There is something truly special about a Thailand honeymoon. Whether you want to relax at a tropical escape, visit historical sites, explore vibrant cities, try incredible local cuisine, or just enjoy each other’s company at stunning resorts, Thailand can fit the bill. Nicknamed “the land of smiles,” Thailand has a warm, welcoming culture that makes it the perfect honeymoon destination. It’s also one of the few countries in Asia where same-sex marriage is legal, making it a safe place for any travelers looking to celebrate their love.

Ahead, we share everything you need to know about planning a Thailand honeymoon. From when to go to where to stay, here’s how to get your itinerary in order for a trip you’ll never forget.

What Time of Year to Travel to Thailand

If you want to jet off after your winter wedding, Thailand is one of the best spots to enjoy deliciously warm weather. The ideal time to visit is in January, February, or March—a period that is outside both the country’s monsoon season and its hot summer months. But do be prepared for humidity, and for temperatures to creep into the high 80s. December is also an excellent time to visit, but be warned that certain areas like Koh Samui will still get significant amounts of rain earlier in the month.

How to Get Around Thailand

Flying is the way to go when traveling between major Thailand destinations. There are a few domestic airlines that make this easy, but don’t wait to book your tickets; flights can fill up quickly. While most of these trips are relatively inexpensive, anything going in or out of Koh Samui will be pricier due to its airport operated exclusively by Bangkok Airways.

Within your destinations, you can rely on Grab—the region’s preferred ride-sharing and delivery app—to get you a car. You can even order a tuk tuk ride off the app!

Best Destinations in Thailand

When traveling as far as Thailand for your honeymoon, we recommend trying to spend as much time as possible in each location. Explore the area, learn its history, try the regional food, enjoy the incredible hotels, and, of course, have some fun and relax with your new spouse. Ahead, we break down the top locations to put on your itinerary.

Bangkok

There is a lot to see in the bustling city of Bangkok. After allowing yourself to adjust to the time difference, dedicate a half day to a private tour of Bangkok’s temples and palaces. Not only are they breathtaking, but the tours will teach you quite a bit about Thailand’s history and culture.

Be sure to spend some time in Chinatown with an empty stomach for a tour of incredible Thai and Chinese cuisine, and explore Song Wat Road to find a trendy mix of boutiques, cafés, and street art. Queer travelers should definitely put a trip to the Silom neighborhood on their itinerary to explore the vibrant strip of gay bars and attend a drag show featuring contestants from Drag Race Thailand. Given it’s the hub for most international flights, consider bookending your trip here.

Where to Stay: While there are plenty of amazing hotels throughout Thailand’s capital city, two really shine for a honeymoon experience. One is the iconic Mandarin Oriental Bangkok. Located on the Chao Phraya River, the 150-year-old hotel has hosted royalty, celebrities, and literary figures throughout its history. Be sure to relax by the pool, indulge in afternoon tea, and enjoy its incredible breakfast buffet along the river. You can also take the hotel’s ferry to its spa, or to the massive luxury mall Iconsiam. All the restaurants are delicious, but save a special evening for a two-Michelin star dinner with a view at Anne-Sophie Pic at Le Normandie. Then end the day with a nightcap at their jazz club, Bamboo Bar, which served as the backdrop for Sam Rockwell’s unforgettable monologue in The White Lotus’s third season.

For a more modern experience, stay at the Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River. The hotel feels like an urban resort, with plenty of fine dining options, a multi-layered pool, a luxe spa, and manicured grounds in the middle of a busy city. Yu Ting Yuan is a must-visit for a refined, authentic Cantonese feast outside of the city’s Chinatown and BKK Social Club needs to be on your agenda for its fun ambiance and creative cocktails.

The Golden Triangle

In Northern Thailand, at a spot known as the Golden Triangle, the country’s border converges with those of Myanmar and Laos along the Ruak and Mekong Rivers. On the Thailand side, the beautiful, hilly jungle is home to the Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation, a sanctuary where elephants roam through the forest and along the rivers. This more rural and lush area is surrounded by farmland, with its nearest city and airport in Chiang Rai. The White Temple, or Wat Rong Khun, is a must-visit for its breathtaking architecture and history.

Where to Stay: The main reason to visit this location on your honeymoon is for a stay at the Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle. The all-inclusive hotel has only 15 rooms total and elephants that live on the property in a collaboration with the nearby foundation. Wake up in the morning to the sound of elephants outside your chicly appointed tent (yes, it’s an actual tent, and you will need to unzip it to use the restroom) before heading to a breakfast of incredible local cuisine—and two elephants waiting for you to feed them their morning meal of fruits and veggies. With such a small guest count, the staff can pay special attention as you journey between activities like private dinners along the river, excursions through the elephant sanctuary, fishing with locals, and massages in the jungle-enveloped spa. In all, the experience strikes a healthy balance between top-tier luxury and roughing it—something to take into account before booking.

Chiang Mai

The mountainous city of Chiang Mai is a lush hub in Northern Thailand. There is a slower pace to this corner of the country, perfect for strolls through their night markets and Sunday street bazaars. Be sure to indulge in the region’s favorite dish, khao soi (a sort of curry soup made with noodles and coconut milk), and visit the area’s temples and national parks. There are also elephant sanctuaries that allow you to interact with the animals in an ethical way.

Where to Stay: Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai is a stunning property set amid beautiful green rice paddies. The well-appointed villas are a dream, as are the attentive staff. Definitely book a visit to the hotel’s Thai cooking school to learn how to make delicious traditional dishes and give yourself time to relax at the spa. For a special romantic evening, you can even book a private dinner along the pond with live, traditional music accompanying your meal.

Koh Samui

Koh Samui has become a bit better known recently, after serving as the setting for The White Lotus’s most recent season, but it has always been a hit among travelers looking to stretch out on the beach.

The main places to adventure are along the coast and out at sea. A boat trip to Ang Thong National Marine Park is a must when it is in season, with snorkeling along the way. You should also pay a visit to Fisherman’s Village to check out the local shops and night market. Make sure to grab a craft cocktail at Garnish before heading to the beachfront fire show at Coco Tam’s.

Where to Stay: At the Four Seasons Koh Samui, the main filming site for The White Lotus, golf carts are always at the ready to take you around the property, whether for breakfast at Koh Thai Kitchen, a day at the beach or by the pool with cocktails by the water, or a session at the spa, where services are inspired by the elements. If you’d rather stay put, each Bill Bensley-designed room comes with its own infinity pool overlooking the beautiful landscape, and it can play host to delicious in-room dining at any hour.

If you want to extend your trip further, consider a trip to a private island. Just off the coast of the northern shore, you can take a small boat to Cape Fahn, a resort on its own isle. Villas come with private pools and the service is warm and friendly. Long Dtai is a favorite for Southern Thai cuisine full of spice and flavor.

Phuket

Phuket may have a reputation for its raging nightlife, but it’s also home to some of the most incredibly luxe resorts in all of Thailand. Outside of the hotels, you can also venture by boat to the Phi Phi Islands, Phang Nga Bay, and Similian Islands for beautiful scenery and snorkeling. Just be sure to book the proper trip to ensure your excursion isn’t overrun with tourists.

Where to Stay: The Rosewood Phuket is the place to go for a truly elevated experience. Guests are appointed a personal butler who checks in throughout your stay, the spa is gorgeous and serene, and the pool and beach are full of fun. The chic rooms also come with their own pools and, in many cases, their own outdoor bathtubs. Ta Khai is a favorite for dinner, thanks to its vibrant flavors and commitment to sustainability at its open-air kitchen.

A hidden gem in Phuket is Trisara, the only resort in the region with a private beach. This if-you-know-you-know escape draws celebrity clientele with its low-key atmosphere, stunning grounds, and pool villas with panoramic ocean views. There are also plenty of delicious restaurants to choose from, including a “community-to-fork” experience at the Michelin-starred Pru.

Tips for Your Trip

A few rules of thumb ahead of your honeymoon: first, be sure to get a Digital Arrival Card at least three days before arriving in Thailand. It’s also best to be aware of additional weight in your luggage, so that you can pre-pay any fees for your domestic flights. You will be charged significantly more at the airport for a few extra kilograms.

You should always make sure to have Thai baht on hand, as it works best for tipping and purchasing food and items out in markets. Speaking of street markets, be wary of how food is prepared. While you should absolutely try the local cuisine, tap water should be avoided, and it’s best to look for ice cubes with holes in the middle to ensure they were produced safely. If you travel to a more remote area, like The Golden Triangle, consider taking malaria pills, but sunscreen and bug spray should be essentials on your packing list.

Finally, in Thai culture—like many others—respect is paramount. Be sure to cover your shoulders and knees if visiting a temple; you may not be allowed to enter if you’re dressed immodestly. While many people in touristy areas know some English, it’s polite to learn a few key Thai phrases, like “sawadeeka” or “sawadeekrap” (“hello” for women and men, respectively), and “kop khun ka” and “kop khun krap” for “thank you.” And, of course, don’t be afraid to try new things and embrace the amazing cuisine! Just be wary that the spice scale is a little different in Thailand. Start out with requests for mild and medium spice to test the waters.