We're counting down the days to Valentine's day, the idea of traveling to some of the best Valentine's day destinations with your partner can be appealing, especially if you're a couple who looks forward to an adventure together rather than exchanging physical gifts on this romantic day.
After publishing a post on romantic destinations in Europe, I've put together some tips on planning your Valentine's day getaway, along with some of the best destinations to visit on Valentine's day in Asia. So, where are the best places in Asia to celebrate Valentine's Day with your beloved ones? What do you need to prepare for your Valentine's getaway?
In this opportunity, I've put together some of the best place recommendations for Valentine's day, according to some fellow travel bloggers. So, keep reading to smoothen your plan to spend your Valentine's day with the special one!
What is the first place in Asia that you'd associate with romantic getaways? Is it Bali? Or do you have some other off-the-beaten-path destinations for couples looking for unusual but romantic places to go on Valentine's day?
I've put together 15 best Valentine's day destinations in Asia along with some of my fellow travel bloggers. Check this out!
1. Hokkaido, Japan
Hokkaido, Japan. Recommended by Yuuka of My Eastern Hokkaido.
Hokkaido in Japan is a winter wonderland – the perfect destination for a romantic Valentine's Day getaway. Located on the eastern coast of Hokkaido, Shiretoko is known for its breathtaking natural beauty and abundant wildlife. During the winter months, the area is home to drift ice filling up the coastal line, which provides a great setting for a romantic and adventurous outing.
Drift ice walking tours in Shiretoko are the perfect activity for couples looking for a unique and exciting activity on Valentine's Day. You can explore the frozen sea and take in stunning views of the surrounding landscapes. If you are brave enough, you can even swim in the sea too! The tours are guided by experienced local guides who can provide insight into the area as well as take your nice couple photos in the great nature.
After a day spent exploring the drift ice, you can enjoy a relaxing stay at Kitakobushi Shiretoko Hotel & Resort, one of the best hot spring hotels in Shiretoko. To finish off a lovely Valentine's Day, soak in a private ocean-view open-air hot spring in your room with your loved one. This will make for a truly romantic experience for you two.
Seoul, South Korea. Recommended by The Pazook Travel Journal.
Anyone who has visited South Korea, or seen a couple of K-dramas, knows that the country is obsessed with love. There are so many restaurants, cafes, and experiences throughout the city that make a special effort for couples.
This is why Seoul has become one of the best cities in Asia to spend Valentine's Day!
Throughout the city, there are tons of romantic things to do with your partner. You could spend the afternoon shopping and sharing street food in Myeongdong, rent a hanbok and take pictures at Gyongbukgong Palace, or have a fancy dinner together overlooking the city at Namsan Tower.
If you visit in the spring, take a stroll through Yeoido Park to see the cherry blossoms. In the fall, take a day trip to see the leaves changing at Nami Island, just an hour north of the city!
No matter how you choose to spend the day, Valentine's Day in Seoul is sure to be one that you won't soon forget!
When looking for the best places to stay in Seoul, you will have plenty of luxury hotels to choose from. Most of these romantic hotels are in Gangnam and Itaewon. Most of them are relatively expensive, but one high-end hotel you can book without breaking the bank is Dormy Inn in Gangnam.
3. Xiamen, China
Xiamen, China. Recommended by DeWet and Jin of Museum of Wander.
Xiamen, a coastal city in Fujian province, is simply lovely. So lovely that it has been voted the most romantic city in China. You can't go wrong with subtropical Xiamen if you're looking for a stunning Valentine's day trip.
The seaside city is known for its outstanding seafood, beautiful parks, beaches, laidback life, and creative vibes.
Start exploring Xiamen by visiting the elaborate Nanputo temple. Besides the colorful temples, the lush gardens offer panoramic sea views to enjoy.
Nearby, the quirky Ding'aozai Cat Street is the perfect spot to take a few selfies with the feline-inspired street art or for a drink in one of the cat-themed cafes.
For more creativity and color, head to the Shapowei Art Zone. This old fishing wharf has been transformed into one of the coolest places in the city, with art galleries, pop-up stores, food trucks, craft beer breweries, cafes, and restaurants.
Another fantastic place for couples is the Riyuegu Hotsprings. Here you'll find over 40 natural hot springs hidden in tropical gardens where you can soak and relax until you reach Nirvana.
Gulangyu Island, a 20-minute ferry ride from Xiamen, is one of the most beautiful places in China and must not be missed. The small, pedestrian-only island is a former treaty port with the best preserved colonial architecture outside Shanghai. It's just the place for a romantic stroll between the beautiful colonial-era mansions.
Stay at the Ji Hotel on Zhongshan Road for the best location, street food, and easy access to all of Xiamen's attractions.
4. Macao
Macao.
Known as the Las Vegas of Asia, Macao might be the last thing you think of when it comes to a romantic place to visit on Valentine's day in Asia. However, you'd be surprised that the city could be a great place to spend the day of love with your special person!
Macao has the miniature of two cities of love in the form of a resort, including hotels and shopping malls. While Macao may not be the cheapest destination to go to for Valentine's day, you can opt for either the Venetian Macao or the Parisian Macao to stay during your holiday.
Just like their name, the Venetian and the Parisian Macao are the miniatures of Venetia and Paris, as you can experience strolling through the artificial river that imitates the Venetian waterway along with their signature gondola.
Take a stroll through the Venetian Macao and get to the Parisian Macao to see the miniature of the Eiffel Tower to top it all. For a more romantic experience, book the panoramic views while enjoying a romantic dinner at Mandarin Oriental's Vida Rica Bar.
Immerse in the Macao skyline and enjoy your favorite cocktail with your beloved one in this special administrative region of China. If you're feeling lucky, stop by the nearest casino to bet your luck a little. Who knows? Maybe you'll get to win the biggest lottery on top of some top-notch romantic stroll with your beloved partner!
5. Taichung, Taiwan
Taichung, Taiwan. Recommended by Emily of Emixglobe.
From gorgeous hikes to luxurious dinners, Taichung should be anyone's first pick for an exceptional Valentine's day.
There's nothing better than starting the day fresh with a hike at Dakeng mountain, one of the most beloved mountains of Taichung. There are 12 hiking trails of varying difficulties for you to choose from. An exciting morning adventure will surely get you in the mood for the rest of the day!
After your morning hike, head to one of Taichung's many famous hot pot restaurants, such as Wan Ke Hot Pot, for a delicious cultural date with your love.
Taichung is most famous for its hot pot. Many tourists flock to Taichung each day just to experience the diverse selection of hot pots Taichung has to offer, and the locals here love it just as much.
In the afternoon, you can start heading to Gao Mei Wetlands, which is a little outside of the city center. Gao Mei Wetlands is one of the most beautiful places in Taichung to watch the sunset, and enjoying such views together with your partner is possibly one of the most romantic things you could do. It is also a great place for a nice, long afternoon stroll. Come here to take a romantic afternoon stroll while you prepare for another round of feasting on local delicacies.
If you're planning on taking a trip to Taichung, THE LIN Hotel is recommended by many as the best for a luxurious stay.
6. Ha Long Bay, Vietnam
Ha Long Bay, Vietnam. Recommended by Stephanie of The Unknown Enthusiast.
Ha Long Bay is an incredible place to spend Valentine's Day in Asia, as this bay filled with tall, sheer limestone karsts (mountains), is one of the most incredible and otherworldly destinations on the continent.
While there are many types of things to do in the city of Ha Long, if you're going to the region, you simply must go out on a cruise in Halong Bay and neighboring Bai Tu Long Bay. You can choose from a daytime cruise of a few hours or an overnight cruise, where you go farther out into the bay, and get to weave your way through the different nooks and crannies of the karst formations.
What better way to spend Valentine's Day than to enjoy a small, intimate overnight cruise, watching the mountains slide by as the boat cuts through the green water of the bay? You'll indulge in mouthwatering 8-course meals prepared with fresh fish from the bay. You'll go kayaking among the karsts and stop and swim at a small beach.
Essentially, Ha Long Bay is perfect for a romantic Valentine's getaway. When you're spending time in Ha Long Bay before your cruise, stay at the Draha Halong Hotel, a lovely hotel close to the water with great views of Poem Mountain.
7. Vang Vieng, Laos
Vang Vieng, Laos. Recommended by Catrina of 24 Hours Layover.
The small, laid-back picturesque town of Vang Vieng is the perfect place to spend Valentine's Day as there are so many fun yet romantic activities to do!
Plus, the landscape is absolutely beautiful, with limestone karst mountains surrounding the town, and there are lots of unique restaurants where you can take your significant other for Valentine's getaway. An activity that every couple should do is to visit the Blue Lagoons in Vang Vieng – they are one of the best things to see in Laos!
Have a relax, go for a swim, have fun and enjoy the atmosphere! There are actually three Blue Lagoons here, with the Blue Lagoon 3 being the best and quietest as it is the furthest from town (18km away).
Hire or rent a scooter together to visit the Blue Lagoons, and then afterward make sure to climb the nearby Nam Xay Mountain as the views are simply out of this world!
There are also many caves you can explore around the town, including Changi cave, Elephant cave, and Chinnaly cave!
There are some lovely boutique hotels in Vang Vieng to stay in that are very reasonably priced. Inthira Vang Vieng is a great one as it is located in a really convenient location, and it has the most Instagrammable pool overlooking the mountains and the Nam Song river – perfect for getting some romantic Valentine's Day photos to remember!
8. Kampot, Cambodia
Kampot, Cambodia. Recommended by Emily of Wander-Lush.
One of the best destinations in Asia for couples, Cambodia's Kampot is the perfect Valentine's destination for laid-back riverside romance.
This small city is located three hours by road from Phnom Penh on the Preaek Tuek Chhu River. The center of town is composed of beautiful colonial buildings and retro architecture – for a truly special experience, stay at Hotel Old Cinema, boutique accommodation inside a former movie theater (with a pool where the stage used to be!).
While some people come to Kampot to do nothing more than relax at a river bungalow, there are lots of activities on offer for active and cultural travelers. Couples will love touring the pepper plantations on the outskirts of the city – be sure to sign up for a cooking class at La Plantation.
Walk a lap around the pretty Lotus Pond, visit the Kampot Provincial Museum, and hop between the city's many galleries and independent art spaces.
Thrill-seeking couples should hire a motorbike and ride to Bokor Hill Station, a partially abandoned 1920s French resort with charming architecture and incredible views. Take a tuk-tuk to Kep for a day at the beach, an off-grid getaway on Rabbit Island, and of course a trip to the legendary crab market for fresh-caught seafood.
9. Koh Phayam, Thailand
Koh Phayam, Thailand. Recommended by Pilar of Travel the World Pages.
Koh Phayam is one of Thailand's best-kept secrets, a stunning small island where you can enjoy nature in quietness and away from the touristic crowds.
There are no cars allowed on the island, and you can enjoy all kinds of romantic activities, such as having romantic dinners while watching spectacular sunsets among others.
As a couple, there are many things to do in Koh Phayam that make the island a perfect Valentine's day destination. The main activities you can do on the island as a couple are snorkeling, scuba diving, hiking and kayaking through the mangroves.
You can spend time just relaxing and enjoying each other at one of the many secluded beaches on the island, where you can enjoy beauty and solitude. There is a yoga school that offers daily classes and a delicious vegan restaurant, the Chai Chai, for those seeking new experiences for Valentine's getaways.
The best beach for couples to stay in Koh Phayam is Aow Yai beach, as this beach is never too busy, there are no noisy sports boats, and it is the best spot on the island for watching the sunset, and you can snorkel and surf in this beach.
My recommended place for a stay at Koh Phayam is Bamboo Bungalows, a simple, beautiful accommodation with beautiful trees and gardens around, on the beach itself.
10. Berjaya Hills, Malaysia
Berjaya Hills, Malaysia. Recommended by Lexi of A Trip in Nature.
Not far from the busy center of Kuala Lumpur is a French-themed resort in the Berjaya Hills, called Colmar Tropical. The resort and the surrounding area have been modeled after the village of Colmar in France, which is known for its cute and colorful buildings. Colmar Tropical is a great place to spend Valentine's Day in Asia.
It's a romantic place to visit as not only is the place magical, but you'll also have a classic European experience without having to leave Asia.
You can spend the night inside the colorful buildings in the resort if you choose (which I'd recommend!), as then you'll get to explore the resort in peace in the morning and evening without all the day trippers.
Apart from the colorful buildings, at the resort, you can climb a small tower, visit the adjacent castle, wander through the nearby Japanese gardens, and even go horse riding. There's also a drawbridge and a moat with swans. There are also monkeys just outside the resort.
The cafes inside the resort are quaint, serve French food, and if you're lucky (or unlucky) you may get serenaded by the singers inside.
To get to Colmar Tropical in Berjaya Hills, you can catch a van from Berjaya Times Square in Kuala Lumpur, which takes 1-2 hours.
11. Singapore
Singapore. Recommended by Grace of Pixie Dust and Passports.
If you're looking for incredible Valentine's Day destinations in Asia, you can't beat Singapore. Packed with luxurious hotels, gorgeous green spaces, and stunning views, it's an ideal spot for a romantic trip.
Spend your day trawling through the vibrant streets of Chinatown and chowing down on local delights at the many hawker centers. To rest your weary legs, you can head to one of the city's many LifeSpa locations for a couple's massage! And hey, if you're up for an afternoon of fun, why not check out Universal Studios Singapore instead?
While you're in town, it's worth taking a trip to Gardens by the Bay. Not only does it boast two domes packed with blooms and plants from around the world, but the waterfall inside the Cloud Forest Dome is perfectfor photos!
Once you've caught the nightly show at the Supertree Grove, head over to the Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands for a meal at LAVO Italian Restaurant and Rooftop Bar. It offers ridiculously goodviews over the skyline, and the cozy atmosphere makes it an excellent pick for pre-dinner cocktails and comforting Italian grub.
If you can afford it, you should definitely book a night at the Marina Bay Sands Hotel. Accommodation in Singapore simply doesn't get more luxurious or unforgettable!
Finish your evening with a trip on the Singapore Flyer. If you want to forgo dinner at LAVO, you can book a Private Sky Dining package which lets you enjoy Singapore's skyline for 60 minutes. It's a touch pricey, but it's bound to be an unforgettable experience on Valentine's Day!
12. Vigan, Philippines
Vigan, Philippines. Recommended by Teja of Teja on Horizon.
One of the lesser-known UNESCO World Heritage Cities, Vigan is delightfully quiet. Located in the province of Ilocos Sur in the main Philippines island of Luzon, Vigan boasts well-preserved stately homes from their Spanish colonialization era.
Vigan's cobblestone streets and horse-drawn carriages called kalesa gives it an atmosphere of old-school romance, making it a fantastic Valentine's Day destination in Asia.
The city even has a romantic legend: the locals say that the reason Vigan was spared destruction during the Japanese occupation in the Second World War was that the Japanese commander fell in love with a local woman, and spared her city from being razed to the ground.
Wander through the shops along Vigan's heritage streets; Calle Crisologo being the most picturesque. For the non-vegetarians, sample the Ilocano cuisine, which is highly regarded in the Philippines. At night, watch the dancing fountain show at Plaza Salcedo, just opposite the cathedral. The restless can squeeze into the sidecar of a local trike to see the Saint Augustine Parish Church in Bantay. Climb up the old brick bell tower, and wander around to the picturesque Chapel by the Ruins.
Stay in one of the several beautiful accommodations which are converted old buildings in the Heritage Area. I recommend the Ciudad Fernandina, which had once been a stately family mansion of an Ilocano don. For those who want more authentic Filipiniana furnishings to go with the manor, check out Angela Heritage House, which counts Tom Cruise among its former guests.
13. Gili Trawangan, Indonesia
Gili Trawangan, Indonesia. Recommended by Victoria of Guide Your Travel.
Gili Trawangan is a small island located off the coast of Lombok in Indonesia, not too far from Bali. There are no cars here, and you can only get around by bike or on foot.
The Gili Islands, which include the neighboring Gili Meno and Gili Air are known for their crystal-clear waters and white-sand beaches, which are perfect for relaxing and romantic walks. For a more luxurious experience as a couple, stay at Pondok Santi to get the most out of your Valentine's getaway in Gili Trawangan.
The sunsets here are incredible, especially on the western shore of the island where you'll have fantastic views of Bali's volcanoes. Don't forget to have a romantic dinner right on the beach with some of the freshest seafood around.
The main attraction in Gili are the green sea turtles that inhabit the surrounding waters. You can snorkel with them right from the beach and don't even need to join a guided tour.
Just rent some snorkeling masks and fins for around $1 and enjoy the cool waters together as a couple. You'll be guaranteed to spot turtles. You can also head to the underwater statues which are an incredible sight to see with your partner. Finish off your romantic day in Gili Trawangan with some cocktails by the beach as you listen to a live music performance.
14. Udaipur, India
Udaipur, India. Recommended by Soujanya of The Spicy Journey.
Udaipur, known as the city of lakes, is located in the state of Rajasthan in western India. Not only is this one of the most romantic places in India, but also has a rich history, culture and lots of local food to try.
Book a stay at a nice lakeside hotel, like the Jagat Niwas Palace hotel, for a good experience. Coming to some places to visit in Udaipur, there are plenty of activities to try as a couple, including a boat ride in Lake Pichola – one of the largest and most picturesque lakes in Udaipur is a must.
There are 4 small islands and a majestic palace in the lake itself. Visit the restaurant in the Jagmandir palace on the lake for an upscale romantic lunch.
Next, head over to the City Palace for a tour and feel like a king and queen inside this 16th-century majestic palace that took over 400 years to build! From here, you'll get a stunning view of Lake Pichola, especially at sunset when the sky transforms into hues of orange. It is recommended to see the sunset from either the City Palace or the Gangaur ghat.
Furthermore, there are many cafes with a view of the lake where you can spend the evening having a nice romantic dinner. For more things to do, check out the local market and shop for local dresses and souvenirs as a reminder of your trip together.
15. Meghalaya, India
Phe Phe waterfalls in Meghalaya, India. Recommended by Joydeep of The Gypsy Chirring.
Meghalaya is a northeastern state in India. The word Meghalaya translates to the home of clouds. It is also the land of waterfalls, caves and lush green hills. Phe Phe falls is a beautiful and offbeat waterfall in Meghalaya.
Also known as Phea Phea Falls, it is located in the West Jaintia Hills district of Meghalaya. The name of the waterfall “Phe Phe” is derived from the local Jaintia language, meaning Paradise.
Phe Phe Waterfall is accessible through the Paradise Adventure Camp. The camp is situated near Jowai-Dawki road about 20 km from Jowai town and 80 km from the state capital Shillong.
The unique location of Phe Phe falls makes it a perfect place to visit for Valentine's Day. Plan a road trip to Phe Phe falls on your special day. Paradise adventure camp has 3 cottages and 4 camps by the riverside. They also provide tents for camping. Spend your quality time stargazing at night, singing romantic songs around the bonfire and listening to the soothing sounds of the river.
Your visit to Phe Phe falls may involve a short hike that starts from Paradise Adventure Camp. Crossing the river with a kayak and hiking for about 25 minutes, you would be mesmerized by the clear blue waters and the enormousness of the waterfall. Take a dive into the natural pool of the waterfall and create memories amidst nature that you would love to treasure.
For accommodation, you may also opt to stay at Lookmyntoor resort in Skhenpyrsit village, about 3.8 km from Paradise Adventure Camp.
3 Tips to Prepare for Your Valentine's Getaway
Preparing for your Valentine's getaway can be tricky, but it doesn't have to be difficult. In this section, I'm going to share some essential tips to ensure the best romantic getaway for you and your partner on Valentine's day.
So, what are the best tips to prepare for your Valentine's getaway?
1. Consider a place where you and your partner share the common ground to start planning your Valentine's day destination and activities.
No one knows your partner better than you do, so find common ground on where you want to go or what kind of activities you want to try together. Not all couples love romantic things to do together, if you're not sure what kind of activities your partner likes, ask them to make sure that they accept your Valentine's getaway ideas.
Maybe you want to go visit some place new, or you're okay to just have a short staycation as long as you can have some private time to recharge your intimate relationship. Communicate it with your partner before getting ahead with your plan for Valentine's day!
2. Start budgeting your Valentine's day getaway to pick some activities at your destination.
Now that you've got a few options to consider in terms of the places you may want to go or the things you want to do as a couple, it's time to start budgeting to see what's the feasible option to go ahead with the plan.
Once you settle on the budget, you can list the priorities you want to try and discuss the pros and cons of each activity to find the best plan at the top of your list.
3. Relax!
The idea of going to some Valentine's day destinations is to relax and give you some time to have quality time together. Don't stress out, and keep an open mind as there's always a chance to find something new and surprising during your romantic getaway.
So, are you ready to start planning your Valentine's day getaway? Do you have any favorite places to go on Valentine's day? Share in the comment below, and cheerio!
Disclaimer:
This post may contain affiliate links. I receive a small commission at no cost to you when you make a purchase using my link.
Hi Marya, Thank you for the opportunity to write something on Northeast India. If you come to India, do visit Phe Phe falls in Meghalaya. You will love it.
I am yet to explore places outside India. Hopefully, I can tick off these places from my bucket list someday.
Hi Marya, Thank you for the opportunity to write something on Northeast India. If you come to India, do visit Phe Phe falls in Meghalaya. You will love it.
I am yet to explore places outside India. Hopefully, I can tick off these places from my bucket list someday.