Joyce LeeYou might be feeling tired of the same old date night ideas and yearning for a romantic getaway. Fancy dinners, flowers, and chocolate are perfect for the first few dates, but they do get stale eventually. What better way to reignite your passion than going on a thrilling adventure with your other half? Join us as we round up the most romantic destinations that are sure to bring any travelling couple closer together.
Also read: 7 Stories of Couples Who Had a Wedding Proposal While on Vacation
Romantic travel destinations for every type of couple’s vacation
1. Langkawi – Malaysia
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Langkawi is known as the Jewel of Kedah, and it’s easy to see why. The archipelago of 104 islands is mostly uninhabited, allowing it to maintain pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters. Whether you’re looking for honeymoon spots or options for anniversary trips, there’s plenty to do here for lovers of all kinds.
Adventurous couples who aren’t afraid of heights can head to the 660m-high Langkawi Sky Bridge. From the bridge, they’ll get unrivalled views of Langkawi’s rugged mountainous landscape. If the Sky Bridge isn’t exciting enough, why not try skydiving or paragliding over Malaysia’s most beautiful coastline?
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Those whose idea of romance is taking it slow with their S.O. can book a stay at one of the island’s luxury resorts, which offer spas, waterfront views, candlelit dinners on a private beach, and more.
Best time to go: December to April. Avoid visiting during the rainy season from September to October.
2. Seoul – South Korea
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When thinking of romantic destinations, big cities with their overwhelming crowds don’t usually come to mind. But for K-drama fans who want to recreate their OTP’s iconic scenes, there’s nowhere more romantic than Seoul. South Korea’s capital holds many filming locations where couples can imagine themselves as the leads of a captivating love story.
Come to Dae Jang Geum Park if you’re an avid watcher of historical K-dramas. The theme park has been used as a filming location for Mr Queen, The Moon Embraces the Sun, and The King: Eternal Monarch, among other series. You can rent a hanbok here and stroll with your partner among buildings imitating architectural styles from Imperial Korea.
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Deoksugung Palace is another popular filming spot, having appeared in Goblin, More than Friends, and Find Me in Your Memory. Visit in autumn to experience a romantic walk along the Deoksugung Stone Wall Road under dazzling golden-red foliage.
Best time to go: September to late November
Also read: 15 Affordable Airbnbs and Vacation Rentals in Seoul for Budget Travellers
3. Mount Yoshino – Japan
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Pink is often associated with love, so what could be more romantic than an entire mountain blanketed in pastel pink sakura? Every spring, the 30,000 cherry trees on Mount Yoshino in Japan’s Nara Prefecture explode into full bloom. Experience a hanami session together in this cherry blossom spot that has fascinated people for over 1,000 years.
Best time to go: Early April
Also read: Japan Cherry Blossom 2023 Forecast: When & Where to See Sakura
4. Phi Phi Islands – Thailand
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The Phi Phi Islands off the coast of Phuket are the best romantic travel destinations for couples who love a party. A sleepy summer paradise by day, these islands come alive at night with their vibrant beach bars, fire shows, and open-air parties. The largest festivities here can be found along Loh Dalum Bay, which is packed with bars where you can cover yourself in fluorescent paint and dance until sunrise.
Best time to go: November to April
Also read: 12 Best Countries for Extroverts Who Love to Travel
5. Lapland – Finland
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Do you find tropical honeymoon spots a bit too cliché? Well, get your cashmere sweaters and heavy-duty boots ready, because a romantic winter adventure awaits in Lapland. In this bitterly cold region, you can rekindle love’s flame by chasing the Northern Lights with your partner. Nothing unites people more than a shared goal, after all.
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Other exhilarating Lapland activities you can enjoy with your partner include husky sleds, reindeer rides, and snowboarding. To see the Northern Lights, your best bet is to travel to towns close to the North Pole, such as Rovaniemi and Kemi.
Rovaniemi is the official hometown of Santa Claus and holds the Santa Main Post Office, where you can mail in your festive wishes. It is also home to the Arktikum, a museum showcasing the culture and science of the Arctic. Meanwhile, Kemi has the largest snow castle in the world, and the Icebreaker Sampo, which has been taking tourists on cruises in the Gulf of Bothnia since 1988. Even if you end up missing the Northern Lights, you’ll leave with plenty of memories made with your special someone.
Best time to go: December to March
Also read: 7D Nordic Itinerary: Chase Northern Lights, Ride Husky Sleighs, Visit Santa’s Hometown & More!
6. Santorini – Greece
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Whitewashed houses, the sapphire-blue Aegean Sea, and fuchsia bougainvillaea: The dreamy colour palette of Santorini makes it one of the most romantic destinations in Greece. On this sunny island, it’s not just the scenery that’s exceptional. The porous volcanic soil and Mediterranean climate have enabled the production of outstanding wines. Couples on anniversary trips or honeymoons might want a space just for two, so we recommend taking a private wine tour.
For a one-of-a-kind experience, book a horse riding tour along Eros Beach. Named after the Greek god of love, the beach is marked by jagged cliffs that tower over black volcanic sands and sparkling waters. It’s a surreal place sure to make any couple swoon.
Best time to go: Late March to early June, and early September to late October.
Also read: Top 20 Airbnb and Vrbo Vacation Homes in Greece for Your Dream Getaway
7. Verona – Italy
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Of course, Romeo and Juliet’s hometown can’t be left out of a list of the best couples vacations. Verona is a picturesque city along the Adige River known for its gorgeous wines and architecture, as well as being the setting of Shakespeare’s most famous play. Some must-do couple activities here include: climbing up to Juliet’s Balcony, which offers a panoramic view of the city; leaving a padlock on the Love Lock Bridge; and visiting the 11th-century Basilica di San Zeno, where the fictional star-crossed lovers married in secret.
Best time to go: March to May. To dodge high hotel prices and crowds, avoid visiting in the summer months from June to August.
Also read: 8 Dreamiest Towns in Italy That Will Steal Your Heart
8. Lombok – Indonesia
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The places known for the best couples vacations are often crowded, and might put off lovebirds who need some peace and quiet. As a lesser-known alternative to the adjacent Bali, Lombok is among the best honeymoon spots for those who want a tranquil escape.
Couples who come to Lombok can look forward to trekking up Mount Rinjani, Indonesia’s second-highest volcano. The climb is notoriously hard, so take up the challenge only if you and your partner are experienced hikers who want to test your relationship.
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For those who want a more laid-back vacation, Lombok holds many beaches with lapis lazuli waters and powdery white sand. There is also the Pink Beach, which owes its distinctive hue to bits of coral reef that fall off and get mixed in. This is located in a secluded part of the island’s east coast. If you are unable to drive, you will need to hire a local driver who can take you there.
Best time to go: March and October. These months are at the start and end of the peak season, offering dry weather with smaller crowds.
Also read: 12 Stunning Islands in Indonesia Near Singapore That Are Perfect for a Short Holiday
9. Luang Prabang – Laos
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The northern city of Luang Prabang is among the most underrated romantic destinations. As the former capital of Laos, it is known for its sophisticated pagodas, French architecture, and a mesmerising festival of lights.
In October, the city celebrates the Boun Lai Heua Fai Festival (Festival of Lights), which marks the end of Boun Khao Phansa (Buddhist Lent). Boun Khao Phansa is a three-month period in which monks remain in their temples or monasteries to meditate, teach, and pray.
Luang Prabang Festival of Lights | Image credit: Laos Simply Beautiful Official Facebook Page
During the festival, Laotian people will cover bamboo-framed boats with candles and launch them down the Mekong River. Streets, houses, and temples will also light up with candles and lanterns, creating a magical setting for a nighttime walk with your partner.
Best time to go: Late October. The Boun Lai Heua Fai Festival will fall on 30 October in 2023. If you’re not planning to see the festival, you may visit from November to February when the weather is dry and not too hot.
10. Sapa – Vietnam
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Romantic travel destinations don’t have to be far-flung and expensive. Sapa, aka the Town in the Clouds, is an affordable option for Southeast Asian travellers who love the great outdoors. This charming mountain town is famed for Fansipan Mountain, the highest peak in Vietnam, as well as the sea of clouds that hangs over Muong Hoa Valley.
From Hoang Lien Station, couples can take the highest cable car ride in the world to Fansipan Peak. With the pristine Sapa Forest and Muong Hoa Valley below, it will feel like you’re on top of the world. After the cable car ride, you should go on a slow-paced coffee date with your partner at the Fansipan Terrace Cafe. Here, customers can sip aromatic Vietnamese coffee while watching the cotton candy clouds roll over the valley.
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While in Sapa, make sure to stop by the Thac Bac Waterfall (Silver Waterfall) and Love Waterfall. Located 1,800m above sea level, Thac Bac Waterfall is one of the few places in Southeast Asia where you can find snow. You will pass by Love Waterfall at the start of the trail leading up to Fansipan Peak. Steeped in a romantic legend, this waterfall deserves a spot on any couple’s itinerary.
Best time to go: December to February if you want to see snow. March to May if you prefer warmer temperatures and catching flowers in full bloom.
Also read: Yes, Travel Can Make or Break Relationships & Here’s How
Travelling with your partner isn’t only about escaping from everyday life. It’ll test your teamwork and help you understand each other on a deeper level. Regardless of which romantic destinations you choose, just remember that the two of you have a much longer journey ahead (hopefully)!
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