Thailand honeymoons

There’s one reason above all else why honeymoons in Thailand are so popular – the beaches. And with over 1,500 miles of spectacular coastline, there are plenty of them to choose from. If you’re looking for a secluded retreat where you and your new spouse can enjoy some quality alone time, Khao Lak on the mainland’s west coast, and the little-visited Koh Yao islands, are both blissfully tranquil. Koh Lanta and Koh Lipe also have a laidback, adults-only vibe, while Koh Samui – although busier – is home to world-class spas and some of the best luxury beach resorts in all of Asia.

If you’re keen to spend your Thailand honeymoon in the water, rather than just lying on the beach, Koh Tao could be the island for you. Lined with small sandy coves, it offers fantastic diving, suitable for everyone from total newbies to seasoned professionals. Alternatively, if you’re fans of a party, you might want to consider Koh Phangan, famous for its raucous Full Moon and Half Moon Parties. Away from Haad Rin, though, it has a quieter, more sophisticated side, so you can enjoy the best of both worlds. Similarly, Phuket is a great all-rounder. Thailand’s largest island, it has glorious palm-fringed beaches, a cultural Old Town, swanky beach clubs and buzzing nightlife.

For some people, dream honeymoons mean all-inclusive beach retreats. But for others, that simply doesn’t cut it. If you’d prefer your first holiday as a married couple to be full of adventure, then a Thailand honeymoon could be just the ticket. Besides countless diving and snorkelling opportunities, there are heaps of other activities on offer.

The limestone karsts which dominate the landscape in Krabi province have made destinations like Phi Phi and Railay Beach particularly popular with rock climbers. Or, if golf’s more your thing, you’ll find numerous courses around Pattaya and Hua Hin – both of which are easily accessible from Bangkok. You can try Thailand’s national sport, Muay Thai, pretty much anywhere in the country, while in Northern Thailand you can practise yoga overlooking lush green paddy fields.

Thailand’s northern hinterlands are also a great choice if you’re keen hikers. Home to ancient hill tribes, the misty mountains which surround Pai and Chiang Mai are particularly beautiful. Alternatively, head south to the verdant wilderness that is Khao Sok National Park. As you trek through the jungle, you’ll likely come face to face with incredible wildlife like Asian elephants, spectacled langurs and Malayan tapirs. And if your Thailand honeymoon falls between December and March, you might even spot a rafflesia – the world’s largest flower which grows to almost one metre in diameter. But trekking’s not the only activity available in Khao Sok. You can also kayak the emerald waters of Cheow Lan Lake, take a speedboat ride through dense mangrove forest, or go tubing on the Sok River.

Spectacular though they are, Thailand honeymoons don’t have to focus solely on beaches and national parks. With their bustling markets, ornate temples and educational museums, Thailand’s cities also have plenty to offer. Bangkok in particular is well worth a visit. Known as the City of Angels, it’s a fascinating place with more than its fair share of luxury hotels. When you’re not busy pampering yourselves in the hotel spa, check out the impressive Grand Palace, Wat Pho – home to the city's largest reclining Buddha – and Wat Arun, which is one of very few Buddhist temples that you’re encouraged to climb.

Bangkok’s not all about temples though. Thailand’s capital also offers just about every shopping experience you can think of, with enormous malls, floating markets, flower markets, the world’s largest weekend market and, of course, endless street food stalls. And after a day of shopping and sightseeing, you can watch the sunset – with a drink in hand – at one of the city’s many rooftop bars. Or why not treat yourselves to a romantic dinner cruise along the Chao Phraya River?

A lot of effort is likely to go into planning your Thailand honeymoon, so you don’t want to ruin it by travelling at the wrong time of year. But because the country’s different regions each have their own micro-climate, the best time to visit Thailand depends on where you’re going.

Bangkok is stiflingly humid virtually all year, but the most comfortable time to visit is November to February. These months constitute the cool season – although the average temperature is still 28°C, they’re Bangkok’s driest months. From March to May, temperatures soar above 35°C and the humidity can become almost unbearable. Temperatures drop again during the wet season, which runs from May to October, but rain in these months is frequent and heavy.

Northern Thailand experiences the same seasons as Central Thailand, but it’s cooler here in the cool season – with night-time temperatures often getting close to freezing – and hotter in the hot season. Daytime temperatures from March to May frequently exceed 40°C, and forest fires turn the air hazy.

In the south of the country, the climate differs between the east and west coasts. Although temperatures are pretty constant year round, the islands in the Gulf of Thailand see heavy rain from September to December, while those in the Andaman Sea get hit by storms between April and October. If you’re planning to tick off various places and turn your Thailand honeymoon into a multi-centre holiday, your best bet is to go between January and March. At this time of year, there should be good weather in every part of the country. However, as with all tropical destinations, remember that short downpours can occur at any time – even on the sunniest of days.