Ultimate Thailand Honeymoon Guide

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It’s the dry season in Bangkok, northern Thailand, and the west coast beach areas of Phuket and the surrounding southern Thailand islands in the Andaman Sea.

The rainy season is from May to October. However, the worst months are September to October during the heaviest rains, so we’d recommend avoiding these months.

The east coast beaches around Koh Samui in the Gulf of Thailand have a different climate pattern to the rest of the country and are usually fine from January to August.

While many couples travel the country during the summer months from May to August, expect humidity and some bouts of heavy rain showers and thunderstorms.

While backpackers will take overnight buses and trains, if you’re there for your honeymoon on a shorter stint, we’d recommend flying between the north, Bangkok and the islands.

You will most likely need to take some flights if doing more than the beaches. There are many airlines serving domestic routes, including Bangkok Airways, Thai Airways, Thai AirAsia and NokAir.

In Bangkok, there are a few ways to get around. The convenient Sky Train is a fantastic way to get to many of the city’s top landmarks. There is also a metro.

The most famous mode of transportation is probably the Tuk-Tuk, which can be more convenient than taxis, although taxis are widely available.

In the north and on the islands, most couples will either take taxis or tuk-tuks, including the cheap, safe and convenient songthaew (converted shared truck taxis). You just pay a few baht and they’ll drop you at your hotel.

You can also take scooter taxis or hire a moped/scooter. Although we would recommend caution and only hire these if you’re an experienced driver and have travel insurance.

You can hire bikes when you’re on the islands, too. To get from island to island, you will find ferries, speedboats and long-tail boats.

There are a range of accommodation types and room categories, from the world’s most luxurious five-star hotels with private pools to villa rentals to budget guesthouses and hostels and everything in between.

The good news is that it’s very affordable. In fact, you get some of the best value in the world in Thailand. If you love luxury (or if you have champagne tastes on a beer budget!), Thailand is your perfect honeymoon destination. 

Confused about where to go and how long to stay? No matter where you go, you’ll have a gorgeous time and we’ve got you covered.

Thailand is a relaxing tropical beach destination where you can do nothing and pass the time away with relaxing days on a beautiful beach, but as you’ll see there are lots of activities to do, too – islands to hop, the best beaches to see, and foods to try!

Thailand is jam-packed full of things to do and sights to see.

Whether it’s a massage on the beach, a yoga class at sunrise, snorkelling and scuba diving in the crystal clear waters, hopping to nearby islands, partying the days and nights away, cultural pursuits, or shopping, relaxing on the most beautiful beaches – the list is endless.

Where to go and where to stay? Let us take you on a virtual tour to the best Thailand honeymoon destinations to help you decide on the perfect Thailand honeymoon itinerary!

If you haven’t been to Asia before, it may feel a little overwhelming, but book a brief tour on arrival to get a feel for the city.

We’d recommend staying around Sukhumvit Road or in one of the luxury hotels on the banks of the Chao Phraya River.

Visit the Grand Palace and the many incredible Buddhist temples like Wat Phra Kaew. There are many high-end eateries but the foodie highlight is the street food – take a tour to find the best spots.

Visit China Town, go shopping in the MBK Center and Chatuchak Weekend Market. See the Floating Market and see a Muay Thai boxing match or try it for yourselves! 

Take a day trip outside of the city to Ayutthaya or the River Kwai. You could also spend a night or two at The Float House River Kwai. Take a trip to Kanchanaburi and visit the Erawan waterfalls.

Did we mention the nightlife? From the backpacker haven of the Khao San Road to the red-light district in Patpong to sophisticated clubs, Bangkok is the perfect city for night owls.

Bangkok also has some beach areas less than a 3-hour drive away. The most popular is Pattaya which we’d recommend avoiding for your honeymoon.

However, on the other side of the bay, you’ll find Hua Hin, which has some lovely luxury hotels like The Standard and plenty to do.

While it’s not your typical Thai island vibe, it was traditionally the holiday location of the Thai Royal Family.

Although not our first choice of beach destination in Thailand, it is good choice if you need a pool and beach to bookend your Thailand honeymoon.

Where to stay: Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok | Capella Bangkok | Kimpton Maa-Lai | Banyan Tree | Mandarin Oriental | The Peninsula | Rosewood

A honeymoon in Chiang Mai is perfect for couples who want to explore some of Thailand’s cultural and historic highlights.

Book in for a Thai massage to help banish the jet lag. Visit intricate temples with saffron-clad monks in the old city. Haggle (but not too hard) in a colourful local market and visit the Chiang Mai night market.

Visit an ethical elephant sanctuary and tag on Bua Tong Waterfalls, also known as Sticky Waterfall. Take a cooking class and discover northern Thai cuisine highlights like Khao Soi.

Marvel at the sacred Doi Suthep and visit a rural village. Explore Doi Inthanon National Park.

A honeymoon in Chiang Mai is magic for culture and history lovers.

Where to stay: Raya Heritage | Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai | Anantara Chiang Mai | 137 Pillars House | Tamarind Village

You could do a day trip from Chiang Mai or take a few days to dive deep into life in northern Thailand.

Chiang Rai is closer to the border of Laos & Burma/Myanmar, aka The Golden Triangle. It’s a little less busy than Chiang Mai as it’s a little more rural.

However, there are a lot of fascinating things to do. Explore unique ancient temples like Wat Rong Khun aka White Temple. Visit the Opium museum.

Take a boat ride on the mighty Mekong River. You won’t regret visiting this tranquil jungle region.

Where to stay: Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort | Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle | Mora Boutique Hotel

Close to the border with Burma/Myanmar, it’s a typical hippie and backpacker town. Even if you’re not interested in that side of things, it’s also a haven for cute coffee spots and great dining.

You’ll find nearby hot springs, waterfalls and temples. Watch the sunset over Pai Canyon and take a bamboo raft into local caves.

Where to stay: Reverie Siam Resort

Located just off the coast of the mainland, you’ll find tiny fishing villages to livelier beach towns and it has beautiful beaches, snorkelling and some of the best hotels in Thailand.

Stay on (or close to) Chaweng Beach if you want to be near the best dining and nightlife or consider Bo Phut, Choeng Mon or Lamai Beach around a 20-minute drive away.

There are luxurious resorts like Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui and Conrad Koh Samui, around 30-45 minutes drive away on the island’s west coast.

Go kayaking and snorkelling in Ang Thong National Marine Park, visit Koh Samui’s first ever elephant sanctuary, Samui Elephant Sanctuary and take an island ATV tour. Visit the stunning Koh Nang Yuan by speedboat.

Where to stay: Cape Fahn | Napasai, A Belmond Hotel | Banyan Tree Samui | Anantara Lawana Koh Samui | Vana Belle | Rocky’s Boutique | Kimpton Kitalay Samui | Silvadee Pool Resort Spa

Although you can take a day trip from Koh Samui and you can take the ferry just for the party, there is more to this paradise island than partying and we’d highly recommend staying for a few days.

Explore the tropical jungle and beautiful beaches like Hat Khuat aka Bottle Beach.

Where to stay: Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan Villas | Kupu Kupu Phangan Beach Villas & Spa by l’Occitane

When is the Full Moon Party in Thailand? We’ve included the schedule for 2024/2025 below:

Schedules can change if there is a national holiday or festival so double check with your hotel to make sure it aligns with your dates –

Swim amongst the coral reefs and abundant marine life. Some are just off the beach, ideal for water lovers.

Koh Tao is smaller than the other islands but it’s one of the best places to dive or to do a PADI course and learn to dive.

Sairee Beach is the most popular place to stay and although Ko Tao is a small island and a place to chill out, you’ll find plenty of dining and drinking options after a day of exploring the underwater life.

Where to stay: The Tarna Align Resort

These islands are a little more off the radar compared to Koh Samui and Phuket.

Koh Chang is the most popular of this archipelago, Thailand’s second largest island, so you’ll find everything you want from a Thai island.

Learn to dive, discover Lonely Beach, swim at Klong Plu Waterfall and snorkel at Mu Koh Rang National Park.

Ko Kood (or Koh Kut) is ideal for those who want a low key idyl with untouched jungle and waterfalls.

Explore the heavenly beaches of Klong Chao, Bang Bao, Ao Tapao and Ao Phrao. One of Thailand’s most unique and beautiful hotels, Soneva Kiri is on the island of Koh Kood.

Koh Mak is ideal if you want to get a bit more off the beaten track, away from the tourist crowds.

You won’t find big hotels or crazy nightlife here. Most of the island is owned by a few families who’ve resisted mass tourism and the development of the island.

Where to stay: Santhiya Tree Koh Chang | The Dewa Koh Chang | The Chill Resort & Spa Koh Chang | Soneva Kiri Koh Kood | Shantaa Koh Kood | Lazy Day The Resort Koh Mak

Starting your honeymoon in Phuket is ideal as it’s a jump-off point to other islands, day trips and nightlife. The west coast has palm tree lined beaches, many with beautiful beachfront resorts with perfect sunset views.

This is a large island and you’ll find bustling beachside towns and quieter coves with something to suit everyone.

Patong Beach is the busiest area, and Bangla Road is sometimes described as a mini-Bangkok.

So while you may want to explore the shopping and nightlife, we’d recommend staying a little further away from here.

Take a day trip to paradise islands like the Khai islands, the Racha Islands or the famed James Bond Island. Do a foodie tour of Phuket Town and go whitewater rafting and zip lining – just a taste of the activities available on a honeymoon in Phuket.

If you’re short on time, it’s a great base to visit other islands like Phi Phi. As we mentioned above, international flights from the Middle East and Australia fly directly to Phuket, so it’s an ideal entry point to the country.

Where to stay: The Naka Island | The Racha | Keemala | Amanpuri | Paresa Phuket | The Surin Phuket | Anantara Layan Phuket | Trisara Resort | Como Point Yamu | The Nai Harn | The Slate

Khao Lak is less busy with some beautiful hotels and it’s also a handy jumping-off point to the Similan Islands in the Andaman Sea.

If you had a honeymoon in Seychelles on your wish list, the white sandy beaches on these stunning islands are similar, with big granite boulders and abundant marine life. It’s also close to Khao Sok National Park, one of the best national parks in Thailand.

Where to stay: The Sarojin | Casa De La Flora | Moracea by Khao Lak Resort

Famous for its stunning beaches and abundant marine life. It also has plenty of nightlife on Ko Phi Phi Don.

Leonardo Di Caprio’s The Beach made Maya Bay famous but unfortunately because of over-tourism, the Thailand authorities closed it to the public.

It reopened in 2022 with a focus on sustainable efforts which are subject to ongoing review and is going to be closed for two months of the year, usually from August to October during the rainy season so check with your hotel.

Where to stay: Zeavola Resort | SAii Phi Phi Island Village

These are peaceful havens and two of the best islands to get away from the crowds. Tiny fishing villages, coconut farms, unspoiled beaches with limestone rocks climbing out of the Andaman Sea.

Although there are a smattering of luxury hotels, over tourism has not reached these islands making them some of the romantic places in Thailand.

Charter a boat to explore the beautiful islands nearby – Thailand honeymoon heaven!

Where to stay: Six Senses Yao Noi | Cape Kudu | TreeHouse Villas Koh Yao Noi | Paradise Koh Yao Noi | Santhiya Koh Yao Yai Resort & Spa

Abundant natural beauty awaits with some of Thailand’s most beautiful luxury hotels. It’s also a great jump off point for island hopping to Ko Phi Phi & Ko Lanta.

Ao Nang, the main village / town and Railay Beach (aka Rai Leh) are big draws. You’ll find plenty to keep you entertained!

Take a dip in Emerald Pool and climb 1,000 steps to the summit of Tiger Cave Temple to take in the magical views over the plains below or kayak through the mangrove forest. Go rock climbing or paddle boarding.

Take a boat trip to the 4 islands, Ko Poda, Ko Kai, Ko Mo and Ko Thap. Visit Krabi Town’s colourful morning market. Do a PADI course and learn to dive.

This is one of the most beautiful parts of the world.

Where to stay: Phulay Bay, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve | Rayavadee | Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Krabi | Banyan Tree Krabi 

Discover colourful bars on Klong Nin Beach, visit Koh Lanta Old Town, take a day trip to the tiny paradise island of Ko Ngai, go snorkelling on Koh Rok & Koh Haa.

Go paddle boarding and kayaking. Ko Lanta is a pretty honeymoon haven.

Where to stay: Layana Resort & Spa | Pimalai Resort & Spa

There are no ultra-luxe hotels or resorts here and they’re a little harder to get to (accessible from the Thai mainland or Langkawi in Malaysia or by speedboat from Koh Lanta and Phuket during the high season).

Koh Lipe is ideal for couples looking for something with a bit more of an adventurous feel. Go snorkelling, have a traditional Thai massage on the beach or take a yoga class. Make sure you squeeze in a couple of days in neighbouring Koh Adang.

Where to stay: Serendipity Beach Resort Koh Lipe | Adang Island Resort Ko Adang

Many of the big cruise ship companies incorporate Thailand into their Asia cruise itineraries.

For example, starting in Singapore and sailing the Gulf of Thailand, stopping at one or two of the islands and Bangkok before travelling to other parts of Asia, like Vietnam.

Find out more about cruising with our best honeymoon cruises.

If like us, you love the idea of a romantic honeymoon train journey? Go back in time on Belmond’s stunning Eastern & Oriental Express train that meanders through the lush Southeast Asia jungle from Singapore to Bangkok. Four days of classic luxury.

How much time you have and how much you want to relax vs sightseeing will help you decide on where to go, how many islands to visit and what islands to visit.

When planning your itinerary, remember that 2 nights will only give you 1 full day to explore/relax, 3 nights = 2 full days, 4 nights = 3 full days, and so on.

You’ll definitely want some relaxing days, but you’ll also want to get out and explore this magnificent country.

Thailand is easily explained as thinking about it in 4 sections, Bangkok, Northern Thailand, west coast islands and east coast islands.

For convenience (and because of the different climates), it’s sometimes better to pick one coast, although there is a direct flight between Phuket and Koh Samui with Bangkok Airways.

If you want to travel between them, you could also travel overland via Khao Sok National Park, one of the best national parks in Thailand.

The stunning Elephant Hills can pick you up from Phuket, Khao Lak or Krabi on the west coast and drop you at Koh Samui on the east coast. Spend 2-3 days exploring this beautiful jungle region and meet the wonderful herd of elephants.

Here are some ideas to help you plan your Thailand honeymoon itinerary:

Thai food is one of the world’s most renowned cuisines and it’s one of the best destinations on the planet for a foodie honeymoon. There’s nearly 500 establishments recommended by the Michelin Guide alone!

You’ll find high-end restaurants, tiny little huts serving authentic food along the beach and the best street food in the world.

Consider doing a cooking school shortly after arrival to immerse yourself in Thai cuisine (and also demystify things if you’re not an adventurous eater).

You’ll also find many other world cuisines to choose from in the major tourist centres too. For example, on Chaweng Beach in Koh Samui choose from Argentinian, Italian or an Indian (to name a few!).

There are so many amazing things to try – you’ll find all the dishes from your local Thai restaurant at home – Pad Thai, Papaya salad, and many curries and noodle dishes. Discover exotic fruits like durian and dragon fruit or more familiar ones like mango, pineapple and coconut.

Here are some tips to help you have a positive effect on your Thailand honeymoon!

• Elephants – While many businesses are called ‘elephant sanctuaries’, these majestic animals can still be treated badly. Do some research to ensure you are doing the right thing. The World Animal Protection organisation has some great tips. Don’t ride an elephant or go to an elephant ‘show’.

• Hill Tribes – It’s not that you should rule this activity out completely as tourism brings many financial benefits to the numerous hill tribes that inhabit the rural areas of The Golden Triangle.
  
  However, there doesn’t seem to be an ethical way to visit the “long neck” Karen women, famous for the stacks of rings that elongate their necks (placed there in childhood).
  
  There are reports that these women are exploited and the fees you pay to see them and take pictures with them do not trickle back into their pockets.

• Choose an underdeveloped island or area – Like many destinations around the world, Thailand feels the effects of over tourism. Choosing a less developed and avoid the crowds. Think Pai and Koh Lipe.

• Local customs – Thai people are religious, royalist and conservative. Don’t disrespect their King. Don’t go topless. Respect their values.

Discover more tips for a sustainable honeymoon!

• Weather Vulnerability: While you would be unlucky to encounter extreme weather, Thailand does have an intense monsoon season which can occasionally lead to regular heavy rains and winds which could spoil your honeymoon.
  
  
• Distance: Thailand 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, particularly on more popular islands.
  
  
• Lack of all-inclusive resorts: For couples seeking a more resort-based all inclusive experience, then Thailand is not the right choice.