Beyond the Beaches: Asia's Most Unexpected Romantic Destinations

Key Takeaways

• Asia offers many unique and unexpected destinations that are perfect for a romantic getaway
• Skip the typical beach resorts and discover the romance of places like Hội An, Vietnam; Hakone, Japan; Udaipur, India; and Gyeongju, South Korea
• Explore atmospheric ancient towns, soak in hot springs, stay in historic palaces, and marvel at cherry blossoms and fall foliage
• Enjoy intimate experiences like cruising the Mekong at sunset, riding a cable car over Mount Fuji, watching a cultural performance on Lake Pichola, and biking through Gyeongju's fall colors
• An off-the-beaten-path couples trip in Asia allows you to create unique memories and fall in love all over again

Hội An, Vietnam: A Stroll Through a Storybook

For a romantic escape that feels plucked from the pages of a fairytale, head to Hội An, Vietnam. This charming ancient town is like a living storybook, with its golden-hued merchant houses, colorful lanterns, and winding canals.

Spend your days strolling hand-in-hand through the car-free streets of the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Duck into the historic Tan Ky House, take a lantern-making class, or slurp a bowl of cao lầu, the town's signature noodle dish.

As the sun sets, watch the town transform into a kaleidoscope of color as thousands of silk lanterns are lit. Hop on a sunset cruise along the Thu Bồn River, gliding past candlelit paper lanterns floating on the water. Or cozy up on an antique boat for a candlelight dinner, just the two of you.

For a dreamy day trip, cycle through the lush countryside to Tra Que Vegetable Village or take a cooking class at a local organic farm. And don't miss An Bang Beach, a lovely stretch of sand just a 10-minute drive from town.

Hakone, Japan: A Soak in a Hot Spring Paradise

Japan may be famous for its cherry blossom season, but for a truly intimate escape, head to Hakone in the fall. This hot spring resort town, located just 90 minutes from Tokyo in the foothills of Mount Fuji, is a paradise for couples.

Base yourself at a traditional ryokan, where you can soak in your own private onsen (hot spring bath) with views of the fiery fall foliage. Some top picks include Gora Kadan, a luxurious ryokan with an open-air bath overlooking a maple-filled valley, and Hakone Ginyu, where the outdoor baths seem to float among the trees.

Spend your days exploring Hakone's stunning natural beauty and unique attractions. Take the Hakone Ropeway cable car for jaw-dropping views of Mount Fuji, then hop on a replica pirate ship for a cruise across Lake Ashi. Hike a section of the Old Tokaido Road, visit the outdoor sculpture park at the Hakone Open-Air Museum, or indulge in a couples' spa treatment at one of the many hot spring resorts.

As the sun sets, stroll through the enchanting moss-covered Hakone Shrine, with its iconic red torii gate rising out of Lake Ashi. Then cozy up with a cup of sake or a multi-course kaiseki dinner back at your ryokan.

Udaipur, India: Romance in a Royal Palace

For a taste of royal romance, escape to Udaipur, India. Often called the "Venice of the East," this enchanting city is set around the shimmering Lake Pichola and is dotted with fairy-tale palaces and gardens.

The crown jewel is the Lake Palace, a white marble palace that seems to float on the lake's tranquil waters. Now a luxury hotel, the 18th-century palace was once a summer retreat for Rajasthani royalty. Book a room with a lake view or splurge on the Chandra Prakash Suite, with its own private pool and butler service.

Spend your days exploring Udaipur's other romantic attractions, like the soaring City Palace complex, the lush Saheliyon Ki Bari garden, and the hilltop Monsoon Palace, with its panoramic city views. Take a sunset boat ride on Lake Pichola, watching the palaces glow in the fading light.

In the evening, catch a cultural performance at Bagore Ki Haveli, a beautiful 18th-century mansion on the lakeshore. Or dine by candlelight at one of the city's many rooftop restaurants, like the Sunset Terrace at the Fateh Prakash Palace, with its uninterrupted lake and palace views.

Gyeongju, South Korea: A Fall Foliage Fantasy

For a romantic escape that's off the beaten path, head to Gyeongju, South Korea in the fall. This ancient city, often called the "museum without walls," is home to a stunning array of Buddhist temples, royal tombs, and palace ruins dating back over 1,000 years.

But in the fall, Gyeongju transforms into a wonderland of vibrant foliage, with the mountains and valleys surrounding the city erupting in a riot of red, orange, and gold. It's like stepping into a real-life Korean drama set.

Base yourself at the Hilton Gyeongju, a luxury hotel overlooking Lake Bomun and the Bomun Pavilion, a Joseon Dynasty-era wooden building. The hotel even has its own private island, reached by a picturesque footbridge.

Spend your days exploring Gyeongju's historical treasures, like the Bulguksa Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site with its two famous pagodas, and the Seokguram Grotto, with its serene stone Buddha. Hike up Mount Tohamsan for sweeping city views, or cycle through the fall foliage on the dedicated bike paths around Lake Bomun.

In the evening, stroll through the lantern-lined streets of the Gyeongju Folk Craft Village, where you can watch traditional artisans at work. Or visit the Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond, a Silla Dynasty-era palace complex that's especially romantic when illuminated at night.

Luang Prabang, Laos: An Enchanting Mekong Escape

For a laid-back romantic escape, head to Luang Prabang, Laos. This charming town, located at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers, is known for its golden Buddhist temples, French colonial architecture, and serene natural beauty.

Base yourself at one of the town's many charming boutique hotels, like the Belmond La Résidence Phou Vao, with its infinity pool overlooking the mountains, or the Satri House, a former royal residence turned luxury hotel.

Spend your days exploring Luang Prabang's many temples, like the glittering Wat Xieng Thong or the hilltop Wat Chom Si, reached by climbing 300 steps for panoramic city views. Take a dip in the turquoise pools of the Kuang Si Waterfall, or visit the sun bear sanctuary nearby.

In the early morning, watch the daily procession of orange-robed monks collecting alms, a sacred Buddhist tradition. Then visit the morning market to sample local specialties like khao soi, a coconut curry noodle soup.

As the sun sets, take a romantic cruise along the Mekong River, watching the mountains fade into the dusk. Or climb Mount Phou Si, in the center of town, to watch the sun sink behind the Mekong from the small temple at the summit.

Jaipur, India: A Pink City Palace Stay

For a romantic escape fit for a Maharaja and Maharani, head to Jaipur, India. The "Pink City" is famous for its rose-hued palaces and forts, many of which have been converted into romantic heritage hotels.

One of the most iconic is the Taj Rambagh Palace, a sprawling 19th-century palace that was once the home of the Maharaja of Jaipur. Book one of the palace suites, with their four-poster beds, marble bathrooms, and private balconies overlooking the gardens.

Spend your days exploring Jaipur's many palaces and forts, like the sprawling Amber Fort, the intricate Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds), and the City Palace complex, with its museums and courtyards. Take an elephant ride up to the Amber Fort, or a hot air balloon ride over the city at sunrise.

In the evening, catch a Rajasthani folk dance performance or a Bollywood movie at the legendary Raj Mandir Cinema. Or dine by candlelight in one of the city's many romantic restaurants, like 1135 AD, set in a restored haveli (mansion) with views of the Amber Fort.

Hạ Long Bay, Vietnam: A Cruise Through a Fairy Tale

For a romantic escape that feels like sailing through a fairy tale, head to Hạ Long Bay, Vietnam. This UNESCO World Heritage site is famous for its thousands of towering limestone karsts rising out of the emerald-green waters of the Gulf of Tonkin.

The best way to experience the bay's otherworldly beauty is on an overnight cruise. Book a luxury junk boat, like the Orchid Cruise or the Stellar of the Seas, with their plush cabins, gourmet dining, and on-deck Jacuzzis.

Spend your days kayaking through hidden caves and grottoes, swimming in secluded coves, and hiking to the top of Ti Top Island for panoramic bay views. Visit the floating fishing villages, where locals live on boats and houses built on stilts over the water.

As the sun sets, sip a cocktail on the deck and watch the karsts turn golden in the fading light. Then dine on fresh seafood under the stars before retiring to your cabin to fall asleep to the gentle rocking of the waves.

Kyoto, Japan: A Spring Cherry Blossom Dream

For the ultimate romantic escape, head to Kyoto, Japan in the spring for cherry blossom season. The city's many temples, shrines, and gardens are transformed into a sea of pink and white petals, creating a dreamy backdrop for a couples' getaway.

Base yourself at a romantic ryokan, like Hoshinoya Kyoto, set in a restored villa on the banks of the Oigawa River, or Tawaraya, a 300-year-old inn with just 18 rooms and a Zen garden.

Spend your days strolling through the city's many cherry blossom-filled parks and gardens, like the Philosopher's Path, lined with hundreds of cherry trees, or Maruyama Park, home to a giant weeping cherry tree that's illuminated at night.

Visit iconic temples like Kiyomizu-dera, with its huge wooden terrace overlooking the city, or Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion that seems to float on a mirror-like pond. Attend a tea ceremony or try on a kimono for a photo shoot among the cherry blossoms.

In the evening, dine at one of Kyoto's many Michelin-starred restaurants, like Kikunoi, known for its exquisite kaiseki cuisine, or splurge on a private geisha entertainment experience, with music, dance, and games.

Conclusion

From the ancient streets of Hội An to the hot spring-filled hills of Hakone, Asia is filled with unexpected destinations that are perfect for a romantic escape. These off-the-beaten-path spots offer a chance to create unique memories with your partner, whether it's watching the sunset over the Mekong in Luang Prabang or biking through the fall foliage in Gyeongju.

So why settle for a generic beach resort when you can have a fairy-tale palace stay in Udaipur, a soak in a private onsen in Hakone, or a cruise through the karst-filled waters of Hạ Long Bay? These unexpected destinations offer a chance to disconnect from the everyday and reconnect with each other, all against the backdrop of Asia's rich culture, history, and natural beauty.

Whether you're planning a honeymoon, an anniversary trip, or just a romantic getaway, consider skipping the crowds and discovering the magic of these under-the-radar spots. You might just fall in love all over again.

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