Honeymoons in Thailand

To begin, I will make a strong claim: Thailand is, without a doubt, a top contender among honeymoon locations. Beaches, with their picturesque white sand, palm trees, and turquoise seas, aren't the only things that contribute to this impression.

Thailand provides couples with many options for tailoring their honeymoon, enabling them to spend time away from the beach and on it.

Some examples of such experiences include sleeping with a hill tribe in a secluded rice farming region, getting a blessing from a monk at a hillside monastery, or pitching a tent on a lake amid a jungle.

On top of that, the service at Thai hotels is second to none, and you may choose the level of luxury you choose without breaking the bank. Thailand may be known for its overcrowded resorts, but if you search carefully, you may find quieter, more secluded spots both on and off the shore.

Khao Lak, on the Andaman coast in southwestern Thailand, is one of several undiscovered beaches in Thailand. It has several high-end hotels, including the Sarojin, and is relatively undeveloped, so it's one of my favorite places to visit. Plus, you can easily stroll to the Khao Lak Center's local eateries and marketplaces.

You may easily access the Similan Islands by speedboat. These seemingly little objects have earned a reputation as Thailand's top diving and snorkeling destination. Powdery sand and coral-rich seas are the only visible signs of development on the islands; there are no hotels either.

Enjoy a tropical jungle vacation aboard a floating camp

Elephant Hills Tented Camp

About an hour's drive from Khao Lak lies Elephant Hills Tented Camp in the middle of Khao Sok National Park. The limestone cliff sides, coconut mangroves, and animal sounds make this location famous.

Even if there are few other tourists, this is far from an adventurous camping trip. With a four-poster bed, private bathroom, and hot shower, these safari-style tents are basic in design and powered by solar energy.

Staying for at least two nights will give you plenty of opportunity to get to know the local elephants, who are here for rehabilitation, and to learn about the elephants' sad history in Thailand as a result of the country's forestry trade.

Taking an active role with the elephants is how you're involved. You'll learn the ins and outs of their care from their unique mahouts as you go on jungle walks and river baths with them.

The other things to do are Canoe rides down the Sok River and jungle hikes with expert rangers eager to share their deep knowledge of the area's flora and wildlife. They will also help you spot any particular species you hope to see.

You can stay at the Rainforest Camp for your second night as a newlyweds. Amid a lush rainforest, ten tents float on Cheow Larn Lake. From the comfort of your tent, you will have the most incredible opportunity to see the abundant rainforest animals, including kingfishers, hornbills, and groups of gibbons.

From the deck of your tent, you may plunge into the crystal-clear water and swim, or you can paddle your kayak down the river's branches.

Explore Phang Nga Bay by sea kayak

Phang Nga Bay

Phang Nga Bay, the prototypical Thai seascape, is located on the Andaman coast, about 2.5 to 3 hours' drive from Khao Sok National Park. Coves, lagoons, and sea caves get their structure from the limestone rock faces, and top-heavy limestone pinnacles create the impression that they're floating on water.

I recommend going on a guided sea kayaking adventure around the bay to get the most out of it. During the day, you may go kayaking and picnic on an uninhabited island. Even with a guide, the most spectacular time to kayak is at night, when the moonlight washes over the rock formations.

Hill tribe stay

Hmong lady

It may not be the most typical honeymoon destination, but northern Thailand's H'mong and Lahu hill tribespeople would love to have you as their guests. However, if you're willing to immerse yourself in the rich history of Thailand's minority hill tribes, I think it works well.

Perched on a hilltop close to Chiang Khong in the Golden Triangle of Thailand is Lanjia Lodge.

You are not at an average hotel. Tribal members operate the lodge and reinvest some earnings into the neighborhood. Wooden stilted huts provide lodging in a seemingly remote location, with views of a valley, the Mekong River, and the Laotian border.

Batik painting, a traditional art form that uses wax to resist dye on cloth to produce vibrant and elaborate patterns, will be available to you, and you will get the chance to learn about the ancient practices of the tribes by meeting the local shaman.

Rice fields crossed by rivers characterize the agricultural environment, and some fantastic cycling routes exist.

Around Bangkok

Wat Arun alongside the Chao Phraya River

Board a repurposed paddy barge for a relaxing cruise along the Chao Phraya River.

As a traditional way to kick off a honeymoon in Bangkok, I recommend a romantic dinner cruise along the Chao Phraya River in a repurposed rice barge. This first impression of the city is atmospheric and, dare I say it, too romantic.

As the sun sets over the city, Pad Thai and green and red curries are part of the traditional Thai meal. After that, the show begins in the evening with dancers displaying balletic grace as they execute traditional Thai dances.

Private Thai blessing

I highly suggest receiving a Thai blessing if you seek a unique and genuine experience.

Perched at the peak of Doi Suthep in northern Thailand, "The Temple on the Mountain" offers sweeping views of Chiang Mai and the surrounding hills. The temple itself is worth seeing, but the natural beauty lies in the surrounding landscape.

Around the temple, you may arrange for a private blessing by a monk around sunset, when the atmosphere is most serene, and the air is more relaxed. I had never heard anything like the monks' chanting in the evening.

Thailand honeymoon spots that are out of the ordinary

The Float House, Kanchanaburi

Floating Lodge

While a day trip from Bangkok may get you to the River Kwai, my favorite way to see the river is to spend the night in one of the floating teak lodges at the Float House River Kwai Resort.

Erawan National Park is less remote than Elephant Hills, but it still has enough to offer: natural ponds for swimming, trails for climbing, and a seven-tiered waterfall to explore.

Barefoot luxury homestay in Isaan

Udon Thani, in the northeastern Thai province of Isaan, is where I stayed at Green Gecko on my most recent trip to Thailand.

Western influences have yet to make an impression on Isaan, a newly opened region to tourists in Thailand. Despite the area's lack of development, getting here is a breeze by car or aircraft.

Guests may experience barefoot luxury at Green Gecko, a private-hire, traditional stilted villa in Thailand. The home has a private pool with views of the Isaan landscape, a four-poster bed, and an outside bathroom with a shower where you can bathe under the stars.

Ten, your host, and the locals who help cook traditional meals will take care of you while you're here. Take a tuk-tuk, ride a bike around the villages, or, depending on the time of year, help plant or harvest rice in the fields.

Riding a boat on the Red Lotus Lake is another excellent idea. From November through March, a carpet of lotus blooms covers the river. During my outside visit, I saw the lake still had hundreds of lotus flowers.

Six Senses, Yao Noi

I dream of spending my honeymoon at the Six Senses Resort on Yao Noi Island. Set into the hillside, these luxurious pool villas overlook the Andaman shoreline.

The resort occupies a solitary plot of land on the mostly uninhabited island of Yao Noi. The service is impeccable, and you may watch movies at the beachside theater in the evenings. There is no more perfect spot to finish your honeymoon than this one.

Best time to honeymoon in Thailand

From November through March, you can bet on mild, dry weather in Thailand, with little chance of excessive heat or humidity. However, the months of April through October still provide many possibilities.

During that time of year, the Thailand travel guide suggests that the east coast is a more reliable option than the west coast. You'll get more bang if you plan your trip during the shoulder seasons.