Junior Rasmussen
Thailand is a popular honeymoon destination for good reason. It offers a diverse range of experiences, from exploring vibrant cities like Bangkok to relaxing on serene beaches with turquoise waters and palm-lined, white sands. The country's diverse landscapes include lush jungles, stark mountain ranges, and scenic islands in the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea. For couples seeking an exotic and romantic getaway, Thailand delivers with its ancient temples, unique wildlife, and renowned hospitality.
Whether you're looking for adventure, relaxation, or a mix of both, Thailand has something for everyone.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Best time to visit | November to April, with December being the most popular month to visit |
| Weather | 28°C to 35°C from November to March |
| Rainy season | May to November, with August to October being the rainiest months |
| Festivals | Songkran (Thai New Year) in April; Loy Krathong (Festival of Lights) in November; Yi Peng (Lantern Festival) in Chiang Mai |
| Starting point | Bangkok, where most international flights land |
| Food | Deep-fried pork, noodle soups, filled breads, pad thai, guay tiew gai, Roti Sai Mai |
| Activities | Visiting temples, markets, and historical parks; snorkelling, scuba diving, kayaking, swimming, elephant sanctuary visits, hiking, wildlife spotting, massages |
| Popular destinations | Chiang Mai, Phuket, Khao Lak, Krabi, Ayutthaya, Koh Samui, Koh Chang |
| Accommodations | KC Grande, Chanalai Romantica Resort, Kata Beach, Ritz |
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What You'll Learn
Bangkok's street food and nightlife
Bangkok is known for its vibrant and diverse nightlife, ranging from live jazz music to world-class restaurants and bustling street food markets. The city has something to offer for everyone, from those seeking a relaxed evening to those looking for a more lively and exciting experience.
One of the most popular areas for nightlife in Bangkok is the Khaosan Road, known for its bustling atmosphere and young backpackers roaming the streets. This area offers a variety of bars, clubs, and restaurants, with something to suit every taste and budget. For a more upscale experience, the clubs in Thonglor are a popular choice, while the Soi Cowboy and Nana Plaza areas are known for their Red Light Districts and lively nightlife scene, especially on weekdays.
Bangkok also has a range of jazz pubs and clubs, such as the famous Saxophone Pub, where you can enjoy live music and delicious cocktails. The city also boasts an array of rooftop bars, such as the iconic Bar@494 located in the Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok, offering stunning views of the city skyline. For a more quirky experience, there are also comedy clubs and bars with unique themes, such as the Bar@494's whiskey and cigar lounge furnished with vintage bric-a-brac.
When it comes to street food, Bangkok is a culinary wonderland, offering an infinite supply of delicious options to suit every taste and budget. The city's street food scene is so renowned that it has even topped the Lonely Planet's survey as the best city to visit for food lovers. One of the best areas to indulge in street food is the Victory Monument, a major transportation hub with countless buses and the Victory Monument BTS station. Here, you'll find a circular buffet of restaurants, street food stalls, and snacks surrounding the roundabout. Don't miss the famous boat noodle alley on the northeast side, and explore the adjacent sois (small neighborhood streets) for hidden gems.
Bangkok's Chinatown, known as Yaowarat, is another street food haven. This area is renowned for its respected street food dining options, with serious Thai street food masters serving up delectable eats and full of food gem surprises. Explore the small market lanes and follow your nose to discover some of the best street food Bangkok has to offer. Rattanakosin, Bangkok's Old Town, is also a must-visit for street food lovers, offering a mix of heritage sites and delicious culinary delights.
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Chiang Mai's temples and markets
Chiang Mai is a city steeped in history and culture, with ancient temples, breathtaking mountain scenery, street art, street food, nightlife, and beautiful natural surroundings. It is surrounded by mountains and sits in the Mae Ping basin. Chiang Mai was once the capital of the 13th-century Lan Na Kingdom, and its historic centre is enclosed by walls and dotted with over 300 Buddhist temples.
Chiang Mai has something for everyone, from magnificent Buddhist temples to breathtaking mountain scenery, street art, street food, and nightlife. The city combines modernity and history, with ancient walls and moats and a fascinating blend of cultures, including architectural elements from the Lan Na Kingdom, the period when the city was under Myanmar's rule, and Chinese culture.
When visiting Chiang Mai, a great place to start your day is at Wat Phra Singh, a stunning temple complex located in the heart of the city. As you approach, you'll be struck by its intricate architecture, showcasing the traditional Lanna style. Inside, you'll find impressive golden Buddha statues. After exploring the temple complex, you can grab a quick breakfast from a street food vendor nearby, where you can try traditional Thai breakfast dishes such as jok (rice porridge) or khao tom (rice soup).
Another must-visit temple is Wat Chedi Luang, an ancient temple dating back to the 14th century. Although now in a state of semi-ruin, it impresses visitors with its size and grandeur. It contains a huge statue of Buddha, and a giant, sacred tree grows outside, protecting its entrance.
In addition to its temples, Chiang Mai is also known for its markets. The most famous ones are the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar and the Saturday and Sunday Walking Street Night Markets. The night bazaars and street markets are a unique bridge between tourists and Thai locals. You can find everything from clothes, handcrafted goods, and jewellery to all kinds of street food. The Saturday market begins in the afternoon on Wualai Road, while the Sunday market opens around noon at Thapae Gate and expands along Rachadamnoen Road.
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Island-hopping and water sports
Thailand is a great choice for a honeymoon, with its beautiful beaches, alluring scenery, and thrilling water sports. Phuket, the largest island in the country, is a great starting point for your trip. It is easily accessible, with an international airport, and offers a range of activities, including visiting the Sino-Portuguese architecture of Phuket Old Town, exploring the floating beach club, Yona, and zip-lining and whitewater rafting.
For island-hopping, you can choose from a variety of transport options, including long-tail boats, speedboats, and ferries. One option for island-hopping is to start in Phuket and then head to the nearby islands of Koh Yao Noi and Koh Yao Yai. Koh Yao Noi offers luxury and tranquility, with panoramic views of the surrounding islands and emerald waters. Koh Yao Yai, just a quick boat ride away, offers rustic charm, breathtaking views, and the opportunity to rent kayaks and explore the mangrove forests.
Another island-hopping option is to visit the Mu Koh Chang National Park, located in the Trat province. Here, you'll find the main island of Koh Chang, which offers amazing stay options and breathtaking beaches like Klong Prao and Kai Bae. You can also go on kayaking tours through hidden coves and hiking expeditions. To get to Koh Chang, you can fly into the Trat airport and then take a 30-minute ferry ride to the island.
If you're looking for secluded beaches and colourful underwater worlds to explore, the Similan Islands are a great choice. Accessible by boat from the nearby town of Khao Lak, these islands offer vibrant marine life and stunning underwater landscapes. Khao Lak itself is a lovely spot for couples seeking a quiet getaway, with local markets, temples, and authentic Thai cuisine.
For a balance of city, rainforest, and beach, you can follow an itinerary that includes Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Koh Samui. In Bangkok, you can visit iconic sites such as the Grand Palace and Wat Pho, explore the bustling markets, and indulge in the fine dining scene. Chiang Mai offers a mix of small temples, monasteries, and museums, as well as the famous Warorot Market. Koh Samui provides a beach escape, with serene shores and private pool villas.
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Elephant sanctuaries and national parks
Thailand is home to over 100 national parks, so you'll be spoilt for choice when it comes to natural attractions. If you're looking for a mix of city, rainforest, and beach, Elephant Hills in Khao Sok National Park is a great option. You can stay in one of their 20 safari-style tents floating above Cheow Lan Lake in the heart of Thailand's largest virgin rainforest. From there, you can easily head to the beach, with both Krabi and Khao Lak within a three-hour reach.
If you're looking for a more adventurous experience, consider a trip to Kui Buri National Park. This park is known for its large concentration of wild elephants—around 320—the largest in Thailand. You can explore the evergreen forests and grasslands of the Tenasserim Hills in an open-top 4x4, keeping an eye out for signs of elephant life, such as broken branches or dung. You can also visit the nearby Ruam Thai village, a farming community that has adapted its farming methods to live alongside the elephants.
For a more relaxed experience, consider a visit to Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park, which offers an expansive stretch of wetland, limestone peaks, and unspoiled white beaches. You can enjoy a relaxing boat ride along the mountain range and on the lotus-covered lakes.
If you're interested in ethical elephant experiences, there are several sanctuaries in Thailand that offer natural and responsible ways to interact with these magnificent creatures. Burm and Emily's Elephant Sanctuary (BEES), located about two hours south of Chiang Mai, provides a refuge for old, injured, or retired elephants. The focus is on letting the elephants be, and you can get involved in activities like preparing fruit treats and cutting grass for them. Elephant Nature Park, founded by award-winning conservationist Lek Chailert, is another well-known rescue and rehabilitation centre in Chiang Mai province. They offer private tours and sleepovers, allowing you to observe their rescued herd and gain a deeper understanding of their needs. Into the Wild is another sanctuary in Chiang Mai that provides a responsible and sustainable elephant experience, where you can trek through the jungle and observe elephants in their natural environment.
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Beachside dinners and boutique hotels
Thailand is a great choice for a honeymoon, with its mix of city, rainforest, and beach. Most international flights land in Bangkok, so this is where you'll start your adventure. Bangkok is known for its buzzing markets and exciting fine dining scene. For a romantic dinner, try Nahm (Thai), Zuma (Japanese), Sushi Ichi (Japanese), or L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon (French).
If you're looking for beachside dinners and boutique hotels, there are plenty of options to choose from. Phuket is one of the most popular honeymoon destinations in Thailand, with world-class amenities, luxurious accommodations, and breathtaking views of the Andaman Sea. The Shore by Katathani, a boutique resort located on Kata Noi Beach, offers spacious villas with private infinity pools, outdoor showers, and stunning views. Another great option is the Bandara Phuket Beach Resort, a 4-star resort located in the exclusive Cape Panwa area. This resort has a nice sandy beach and a great beachfront restaurant called Flamingo.
For a more unique experience, consider the Anantara in Chiang Rai. This boutique hotel offers mountaintop views that stretch to Myanmar and Laos, as well as Thai art, design, and serene poolsides. It's also home to a traditional mahout camp for rescued elephants, where you can enjoy a picnic by the river. Rooms at Anantara start at €834 per night.
Koh Samui is another great option for beachside dinners and boutique hotels. The Six Senses resort offers cool rooms, an outdoor cinema, an infinity pool, romantic dining, and a luxe spa. The Sarojin is another boutique resort that caters specifically to honeymooners, offering private dinners on the beach or in the jungle, couples' massages, sunset cocktails, and sun loungers for two. Rooms at The Sarojin start at €177 per night.
If you're looking for a more affordable option, consider the Banana Fan Sea resort in Chaweng Beach, Koh Samui. This resort offers different room categories with different price ranges and views, making it a perfect choice for honeymooners on a budget.
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Frequently asked questions
The best weather in Thailand is from November to April, with December being one of the most popular months to visit. The rainy season is from May to November, with August to October being the rainiest months.
Thailand offers a range of activities for honeymooners, including:
- Exploring the bustling city of Bangkok and its street food, markets, temples, and nightlife.
- Visiting the beaches and islands, such as Phuket, Koh Samui, and Krabi, for relaxation and water sports.
- Experiencing the culture and nature of Northern Thailand, including Chiang Mai and elephant sanctuaries.
- Enjoying romantic dinners, spa treatments, and luxury resorts.
Here are some recommended places to stay for a romantic honeymoon experience in Thailand:
- The Sarojin in Khao Lak, offering private sundecks, petal-infused baths, and candlelit dinners.
- Elephant Hills Tented Camp in Khao Sok National Park, for an intrepid camping experience surrounded by nature.
- Chanalai Romantica Resort in Kata Beach, Phuket, featuring a swim-up bar and romantic dinners on the beach.
- KC Grande on Koh Chang, with large rooms, beachfront bungalows, and excellent food.
Thailand offers unique experiences such as:
- Island hopping to smaller islands like the Similan Islands for diving and snorkelling.
- Attending festivals like Songkran (Thai New Year) in April and Loy Krathong (Festival of Lights) in November.
- Exploring ancient ruins like Ayutthaya, the former capital of Siam, and its impressive temples and historical statues.
