After the ‘I dos’, throwing the bouquet and dancing the night away, say hello to Thailand, an isle of sugary, wave-lapped sands, ancient cities, sacred temples and deep tradition – and that lip-smacking cuisine that makes any honeymoon. Beneath its classic good looks, Thailand has a bevy of secret spots that, when combined, make for a honeymoon that will be even better than your imaginings. From treading through forests beside an elephant, to waking at dawn to witness orange-clad monks collecting alms, and a good dose of island bliss, Thailand redefines ‘dreamy’ every chance it gets. At Timbuktu, we know where to look for a Thailand honeymoon not found in the guide books, with a choice of hotels from the wonderfully rustic to top-tier luxury… And we’ve put together our favourite trips to inspire your Thailand honeymoon planning.
Best of Thailand from north to south
If you’d like a taste of (almost) everything Thailand has to offer, you’ll find it on our North to South Thailand honeymoon. Bangkok provides a sensational welcome to the ‘Land of Smiles’ with its larger-than-life streets infused with the scents of fried goodies and longtail boat rides down the River of Kings. Your journey north begins with an intriguing peek into Thailand’s history, revealed by the palaces, monasteries and ruins of Ayutthaya. Then it’s off to the sacred hills of Chiang Rai, an integral corner of the Golden Triangle, where your days might feature visits to the many serene temples, hikes into the mountains to meet members of an ancient tribe, or joining elephant at their sanctuary – prepare to get splashed! Then, follow the sun down to the coast to beautiful Phuket. Enjoy a few days of as much or as little action as you like, with scuba diving, kayaking and sunset cruises providing the former – and the latter? Laying out on a four-poster sunbed beneath a palm tree takes care of that.
Top spots to stay
You’ll be spoiled for choice in Bangkok when it comes to swanky hotels with stellar views, but The Siam is definitely a favourite. Sitting on the Chao Phraya River, the royal sights of the Old Town are in easy reach, if you can bear to leave your suite. A Thailand honeymoon does nothing by halves and that’s definitely true of Pa Sak Tong, an idyllic oasis in Chiang Rai – the solar-heated pool and private spa is proof enough! An easy choice for nature-lovers who also love a bit of luxury, Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp provides both, with wandering elephant, stunning interiors and dining by the water’s edge. Phuket has no shortage of places to stay but Amanpuri is a delight with its private beach and a plethora of activities for water babies.
Escape to Thailand’s rainforests & beaches
If a honeymoon to you is far, far from the rush and bustle, without another soul around for miles, our Rainforests and Beaches Thailand honeymoon is just the ticket. One of the oldest rainforests in the world, Khao Sok will immediately transport you to somewhere enchanting, where bears, primates and forest elephant amble amongst the foliage. You’ll explore tranquil rivers beside towers of limestone, swim in secluded forest lakes and trek to find waterfalls that gush with the clearest water. Then, it’s the beachy paradise of Krabi, where your gaze will be drawn to the forested karsts emerging from the Andaman Sea and your adventurous side piqued by snorkelling through the turquoise lagoon, kayaking down the coast or climbing to find the Tiger Cave Temple. Sublime doesn’t begin to describe it.
Top spots to stay
In Bangkok, the COMO Metropolitan offers a little taste of Thailand’s high life (it’s close to the hubbub of downtown) while managing not to break the bank. In Khao Sok, Panvaree Resort is a floating dream where adventure and relaxation live side by side. Your final stop is Tubkaak, a laidback boutique hotel on Krabi’s coast, for your fill of kayaking, island-hopping and hiking into the forest before enjoying a soak in the outdoor tub as the sun sets.
The wilder side of Thailand
For a Thailand honeymoon that’s less classic, more quirky, our Wilder Side trip brings together the most mysterious and untamed places on the island. Make a bucolic start in the ‘Rose of the North’, Chiang Mai. Once unreachable for most, this royal city has retained an aged charm, experienced first-hand on visits to some of the most sacred temples in the country. While Bangkok has the fame for its food scene, Chiang Mai also offers some incredible Lanna feasts. Speaking of which – the capital is next on the list, and you’ll enjoy the world-class cuisine and admire the ever-moving city from the top of the Golden Mount. Your honeymoon takes a turn for the truly wild in Khao Sok National Park, a surreal place of mist-swirled limestone karsts, lake swims and one of the world’s oldest rainforests. And after all that, it wouldn’t be fair to skip a few sun-kissed days on the coast and Koh Samui offers the perfect island escape. Explore the azure waters on private island-hopping boat rides and scuba dives, luxuriate at the spa or watch the waves with a cocktail in hand.
Top spots to stay
A gorgeous, luxury bolthole, the Four Seasons offers sumptuous villas, tranquil surrounds and interactive street food evenings to get you into the spirit of Chiang Mai. While we have many Bangkok favourites, The Siam, on the banks of the River of Kings, offers scenic boat rides, an on-site cinema and private butler to see to every need – magic. In a destination as unique as Khao Sok, Panvaree Resort is one of the best and only place to stay – and the vistas are beyond sublime. End off your Thailand honeymoon with another Four Seasons, this time on Koh Samui, where you’ll be pampered to your heart’s content.
A Thailand honeymoon with a taste of Laos & Cambodia
Should your dream honeymoon involve ancient cities, breathtaking temples and plenty of adventure, you’ll have the chance to do it all on our Best of Thailand, Laos and Cambodia trip. Kick off in vibrant Bangkok, the land of divine food, river cruises and royal relics that amaze. You’ll then depart for the shamrock-green hills of Chiang Mai (fancy travelling through the mountains by train?) to enjoy visits to some of the country’s most revered temples by day and strolls through the Night Bazaar after sunset. Your Thailand honeymoon continues in Chiang Rai, somehow even more peaceful than its neighbour, with boat rides through the Golden Triangle and unforgettable moments spent with elephant at bath time. Cross the Friendship Bridge into Laos for the next leg of your trip, starting in Luang Prabang, a royal city beside the Mekong where kayaking, hiking and meanders through the picturesque streets are all in order. In Siem Reap, the famed temples of Angkor are next and you’ll no doubt need a few days to marvel at as many of the finely-carved facades as possible. And if you can’t end your honeymoon without a little beach time, enjoy a few days of bliss on Cambodia’s balmy southern coast.
Top spots to stay
In Bangkok, The Peninsula provides swanky suites and river views without adding too much to the price tag. In Chiang Mai, Anantara is perfectly positioned to enjoy the downtown markets, serene temples and the natural surrounds, and in Chiang Rai, The Legend is well designed (hello whirlpool hot tub) without being overdone. Le Grand Pakbeng provides a cosy stopover in Laos, before a stay at the lovely Belmond La Residence Phou Vao, a jungle oasis with luxuriating treatments and scenic gardens. In Siem Reap, Belmond La Residence d’Angkor is just far enough from the rhythm of the town while still being close to the famous temples. And for your island stop, Koh Russey Resort on Koh Rong is a slice of paradise with seaside villas and spectacular snorkelling spots – the perfect end to a Thailand honeymoon!