Where to Honeymoon in Thailand for Beaches and Culture

Planning a honeymoon in Thailand? From the misty mountains of the north to the palm-lined beaches of the southern islands, Thailand is one of the most beautiful honeymoon spots in the world.

But, how do you choose where to go? Let us show you 13 romantic honeymoon destinations that will take your breath away…

Chiang Mai

Known as “The Jewel of North”, this historical city is located between two mountain ranges. While Chiang Mai is technically the 3rd largest city in Thailand, it has a small-town feel and a slow pace of life. Here you can grab a cup of coffee in a concept café and then spend your afternoon browsing the local shops in the walled Old City. The night markets offer delicious street food and one-of-a-kind handicrafts.

Chiang Mai is also a great place for adventurous couples. Elephant Nature Park is one of the few ethical elephant sanctuaries and the only place we recommend. Jungle trekking, chasing waterfalls, climbing up to mountain temples, and walking through the rice fields are just a few of the activities you can enjoy. While the nightlife isn’t as exciting in Bangkok, there are plenty of places with live music, bars, clubs, and jazz houses.

Accommodation highlights: Anantara Chiang Mai Resort has a beautiful riverfront pool, while Akyra Manor Chiang Mai offers an eclectic vibe and the best rooftop bar in the popular Nimman neighborhood.

Koh Samui

This picturesque island is one of the most famous honeymoon destinations and with good reason. Many beachfront resorts offer honeymoon packages and suites/villas with stunning sea views, private pools, and relaxing spa tubs.

However, it is the natural beauty and gorgeous beaches that attract couples to Koh Samui. Scuba divers and snorkelers can experience the coral reefs and marine life at nearby Koh Tao; however, the pristine archipelago of Mu Ko Ang Thong National Marine Park is not to be missed. And, you don’t have to go island hopping to find a piece of paradise. Our favorite beaches are Choengmon Beach (the sand is so soft), Lamai Beach (check out the iconic rock formation), and Chaweng Beach.

Accommodation highlights: Banyan Tree Samui overlooks a serene, private bay and offers a 5-star experience. Pavillion Samui Villas & Resort is located on the Lamai beachfront and has a more boutique vibe.

Pai

Located about 3 hours from Chiang Mai through a winding jungle pass, Pai is worth the journey. This quaint, hippy town attracts yogis, spirituals, and people who want to get away from the rigors of everyday life. It is also one of the most romantic places in Thailand where road signs read “Pai in Love” and “Fall in Love in Pai”.

It’s best to visit Pai during November, December, and January when the weather is cool. During the winter months, you will actually need a jacket and the mountains become wrapped in a cool mist. It’s the perfect time to soak in the Sai Ngam Hot Spring or the Tha Pai Hot Spring. If you want to enjoy the warm waters in private, you can rent a room with a private, spring-fed tub at Pripta Boutique Resort or Pai Hotsprings Spa Resort. Don’t forget to visit the Pai Canyon (the soil is so orange) and the Pai Night Market.

Accommodation highlights: the resorts in Pai are less expensive than in other parts of Thailand. Our favorite unique stay is The Oia Pai Resort (it’s like Santorini in the rice fields).

Koh Lipe

If you’re looking for the white sand beaches usually only found in postcards, this is the island paradise for you. Even though it’s remote, we promise this small island is worth the ferry/plane ride to get there! Situated in the Andaman Sea, near the border with Malaysia, Koh Lipe is part of Tarutao National Marine Park. Here you can take snorkeling trips with a traditional long-tail boat, go scuba diving, and even camp in the national park.

Koh Lipe is a great place to relax on the picture-perfect beaches and simply enjoy the laidback atmosphere. There are a variety of accommodations, ranging from simple bungalows to small resorts. There is also a walking street with delicious street food, colorful bars, and a handful of local shops.

Accommodation highlights: Bulow Casa Grand View Resort & Spa provides exceptional service and is the best place to watch the sunset.

Koh Phangan

While this beautiful island is known for its ruckus full moon parties and New Age scene, it’s also a tranquil island of immense natural beauty. You can rent a scooter and drive over the mountains, through the jungle and next to the sea. The hidden waterfalls and quiet beaches are a big draw for nature lovers, while the candlelit dinners on the beaches are a coveted romantic experience.

Koh Phangan is located right next to Ko Samui and Ko Tao, but it’s best to spend several days visiting this honeymoon spot. While Koh Samui feels upscale and sophisticated, Koh Phangan has a more relaxed, spiritual vibe. It’s also less expensive and there are usually fewer people on the beaches. Although the nearest airport is Samui International Airport, it’s easier to fly from Bangkok to Surat Thani International Airport and then take a ferry to Koh Phangan.

Accommodation highlights: Santhiya Koh Phangan Resort & Spa often offers great promotions and has an upscale, eco-chic atmosphere.

Bangkok

I wouldn’t recommend spending your entire honeymoon in Bangkok, but it’s the perfect place for a few days. This bustling city is where you should take street food tours, have cocktails at dizzyingly tall rooftop bars, and stay out all day taking in the sites. Also, Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport is the largest port of arrival in Thailand so most honeymooners pass through the capital city.

We recommend extending your stay for a few days so you can get over your jetlag and explore a piece of this city. If you are a fan of designer shopping, head to one of the pristine, indoor shopping malls, such as Emporium, Siam Discovery, CentralwOrld, or EmQuartier. However, the night markets and the floating markets (located on canoes about 1.5 hours outside the city) can’t be missed. Other attractions include the Grand Palace, the Temple of Dawn, and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha.

Accommodation highlights: along the Chao Praya River or in the trendy Sukhumvit neighborhood are our favorite areas to stay. We recommend Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok (splurge), or Ascott Thonglor Bangkok (mid-range).

Chiang Dao

Nested in peaceful northern Thailand, Chiang Dao is the ultimate romantic getaway. It’s the kind of place where you can sit outdoors and watch the stars for hours on end. Surrounded by limestone mountains that are covered in thick vegetation, Chiang Dao is a small village spread out over miles of rice fields. You won’t find any huge resorts, but there are plenty of boutique stays with swimming pools, treehouses, and walkways elevated over the fields.

Chiang Dao is also home to several glamping and nature stays that make you feel one with the wild. The best time to visit is during December and January when the weather is cool and you can enjoy a bonfire at night. While you won’t find any nightlife here, you can bike, explore Buddhist temples and soak in hot springs. If you crave civilization, you can always go to Chiang Mai, which is a little over an hour away.

Accommodation highlights: the average prices are much cheaper than in other destinations. For example, the bungalows at Chiang Dao Nest range from $25 to $45 per night.

Chiang Rai

Another great addition to your tour of northern Thailand, Chiang Rai is smaller than Chiang Mai, but still offers plenty to do. The White Temple, The Blue Temple, and the Black House are 3 of the most impressive constructions in Thailand. Fortunately, you can visit them all in one morning. The best time to visit is on the weekend so you can visit the Saturday Walking Street, a nighttime bazaar with beautiful local products and street food you’ll only find in the north.

Chiang Rai is also an excellent jumping-off point for day trips to the famed Golden Triangle (Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand converge at a breathtaking viewpoint), the tea farms, and several waterfalls in the area. If you are running short on time, we recommend taking a long day trip from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai, but spending at least one night is best.

Accommodation highlights: The Legend Chiang Rai Boutique River Resort & Spa is our favorite.

Krabi and the Phi Phi Islands

This seaside province is home to some of the most romantic honeymoon destinations in Thailand. While many visitors only explore the famous beaches and viewpoints of the Phi Phi islands, there is so much more to do. Krabi Town is an excellent place to try local seafood specialties, while Ao Nang is only 20 minutes away and has lots of restaurants and bars. You can take a long-tail boat from Ao Nang to Railay Beach, which offers incredible views of the gorgeous limestone cliffs and aquamarine waters.

However, Tubkaek Beach is the quintessential honeymoon destination in Krabi province. The uncrowded beaches are perfect for long walks and then home to some of the most comfortable resorts in Thailand. Water sports aren’t popular so you won’t be interrupted by the noise of jet skies. While the resorts offer upscale lounges and there are lowkey bars along the main road, you won’t be kept up by people partying. It’s truly the perfect place to enjoy quality time with your new spouse.

Accommodation Highlights: we recommend Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villa Krabi (Ao Nang), SAii Phi Phi Island Village (Phi Phi Island) and The Sarojin (Khao Lak).

Phuket

This is the largest island in Thailand and has all the creature comforts befitting a highly developed tourist destination. Phuket is the perfect place to relax at upscale beach clubs, enjoy romantic dinners in high-end restaurants, and stay in sophisticated resorts. While Phuket is often crowded, it’s an enjoyable destination for luxury seekers and people who crave beaches over cultural activities.

Deciding where to stay can feel overwhelming because the island is so big. Karon Beach and Kata Beach have many resorts, restaurants, and sunchairs for rent. While you’ve probably heard a lot about the nightlife in Patong, we don’t recommend spending the night here (it’s filled with creepy men and drunk people). Rawai Beach isn’t great for swimming, but it’s laidback and feels less touristy. However, you can find the best sunsets and lowkey dining options at Naiyang Beach.

Accommodation highlights: Keemala is an enchanting resort in the hills that features treehouse villas with private pools.

Ko Lanta

Although Ko Lanta is located within Krabi Province, it merits its own entry. If Phuket and Koh Samui are too commercial and crowded for you, then Ko Lanta is the perfect honeymoon destination. Keep in mind that it doesn’t have an airport so you have to fly into Krabi and then take a car/minivan to Ko Lanta.

However, it’s worth it to spend time in a place that is so relaxing and comparatively inexpensive. Many of the beachfront resorts start from $40 per night and come with pools and panoramic views of the sea. The gentle waves make the blue water safe for swimming during high tide and there are several hiking trails in Mu Ko Lanta National Park that appeal to adventurous couples.

If you are a scuba diver, we recommend visiting between November and April for a chance to swim with the whale sharks.

Accommodation highlights: Long Beach Chalet has thatched roof bungalows with outdoor bathtubs.

Phang Nga

Located north of Phuket and Krabi, Phang Nga remains a lesser-known destination within the honeymoon travel community. Yet, it has so much to offer. You can experience the beauty of nature while hiking through ancient jungles in Khao Sok National Park. If you’re lucky you might even see an Asian Elephant in the wild! The rangers also offer night hikes that let you experience the park when it’s most alive.

From here, we recommend staying for one night in a floating bungalow on Cheow Lan Lake. Depending on the time of day, the water appears a vivid turquoise or emerald green. Next, head to the beaches of Khao Lak, which feature powdery white sand dotted with palm trees. Unlike more popular tourist destinations, Khao Lak is completely peaceful and the resorts are incredible.

Accommodation highlights: our favorite stays are The Sarojin (Khao Lak) and 500 Rai Floating Resort (Cheow Lan Lake).

The Similan Islands

For couples seeking amazing diving sites, there is no better honeymoon destination than the Similan Islands. Located in the Andaman Sea, the Similan Islands are technically part of Phan Nga province but merit their own entry on our list because they attract a different crowd and are hard to reach.

This breathtaking archipelago is often overlooked simply because it is so remote, and it’s actually a national park with no comfortable accommodations. However, you can stay on a liveaboard boat anchored offshore, which is perfect for divers. Between March and April, you can see gentle manta rays cruise through the waters, while you can see leopard sharks and sea turtles year round.

Accommodation highlights: if you want to stay in a resort and take day trips to the Similan Islands, we recommend staying in Khao Lak.