Planning to pop the question? With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, we’re swooning over these proposal-worthy spots in Southeast Asia.
1. Sunset boat cruise
What could be more romantic than floating on serene waters, clinking glasses of something chilled, and watching the sun set over Southeast Asia? Take to the Mekong in Luang Prabang or Phnom Penh for traditional entertainment and delicious local cuisine; float past coconut palms on the Thu Bon River in Hoi An; or escape the Angkor crowds in Siem Reap for a pootle around the Angkor Thom moat. How could you say no?!
2. Beng Mealea temple ruins, Cambodia
Unlike many of Siem Reap’s temples, Beng Mealea is very quiet and atmospheric (fewer bumbag-toting tourists with noisy cameras – an instant romance killer). Find a peaceful corner and propose amidst the tangled vines and ancient bas-reliefs. Guaranteed to be an evocative engagement story for aeons to come.
3. Dawn in Halong Bay, Lan Ha Bay or Bai Tu Long Bay, Vietnam
Word of warning: Halong Bay is popular and can get very busy – who wouldn’t want to visit those moss-covered islets? But if you rise before the other guests, you won’t find a better backdrop than those limestone karsts to pop the question. All you need is a good excuse to rouse your other half at dawn…
Alternatively, head to the lesser-known, equally beautiful and much less frequented Lan Ha Bay or Bai Tu Long Bay. It’s the same, stunning karst scenery – just a little more secluded.
4. Kuang Si Falls, Laos
The Kuang Si Falls are also popular with tourists, but hidden within thickets of trees, if you arrive early and wander beyond the main area, the sweet soundtrack of water from the cascading blue pools should provide the only background noise.
5. Fine dining under the stars, Cambodia
Many high-end hotels happily arrange candlelit dinners on the beach, but if you’re going all out for this most special of occasions, our favourite is the Villa Chandara near the ancient city of Angkor Thom in Cambodia. Arrive by boat and sip a sunset cocktail before dinner by candlelight to the soft sounds of a traditional Khmer band.
Best of luck! As a team of romantics at heart, we love going all out to make a special occasion perfect. Our Indochina Honeymoon itinerary is a great example, but we can design couples’ trips for any occasion. Contact our team of Southeast Asia experts to make it happen.
