8 Asian Cities Perfect for a Cosy and Quick Minimoon
From serene riverside towns to lush valleys and beaches, these Asian gems make for the perfect romantic escape after the wedding.
As all the celebrations of your big day come to an end, couples are often not only exhausted but also yearning for a moment to just take a pause. A mini-moon is that moment, sweet, short escape immediately after the wedding- to relive all the memories from the wedding day or to just take a breather before returning to everyday life. A mini moon is not as long and elaborate as a full honeymoon, but it offers couples enough time and space to unwind and create more memories together.
For couples who want something intimate and even internationally located, Asia has some of the most beautiful cities that are romantic, slow-paced and accessible for a warm and cosy mini moon. Think serenity, culture, nature and a lot of good food and activities that do not leave you overwhelmed.
Asian Cities Ideal For Mini-Moons
Hoi An, Vietnam
With its old-world beauty and historic architecture, Hoi An is a charming city in Vietnam that offers lantern-lit streets in the evening and calm mornings by the Thu Bon River. If you are looking for a quiet, romantic short trip that does not rush you into activities, Hoi An is a perfect fit for you.
Manifest Recommends- You can stroll through the historical town, enjoy peaceful evenings in riverside cafes, take part in a cooking class or choose to relax on a nearby beach.
Langkawi, Malaysia
If you are looking for a beachy mini-moon, Langkawi is where you should go. With its pristine beaches in the Andaman Sea, this archipelago offers forested hills, waterfalls, hot springs and duty-free shopping. You can pick a beach-facing resort and enjoy the slow mornings watching the sunrise.
Manifest Recommends- Explore the mangrove forests or the Sky Bridge and spend your evenings trying local seafood or relaxing on the beach.
Luang Prabang, Laos
A UNESCO World Heritage town, Luang Prabang is nestled at the confluence of rivers and is surrounded by forested hills. A deeply peaceful and visually mesmerising city, it blends French colonial architecture with golden temples and waterfalls to create a visually calming environment. You can perform the morning alms rituals with monks or embark on a river cruise ride. It is an ideal place for couples looking to spend some quality time with each other while also wanting to try cultural immersions without rushing.
Manifest Recommends- Have breakfast by the river, try a spa or massage and spend the evenings watching the sunset over the Mekong.
Kyoto, Japan
A little tradition for the couples who want to add meaning to their mini-moon, Kyoto in Japan offers the best experiences with its gardens, temples, exquisite cuisine and a peaceful romantic setting. If you are looking to blend your mini-moon with ritual and beauty to make your mini getaway more special, Kyoto should be on your list. With their stays as intimate as a ryokan (inn) with onsen (hot springs), Kyoto has a wide range of activities that can make your days fulfilling without rushing you.
Manifest Recommends- Visit the Golden Temple (Kinkaku-ji), or spend your time wandering the bamboo groves in Arashiyama, enjoy intimate kaiseki dinners, and watch geisha or maiko performances.
Siem Reap, Cambodia
Siem Reap is not just about Angkor Wat, which is quite a job on its own. There is a perfect blend of culture, history, nature and comfort. Sunrise over Angkor, a drift through rice paddies, or a trip into Tonlé Sap Lake are some experiences you must not miss. Compact enough to be just right for a few days, Siem Reap stands tall with its handsome temples, friendly atmosphere, and laid-back pace compared with other big cities.
Manifest Recommends- Spend your evening watching Apsara dances, treated to spas, boutique hotels and try great food.
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Chiang Mai in northern Thailand offers you a serene blend of mountains, forested hills, elephant sanctuaries, night bazaars, temples, and plenty of local crafts. Being up north, it is cooler than most of low-lying Thailand, which is an attraction if you want to escape the heat. The city has just enough variety to give you the best of experiences and keep you entertained during your mini moon, whilst offering you utmost tranquillity for unwinding.
Manifest Recommends- stay in a resort outside the city, go on a day trip to Doi Suthep, take a cooking class, visit temples in the old city, shop in markets at dusk, and enjoy some traditional Thai massage and food.
Ubud, Indonesia
While Bali is popular amongst the masses, Ubud is a much quieter city, making it the perfect place for a romantic hideaway. With views stretching over rice terraces, rainforest, rivers, temples, and art, Ubud offers multiple wellness retreats and spa treatments, yoga, walks, private villas usually with a pool, and lovely cafés. For a mini moon, it offers balmy luxury and tangled nature in equal measure: green with lush mornings, afternoons for explorations, and evenings for sunsets and dinners. A blend of pampering and culture, really.
Manifest Recommends – Stay in a private villa, walk through rice terraces, unwind with a Balinese spa, and watch the sun set over Ubud’s lush valleys.
Hanoi, Vietnam
The Hanoi capital of Vietnam offers an urban charm with a slightly slower pace in some areas and an intense cultural flavour. With its Old Quarter, colonial buildings, lakes, bordered streets, cafés, and street food stands, the city has a laid-back vibe, perfect for a short yet full stay that does not exhaust you but gives ample memories to last you until the next trip.
Manifest Recommends- Wander around Hoan Kiem Lake at dawn or dusk, roam around the French Quarter, eat street food, and go see the opera house and local markets-all without pressing too far or spending too heavily.
