Where to Honeymoon in Thailand

If you are looking for an epic unique honeymoon consider Thailand. Thailand has so much to offer, you can go on a Thailand island hopping adventure, explore the busy yet amazing city of Bangkok, send your taste bud on a vacation of their own, head north to Chiang Mai home of over 200 temples, and much more.

Thailand has something for every budget and a couple can easily spend less than $50 a day meals, accommodation, activities. Finding a three star hotel for under $30 a night can easily be found. Flights are becoming cheaper and cheaper from international destinations there is no reason not to put Thailand on your bucket list. Once in Thailand there are several budget airlines with average one way flights costing $10-60 we suggest Air Asia or Thai Smile. No matter where you go in Thailand you’ll be in the land of smiles!

A trip to Thailand can include a couple different destinations. Below are a few suggestions from us and fellow travel bloggers.

Phi Phi Island

Phi Phi Island is one of the best places to spend honeymoon in Thailand for many reasons. Just about a 45 minute speedboat ride from Phuket, Koh Phi Phi is one of the prettiest islands in Southern Thailand one can easily visit.

Most people visit Koh Phi Phi for its pristine beach, clear water and to get away from the chaos of Phuket. While Maya Bay (currently closed for re-habitation) is only one of the popular attractions, there are plenty of other things to do. The best place to visit on Phi Phi Island is the view point that requires a little bit of a hike. This view point is a stunning place for a romantic sunset on Phi Phi island. One can also easily hop on a boat tour to explore other islands in the Phi Phi archipelago as well as do snorkeling and diving tours.

There are many luxury resorts along in Koh Phi Phi and some of the best ones include Zeavola Resort & Spa and Phi Phi Island Village Beach Resort.

Serena – Serenaslenses

Khao Sok National Park

Khao Sok National Park is a stunning destination in southern Thailand and is a big draw for adventurous honeymooners. The craggy mountain scenery, draped in thick rainforest foliage, will take your breath away, while remote glamping retreats offer a romantic get-away-from-it-all experience. Gibbons chatter from the forest at the edge of Cheow Larn Lake, and quiet kayak rides take you past tranquil inlets and white limestone cliffs. Many couples combine a stay at Elephant Hills, a luxury tented camp that provides an ethical animal experience (no riding), with a stay at the floating Rainforest Camp on Cheow Larn Lake, and transfers are provided from Phuket, Surat Thani and other locales.

Carol – WanderingCarol.com

Phuket

Phuket is gorgeous, and simply perfect for your honeymoon in Thailand! Located in the southern tip of Thailand, Phuket is the largest island with white sandy beaches, turquoise blue waters, and plenty of scenic points.

The best time of the year to visit Phuket is between November to March. Anytime outside of those dates you can be sure to expect quite a bit of rain fall, especially during the months of September and October (which you should completely avoid, no matter how attractive the pricing point is).

The best areas to stay on your honeymoon include Mai Khao in the north, Surin & Kamala, and Cape Panwa. These areas avoid the hustle of the crowds, and the resorts in the area are just amazing. The Sri Panwa Resort in Cape Panwa is the pick of the bunch. Thai owned, this 5-star resort is simply gorgeous with every room boasting its own private pool, in addition to the number of pools around the resort. There are plenty of vantage points, with one of the best roof bars on the island, called Baba Nest, boasting views as far as the eye can see and a spectacular sunset.

If you are looking for places to eat in Phuket, there are some great options. A hidden gem whilst on your honeymoon is the Thalung Thai Restaurant, which is set on top a cliff in Kamala overlooking the view over the Andaman Sea.

When it comes to beaches, Phuket boasts white sand and turquoise blue waters, making it perfect for swimming. Banana Beach located in the northern part of the island is gorgeous and it not as crowded as some of the other parts of the island. Another pick is Surin Beach, which has long stretch of white sand.

And finally, for something different and more unique to do, visit the Chalong Bay Rum distillery owned by a young French couple. A 100% sugarcane rum that uses locally grown organic sugar cane, the Chalong Bay Rum is award winning and it’s delicious. You can tour the distillery to learn more about the rum, or simply sit in their lovely bar area to sample a few of their tasty cocktails.
Soraya Nicholls – HelloRaya.com

Ko Chang

If you are looking for a peaceful island getaway where you and your newlywed can unplug for a while and forget about the rest of the world, the small, jungle-clad island of Ko Chang just might be the perfect place.

This is the Ko Chang on the Andaman Coast, in Ranong district near the Burmese border. Be sure not to confuse it with the more popular island in Eastern Thailand that goes by the same name! That one is the second largest island in the country and is quite a contrast to the low-key, undeveloped Ko Chang we are talking about here.

On this Ko Chang, there are no cars, and even the electricity supply can be a bit erratic. If you want to live in luxury and be pampered, then you should look elsewhere.

But if your idea of the perfect honeymoon is to swim in warm waters, watch the sunset on a deserted beach and eat delicious Thai food with the locals, make your way to Ko Chang. The only way to get there is by taking a long-tail taxi boat from Ranong; the boat driver will drop you off at the bungalow of your choice.

Wendy Werneth – TheNomadicVegan.com

Ko Samet

Ko Samet (sometimes Ko Samed) is located in the Gulf of Thailand. South-east of Bangkok. The island is named after the Samet trees (Cajeput) which grow in abundance on the island.

It’s a very popular island for weekend getaways from Bangkok as it’s only a 2-3 hour drive to the Ban Phe ferry pier in Rayong from where you take a ferry (or more expensive speedboat) to the island.

The ferry arrives in the Northern part of the island, speedboats will take you directly to your hotel. Once you arrive at the island you’ll have to pay an environmental fee as the island is actually a national park (with beautiful nature and beaches).

Most of the accommodation is located in the touristy Northern part, but we spend part of our 1-year honeymoon in the southern-most Nimmanoradee Resort which was super quiet and romantic.

Yentl & Katrijn – Better Travel Together

Railay Bay

Adventurous honeymooners looking for a bit of privacy and a laid-back destination should consider heading to Railay Bay. Popular among day-trippers from nearby Krabi and Ao Nang, it’s easy to see why tourists flock to this beautiful bay. However, in the late afternoon, the tourists all leave and you’ll feel as if you have the beach to yourself – just perfect for romantic walks under the stars. Railay is accessible only by boat as it is cut off by the mainland by large cliffs. These same cliffs make it a haven for rock climbers from all over the world.

Although the beach on Railay is nice, you should consider taking a private snorkeling tour of nearby islands including the beautiful Phi Phi islands and the famous Maya Bay (the setting of the movie The Beach). There are several great hotels on Railay with something for every budget. You’ll find cheaper accommodation on East Railay, but the best views and nicer hotels are found on the West side. The privacy cottage at Railay Bay Resort is perfect for honeymooners and is a nice place for couples to get a bit of added privacy on their getaway.

Melanie Grosjean- Adventure Family Life

Koh Kood

In the far east of Thailand, closer to Cambodia than Thailand itself, is the stunning island of Koh Kood. Pristine white beaches, perfectly clear water, coconut palm forests, and relaxing beach bungalows (like Koh Kood’s Away Resort), what more could you want from a honeymoon destination. Oh, and did I mention that you get to totally escape the crowds?

Koh Kood is located about 5-6 hours from Bangkok. First, you’ll need to hop on a van headed for Trat, then take a songtaew or taxi to Laem Sok Pier. Finally, a 1.5hour speedboat ride will transfer you across to the island. Sure, it’s a bit of a mission, but what’s the price for paradise? Be sure to spend at least 4 days on Koh Kood to make the travelling worth the effort though.

Josh Shephard – The Lost Passport

Bangkok

The honeymoon in Bangkok is a great idea. The capital city of Thailand, the Land of Smiles is a perfect destination for lovers. Take a walk around the majestic Royal Palace, explore the many beautiful temples all over the city, and make an offering for a wonderful life ahead. Take a dinner cruise on the Chao Phraya and admire the well-lit city from the boat. Splurge on the Riverview Suite at Bangkok´s Lebua State Tower, where you can gaze at the beautiful city from the comfort of your room or on their rooftop bar, Sky Bar, the highest in Bangkok. Dine at the romantic Breeze restaurant and feed each other with the sumptuous dishes created by their world-class chefs.

Karolina Klesta – LazyTravelBlog.com

Koh Lipe

Koh Lipe is a wonderfully stunning island in the South of Thailand. Koh Lipe is not one of those Thai islands popular for full moon parties or cheap alcohol. Actually, it’s rather quite the opposite: Koh Lipe is perfect if you are looking for a place to relax on a stunning beach and discover the surrounding underwater world by snorkeling or diving.

The different beaches of the island are offering everything you could ask for in order to have an amazing honeymoon experience in Thailand. While on the sunrise beach, you can find several bars and entertainment options, the sunset beach, offers a rather relaxed atmosphere. But if you are looking for an amazing place to snorkel you don’t have to walk far as all the beaches around the island are amazing for snorkeling. The water around Koh Lipe is absolutely clear and you can find a big variety of fishes that you can discover.

All in all, if you are looking for a wonderful Thai Beach vacation and stunning sunrise/sunsets spots Koh Lipe should definitely be part of your Thailand honeymoon itinerary.

Vicki Franz – Vicki Viaja

The Kanchanaburi Province

The Kanchanaburi Province is steeped in both history and natural beauty.  There are plenty of world war II attractions to explore, and the death railway offers an enjoyable ride through the province.  

Hellfire Pass is an interesting museum, and although there are reminders of its tragic history, the 4km walk along the pass offers magnificent views across the tropical jungle and some great opportunities to spot birds.

The floating hotels along the river near Nam Tok are perfect for a romantic stay and one of the best places to stay in Kanchanaburi Province.  The scenery is stunningly beautiful and its excellent place to relax.  

The 7 waterfalls of Erawan national park are also worth a visit.  The turquoise water is gorgeous and swimming in the waterfalls is both romantic and fun.

A little further away is the elephant world.  This is an ethical elephant sanctuary that looks after rescued and retired animals.  During the day, you can feed and bathe the elephants; however, no elephant rides are permitted.

The numerous cave temples around the province may also be of interest, and there are plenty of walking trails both at Erawan and Sok Yai National Park.

The easiest way to get to the province is either by booking a Kanchanaburi Tour or by taking the train from Thonburi Station in Bangkok.

Fiona – PassportandPiano.com

Koh Muk

Thailand’s honeymoon possibilities are quite endless, but I think a fantastic place to spend a romantic vacation would be the tiny of island of Koh Muk, in the southern Trang province. While it’s a popular destination for day-trippers on island hopping tours to stop by and visit the nearby Emerald Cave, it’s actually a terrific, relaxing, and romantic place to spend a few days with a loved one.  

It’s extremely quiet compared to other islands in Thailand, but that’s what makes it so special. It’s still a hidden gem in the country that a typical Thailand itinerary won’t mention this tiny slice of paradise!  Spend your days swimming, kayaking, and sunbathing.  Spend your evenings drinking cocktails during the sunset, dining on the beach with sand underneath your toes, and soaking up the amenities at one of the few resorts on the island.  Getting there is as easy as booking transport from one of the local agencies, and is easiest from Koh Lanta”

Dave – JonesAroundTheWorld.com

Chiang Mai

While many honeymooners think of Thailand’s famous islands as they plan a trip of a lifetime, Chiang Mai should also be on the radar for those seeking romance. Situated in the north of the country, Thailand’s second biggest city has a vibe, cuisine, and landscape that is utterly different than the rest of the nation. With lush, jungle-covered mountains that beg to be explored as well as luxurious hotels boasting world-class spas, Chiang Mai is full of adventure and romance.

Take a cooking class, visit an elephant sanctuary, climb the famous “sticky waterfalls”, or seek out those off the beaten path. Visit historic mountainside temples, wander shaded streets hand in hand, and rent a motorbike for a day full of adventuring in the Thai countryside.

For a honeymoon-worthy meal, David’s Kitchen will not disappoint. For a memorable place to stay, the Na Nirand Romantic Boutique Resort lives up to its name. And while you’re in Chiang Mai, don’t forget to indulge in as many Thai massages as you have time for. This is the perfect place to be pampered, after all!

Katie Diederichs – TwoWanderingSoles.com

Koh Bulon Lae Island

Koh Bulon Lae is one of the best-kept secrets in Thailand. This tiny island is about as off the beaten track that you can get, so perfect for that quiet romantic honeymoon getaway.

This paradise island is located in the Andaman Sea, just north of Koh Lipe island, in Southern Thailand. Getting there may take a little extra effort, but the blindingly white sand and turquoise water will make it oh so worth your while!

Koh Bulon Lae lies in the middle of the ferry route from Koh Mook to Koh Lipe, which is a popular route. You can also fly to Hat Yai and then get a ferry directly from the mainland at Pakbara Pier to Koh Bulon Lae. Just make sure of when you plan to travel, as the island closes to tourists for the monsoon season from June to October

If you’re looking for a wild nightlife, this is not the place. Koh Bulon Lae is all about relaxation. That means chilling on the beach, snorkeling, fishing, taking long walks along deserted beaches, visiting the rubber plantation or just putting your feet up with a book.

Our recommended accommodation is the Pansand Resort which is situated on the stunning School Beach on the East side of the island. The beaches to the North are tidal so not as nice for swimming, but you’ll find some great budget accommodation here.

Jeanne Malherbe –  LearningtoBreatheAbroad.com

Koh Yao Yai

If you’re looking to get away from it all, and celebrate your first days as a married couple in complete peace and tranquillity on a tropical island where few other tourists venture, then Koh Yao Yai is the place. It’s far less crowded than many of Thailand’s other islands, yet still pretty easy to reach – one of the best ways is by hopping on the ferry from Bang Rong pier, just outside Phuket town.

There are a handful of resorts suitable for all budgets, but for the ultimate luxury experience with your own villa and infinity pool, we recommend the Santhiya Resort. A lot of people just come here to kick back and relax, taking in the stunning views and walking barefoot on the sandy beaches, but if you want to get out and about, there’s plenty to do. Try kayaking, paddle boarding and snorkelling from the shore, explore the mangroves, rubber plantations and fishing villages, or take a boat trip out to some of the neighbouring islands for your own picnic lunch on a deserted sand bar. What could be more romantic?

Heather Cole – Conversant Traveller

Pai, Thailand

Pai is one of the most beautiful and paradisiacal places in Thailand. With abundance of lush greeneries, waterfalls, rice fields, surrounding hills and natural wonders, Pai has become a favourite for many visitors. By the day you would love to soak in to one of the hotsprings, slide yourselves through a waterfall, go for an adventurous hike, fishing, white water rafting or just lounge in to your bungalow hammock.

Pai is located three hours away from Chiang Mai and the route itself is absolutely scenic. The best way to reach Pai from Chiang Mai is by hiring a private cab or renting a motorbike. Public buses are available too from the Arcade Bus Station in Chiang Mai.

Pai gets hippier by the evening and you will find many young crowd flocking towards its bars and pubs. The Pai walking street too lits up by 6 PM serving a variety of lip smacking snacks and street food such as Pad Thai, noodle soups, sushi, spring rolls, lasagne, dim sums, samosas, chicken dishes, garlic bread and much more. There is a canyon too popularly known as the Pai Canyon from where you can catch some stunning views of sunset over the town.

Anjali Wadhwa – Cheerful Trails

Pattaya

Pattaya is a destination which shows you a different side every time you visit. A beautiful beach destination which is as popular with families as with bachelors albeit for different reasons. However it is also a great destination for honeymooners because it is affordable, multicultural and has great tourist infrastructure making it ideal for both an active or relaxed honeymoon.

If you’re a party animal, accommodation on the Pattaya beach will be a great option with its proximity to the walking street and the various clubs and lounges. For someone looking for a cozier, relaxed holiday, Naklua & Wong Amat might be a better bet with its beautiful pristine beach and luxury resorts as well as the iconic Sanctuary of Truth.

If you’re a foodie like us and concerned about not just the food but also where to have it, head over to the Sketch Book Art Café for a different vibe, the Glass House for a romantic dinner or the Five Star J if you’re vegetarian/ vegan like us. The city itself is pretty accessible with it being about 1-2 hours from the Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok and its own airport providing good connectivity to most domestic locations, thus making it ideal as a part of a longer trip as well.

Rishabh Shah – Gypsycouple

Koh Nang Yuan

There are so many day trips to do from the island of Koh Samui and one of our favorites was our day trip to Koh Nang Yuan. Koh Samui is accessible from Koh Samui by boats and it approximately takes less than an hour to get there. Once you are on the island, you can choose to trek to the viewpoint or you can spend the entire day lazing about.

We spent almost our entire time in Koh Nang Yuan in the water snorkelling. We had such an amazing time there. The corals are gorgeous and since it was a clear day, we saw lots of fishes while snorkelling. The island is a private island and hence you are not allowed to bring plastic or wear beach shoes which is actually a good thing. You can stay on the island overnight at the only accommodation on the island, Nang Yuan Dive resort. We didn’t have time but would love to go back and stay there and experience Koh Nang Yan before the crowds.

Soumya Nambiar – Travel, Books And Food

Ko Lanta

Honeymooners looking to relax on quieter, low key, but still stunning Thai beaches should definitely consider Ko Lanta, a collection of several islands on the Andaman Sea. We spent a week of bliss there, walking along its beautiful beaches and taking in some of the best sunsets we’ve ever seen.

Ko Lanta is definitely not a party island and caters to a somewhat older crowd (two reasons it appealed to us, travelers in our late 30s). But of course there are beach bars and nighttime parties to enjoy while there. During the day, walk along one of its many white sandy beaches or take a trip to its national park. Or set out on a boat tour of other nearby islands including Ko Phi Phi.

We stayed at Raven Blue, a small group of bungalows right off the gorgeous Phra Ae beach. Our (air conditioned!) bungalow was compact, but well-sized for two people and came with a porch with a hammock where Sarah spent most of her time. The hospitality of the owner, and his cat Pad Thai, couldn’t be beat. There are bigger, fancier resorts to stay on Ko Lanta, but if we were to return we would definitely return to Raven Blue.

Ko Lanta is closest to Krabi but also reachable from Phuket. If you’re looking to travel from Ko Lanta to other places in Southeast Asia, read our detailed tips for how to get from Thailand to Malaysia to Singapore

-Sarah and Justin – TravelBreatheRepeat.com

Khao Lak

Located 2 hours north of Phuket, Khao Lak is a relaxed beach town area with something for everyone. It boasts 25 kms of sandy beaches, with the busiest and more developed in the south while the north is a little quieter. Khao Lak has accommodation options suiting all budgets, ranging from cheap and cheerful guesthouses to upscale international resort chains with multiple pools and bars.

If you’re planning more than tanning on the beach or getting relaxing massages, Khao Lak has some great activities nearby. The absolute highlight of the area is the Similan Islands, a marine national park 90 mins speedboat ride off the coast, offering amazing tropical fish, colourful coral and great visibility for snorkelling or scuba diving. If you’re a keen scuba diver don’t miss the chance to do a multi-day liveaboard diving trip to the Similan Islands.

For those looking to keep their feet firmly on land, the Khao Sok national park (40 kms north) is a must see and is considered the oldest evergreen rainforest in the world. If you have time, the Tsunami museum in Khao Lak is also worth a visit, especially to see the Thai navy boat that was washed 2km inland during the 2004 tsunami that devastated the area. 

Ashlea Fairbain – Dashing Around The World

Koh Tao

Koh tao is one of three popular islands off the east coast of Thailand which also include Koh Samui and Koh Phanagn which is infamous for its wild full moon parties. To get here, you can fly in to Surat Thani or take a ferry from Chumphon Pier.

Koh Tao is a small island which offers so much to do and is the perfect spot for a quite, and adventurous honeymoon. It’s one of the cheapest places in the world where you can get your diving certification and has some of the best reefs available, if you’re lucky you may even see a whale shark!

In the evening you can enjoy a cocktail on the beach while watching the sun go down on the horizon directly in front of you. The intense red, yellows and purples fill the sky and will leave you speechless.

At night, there are usually several fire shows on the beach where they do crazy things like fire limbo or jump rope with a flaming rope! It gave me anxiety to watch but everyone was okay in the en, thank God. There are several great bars along the beach where you can party the night away or just relax to some good live music. Additionally, you can do boat trips to other nearby islands, rent a motorbike and go all around, hike up to several viewpoubta or just be a beach bum.

Koh tao is beautiful, cheap and has something for everyone!

Naomi – eatloveexplore.com

Chumphon

Chumphon in Thailand is still a real insider tip. Some may well know the region as a stopover when passing through Bangkok on the islands in the Gulf of Thailand. But not more. That’s a pity and does not do justice to the exciting Chumphon region.

 Thailand’s Chumphon is still virtually undiscovered by international tourism. The gate to the south of Thailand is 222km long with pristine beaches, quaint swallows, great diving spots and a hip Chumphon town with an amazingly refreshing flair.
 
You should definitely go by boat on the offshore islands of Chumphon, such as Koh Ngam Yai Iceland, Koh Lung-Ga-Jiw Iceland and Koh Kula Iceland. They offer not only completely untouched beaches (especially compared to other corners of Thailand), but also the swallows police, who live in often very daring built huts on the rock and take care of the precious nests that are considered a delicacy. Of course, Chumphon also has beaches on the mainland, such as the wide Sai Ri Beach or the Thung Wua Laen Beach.

Recommended accommodation: The Loft Mania Boutique Hotel

Clemens Sehi – TravellersArchive.com