MOST OF US WAX RHAPSODIC ABOUT BEING TWO FOR THE ROAD IN THE GREAT CITIES OF EUROPE. BUT NOELLE DE JESUS SAYS YOU AND YOUR LOVE SHOULD THRILL TO THE ROMANCE OF A QUINTESSENTIALLY ASIAN METROPOLIS

When we yearn for the ultimate lovers’ journey, we have in mind the rich tapestry of cities like Paris, Venice, Barcelona or Prague. We imagine the faraway and the foreign, the sensation of four seasons, and walking upon cobblestone paths in a strange city, hand in hand with the one we love. We hardly ever think of an amorous holiday in the backyard of our own continent. Now, Asian cities may not typically scream romance, but they have it, as well as exotic intrigue, an irresistible mix of tradition and contemporary vibe, and lushly green landscapes. All this makes grist for canoodling, especially for couples seeking the unexpected. Best of all, these passionate destinations are just a short plane ride away!

SEOUL

The weather conspires to provide romance in this ultra modern, ultra fast-paced metropolis of Seoul, home to popular Korean soap operas. In February, it is snuggly and huggy chilly! Seoul’s urban sprawl is composed of a gathering of neighborhoods that are best explored on foot. What’s more, because of the extremely user-friendly and efficient city transport system, getting to where you want to go is an absolute breeze. Romance can be found in and among Seoul’s traditional palaces, shrines and temples as well as its hi-tech towers and skyscrapers, blending the ancient and the contemporary.

STAY IN

Intended as a romantic getaway, the Life Style Hotel is friendly on the budget and yet offers most, if not all of the amenities of more upscale hotels, complete with high ceilings and very stylish decor. Most of the rooms are appointed with a plasma TV, Wi-Fi, and views of the park. Some rooms even have jacuzzis for two! Strategically located and near the green of a park, Life Style is close to downtown and yet, remains pleasantly quiet. 121-1, Youngdeungpo-dong — Youngdeungpo-gu, tel: +822 2675 1984

DINE

Try Top Cloud as its location on the 33rd floor of the Milennium Plaza, also known as the Jongno Tower, gives an awesome view of the city.

It’s an ideal option for a traditional romantic dinner as the décor is warm, cozy and surprisingly intimate. Try the long-standing Kayarang for the essential Korean food experience and do get a private room with a tatami mat for extra intimacy. Top Cloud, Jongno Tower 33F, 1-1 Jongno 2-ga, tel: +822 2230 3000 or +822 2230 3001; Kayarang, 239-4 Itaewon 2-dong, tel: +822 797 4000

DO

Take romantic strolls around Seoul’s very quaint Bukchon neighborhood with its delightful traditional Korean style, tile-roofed homes. Also a must-see: the Cheonggyecheon stream, Seoul’s historic waterway, which has been restored, and is lit up at night in vivid colors.

“Seoul is blessed with a myriad of temples. Our favorite is the Bongeunsa, behind the COEX Shopping Center and it features a huge Buddha and lovely views of the city. On a more earthy note, the DVD bangs or DVD rooms scattered aro und the city can make for a nice afternoon. They are small, totally private rooms with TV, DVDs, a sofa and…complimentary toilet paper!”

- Brock and Yubi Davis, residents of Seoul for three years

HONG KONG

Hong Kong’s sub-tropical climate makes February the coldest month of the year, so snuggling on Valentine’s Day is easy and natural. Don’t dismiss the city as just shopping and Disneyland. The Hong Kong harbor and dramatic skyline is hypnotic. Jagged mountains bless it with scenic hiking trails, the sea makes the beach just a ride away, and chic clubs and romantic restaurants are nestled atop the tallest skyscrapers.

STAY IN

Opt for the old world luxury of the Peninsula Hotel on Kowloon which provides classic romance backed by state-of-the-art style and technology. Another romantic option? The Philippe Starck-designed boutique JIA Hotel. The Peninsula Hotel, tel: +852 2920 2888, email: phk@peninsula.com; JIA Hotel in Causeway Bay, tel: +852 3196 9000, www.jiahongkong.com

DINE

Try Hu Tong, with its darkly opulent old China flair and a full view of the Central skyline. A bit off the beaten path in Sai Kung, easily accessible by taxi is One-Thirty-One. It’s a private home French dining experience open to only 12 people at a time.

Hu Tong, One Peking Road, Kowloon, tel: +852 3428 8342; One-Thirty-One, 131 Tseng Tau Village, Sai Kung, tel: +852 2791 2684

DO

If you and your love are even just the least bit sporty, hiking in Hong Kong can be a fun and romantic thing to do before your Valentine’s Day dinner. There are dozens of picturesque trails. Otherwise visit Stanley Market and catch the breeze while browsing the pretty shops by the waterfront. Or splurge on a helicopter trip to Macau!

“Hong Kong is romantic because of its terrain.

There is so much to do, because you have sand, mountains, and islands – all mere minutes away. The cityscape of course gives couples fantastic views and settings for romance, but so do the fishing villages in the the nearby islands.”- Camille and Viboy Genuino, current Hong Kong residents

BANGKOK

The heat and traffic of Thailand’s capital may not strike you as romantic. But Bangkok has unexpected spots of tranquility and corners of green in its parks, for example, Lumpini Park. The serpentine Chao Phraya River adds to that fresh green, and alongside its water markets and bazaars are Buddhist city temples, among the most beautiful in the region. At night, the metropolis is just as alive as it is in the daytime, setting the scene for lovers of all ages, well into the wee hours.

STAY

Have a fab getaway at the Banyan Tree in Bangkok. Its rooftop bars are one-of-a-kind for the views and a dress code makes for a sense of occasion. Take a river dinner cruise on the hotel’s exclusive Aspara. The Metropolitan is chic and contemporary and encourages cocooning as the rooms come equipped with cd and dvd players. A great value option is the Windsor Suites Hotel, idyllic yet budget-friendly. The Banyan Tree Bangkok, tel: +66 (2) 651 9501, www.banyantree.com; The Metropolitan, tel: +66 (2) 625 3333, www.metropolitan.com.bz/bangkok; Windsor Suites Hotel, www.windsorsuiteshotel.com

DINE

Book a table for two at Ban Chiang which is in a turn-of-the-century Bangkok wooden house with intimate rooms for lovers. For a more intimate setting, you can go to Eat Me, which is a stylish bistro as well as an art gallery. Write each other love notes on the butcher paper table covers.

Ban Chiang, 14 Soi Sri Vieng, Surasak, tel: +66 (2) 236 7045; Eat Me, 1/6 Soi Pipat 2, Convent Road, tel: +66 (2) 238 0931

DO

What can lovers do in Bangkok? Pampering Thai massages in the morning and river cruises in the afternoon. See the gorgeous Wat Arun or Temple of Dawn as the day ends and the glass and cloissone pieces reflect the setting sun. At night, pop into the concept club, Bed. www.bedsupperclub.com

“When you have a river like the Chao Phraya, how can you not have romance? With so many small restaurants and little nooks along the river, space away from the madding crowd is made for lovers to have quiet, meaningful conversations.””

- Melinda and DJ de Jesus, based in Bangkok for over three years

Ho Chi Minh Ho Chi Minh

The best way to explore Vietnam and to experience the city’s passion and romance is to stay right in the heart of it all. The central district of the city gives visitors an irresistible neighborhood feel, and yet the sprawling area that surrounds you has a timeless tranquil feeling of the countryside, with its charming rice paddies, rivers and canals. The city, particularly in the center, where most of the tourist attractions are, allows you to do your own little promenade on foot or via cyclo — a bicycle-powered vehicle — as you explore the river, visit the museums and shop at the market. You’ll find that the city can be pleasantly budget-friendly.

STAY

Choose a hotel in District 1 like the Rex Hotel or the New World Hotel. Both boast historical roots, evocative architecture and are right in the city center, positioning you for delightful strolls in some of the most charming parts of the city. Atop the New World Hotel is a lovely swimming pool while over at Rex Hotel, the Rooftop Garden Bar is one of a kind. Take in the views of the city and imagine how all the foreign correspondents were doing exactly that during the Vietnam war. New World Hotel Saigon, tel: +848 822 8888, www.newworldvietnam.com;

Rex Hotel, tel: 848 3825 1812, www.rexhotelvietnam.com

DINE

Romance can certainly be found sharing bowls of Vietnamese pho, but for a conventional intimate dinner for two, you may want to try French cuisine for two at La Fourchette. It’s a tiny little place with only 10 tables as well as the feel of a bistro in Paris. The wine list here is pretty good and the prices are easy on the pocket. If you welcome a delightful meal of Vietnamese food with French accents in Indochine surroundings — to be specific, a former Buddhist temple — complete with whirring ceiling fans, rattan furniture and quaint wood shutters, make your way to the very atmospheric, not to mention, aptly named, Temple Club.

DO

What can be more romantic than nostalgia and memories of a gracious era gone by? Rise early and take part in the city rhythms. Vietnam’s vibrant café culture allows you to just sit and watch the city go by. Walk the Saigon river on Dong Khoi Street and see famous French colonial buildings — the Notre Dame Cathedral, the General Post Office and the Municipal Theater. If you have time, take a trip to sun-kissed sandy beaches like Long Hai, two hours away. And the best crusty baguettes are not in Paris — they’re in Ho Chi Minh!

“The sultry heat of Saigon combined with the sensual Vietnamese food makes for a perfect romantic getaway. And secluded rooftop swimming pools provide quiet respite from the vibrant street scenes.””
- Mark Rice and Anne Panning, one year in Can Tho, Vietnam