bottom of this page.