To begin, I will make a strong claim: Thailand is, without a doubt, a top contender among honeymoon destinations. The picturesque white sand beaches, palm trees, and turquoise waters are just part of what makes this place so appealing.
Thailand offers couples numerous options for tailoring their honeymoon, allowing them to enjoy both beachfront relaxation and unique experiences.
Some examples of such experiences include spending the night with a hill tribe in a secluded rice farming region, receiving a blessing from a monk at a hillside monastery, or pitching a tent by a lake in the jungle.
Furthermore, the service at Thai hotels is second to none, and you can choose the level of luxury you desire without breaking the bank. While Thailand is known for its crowded resorts, if you search carefully, you can find quieter, more secluded spots both on and off the shore.
Khao Lak, located on the Andaman coast in southwestern Thailand, is one of several undiscovered beaches. It boasts a number of high-end hotels, including the Sarojin, and remains relatively undeveloped, making it one of my favorite places to visit. Additionally, you can easily walk to the local eateries and markets in Khao Lak Center.
You can also access the Similan Islands by speedboat. These relatively small islands have earned a reputation as Thailand’s premier diving and snorkeling destination. The islands feature powdery sand and coral-rich waters, with no hotels in sight.
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, nestled in the heart of Khao Sok National Park. The limestone cliffs, coconut mangroves, and the sounds of wildlife make this location truly special.
Although there may be few other tourists, this is far from a typical camping trip. These safari-style tents are simply designed but come equipped with a four-poster bed, a private bathroom, and a hot shower, all powered by solar energy.
Staying for at least two nights gives you plenty of opportunities to get to know the local elephants, who are here for rehabilitation, and to learn about their sad history in Thailand due to the country’s forestry trade.
You will take an active role in caring for the elephants. As you join jungle walks and river baths with them, you’ll learn the ins and outs of their care from their unique mahouts.
Other activities include canoe rides down the Sok River and jungle hikes with expert rangers eager to share their extensive knowledge of the area’s flora and fauna. They will also assist you in spotting any specific species you hope to see.
For your second night as newlyweds, consider staying at the Rainforest Camp. Amid a lush rainforest, ten tents float on Cheow Larn Lake. From the comfort of your tent, you’ll have an incredible opportunity to observe a variety of rainforest wildlife, including kingfishers, hornbills, and groups of gibbons.
From your tent’s deck, you can plunge into the crystal-clear water for a swim or paddle your kayak down the river’s tributaries.
Explore Phang Nga Bay by sea kayak
Phang Nga Bay
Phang Nga Bay, the quintessential Thai seascape, is located on the Andaman coast, about a 2.5 to 3-hour drive from Khao Sok National Park. The bay is characterized by coves, lagoons, and sea caves formed by towering limestone cliffs, with top-heavy limestone pinnacles giving the impression that they are floating on the water.
I recommend going on a guided sea kayaking adventure around the bay to make the most of your experience. During the day, you can kayak and enjoy a picnic on an uninhabited island, but the most magical time to kayak is at night when moonlight washes over the rock formations.
Hill Tribe Stay
Hmong Lady
It may not be the most conventional honeymoon destination, but the H’mong and Lahu hill tribespeople in northern Thailand would love to host you. If you’re willing to immerse yourself in the rich history of Thailand’s minority hill tribes, this experience is truly rewarding.
Perched on a hilltop near Chiang Khong in the Golden Triangle of Thailand is Lanjia Lodge. This is not an average hotel; tribal members operate the lodge and reinvest some of the earnings into the local community. Wooden stilted huts provide accommodations in a seemingly remote location, offering views of a valley, the Mekong River, and the Laotian border.
You will have the opportunity to learn about batik painting, a traditional art form that uses wax to resist dye on cloth to create vibrant and intricate patterns. You can also meet the local shaman and learn about the ancient practices of the tribes.
The agricultural landscape is characterized by rice fields crossed by rivers, with some excellent cycling routes available.
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 begin a honeymoon in Bangkok, I recommend a romantic dinner cruise along the Chao Phraya River on a repurposed rice barge. This first impression of the city is incredibly atmospheric and, dare I say, very romantic.
As the sun sets over the city, a traditional Thai meal featuring Pad Thai and red and green curries is served. The evening culminates with a show of dancers gracefully performing traditional Thai dances.
Private Thai Blessing
I highly recommend receiving a Thai blessing if you seek a unique and authentic 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 a visit, but the natural beauty of the surroundings is equally impressive.
You can arrange for a private blessing by a monk around sunset, when the atmosphere is most serene and the air is calm. I had never experienced anything like the monks’ evening chants.
Thailand Honeymoon Spots That Are Out of the Ordinary
Floating Lodge
While a day trip from Bangkok can take you to the River Kwai, my favorite way to experience 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 still offers plenty to explore—natural ponds for swimming, trails for hiking, and a stunning seven-tiered waterfall.
Barefoot Luxury Homestay in Isaan
During my most recent trip to Thailand, I stayed at Green Gecko in Udon Thani, located in the northeastern Thai province of Isaan.
Western influences have yet to make their mark on Isaan, a region recently opened to tourism. Despite the area’s limited development, getting here is easy by car or plane.
Guests can experience barefoot luxury at Green Gecko, a privately hired traditional stilted villa. The villa features a private pool with views of the Isaan landscape, a four-poster bed, and an outdoor bathroom with a shower where you can bathe under the stars.
Your host, Ten, along with locals who assist in cooking traditional meals, will take care of you during your stay. You can take a tuk-tuk, ride a bike around the villages, or, depending on the season, help plant or harvest rice in the fields.
Another great idea is to take a boat ride on Red Lotus Lake. From November through March, a stunning carpet of lotus blooms covers the river, and during my visit, I observed hundreds of lotus flowers still in bloom.
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 secluded plot of land on the mostly uninhabited island of Yao Noi. The service is impeccable, and you can enjoy movies at the beachside theater in the evenings. There is no more perfect spot to end your honeymoon than this.
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