Ultimate Phuket Honeymoon Guide
Planning a honeymoon in Thailand? You’ll need our ultimate Phuket honeymoon guide…
Planning a Phuket honeymoon? This island is one of the best Thailand islands with its picturesque beaches, warm tropical climate, and brilliant location.
Situated on the west coast in the Andaman Sea, Phuket is Thailand’s largest island.
Not only has it got wonders of its own but it’s one of the best jump off points to explore the natural wonderland of southern Thailand.
From the busy bars of Patong to the quiet island paradises just a short boat ride away, Phuket is a must add-on to your Thailand honeymoon itinerary.
Whether it’s relaxing at a luxury beachfront resort, exploring hidden beach coves on neighbouring islands, snorkelling in crystal clear waters, mastering the art of Thai cuisine, visiting an ethical elephant sanctuary, or partying the nights away in lively bars, Phuket has all this and more.
Let’s help you get planning. We’ve got everything you need to know with our Ultimate Phuket Honeymoon Guide!
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Best time to visit Phuket
Phuket has a tropical climate meaning it’s warm all year round with temperatures that hover around 28°C (83 °F). It also has a dry season and rainy season.
The best time to visit Phuket for a honeymoon is from December to April during the dry season when there is less rain on average.
Although, some intermittent rain showers even during the dry season.
The rainy season is from May to November. Over half the days of the month will see some rain. It could be just afternoon showers or thunderstorms or overcast days. The weather is unpredicatable at this time.
Prices are a fraction of high season. The worst months to visit Phuket are September and October during the heaviest rains.
It’s worth noting that the Andaman Sea islands like Phuket (and also Bangkok and the north of the country around Chiang Mai) have a different climate pattern to the Gulf of Thailand islands like Koh Samui.
Where to stay on Phuket
This is Thailand’s largest island so you’ve a lot of choices of areas to stay on a Phuket honeymoon!
Patong is a beachfront resort town and very lively to say the least. We’re talking loud tacky bars and neon-lit streets. It’s practically a mini-Bangkok.
It’s great for dining and shopping so there is definitely no harm in staying close to this area and visiting if you want some nightlife. However, it doesn’t exactly scream romance!
Kata, Karon, Surin and Bang Tao are not too far away but a little quieter and still have restaurants and bars.
There are also luxury resorts dotted around the island in more secluded spots included the east coast of the island, too and in the south around Rawai and Cape Panwa and in the north around Mai Khao.
For years, many ignored the capital Phuket Town, but it’s worth exploring for the food alone.
One of the best things about a Phuket honeymoon is the range of accommodation options available. From luxury resorts to boutique hotels, there is something to suit every budget and taste.
Phuket honeymoon hotels and resorts are not all-inclusive and the hotel prices mainly include bed & breakfast.
The good news is that a Phuket honeymoon is usually very affordable. If you love luxury (or if you have champagne tastes on a sparkling wine budget!), Phuket is your perfect honeymoon destination.
Read on for our top picks for Phuket honeymoon hotels.
Best Honeymoon Hotels in Phuket
Keemala
One of the most iconic Phuket honeymoon hotels, Keemala is nestled amidst the rainforest.
With its whimsical cottages and villas, inspired by mythical Thai creatures, this resort offers an immersive jungle experience.
From the unique Thai design, the ‘Enchanted Garden’ that supplies the vegetables served in the restaurants, the spa with Voya products, this is a true gem and one of our top picks for honeymoon hotels in Phuket!
If you must leave the resort, all of Phuket’s highlights are just a short drive away, too.
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Rosewood Phuket
One of our favourite Phuket honeymoon hotels, Rosewood Phuket is a sanctuary by the azure tranquil waters of Emerald Bay.
Beachfront luxury with stunning interiors. Opt for the Lagoon Pool Pavilion with unmatched Andaman Sea views and private plunge pool.
With a commitment to sustainability woven into its luxurious fabric, from farm-to-table dining to holistic wellness journeys, with all of Phuket’s considering activities close by. If you can bear to leave that is!
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The Slate
A sanctuary where industrial chic meets Thai charm, The Slate is a dreamscape of unique design inspired by Phuket’s tin mining past.
This retreat is tucked away beside Nai Yang Beach in the quieter north of Phuket.
There’s eight dining options, and an array of facilities like COQOON Spa.
Book a Private Pool Suite and if you can tear yourselves away the adults only Pulley Pool & Bar awaits with a waterfall and swim-up bar.
This is one of the best Phuket honeymoon hotels for affordable luxury.
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COMO Point Yamu
While we love the west coast for its stunning sunsets, Como Point Yamu is a must add to your Phuket honeymoon hotels short list.
Perched at the tip of Cape Yamu, with panoramic views of the Andaman Sea and Phang Nga Bay, it has a minimalist design, infused with local textures.
Como is haven of wellness, featuring COMO Shambhala retreat for holistic therapies. Dining is a mix of Italian and Thai.
Go for the Phang Nga Pool Suites with infinity pool overlooking the heavenly Thailand islands.
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Paresa Resort
Serenity awaits at Paresa Resort, a haven where the sky meets the sea. Each villa is a sanctuary with private infinity pools that blend into the horizon, endless as the ocean views.
Perched on the cliffs of Kamala, not too far from some of the busiest areas of Phuket, yet a world away.
The minimalistic lavish suites are ideal for whiling away the honeymoon days.
Don’t miss the sunset views from Michelin-recommended signature restaurant, Talung Thai.
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Trisara Phuket
Tucked away in northwest Phuket, Trisara Phuket is a luxury haven offering privacy and unparalleled sea views from its array of private pool villas and suites.
The Ocean View Pool Junior Suite is your go-to.
Don’t miss PRU, Phuket’s first and only Michelin Starred restaurant and Jara Spa, nestled in a garden meant to represent heaven on earth.
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Anantara Layan Phuket Resort
Tucked away on a tranquil white-sand bay, Anantara Layan is a jewel of natural beauty and one of the classic honeymoon hotels in Phuket.
Here, traditional Thai architecture harmonises with the lush landscape where beachfront dining under the stars and serene spa rituals inspired by ancient wisdom await.
Opt for the Grand Sea View Pool Suite nestled into the hillside overlooking Layan Beach. You can soak in your plunge pool, sink into the loveseat and take in a movie from your Apple TV.
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The Nai Harn
With its enviable position overlooking one of Phuket’s most pristine beaches, The Nai Harn offers unparalleled seaside luxury when it comes to honeymoon hotels in Phuket.
A dreamy beach and amazing views are the names of the game. With top-notch dining to a sea-view rooftop lounge and a day spa, The Nai Harn is a great addition to your Phuket honeymoon hotels short list.
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The Shore at Katathani
An adult-only sanctuary, The Shore at Katathani, is one of the most popular honeymoon hotels in Phuket.
With its beachfront setting, villas with private pools and sublime views, it’s easy to see why couples choose this slice of paradise.
Opt for the Sea View Pool Villa with a private infinity pool. If you can tear yourselves away, The Shore at Katathani is also ideal for couples who want to be close to the action.
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The Surin
Hidden among coconut groves on the most idyllic and secluded Pansea Beach, The Surin is a timeless favourite of Phuket honeymoon hotels.
Traditional Thai elegance meets modern comfort. Its cottages and suites, connected by jungle walkways, provide a serene retreat.
The Beach Suites are a gorgeous option but for a honeymoon treat, opt for a Pool Villa.
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Things to do on a Phuket honeymoon
There are so many things to do on a Phuket honeymoon that it can be tough to fit them all in. Remember, don’t try to do everything. Carve out some time for just relaxing by the beach or your private pool villa, too!
Island visits
One of the best things about a Phuket honeymoon is all the beautiful islands you can visit.
If you don’t have time to stay on the Phi Phi islands you can easily take a day trip to Maya Bay.
Once a hidden gem, before being made famous by the 1990’s movie The Beach. It’s a vision of turquoise waters and limestone cliffs. Following a period of closure due to over tourism, it’s now back open but it’s worth checking before booking.
James Bond Island is a highlight of Phang Nga Bay and a must add on to your things to do on a Phuket honeymoon short list. Its needle-like limestone tower has captivated visitors since its starring role in ‘The Man with the Golden Gun’.
The best way to see it is by twilight in a sea kayak with the added bonus of seeing the mesmerising glow of plankton under the stars.
A short hop from Phuket, Coral Island (Koh Hae) and the Racha Islands, comprising Racha Yai and Racha Noi are snorkelling havens with crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral reefs. You can book a day trip that visits them in one trip.
Khai Nok, Khai Nai and Khai Nui are three tiny jewels in the Andaman Sea are perfect for those seeking a relaxed day on powdery white sands.
Similan Islands is our top pick for a Phuket honeymoon activity wish list. You can access them from Phuket or Khao Lak.
These Seychelles-esque islands have some of the best snorkel and dive sites in the world, with crystal-clear waters, rich marine life, and coral gardens that dazzle with their beauty and biodiversity.
Cooking Class
One of our top picks for Phuket honeymoon activities is a heavenly Thai cooking class.
You can start with a visit to a local market where you’ll pick up some fresh ingredients and then under the guidance of expert local chefs, cook traditional Thai dishes.
Every time you recreate the tastes of Thailand at home you’ll be transported back to your Phuket honeymoon bliss!
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Ethical Elephant Sanctuary
One of our top picks for things to do on a Phuket honeymoon is to visit an elephant sanctuary.
Sanctuaries provide a safe haven for rescued elephants, allowing you to interact with these gentle giants in a respectful and caring environment.
Witness the majestic beauty of elephants up close, understanding their intelligence and emotional depth. Get to feed them and bathe them.
While many businesses are called ‘elephant sanctuaries’, these majestic animals can still be treated badly. If you’re allowed to ride an elephant or they perform an elephant ‘show’, avoid!
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Beach Clubs
Koh Samui on the east coast might have the Full Moon Party (and Phuket has its own parties too) but opt for something unique – the world’s first floating beach club.
Yona Beach Club is a unique multi-level floating beach club with four bars, a restaurant, and an infinity pool along with cabanas and daybeds.
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Adventure activities
Phuket is full of thrills for adventure seekers.
You can take an ATV tour and go quad biking through rugged jungle terrain. Zip lining across canopies with a bird’s-eye view of the lush landscapes.
How about mountain biking in Phuket’s hills or go horse riding along the shores of Kamala Beach?
Water Sports
A Phuket honeymoon is made for water sports lovers.
Go parasailing, stand-up paddle boarding, sea kayaking, jet skiing and white water rafting. Or get more modest thrills at a water park?
A Phuket honeymoon has all this and more!
Snorkelling & Scuba Diving
There are countless great spots for snorkelling and scuba diving. From Coral Island to Racha islands.
Thailand is a fantastic (cheap) place to do your PADI course and get your open water scuba diving licence.
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Spa Day
All the honeymoon resorts in Phuket will have heavenly luxurious spas and wellness centres, which offer a range of treatments that are perfect for couples.
You can enjoy a relaxing Thai massage, or even a couples sunrise yoga session.
But don’t miss the cheaper spots outside of the hotel, along the beaches and road ways, too where you can pop in for a massage for a fraction of the price of your luxury resort!
Phuket Island Tour
Discover the culture and scenery of Phuket with a tour of the island and the capital Phuket Town.
Phuket Big Buddha is a must and it also has a viewpoint with 360 panoramic views of the island. Wat Chalong is a must as the biggest temple, too.
Don’t miss the insta worthy Sino Portuguese architecture at Soi Romanee in the heart of Phuket and the swing at Nui Beach.
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Eating & Shopping
Phuket is a culinary paradise with the biggest array of dining experiences from traditional Thai to international flavours including French, Italian, Indian, and Japanese cuisines.
You can get most cuisines on the west coast tourist towns of Phuket!
Patong, Kata and Karon have many dining spots to choose from and many of the luxury hotels have divine dining experiences.
Now that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t eat in a non-descript local restaurant or street food stall – you definitely should. Go where the queues and crowds are!
Start with a street food tour. Start your day with a legendary street food breakfast at Roti Taew Nam, before exploring the rich history and authentic Thai flavours at Chuan Chim, Phuket’s oldest restaurant.
Try other local favourites like Tukabkhao, Surf and Turf by Soul Kitchen, One Chun, Nam Yoi, Mor Mu Dong, Krua Praya Phuket, and the renowned Blue Elephant, set in a stunning Sino-Portuguese mansion.
For a taste of luxurious fine dining, Pru at Trisara Resort offers an exquisite farm-to-table experience worthy of its Michelin star, while Acqua Restaurant serves up sophisticated Southern Italian fare.
Don’t miss the Bali favourite, Naughty Nuri’s. Suay Cherng Talay, known for its innovative take on Thai cuisine, rounding off the ultimate Phuket honeymoon foodie journey.
When it comes to shopping, it may not quite meet the dizzying array of Bangkok spots but don’t miss the local markets. You’ll even find shopping malls.
From counterfeit designer goods to tourist tat and street food, there are plenty of things to bargain for in Thailand.
Good to know about Phuket
Time Zone: GMT +7
Language: Thai
Population: 80,000
Currency: Thai Baht ฿
A few phrases:
Hi: Sawadee
Thank you: Khop Khun
Goodbye: Sawadee
Phuket Honeymoon Frequently Asked Questions
Is Phuket good for a honeymoon?
Absolutely, a Phuket honeymoon can be the perfect mix of luxury and adventure.
As the biggest island in Thailand, it has everything you might want—beaches, luxury hotels, fantastic dining, and plenty of adventure, too.
It’s one of the best jump-off points to explore some of the most beautiful islands in Thailand.
While you may want to steer clear of the busy areas like Patong, which admittedly aren’t that romantic (but great for shopping and nightlife), there are beautiful picturesque spots around the island.
How long should we stay in Phuket for our honeymoon?
The duration of a Phuket honeymoon will depend on several factors, including your available time, budget, and the type of experience you’re looking to have.
Many couples will choose to relax at a luxury resort for 7-14 nights and take day trips.
However, if you’re planning an island-hopping Thailand honeymoon itinerary and are visiting other places, we’d recommend at least 4 nights, which will give you 3 full days to relax and take some excursions.
How do we get to Phuket?
Besides Bangkok, Phuket is one of the easiest destinations to get to in Thailand. It welcomes flights from numerous global and regional hubs.
You can fly directly to Phuket International Airport (airport code: HKT) from Bangkok (BKK), Phuket (HKT), Koh Samui (USM), and Chiang Mai (CNX).
There are also direct flights from many regional airports like Singapore (SIN), Kuala Lumpur (KUL), Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) in Vietnam, Mumbai (BOM) in India, and Hong Kong (HKG), as well as other Chinese cities.
Additionally, there are direct flights from Middle East hubs like Dubai (DXB), Doha (DOH), and Istanbul (IST), as well as Australian cities like Sydney (SYD) and Melbourne (MEL).
Once you arrive, it’s easy to book a transfer to your hotel or resort.
Do we need a visa for Thailand?
Most nationalities can enter Thailand for up to 30 days without a visa. If you need help to obtain a visa, check out iVisa.com.
You will need 6 months of validity left on your passport.
Do we need travel vaccinations for Phuket?
Thailand has a low risk of malaria in some rural areas but there is low to no risk in Phuket. There have been previous cases of the zika virus in Thailand.
Travel vaccinations are recommended for Phuket.
We encourage you to visit the Center for Disease Control website for up-to-date travel vaccination recommendations or speak to a Tropical Medicine Specialist.
How do we get around Phuket?
There are a few options for getting around on your Phuket honeymoon.
Many couples base themselves in a Phuket honeymoon hotel and take excursions.
To get from A to B, opt for taxis or the convenient songthaew (converted shared truck taxis). You just pay a few baht, and they’ll drop you at your hotel. Always agree on a price with a taxi or songthaew before travel.
Hiring a private driver for a day is inexpensive. You could also hire a moped (although please ensure your travel insurance covers you as accidents are common).
Is a Phuket honeymoon package expensive?
Phuket, and Thailand in general, is a much more affordable destination compared to those in North America and Western Europe.
Travel costs vary by style, so it will depend on what kind of Phuket honeymoon experience you’re planning.
Generally, while we love a luxury honeymoon hotel in Thailand, if you eat at these establishments and use their spa and tour services, you will pay a premium.
But if you get a massage from a hut along the beach and eat the best food of your life in a local restaurant, you’ll find Phuket is an inexpensive place to honeymoon.
Should we use a travel agent to book a honeymoon in Phuket?
A good travel agent who books Thailand honeymoon packages regularly will be able to take care of all the nitty-gritty details, so it’s worth checking things with a trusted travel agent.
However, booking a D-I-Y Phuket honeymoon package is relatively easy.
Choose a flexible hotel rate with free cancellation with Booking.com. You can get great discounts on their loyalty programme.
You can book transfers and ferries easily with 12Go, along with tours and excursions on GetYourGuide or Viator.
Klook is another great platform that is popular for Asia tours and transport.
When you’re booking flights, if you can’t fly directly and are booking connecting flights, give yourself enough time to change planes.
We’d recommend at least a 2 to 3-hour layover for a stress-free experience.
Don’t forget to have travel insurance in place before booking!
What about travel insurance?
Here at The Honeymoon Guide, we want you to have the best honeymoon possible.
Safety is paramount, so it’s important to have travel insurance in place when you book your honeymoon.
If you don’t have travel insurance, check out WorldNomads.com to learn more.
World Nomads provide travel insurance for travellers in over 100 countries. As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance from World Nomads.
What should we pack for a honeymoon in Phuket?
When thinking about packing for your Phuket honeymoon, remember that it has a tropical climate, so opt for relatively comfortable clothes suitable for the heat (like shorts, t-shirts, and light dresses).
Add plenty of swimwear to your Thailand packing list and anti-mosquito protection.
Discover our FREE honeymoon packing list for Thailand.
Where can we combine with Phuket for a multi-destination honeymoon?
We highly recommend exploring other islands and areas in Thailand!
The easiest islands to combine with Phuket are the nearby Koh Yao Noi and Koh Yao Yai, which couldn’t be further from Phuket’s busier beach towns.
Six Senses Yao Noi comes from one of our favourite luxury hotel brands and is one of our top picks for honeymoon hotels in Thailand.
Check out the more rustic TreeHouse Villas.
Located on a pristine island, Koh Racha Yai, The Racha has minimalist villas.
The Phi Phi islands are famed for the incredible Maya Bay, and it’s worth spending a few days somewhere like Zeavola Resort to explore its world-famous islands.
North of Phuket, on the mainland, is the quieter Khao Lak, which has some stunning honeymoon hotels like The Sarojin, the more modernist Casa de la Flora, and Iniala Beach House.
If you have time, consider Krabi and Koh Lanta. Krabi is a lovely alternative to Phuket too.
You could also add on a jungle stay in Khao Sok National Park. Opt for Elephant Hills, an elephant sanctuary, or if on a budget, Our Jungle Camp – Eco Resort.
The great thing about Khao Sok is you can travel overland to the east coast to gems like Koh Samui.
You can fly easily to neighboring destinations like Singapore, or if you fly via Bangkok, you can tag on any other destination in Asia from Indonesia to the Philippines to the Maldives – there is a direct flight from Bangkok!
If you have more time, from Chiang Mai in the north of Thailand, you can sail down the Mekong River to Laos and on to Vietnam and Cambodia overland.
Asia is just the best continent for a honeymoon!
Things to consider before booking a Phuket honeymoon
While we love to recommend Phuket for honeymoon, there are some potential downsides that you might want to consider so you can make a well-informed decision and plan your dream honeymoon!
- Weather Vulnerability: While you would be unlucky to encounter extreme weather, Phuket has an intense monsoon season which can occasionally lead to regular heavy rains and thunder storms.
- Distance: Phuket is further away and if you only have a short time for your honeymoon, it may not be worth travelling so far away. You don’t want to have to deal with jet lag for your whole honeymoon!
- Over Tourism: Thailand is one of the planet’s most popular travel and honeymoon destinations and over tourism can be an issue for local people and the environment. Phuket is the large island and in many parts is very commercialised.
- Lack of all-inclusive resorts: For couples seeking a more resort-based all inclusive experience, then Phuket (and Thailand generally) may not the right choice.
Map Of Thailand
TL;DR?
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If you are planning a Phuket honeymoon, we’d love to hear from you. Let us know if this guide was useful or if we left out any essential information!
Check out more of our Ultimate Honeymoon Guides series. We’re always adding new guides and please chat with us if there is somewhere you’d love to see on The Honeymoon Guide!
Happy Planning x
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