Escape the ordinary with 5 romantic hideaways that are under-the-radar

Source: Pexels

When was the last time your weekend getaway felt like a real adventure—not just another snapshot in a feed full of Bali sunsets and Bangkok street food?

Quick escapes have become the go-to remedy for the Singapore hustle, but let’s face it: the usual suspects are starting to feel a little… predictable.

These days, clued-in Singaporean couples are looking beyond the beaten path—toward lesser-known destinations that offer more charm, more authenticity, and often, better bang for their buck. Imagine heading somewhere so unexpected, your friends can’t help but ask, “Wait, where is that?”

The best part? All of these hidden gems are within a 4-hour reach. That means you can leave on a Friday afternoon and be clinking cocktail glasses in a totally new setting by dinner—far from the crowds, and far from ordinary. (At least, for now.)

Da Nang, Vietnam

Flight Time: 3.5 hours

Source: Pexels

While Ho Chi Minh City draws the party crowd and Hanoi attracts history buffs, lesser-known Da Nang offers the perfect balance of beach relaxation and cultural exploration for couples. What’s more is its proximity to picturesque Hoi An (just 30 minutes taxi-ride away), a UNESCO World Heritage site; and former imperial city Hue (two-hours by bus).

Why couples love it: It’s the perfect blend of vibrant city life meets natural beauty. From My Khe Beach (pronounced “mi kwue”), recognized by Time magazine as one of the world’s most attractive beaches, to chill on its white-sand stretch or visit the early morning fish market; to exploring hidden caves and pagodas in the nearby Marble Mountains, Danang meets both romance and adventure on our checklist.

Source: Pexels

Unique highlights:

• Han River: Known for its riverside cafes, hit up Da Nang’s Han River for a relaxing mid-day break or stroll along the city’s iconic Dragon Bridge with its spectacular light-up at night and “fire breathing” displays on weekends.
• Ba Na Hills: Capture a wefie at Insta-famous Golden Bridge held up by giant hands with incredible views of the lush mountains and Da Nang city. Be there at dawn or risk crowds photo-bombing your shot.

Getting there: Direct flights by Singapore Airlines and VietJet Air to Da Nang International Airport. 

Chiang Rai, Thailand

Flight Time: 2.5 hours

Source: Pexels

Tucked into Thailand’s northern highlands, Chiang Rai feels like a world apart from the buzz of Bangkok or the crowds of Phuket. More intimate than Chiang Mai and with less traffic, it’s Thailand’s best-kept secret: cool, creative, and quietly romantic.

Surrounded by misty hills and rice paddies, Chiang Rai makes a serene base for exploring northern Thailand’s hidden gems. You’re just an hour’s drive from the ancient riverside ruins of Chiang Saen, and two hours from the mystical cliff-top sunrise at Phu Chi Fa, where fog rolls like waves across the Laotian border.

Why couples love it: Chiang Rai invites you to slow down. The cool mountain air, peaceful landscapes, and art-filled temples create a uniquely romantic backdrop for couples who crave more than cocktails and crowds.

Wander hand-in-hand through laid-back night markets. Wake up to sweeping views from boutique resorts tucked into the hills. Or simply share a hot cup of local tea with the mist swirling outside your window.

Source: Pexels

Unique highlights:

• Wat Rong Khun (White Temple): This surreal, mirror-studded masterpiece gleams in the sunlight—part temple, part art installation, and unlike anything you’ve ever seen.

• Golden Triangle: A quiet hillside viewpoint where Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet. Come at sunset for panoramic river views—and a rare sense of stillness that no filter can improve.

• Phu Chi Fa: Set your alarms. This mountain peak rewards early risers with panoramic sunrise views over a sea of clouds that’s worth forgoing sleep for.

• Bamboo rafting on the Kok River: Drift through jungle scenery, past water buffalo, stilt houses, and sleepy riverbanks. It’s slow travel at its finest.

Getting there: Connecting flights by Thai Airways and Thai AirAsia to Chiang Rai International Airport.

Luang Prabang, Laos

Flight Time: 4 hours

Source: Pexels

No neon lights. No shopping malls. No rush. Luang Prabang feels like a world apart—where time slows to a gentle pace and every moment lingers just a little longer. Nestled between the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers, this UNESCO-listed town is often called Laos’ “romantic city,” and with good reason.

Charming French colonial villas line quiet laneways, golden temples glow at dawn, and the air carries the scent of frangipani and fresh coffee. It’s a base for exploring the best of northern Laos, but you might just find you never want to leave.

Why couples love it: This is the kind of place where doing less feels like more. Wake up to the sound of temple bells, cycle through sleepy backstreets, or watch the sun melt into the Mekong from a riverside café. Whether you’re sharing a slow breakfast or simply wandering together with no agenda, Luang Prabang draws you to truly unplug—and reconnect.

Source: Pexels

Unique Highlights:

• Kuang Si Falls: Just under an hour’s drive from town, this waterfall, touted as the most beautiful in Laos, cascades into vivid turquoise pools in the jungle.
• Mount Phousi: A short climb with a big payoff: panoramic views of Luang Prabang bathed in golden sunset light. Watch the Mekong shimmer below as evening prayers begin to echo through the hills.
• Riverside Cafés & Breweries: Mornings might mean lemongrass tea and buttery French toast; evenings, a cold craft beer with the breeze off the river. Dining in Luang Prabang is laid-back, delicious, and effortlessly romantic.

Getting there: Connecting flights by Singapore Airlines and Scoot to Luang Prabang International Airport.

Sanya, Hainan (China)

Flight Time: 3 hours

Source: Pexels

Located at the southern tip of Hainan Island, Sanya is often nicknamed “China’s Hawaii,” thanks to its tropical climate, palm-fringed beaches, and burgeoning resort scene 

Why couples love it: Picture walking hand‑in‑hand along soft, sunset‑lit sands, plunging into warm waters together, and enjoying freshly grilled seafood with your toes in the surf. As evening falls, choose between a casual beachside barbecue or sophisticated Cantonese dining—Sanya’s culinary offerings cater to every mood and moment.

Source: Pexels

Unique highlights:

• Yalong Bay: This is Sanya’s most iconic beach: a sweeping stretch of clean, golden sand set against turquoise waters—an ideal romantic backdrop, especially on lively weekends.
• Wuzhizhou Island: Just a ferry ride away, this serene island paradise offers crystal-clear waters and some of the region’s best coral reef snorkeling, with fewer crowds than expected.
• Yanoda Rainforest: Immerse yourselves under a lush jungle canopy—cross rope bridges, hike shaded trails, and cool off beneath hidden waterfalls in this verdant retreat.
• Li and Miao Cultural Heritage Park: Located in Baoting County, about an hour’s drive from Sanya, this park (also known as Binglanggu) offers vibrant cultural performances, traditional architecture, and a glimpse into the heritage of the Li and Miao ethnic groups

Getting there: Direct flights by Cambodia Airways to Sanya Phoenix International Airport.

Phu Quoc, Vietnam

Flight time: 2 hrs

Source: Pexels

If you’ve had your fill of beach clubs and overplayed playlists, Phu Quoc might just be your next great escape. This Vietnamese island, floating off Cambodia’s coast, is quietly emerging as Southeast Asia’s best-kept beach secret—minus the crowds and clichés.

Its strategic location opens doors to adventures beyond the island itself: speedboat over to Kampot’s lush pepper plantations in under an hour, or hop on a short flight to explore Siem Reap’s ancient temples for a day.

Why couples love it: Phu Quoc is just the right size for spontaneous scooter rides together, with winding roads that lead to secluded beaches and scenic viewpoints. Long Beach (or “Bai Truong”) is perfect for lazy sun-soaked afternoons, while Ong Lang offers a quieter, more intimate vibe.

And when the sun dips low, head to the floating seafood restaurants in Duong Dong harbor, where you can dine on fresh sea urchin as the waves gently rock your table—romance, redefined.

Source: Pexels

Unique highlights:

• Hon Thom Cable Car: Hop aboard the world’s longest over-sea cable car for jaw-dropping panoramic views—especially at sunset. The ride connects Phu Quoc to Hon Thom Island, where untouched An Thoi beaches await. A heads-up: it’s a popular attraction, so brace for queues during Vietnamese holidays.
• Sao Beach (Bai Khem): Tucked away on the island’s southern tip, this stretch of powder-white sand is still blissfully uncrowded. The 45-minute scooter ride through lush jungle roads adds a sense of adventure before you even hit the shore.
• Pepper Farm Tours: Phu Quoc’s black pepper is renowned across Vietnam, and a visit to one of the island’s family-run farms offers a flavorful, up-close look at how it’s grown. Expect intimate tasting sessions, breezy plantation walks, and plenty of photo ops.

Getting there: Direct flights by VietJet Air and Vietnam Airlines to Phu Quoc International Airport.

Hidden Gems, Just Hours Away

While the usual favourites—Bali, Bangkok, Batam—still attract crowds, it’s the lesser-known spots that are quietly stealing the spotlight. These under-the-radar escapes offer what the tourist hotspots often can’t: authentic culture, untouched nature, and the thrill of discovery.

So why not go off the map a little? After all, the best trips—like the best relationships—are the ones that keep surprising you.