It’s no secret that Thailand is a cherished honeymoon destination. From picture-perIt’s no secret that Thailand is a cherished honeymoon destination. From picture-perfect tropical beaches to bustling cities, ancient ruins, incredible food and fabulous shopping, it makes perfect sense that a Thailand honeymoon is something many couples worldwide consider. But what are the best destinations in Thailand for couples on their honeymoon or romantic getaway?
The choices are tempting for a Thailand honeymoon or holiday, and you’ve only so much time for your honeymoon! Here’s a helping hand: we’ve put together a guide to Thailand’s most popular honeymoon locations. We’ll reveal why they are perennial favourites and preview a few other places you may not have thought about for your Thailand honeymoon or holiday.
So, let’s dive in and discover 8 of Thailand’s best honeymoon or romantic holiday destinations!
Related article: Thailand’s Best Honeymoon Islands
Koh Samui
It’s easy to see why Koh Samui is such a beloved honeymoon spot. Sun-kissed beaches, world-class dining, sumptuous accommodation, thrilling nightlife, impressive temples, relaxing wellness retreats and charming fishing villages – they’re all here.
Just off the coast in the south of Thailand, the island of Koh Samui has plenty for honeymooners to fall in love with.
Honeymoon style: Basically, every couple is going to love a Koh Samui honeymoon. Whether you’re looking for a chilled beach getaway or a luxurious and indulgent honeymoon and holiday experience, you’ll adore this idyllic Thai island. With some of the most divine five-star resorts in Asia, including many with private pool villas, Samui is honeymoon heaven.
And the beaches? Samui boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in Asia. From the popular Chaweng (which at times can be a little crowded) to Lamai (one of our personal favourites with its wide bay and beach bars), Bophut (and its gorgeous Fisherman’s Village) and Lipa Noi. Seeking a really low-key stretch of sand for your Samui honeymoon? Look for pristine Choeng Mon, Mae Nam and Taling Ngam, to name just a few.
Don’t miss: Make your way to picture-perfect Ang Thong National Marine Park for some of the world’s best scenery. Comprising 42 islands and located just off the coast of Koh Samui, this amazing spot is great for snorkelling, sea kayaking, diving, hiking, and just taking it easy.
Related article: Fantasy Island: Koh Samui’s coolest hangouts
The Phi Phi Islands
The Phi Phi Islands are straight-up honeymoon goals. With stretches of white sand, emerald jungles, crystalline waters, rugged limestone cliffs and bright coral reefs, Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Leh (collectively making up the Phi Phi Islands) look straight from a screensaver. Base yourselves on Phi Phi Don, with its mix of bustling city scenes and laid-back beaches, and hitch a ride over to blissfully peaceful Phi Phi Leh. Underdeveloped and hotel-free, this exotic gem is only accessible to visitors during the day or on a romantic sunset cruise.
Honeymoon style: Again, pretty much any couple will love a Phi Phi honeymoon. There’s diving, snorkelling and hiking for adventure-seekers, bars and restaurants for foodies or those keen to indulge in the famous Thailand party scene, extravagant resorts for luxury-lovers, and gorgeous beaches for sun-worshippers.
Don’t miss: Board a traditional longtail boat and sail around the stunning islands. Pass Viking Cave with its fascinating wall paintings and limestone structure before pulling up at a secluded bay for a refreshing dip.
Hua Hin
Just three hours south of Bangkok, Hua Hin is a relaxing beach town that’s a firm favourite for well-to-do Thais. Hua Hin’s charming, tranquil atmosphere makes a perfect complement to your honeymoon or holiday in buzzing Bangkok. You can indulge in a range of lovely natural pursuits while in Hua Hin, including a lush Thai jungle experience in nearby Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park. Thailand’s largest national park, Kaeng Krachan National Park, is around an hour’s drive away, and nature-lovers can enjoy hiking to one of the largest waterfalls in Thailand (Pala-U) here.
Honeymoon style: While Hua Hin’s beaches are lovely, they’re not as dazzling as those you find in Thailand’s southern islands. So, Hua Hin suits the honeymooning couple who wants a taste of beach-life while indulging in some adventure pursuits within the nearby national parks. It’s ideal if you’ve decided to spend a fair chunk of your honeymoon in Bangkok and are looking for somewhere quiet and relaxed to chill before heading home.
Don’t miss: Thailand is the world’s leading destination when it comes to night markets, so you don’t want to miss Hua Hin’s most popular outdoor market, Cicada Market. Visit Cha-Am, a quiet sandy beach that’s connected to Hua Hin but encompasses its own seaside resort.
Need more convincing that Thailand is a dream honeymoon destination? Here’s 10 reasons to honeymoon in Thailand!
Krabi
When we say ‘Thailand’ do you picture sun-kissed white beaches and soaring limestone formations emerging from shimmering waters? If you answered ‘yes’, chances are you’re thinking of Krabi Province in Thailand’s west. Known for its offshore islands (more than 100, including the Phi Phi islands), this dreamy spot is honeymoon heaven.
Honeymoon style: With almost countless beautiful beaches and islands, Krabi is ideal for couples dreaming of the quintessential tropical escape for their Thailand honeymoon. There are also fantastic rock-climbing opportunities for adrenalin-junkies at Railay Beach, as well as plenty of fabulous accommodation options on offer.
Don‘t miss: Divers, add Hin Daeng to your itinerary. With the deepest drop-off in Thailand, it’s wonderful for spotting sharks, tuna, manta rays and the occasional whale shark. Consider yourselves more land-based? Check out the hilltop Wat Tham Seua (Tiger Cave Temple) for gilded Buddha statues and breathtaking sea views.
Thinking of heading to Krabi? You need this ultimate travel guide!
Phuket
Thailand’s largest island, Phuket has it all. Incredible culture, delicious street-food, sophisticated fine dining, luxe resorts, Insta-ready beaches, brilliant diving spots, rejuvenating spas and amazing wildlife sanctuaries all come together here. Phuket is one of our top picks when it comes to honeymoons, and we aren’t the only ones who feel this way! Couples travel from all over the world to experience Phuket’s tropical charms.
Just 1.5 hours flying time from Bangkok, Phuket lives and breathes romance. Visibly beautiful, this rainforest-clad, mountainous island is home to dazzling beaches, a historic town (Phuket Town) and incredibly romantic, super-luxurious resorts. If you love a bit of nightlife and excitement, Patong has that in spades!
Honeymoon style: Yes, again, there’s virtually something for everyone in Phuket (that’s Thailand for you!) and you’ll find some of the country’s most glorious beaches here. For a relaxed, beachy honeymoon, dodge the crowds and neon lights of Patong and head for Surin, Kamala, Mai Khao or Ao Bang Thao.
Don’t miss: Heard of Phang Nga Bay (home to the famous James Bond Island)? Well believe the hype, because this place is stunning. Enjoy a leisurely cruise and wind your way past palm-topped limestone islands for a romantic experience. Top off your honeymoon with a wander through Phuket Town’s Night Markets before grabbing a cocktail at a super-cool beach club.
Related article: Here’s how to honeymoon in Phuket
Chiang Mai
For something a little bit different, set your sights on Chiang Mai in Thailand’s north. Home to majestic mountains, lush countryside, traditional hillside tribal villages, pristine rainforests, elephant sanctuaries, dreamy hinterland resorts and magnificent ancient temples, this lesser-known escape is definitely worth discovering. Soon.
Honeymoon style: Had your fill of beaches? Looking to escape the crowds of Bangkok? Thailand’s second-largest city, Chiang Mai is a more serene and laid-back option and utterly unique, making it a must-visit Thailand destination.
Do not miss: You have to visit Thailand’s highest peak of Doi Inthanon and take in the beauty of its many chedis (monuments). A day at the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Chiang Mai is also highly recommended. A somewhat retirement home for elephants previously in the logging and tourism industries, this spectacular sanctuary provides a natural environment for the creatures to live and to interact with visitors – watching them bathe and play is something you’ll never forget. Before leaving, fit in time for a visit to one of Chiang Mai’s many markets (the Saturday Walking Street and Talat Warorot markets are great options).
Related Article: The Best of Adventure, Luxury & Culture in Chiang Mai – Your Complete Guide.
Koh Lanta
Less than 90 minutes by boat from Krabi, Koh Lanta is a naturally beautiful choice. The destination is actually an archipelago of 52 little islands (50 of which are marine-park protected), the most-visited of which is Koh Lanta Yai. Here, you’ll discover nature reserves and picture-perfect beaches where there’s every chance you won’t run into another soul. Incredible sunsets too.
Divers will love the fact that Koh Lanta is close to a selection of world-class diving spots. A 90-minute boat ride will take you to Ko Haa, a collapsed volcanic island with steep drop-offs and dive sites featuring caverns and chambers.
Honeymoon style: Don’t expect shopping and nightlife on Koh Lanta, it’s really a destination for honeymooners seeking barefoot beach romance. If you love partying late amongst the crowds and a mainstream brand of tourism, this isn’t your honeymoon island! However, if you enjoy spectacular sunsets, gorgeous beaches, an authentic Thai experience, and drinking cold Singha and eating at local beach shacks, you’ll love a Koh Lanta honeymoon! There are even a few amazing luxury resorts for honeymooners who want the best of all worlds!
Don’t miss: Hire a moped and discover the island. Head away from the west coast, down to the undeveloped south of the island. Visit Koh Lanta National Park, at the southern-most point of the island. Admission is 100 baht, and the stunning nature walk takes about 1.5 hours.
Bangkok
Many travellers visit Bangkok for only a few hours, usually between getting off the plane and heading to another destination, but don’t overlook this excellent city. Boasting culinary wonders, a hip new bar scene, bustling markets, grand cultural sites, an enchanting old city and an array of marvellous accommodation options, Bangkok is seriously cool.
Honeymoon style: Bangkok offers a glamorous city escape for honeymooners who want to hit the world-class restaurants and rooftop bars. But it can also be more affordable and laid-back if you indulge in local street food, browse the myriad markets and explore Bangkok’s hidden gems. Bangkok lends itself to a range of honeymoon styles, from big-city fun to relaxed cultural discovery.
Don’t miss: First, the street food (for obvious reasons). For a romantic dinner, pull up a chair at Bangkok Tree House’s Reflect restaurant. With gourmet fare, palm-filled gardens and views of the Chao Phraya River, this trendy hangout is the stuff of daydreams. Also, leave time to linger longer at Bangkok’s many temples and the glittering Grand Palace. Our final tip for honeymooners? Book a romantic sunset cruise along the river and take in the Bangkok skyline from afar.
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