There’s no better way to jumpstart a marriage than a honeymoon. If you’ve ever heard of the term “honeymooning,” it’s because this phase in a relationship is sweetness worth living for. It’s no surprise then that couples look for popular honeymoon destinations where they can experience a romantic escape, but not all these destinations are built the same. In this ultimate guide, we’re going to show you what your honeymoon will look like if you decide to set your romantic sights in Asia.
Preparing for a Honeymoon Trip
All plans need preparation, no matter how spontaneous it is. And the first step to planning the perfect romantic adventure is to note some of these essential tips.
1. Set Aside A Honeymoon Budget
Setting the budget narrows down the options in your search for popular honeymoon destinations. And the most crucial aspect of budgeting is sticking to it. This is one of the few things you should not be flexible with. This is also a perfect opportunity for you and your partner to bond and discuss things you would both like to do together.
2. Choose your Location in Advance
Location is key. After all, it is a romantic escape. Since you’re about to make memories with your special someone in these places, you have to be sure to make it count. And great news, that’s what we’re here for as well.
3. Do Some Research
Online research is just one of many ways you can do to help you with your honeymoon decisions. You can also ask some of your friends for tips, post polls on your social media, and watch documentaries to get you excited.
4. Make Honeymoon Decisions Together
Although there’s always one partner more organized than the other, all decisions have to be made together. Coax them to get involved by showing them photos, research, videos, and exciting activities you can both enjoy.
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5. Don’t Be Afraid To Make Your Honeymoon Unique
Not all honeymoons are the same. And why should it be? Each couple deserves a uniquely romantic experience. Don’t be afraid to try new activities with your partner and make memories you can fondly recall.
Cheap Deals: Affordable Asian Honeymoon Destinations
Experience more for less with our top three picks for the best honeymoon destinations on a budget.
- Siem Reap, Cambodia
- Tangalle, Sri Lanka
- Da Lat, Vietnam
The price range for these accommodations is around $100-$300 for standard rooms good for two. They feature a romantic ambiance that provides sufficient privacy, along with some exciting activities you can enjoy with your partner.
Pros
- Perfect for honeymooners wishing new experiences
- Very affordable room rates
- The ambiance is perfect for “staycations” or staying-in vacations
- Unique destinations
Cons:
- Destinations are lesser-known romantic places
- You may need additional culture research for these destinations
- Minor communication concerns may be present
Siem Reap, Cambodia
If you love history, culture, art, and cuisine, you will love the uniqueness that Siem Reap, Cambodia has to offer. Cambodia’s largest city also boasts a budding hip party scene that attracts modern food lovers and adventurers alike.
Highlights:
- It has a rich architectural history.
- It boasts fun activities that feature crafts, local dance shows, and hidden gems.
- Affordable Siem Reap accommodations with rates ranging from $100-$300.
- It features unique local cuisine perfect for food-loving couples.
Important Details:
Siem Reap is teeming with history and architecture. Take a historical trip in Siem Reap and immerse yourself in Cambodian culture while enjoying the magnificent view of the Siem Reap Temples. Food is also an essential part of Cambodian culture. Whether you want to learn to make your own Cambodian-infused liquor or get a feel of local cuisine, Siem Reap is a paradise for food-loving couples. If you prefer staying in, hotels like the Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf and Spa Resort offer scenic escapes that provide premium service for a honeymoon staycation. Winding down isn’t an issue with the number of romantic dinner spots you and your partner can try during your stay.
Tangalle, Sri Lanka
If the sound of coves, bays, beaches, and rock temples tickle your fancy, Tangalle, Sri Lanka, is an exotic yet quiet destination perfect for those sweet honeymoon memories.
Highlights:
- It is eco-friendly
- It is developed but maintains its rural charm
- The destination provides volunteer environmentalist activities and tours.
- It has gorgeous beaches
- It is a sleepy and quiet town.
Important Details:
This low-key Sri Lankan beach destination is a quiet paradise, perfect for honeymooners seeking a little peace. Its appeal is in its countryside attractions like the Wewurukanalla Vihara 50m tall golden Buddha, which can only be reached by passing by a series of suffering statues. Tangalle is a welcome escape with both budget and luxury resorts. Their room rates are as low as $70 and can cost as much as $250. It is also an ideal surf spot for beginners with lessons that cost less than $100. Although it is a sleepy town, there are still day tours and excursions to safaris and national parks, making this adventurous stay worth it.
Da Lat, Vietnam
Escape the warm South Vietnam weather into the cooler climate of mountainous Da Lat, Vietnam. Fondly dubbed ‘Le Petit Paris,” this former French colonial resort is home to exotic flowers and plants.
Highlights:
- Cool climate
- Well preserved French villas
- Minority villages for local immersion
- Night markets
- Affordable hotels featuring lake or mountain views
Important Details:
This dreamy town is located 1,500 meters above sea level, allowing its cool climate whole year-round. It is peaceful, laid back, and abundant with beautiful landscapes. The picturesque Valley of Love features greenery and flowers with a lake in the center, creating the perfect romantic atmosphere. Enjoy it for a day together with other popular attractions like Bao Dai’s Palace and Datanla falls in a whole day Da Lat city tour and wrap up the tour by enjoying famous local coffee at La Viet Café.
Best Deals: Best Mid-Range Asian Honeymoon Destinations
Our picks for the best mid-range popular honeymoon destinations in Asia are nothing short of breathtaking. Although you can still enjoy a beautiful budget honeymoon in these places, they are best experienced with a little luxury.
- Ko Samui, Thailand
- Palawan, Philippines
- Singapore
Standard rooms in these destinations are at $250-$550. Depending on the demand, prices may vary. They offer premium services and amenities and are highly rated, leaving you little to no room for worry. If you’re meticulous about your stay and prefer serviced tours, these picks are for you.
Pros:
- You can enjoy premium services and a high level of comfort.
- There are many types of activities to enjoy
- Personalized services are available
- These are regions used to visiting tourists and can assist better
Cons:
- The hotels are bigger and less cozy.
- Pricier compared to budget hotels.
- Lack of a sense of adventure since things can be done for you.
Ko Samui, Thailand
Of all the best-known places in Thailand, nothing is as magically underrated as Ko Samui, Thailand.
Highlights:
- Local culture immersion
- Cabaret shows and pubs
- Buddha temples and gardens
- Magnificent beaches
- Mid-range luxury accommodations
Important Details:
This former fishing community is an excellent place to immerse in local culture while enjoying the island’s ambiance. The accommodations are reasonably priced, with mid-range selections that cost between $250 to $450. Whether it’s hiking in the Hin Lad Waterfall Trail, cruising in a red sail Chinese sailboat, or eco-touring animal sanctuaries, you’re sure to find awesome things to do with your partner. You can enjoy temple sight-seeing during the day and cap it off with a visit to the night market. It is only in Ko, Samui where religious culture and modern entertainment meet in the form of cabaret shows, which is a unique experience for you and your partner to enjoy.
Palawan, Philippines
Known as the Philippines’ last frontier, Palawan, Philippines, is a world-renown archipelago filled with beautiful landscapes, perfect for honeymooners.
Highlights:
- Mid-range accommodations with luxury services
- Day cruises
- Pristine beaches and lagoons
- Underground river cruise
- Many islands to explore
- Safaris and wildlife
Important Details:
The beauty that is the Palawan archipelago of the Philippines is home to 1,768 islands. Its more popular destinations like El Nido and Coron are noted for their beaches and untouched natural wonders. You can enjoy an island hopping tour and visit secret lagoons, white sand beaches, and cap off the day with romantic dining at their top-rated restaurants. To make the most of this island’s natural serenity, hotels like the Cauayan Island Resort offer private villas at $400 a night. The Vellago Resort is exclusively for adults promising customized romantic services and the isolation you need at $600 a night.
Singapore
If a luxurious urban experience with world-class flair is what you’re going for, look no further than the Lion City, Singapore.
Highlights:
- Luxury brand hotels, both iconic and modern.
- Waterway parks
- Gardens
- World-famous Changi Airport
- Hiking trail
- Top-rated restaurants
- Easy commute and transportation
Important Details:
There’s a lot to love in this tiny city. It offers the accessibility of tranquil parks while showcasing some futuristic skyscrapers. Take a walk in Singapore’s popular Gardens by the Bay and marvel at surreal super trees 16 stories high and visit the world’s largest indoor falls at Cloud Forest. You can also learn to cook classic Singaporean dishes with your partner. You can enjoy private chauffeured tours or take your partner on a sunset sail dinner cruise. And because Singapore is close to Malaysia, you can enjoy day trip excursions to Malacca and Kuala Lumpur, hitting two countries in one go.
Deluxe Deals: High-End Asian Honeymoon Destinations
Let’s take it a step further by choosing luxury. It’s no surprise that six out of the ten most expensive cities in the world are in Asia. And while this goes for the cost of living, Asia is still home to luxury vacations. And with what we’ll show you, the cost is well worth it.
- Maldives
- Kyoto, Japan
- Hongkong, China
Pros:
- World-renowned luxury accommodations
- Rich culture and heritage
- First-class customer service and pampering
- A mix of relaxation and excitement
- Personalized services
Cons:
- Expensive
- Some services are also available in mid-range accommodations.
- The exclusivity may be isolating for some couples.
Maldives
This paradise of islands scattered across the Indian ocean is a dream destination for many travelers. Because of its accessibility and exclusivity, Maldives is a favorite among many honeymooning couples.
Highlights:
- Sight-seeing tours
- Local market visits
- Religious tours
- Island hopping
- Concerts and shows
- Snorkeling with nurse sharks
Important Details:
The islands of Maldives are accessible by boat rides that you can easily book. But with luxury hotels like the Baros, Maldives everything is prepared in advance. This exclusive resort is one of the most luxurious accommodations in the world, promising romantic privacy in elegant villas. Some activities you can enjoy are snorkeling, private honeymoon tours all over the Maldives, and romantic dinners by the beach. And although couples love the exclusivity on this island, there are still some local culture tours to enjoy as well.
Kyoto, Japan
Connect with culture, tradition, and modern life in Japan’s world heritage pride, Kyoto.
Highlights:
- Shrines and temples
- Traditional geisha performances
- Delicious local cuisine
- Immaculate views by the Kamo river
- Hidden Kyoto tours
- Sanctuaries and park
Important Details:
Besides the rich culture, Kyoto is home to one of the most luxurious hotels in the world, The Ritz Carlton Kyoto. At $1000 a night, Japan’s first luxury urban resort boasts Higashiyama mountain views and a serene location by the famous Kamo river. Other activities you can enjoy in Kyoto are full-day private tours that include visits to the Fushimi shrine, Kiyomizu temple, and Nijo castle. Enjoy morning nature strolls in Zen temples and stop by the 1200 stone Buddhas. Don’t miss a fine dining experience in Moriya Gion, a restaurant that specializes in Kobe beef for more than a hundred years, or enjoy Michelin-rated Kikunoi.
Hong Kong, China
Although Hong Kong is reputed to be the most expensive city to live in, it has a charm that many travelers cannot deny.
Highlights:
- Delicious Michelin-starred food
- Unique skyline
- Vibrant night markets
- Accessible natural escapes
- Buzzing nightlife
- Luxury shopping centers
Important Details:
Space is a luxury in Hongkong, which is why scenic views in spacious rooms like the ones in The Upper House are a luxury worth experiencing at only $467 a night. Enjoy a private custom tour around Hongkong as you hit up popular spots like Victoria harbor, Hollywood Road, and Man Mo Temple. Don’t miss Michelin-starred restaurants like Tim Ho Wan or dine in the sky at the Café 100 by the Ritz Carlton. Stay up late with your partner and enjoy the Hongkong nightlife experience.
To Wrap It Up
A honeymoon is a special trip for all couples. So much so that some newly-weds prefer to save up for popular honeymoon destinations instead of a wedding. Now that you have information on exotic, unique, and popular Asian honeymoon destinations at your disposal, it’s time to plan for a trip of memories to last a lifetime.
What’s Next?
Ready to jumpstart the planning stage of your honeymoon trip? Check more honeymoon package options here.