Ultimate Thailand Honeymoon Guide

Estimated reading time: 22 minutes

We have some affiliate links across our platform. If you click on these links and choose to book something or buy something, we may earn a small commission but at no extra cost to you. We appreciate this as it keeps the lights on at Honeymoon HQ! We want to assure you our recommendations are completely impartial and 100% independent; we only recommend what we love and we think you might too! Please read our full disclaimer on our policies page.

---

One of our favourite destinations, a Thailand honeymoon is everything!

With an abundance of beautiful islands, beaches with gorgeous limestone cliffs jutting out from sparkling emerald and turquoise water, lush junglescapes and bustling cities with history, culture and famously friendly faces, you will have an unforgettable honeymoon.

Thailand is the perfect place to celebrate getting married. We’ve been there so many times and we absolutely love it. Plus, it’s one of the most affordable destinations on the planet!

If you’re planning a honeymoon in Thailand, you might wonder, is Thailand good for honeymoon? How do you get there? How do you get around? What are the best things to do in Thailand? What are the best honeymoon hotels in Thailand?

Let us help you plan the perfect trip to the Land of Smiles with our Ultimate Thailand Honeymoon Guide!

Good to know about Thailand

Visa Required: 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.

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.

Travel Health: Thailand has a low risk of malaria in some areas and there has been previous cases of the zika virus. Travel vaccinations are needed for Thailand. 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.

Best Time to Visit Thailand

Thailand has a few different microclimates but overall the best time to visit Thailand for a honeymoon is from late November to April. It is 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.

How to get around Thailand

Planes, trains, automobiles, and tuk-tuks. There are many ways to get around Thailand! Most modes of transport are cheap too.

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.

Best Thailand Honeymoon Destinations

It can be a little daunting creating the perfect Thailand honeymoon itinerary. 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!

Bangkok

Airport Code: BKK & DMK

We love Bangkok! This vibrant, bustling city is one of the most exciting in the world. 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

Northern Thailand

Chiang Mai

Airport Code: CNX

Ancient coincides with modern in Thailand’s second-biggest city, Chiang Mai. 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

Chiang Rai

Airport Code: CEI

Despite the similar name, Chiang Rai is 3 hours north of Chiang Mai.

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

Pai

No airport – nearest airport is Chiang Mai (CNX)

A 2.5-hour winding, mountainous drive from Chiang Mai, Pai, in Mae Hong Son Province, is surrounded by lush mountain landscapes of dense jungle.

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

East Coast Islands & Beaches

Koh Samui

Airport Code: USM

Koh Samui is the most popular island in the Gulf of Thailand and is the ideal place if you want to be close to some of the action.

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

Koh Phangan

No airport – nearest airport is Koh Samui (USM) and you take a speedboat/ferry.

Koh Pha Ngan island is the home of the famous Full Moon Parties. This hedonistic gathering on Haad Rin Beach is a big draw.

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.

Where to stay: Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan Villas | Kupu Kupu Phangan Beack 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 –

Koh Tao

No airport – nearest airports are Koh Samui (USM) or Surat Thani (URT) and take a speedboat/ferry. You can also take a ferry from Koh Phangnan – approx 90 minutes.

Koh Tao island is famous for snorkelling and scuba diving off its coastline of beautiful beaches.

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

Koh Chang, Ko Kood & Koh Mak

No Airport – nearest airport is Trat (TDX) and you take a speedboat/ferry.

Koh Chang, Ko Kood & Koh Mak islands are in the north of the Gulf of Thailand, close to Cambodia in Trat province (Trat is also a 4-hour drive from Bangkok).

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

West Coast Islands & Beaches

Phuket

Airport Code: HKT

Phuket is Thailand’s largest island. Situated off the west coast of mainland Thailand in the Andaman Sea, this is the island in the middle of the action.

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

Airport code: HKT

Khao Lak is actually not an island at all, but you cross a bridge from Phuket island to the mainland to get there.

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’ve ever wanted to visit Seychelles’ white sandy beaches, 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

Koh Phi Phi

No airport – nearest airports are Phuket (HKT) and Krabi (KBV) and you take a speedboat/ferry.

Probably Thailand’s most famous, Phi Phi islands are a heavenly archipelago that is usually on almost every Thailand honeymoon bucket list.

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 overtourism, 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

Koh Yao Yai & Koh Yao Noi

No airport – nearest airport is Phuket (HKT) and you take a speedboat

Just a short speedboat from eastern Phuket, Koh Yao Noi and neighbouring Koh Yao Yai in the middle of Phang Nga Bay between Phuket and Krabi.

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

Krabi

Airport Code: KBV

Krabi is a province on the mainland of Thailand with offshore islands, too. Gorgeous limestone cliffs, wonderful beaches and a jungle interior – just like those insta and travel brochure images.

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 

Koh Lanta

No airport – nearest airport is Krabi (KBV) and you take a speedboat/ferry.

Koh Santa is a less crowded island off the coast of Krabi. The sunsets are incredible and it’s known for the abundant marine life in Mu Ko Lanta National Park.

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

Koh Lipe

No airport – nearest airport is Trang (TST) and you will need to take a speedboat/ferry.

Closer to Malaysia than Thailand, thee extraordinary islands in the Tarutao National Marine Park in the south Andaman Sea are a little slice of heaven without the crowds.

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

Cruises & Trains

While most couples will island hop and stay on the islands, it is possible to do sailing tours. G Adventures have some wonderful 4-night and 7-night small group adventures, sailing on a catamaran around the Andaman Sea.

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 to Plan a Thailand Honeymoon Itinerary

While you can base yourself on one island/beach area, the best way to maximise this incredible destination is to explore the multitude of beautiful locations on a tour of the country.

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:

Sample 10-night Thailand honeymoon itinerary:

4 nights Phuket | 3 nights Ko Yao Noi, Ko Yao Yai or Phi Phi | 3 nights Bangkok

or

4 nights Koh Samui | 3 nights Ko Phangnan or Ko Tao | 3 nights Bangkok

or

3 nights Phuket | 3 nights 3 nights Ko Yao Noi, Ko Yao Yai, Phi Phi, Koh Lanta or Elephant Hills | 4 nights Krabi

Sample 14-night Thailand honeymoon itinerary:

3 nights Phuket or Khao Lak | 4 nights Ko Yao Noi, Ko Yao Yai or Phi Phi | 4 nights Chiang Mai | 3 nights Bangkok

or

3 nights Phuket | 2 nights Elephant Hills | 4 nights Koh Samui | 2 nights Koh Pha Ngan or Koh Tao | 3 nights Bangkok

Sample 21-night Thailand honeymoon itinerary

3 nights Bangkok | 7 nights Northern Thailand (Chiang Mai & Chiang Rai or Pai) | 4 nights Phuket | 3 nights Ko Yao Noi, Ko Yao Yai or Phi Phi | 4 nights Krabi or Koh Lanta

Where to eat in Thailand

Hotels are usually on a bed & breakfast board basis because Thailand has an incredible dining scene and once you’re there, you’ll see why you’d be mad not to get out exploring all the wonderful restaurants on offer!

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.

Ethical and Sustainable Travel in Thailand

As you can see, we absolutely adore Thailand but like many nations, over tourism can have a negative effect because it’s such a popular destination (for good reason, it’s one of the most amazing places to visit!).

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!

Thailand Honeymoon Frequently Asked Questions

We would love to hear from you in the comments if you are planning a Thailand honeymoon. 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 contact us if there is somewhere you’d love to see on The Honeymoon Guide!

Happy Planning x

Related Thailand honeymoon articles:

Best Time to Visit Thailand – By Month

Thailand Honeymoon Packing List

Best Thai Islands for Honeymoon

Ultimate Bangkok Honeymoon Guide

Ultimate Phuket Honeymoon Guide

Ultimate Koh Samui Honeymoon Guide

Thailand vs Bali – which is best for honeymoon

Thailand vs Maldives – which is best for honeymoon