Looking for a unique and blissful start to married life? Then book a luxury Thailand honeymoon! With its diverse natural beauty, world-class islands and beaches, cultural heritage, legendary hospitality and much more, exotic Thailand is not only one of the planet’s top tourist destinations, but one of Asia’s most popular honeymoon hotspots.
A Thailand honeymoon is actually surprisingly affordable here, with dining out and upscale accommodation working out as great value compared to back home, meaning you can afford to splurge on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure. As Thailand is a fairly large country to cover, it’s advisable to stick to around three to four areas, maximizing your time to actually enjoy your honeymoon, rather than traveling from place to place.
We suggest three Thailand honeymoon destinations: the exciting capital and gateway of Bangkok, the northernmost region brimming with culture and nature, and a gorgeous tropical island in the south to totally unwind. Whatever the order, it’s easy to travel around Thailand, thanks to an excellent infrastructure system and domestic air travel, with international airports in all our chosen destinations.
Most international flights land in Bangkok, so this dynamic, east-meets-west metropolis in central Thailand makes a logical start or finishing city for your Asian honeymoon. Not only Thailand’s capital and main gateway, Bangkok is also a stand-out destination in its own right, an exciting destination to kick-off your honeymoon and a fabulous introduction to Thailand.
There is much to do in this City of Angels: spend the first few days of your honeymoon enjoying the world-class shopping, street food and Michelin-starred dining, floating markets, Buddhist temples (wats) and key attractions. For memorable romantic moments, indulge in a couples massage to beat the jet-lag and catch a crimson-hued sunset at a swanky rooftop bar or riverside landmark, Wat Arun, from atop the temple’s 280 foot-tall central prang (spire).
At nighttime, stroll through the romantically illuminated grounds of the magnificent Grand Palace, or take an evening dinner cruise along the Chao Phraya River; a luxurious way to admire Bangkok’s most celebrated sights all lit-up, while enjoying authentic Thai cuisine and a traditional dance performance.
A one-off heritage-style hotel that seamlessly marries classic Thai influences with Art Deco aesthetics The Siam makes a lovely private urban sanctuary. Allegedly frequented by Thai royalty, The Siam is a sophisticated Bangkok gem, decorated throughout with a vast private collection of antiques and art works that is best suited to grown-ups.
Ensconced amidst sprawling lush gardens alongside the Chao Phraya River, The Siam rests in a quiet corner of Bangkok’s historic Dusit district. The award-winning five-star supplies complimentary river cruises to the nearby must-see attractions and shuttle boat transfers to Bangkok’s downtown shopping and nightlife further down the river. Don’t miss a sunset dinner cruise on The Siam’s traditional rice barge and couple’s treatments at the decadent spa.
Among the sumptuous, 39 suites and villas, Connie’s Cottage, a century-old, traditional Thai teak house shipped downriver from historic Ayutthaya by American silk tycoon Jim Thompson, makes a unique honeymoon sanctuary. Transformed into a rustic-meets opulent cottage, enjoy the romantic vibe, hand-crafted fine furnishings and 24-hour butler service!
Head from high-octane Bangkok to the contrasting wilds of the mountainous north and culturally rich cities.
First fly to Chiang Mai, Thailand’s second largest city, yet set in a verdant river valley ringed by forested mountains, emanating a distinctly provincial town feel. Known as the ‘Rose of the North,’ Chiang Mai is the former seat of the ancient Lanna Kingdom and one of Thailand’s most important cultural and religious centers.
The main drawcard of popular Chiang Mai is the central Old City, with its historic walls and moats, Lanna legacies and some of Chiang Mai’s hundreds of stunning temples, interspersed with modern-day distractions and cafés – a fascinating quarter to explore on foot. Chiang Mai boasts some of Thailand’s best night markets, with a hill-tribe handicraft focus and boasts a vibrant food scene, with acclaimed northern Thai street food and top-notch dining (a good place to take a Thai cooking class together).
Beyond, lush countryside offer heaps of pursuits, including trekking, golfing, elephant sanctuaries and Wat Phra That Suthep, atop Doi Suthep Mountain, one of Thailand’s holiest Buddhist sites that reveals panoramic city views.
A member of the prestigious Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH), award-winning 137 Pillars House makes a blissful Chiang Mai love nest.
Steeped in history and a former HQ of the Borneo Trading Company, this refined teak wood property has been meticulously restored to its 19th-century origins yet equipped with deluxe modern comforts. Evoking an old-world charm and elegance, this gorgeous boutique hotel comes infused with an adults-only vibe and offers Packages with inclusive honeymoon indulgences.
Nestled in pretty landscaped gardens, the 30, generously-sized suites are sumptuous havens designed with a residential concept and dark wood detailing. Guests are indulged with free-standing Victorian-style bathtubs, ample-sized verandas complete with rattan rocking chairs, plus personal butler service. Take a 60-minute couple’s aromatherapy treatment at the spa and explore the boho, culturally-rich neighborhood: Wat Gate, on foot or by bicycle.
Thailand’s uppermost and remote northern region, Chiang Rai Province, is a popular vacation destination for its steamy jungle and mist-shrouded mountain landscapes and legendary Golden Triangle (‘Sop Ruak’) – the point where the Ruak and Mekong rivers and three countries, Thailand, Myanmar and Laos – all converge.
Once one of the world’s most prolific opium producers, favorite activities nowadays in this naturally beautiful, peaceful region cover spectacular border views admired from look-out towers, trekking to hill-tribe villages, visiting tea plantations and river trips by longtail boats drifting deep into the Golden Triangle.
Reached by private car northwards from Chiang Mai, provincial sister city Chiang Rai, makes a charming base to explore this region. Founded in the 13th century, Chiang Rai was also the former capital of the Lanna Kingdom and today still retains a strong Lanna identity and cultural heritage. The city also has a lovely, relaxed vibe, with many walkable cultural and historical attractions and a thriving arts and dining scene.
For romance more on the wild side, literally, boutique Anantara offers a secluded jungle getaway for a honeymoon of pure escapism and unique memories.
Surely one of Thailand’s most atmospheric places to stay, this award-winning five-star is located beyond Chiang Rai, perched on a forested ridge on the Thai side of the Golden Triangle, near the Mekong River. Amidst enchanting natural bamboo forest, indigenous gardens and verdant rice paddies, elegantly rustic boutique Anantara is infused with an evocative ‘Out of Africa vibe,’ from the classic colonial-style bar to the Lanna Kingdom-inspired luxury guestrooms and suites.
All accommodations come decked out with Thai dark teak floors and elegant furniture, raw silks and local carvings and art, yet come equipped with modern-day comforts. Book the aptly-named Three Country View Suite to soak-up magical views of verdant Burmese valleys and misty Laotian hills from the private balcony.
At the open-air jungle spa, share a herbal soak for two in the al fresco sunken terrazzo tub followed by a side-by-side massage. Anantara rests beside a traditional mahout camp for rescued elephants; enjoy a remarkable sunset dinner joined by baby elephants, or a picnic lunch, watching these majestic creatures bathe in the river.
Thailand is blessed with countless idyllic islands and white sand beaches, most of which are located in Thailand’s south and easily accessible by regional airports. After the contrasting heady city experiences and northern wilds, fly south to your pick of a tropical island, where you can truly relax after the excitement of your nuptials and Thai travels.
Even here there are diverse choices, depending on what you seek, with most islands located off Thailand’s southwest coastline in the breath-taking Andaman Sea.
The largest of Thailand’s numerous islands and one of its most popular tourist destinations, Phuket is a naturally beautiful, mountainous island embedded in the Andaman Sea. With its excellent accommodation choice, great dining and entertainment, well-organised infrastructure and facilities, western comforts and much to see and do, Phuket makes an excellent choice for those seeking an all-round vacation.
Ranked as one of the world’s top beach destinations, Phuket offers 30-plus gorgeous beaches, generally a postcard-perfect template of palm-fringed white sands and transparent azure waters that supplies abundant water sports and top-class beachfront resorts. Beyond, guests can enjoy water-bound adventures in the surrounding Andaman Sea including world-class diving and boat cruises, besides cultural explorations and nature tours.
As one of Thailand’s busiest tourist destinations with a broad range of beaches catering to all tastes, it’s best to choose wisely the location of your honeymoon getaway. Our two recommended luxury resorts are located in quieter spots on Phuket’s central west coast (the island’s “sunset side”), near enough yet distanced away from nightlife epicenter, Patong Beach, around a 20-minute drive further south.
Set inland from the coast in a lush wooded hinterland, a short shuttle from lovely Kamala Beach, five-star Keemala offers a truly restful and unique sanctuary for honeymooners, far from the crowds. Children are welcome, but this quirky and unique resort is arguably suited to older teenagers upwards. Book the resort’s inclusive honeymoon packages.
With an enchanting backdrop of forest, water features and mature gardens, the 38 distinctive pool villas make fantastical tropical hideaways. From mushroom-shaped clay cottages, safari-chic tented pool villas, lofty bird’s-nest villas, or bamboo houses looped into palm trees, all these diverse accommodations display incredible architectural anomalies, loosely based on ancient tribal dwellings.
Keemala also offers an all-encompassing holistic and eco-friendly ethos, with a relaxed and healthy approach, providing home-grown organic cuisine, yoga sessions and a spa focused on healing spa rituals administered at thatched treatment huts. The intimate dining pods dotted around the pool are perfect couple’s hidey-holes.
North of Kamala, presiding over a tranquil peninsula jutting out into the Andaman Sea and beside the secluded white sand Pansea Beach, five-star Amanpuri – aptly translating from Sanskrit as ‘Place of Peace’ – offers serenity, privacy and luxurious comforts in an idyllic natural setting.
The upscale Aman Group’s first flagship property features sumptuous villa accommodations designed in traditional Siamese style, nestled amongst tropical gardens and coconut plantations. Set on a hillside overlooking the private beach, the award-winning resort’s walled garden pavilions are wonderfully romantic and private for couples, with a sunken bath, oversized bathrooms, al fresco shower and ample outdoor space for dining.
These beautifully designed and spacious pavilions are distinctive for their lofty peaked roofs and polished wood interiors, exuding understated Thai elegance. Don’t miss spa treatments at the holistic wellness sanctuary, freshly-caught seafood at exceptional restaurants and sundowners at the beachside pool, for breathtaking sunset views. Beyond, Amanpuri’s deluxe fleet of cruisers offer blissful voyages around the surrounding islands.
Sprinkled across the Andaman Sea protected by a marine park, spectacular Phang Nga Bay is one of Thailand’s biggest drawcards and ranks amongst Asia’s most incredible natural wonders. Stunning Phang Nga is instantly recognizable for its ethereal seascape of limestone karst islands and towering cliffs jutting out of transparent emerald waters. Only a handful of the islands are home to accommodations or local residents.
The best way to explore this magnificent bay and its karsts – and generally get around – is by water vessel, preferably a longtail boat, private speedboat or chartered yacht for a day of cruising, stopping-off at pretty coves and hidden caves, snorkeling amongst colorful marine life and sea kayaking to aquatic grottoes. This is the magical backdrop for two honeymoon-worthy destinations, both under an hour from gateways Phuket and Krabi.
Khao Lak is a 12-mile stretch of lovely beaches backed by jungle-covered mountains, where a string of low-key resorts cater for those seeking tranquillity and nature. Alternatively, the unspoilt island of Yao Noi, positioned on Phang Nga Bay’s fringes, presents several idyllic five -star options for the ultimate honeymoon escape. Far removed from the day tripper hordes, this sleepy, sparsely populated island is home to stilted fishing villages, coconut plantations and deserted, pristine white sand beaches ringed by coral reefs – all easily visited.
This award-winning boutique beach resort rests on a tranquil, palm-fringed white sand beach along Khao Lak’s coastline and makes the perfect tropical retreat for incurable romantics – children under 10 years are not permitted to stay.
Luxurious and ultra-private guest residences are located in seven, separate two-storey buildings, each surrounded by botanical havens filled with herb gardens and indigenous trees.
The resort’s “Imagineer’s” – the ultimate personal concierge team – will happily help create your dream honeymoon and bespoke romantic itineraries. Suggestions cover intimate dining experiences in extraordinary settings; candle-lit dinners by a jungle waterfall, or on a private sand bar isle, or gourmet, safari-style picnic lunches on lush riverbanks. They can also arrange private charters on the resort yacht, Lady Sarojin, elephant treks, deep-sea fishing, scuba diving or simply soaking in tubs for two at the open-air, over-water spa.
Secluded amongst tropical flora and mangrove forests on Yao Noi Island’s east coast, Six Senses offers an idyllic castaway sanctuary with a sense of privacy and oneness with nature. Even the 30-minute speedboat transfer, skimming across jaw-dropping Phang Nga Bay, is spectacular in itself, before being welcomed with exceptional service.
A signature of the Six Senses ‘barefoot luxe’ brand, this rustic-chic hideaway is environmentally committed, with buildings inspired by local village dwellings and constructed with local teak and palm leaf thatch roofs, .merge with the naturally wild surrounds.
Although this five-star resort is popular with families, the stilted and elevated villa accommodations – resembling plush tree houses in jungle-clad hillsides – are well spaced-out and guarantee privacy.
All indulge with a 24-hour GEM (Guest Experience Maker) and many, jaw-dropping views of Phang Nga Bay from private, ample-sized infinity pools. For the ultimate in seclusion, book the aptly-named, The View; heaven-made for couples, with two waterfalls running beneath the bedroom’s glass floor, a sunken entertaining area, private cinema and amazing 360-degree vistas of those iconic karsts from the vast sundeck. Romantic activities cover authentic Thai-inspired spa treatments at hill-side salas and in-villa Champagne breakfasts.
On the east side, in the Gulf of Thailand, Koh Samui is the nation’s second largest island and among Southeast Asia’s top vacation destinations. For decades, this quintessential tropical island has been popular for its world-renowned beaches and rugged interiors smothered in coconut groves and virgin rainforest.
Although long established on Thailand’s well-trodden tourist trail, Koh Samui has managed to retain its natural beauty and offers a laid-back, casual vibe. Easily accessible by a short flight from the mainland (or beyond, with its international airport), Koh Samui is especially tourist friendly, with well organised infrastructure – easily circumnavigated by hired automobile – and world-class resorts and facilities.
Koh Samui magically balances a diverse range of activities and services, from golf and yoga to snorkelling in Ang Thong Marine National Park and tourist hotspot, ‘Fisherman’s Village.’ Not surprisingly, this paradise getaway is one of Asia’s premier honeymoon hotspots, with its gorgeous beaches, romantic sunrise and sunset cruises and super-luxe beachfront resorts with award-winning spas, many, geared to couples and tucked away on secluded beaches.
Secluded on Laem Yai Bay, on Koh Samui’s northwest tip, this luxurious beachfront resort offers a tranquil hideaway amid swaying coconut palms, fully immersing guests in Thailand’s idyllic island life but with all the Four Seasons upscale service. Like the island itself, this Four Seasons resort seamlessly caters for both romantics and families.
The 70 sumptuous accommodations all come with a private infinity pool and chic interiors filled with signature island-inspired accessories. Contemporary-style, one-bedroom villas perched on lush hillsides provide super private havens for couples, while Beach Villas lead out to the five-star’s private and pristine beach.
Bespoke honeymoon experiences cover sand-in-toes candlelit dinners a deux at a private cove or at a traditional sala under the stars, a flower-fragranced bath in an al fresco garden tub after a blissful spa ritual for two and your own exclusive outdoor screening of a favorite movie.
Offering a younger, more playful touch, super-chic W Koh Samui – the first W resort in Thailand – is another honeymoon favorite. Despite its stylish design, this five-star blurs into the tropical landscape: a northern peninsula where Bo Phut and Mae Nam bays converge into nine miles of pristine beach, surrounded by lush greenery.
The 74 luxurious, hi-tech villas are designed with couples in mind, with plenty of personal space, private pool and patio and oversized spa-like bathrooms with a two-person sized bathtub.
Book the sensational one-bedroom oceanfront villa for the ultimate dreamy hideaway. W also supplies a personal Honeymoon Concierge and bespoke honeymoon packages, along with their Whatever/Whenever® service, on call 24-hours. At the sleek AWAYSpa, indulge in a ‘Bubbles of Love’ couples’ package, with Champagne scrubs, soaks and massage, or simply gaze out at the spectacular sunrises and sunsets from your deck.
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