Best romantic getaways in Southeast Asia that aren’t crazy expensive?

We’re celebrating our 10th anniversary this fall and have always dreamt of going to SEA together! We have only ever been to Europe and Central America before, but the islands and beaches in SEA look unreal.

We’ll have 2 full weeks to travel, we are looking for somewhere very romantic, definitely staying on or right next to a beach, but somewhere that is not too expensive. Bali and Thailand both look amazing, but maybe even Vietnam. We are totally new to this part of the world so really want some advice on where might be a good spot for us to celebrate. Thank you!

1 Like

Hi - out of the three destinations you mentioned, I’ve only been to Vietnam in February, and only to the northern part.

We spent a few days in Halong Bay, famous for its limestone karsts and emerald water. It’s a beautiful area for cruising, enjoying views, exploring caves, and relaxing on beaches (one limestone karst had a small beach, but it was crowded). The town of Halong Bay isn’t anything special, as it’s just a bunch of hotels strung together. The “city” beach was okay and empty, which we liked :laughing:

While not a beach, I wholeheartedly recommend Mai Chau, a picturesque valley 3 hours south of Hanoi. You’re surrounded by green hills, rice fields and small villages. We went cycling during the day and on evening walks. There are lots of homestays with the friendliest owners ever.

2 Likes

I’m glad @DomiTravelini answered this first, as I was twiddling my thumbs.

Sometimes I feel like I’m talking to a vacuum; especially when a load of posts from ‘different names’ seem to drop all at once, and then we never hear from them again.

Anyway, without really knowing who you are and how you like to travel, and not having been married for ten years myself it’s hard to give valuable advice; although I have been all over South-east Asia - on a budget (so that’s probably not up your street, but who knows).

Where have you been to in Europe and Central America, so that I can get a feel for what you like.

What’s your budget? You say ‘not too expensive’.

As south-east Asia is not too expensive, you could be surprised at the value you can get for your money.

‘Two full weeks of travel’, but you want to stay ‘on or right next to a beach’.

How much moving around (travel) do you really want to do in those two weeks?

Bali (Indonesia) is small enough to keep you at the beach for the most part, but still allow days of exploration; for a sense of travel.

Thailand has some amazing islands.

For a more immersive ‘travel’ experience, while staying close to the beach I would consider Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City.

Vietnam is quieter, very affordable, and culturally rich with lovely beaches.

If you stlll have time, Phu Quoc Island (Vietnamese but off the coast of Cambodia) is emerging as a romantic beach destination with beautiful resorts.

1 Like

Bali might be a bit of a cliché, but honestly, it’s popular for a reason. I went there with a group of friends and spent about 10 days and really enjoyed it. We stayed in Kuta and used it as a base to explore around.

We also did a day trip to Gili T, which was beautiful. I went with friends, but I could definitely see the romantic side of it too. It’s actually somewhere I’d love to go back to with my wife because it just has that kind of vibe.

For a two-week trip, Bali could work really well -plenty of beaches, great food, and lots of nice spots for sunsets and relaxed dinners by the water.

2 Likes