Top 5 Honeymoon or Romantic Getaways in Thailand

Thailand is a dream destination if you're planning a honeymoon or just wanting a romantic getaway to an exotic location. Most people who honeymoon in Thailand still head to the beaches, and there certainly are some amazing ones here. But if you're looking for something a little more adventurous or different, there are plenty of other places in Thailand that are wonderfully romantic and also off the beaten path.

Here are some of the highlights of the romantic places Thailand has to offer, along with romantic hotels to stay in.

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Samui

Looking out over the lush treetops in Thailand — Hugo/Getty Images

Thailand's most popular honeymoon destination is Koh Samui. This large island in the Gulf of Siam has plenty of pretty beaches to choose from and the interior of the island is covered with coconut trees and soft, rolling hills.

The island is part of the Angthong Marine National Park and is just a couple hours by boat from Ko Phangan and Ko Tao, so there are ample opportunities for exploration and activities, including kayaking, snorkeling, and diving.

Where to Stay

Samui used to be known as a backpacker destination, but these days luxury resorts seem to dominate the available accommodations. If you're looking for something luxurious and modern, The Library in Chaweng is an excellent choice, though the sleek design and clean lines scream sexy a bit more than romantic. There are plenty of more traditional resorts on Samui. The Anantara in Bophut uses Thai-style design throughout and has romantic, lush gardens.

If you want to combine romance, relaxation and a touch of healthy living, the island is also home to yoga retreats and wellness spas, including Absolute Yoga, which has a lovely resort that's also reasonably priced, and the luxurious Kamalaya, which is more pricey but also more secluded.

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Krabi

Secluded Krabi is a little less popular than Samui and Phuket but no less beautiful or romantic. The dramatic cliffs, clear water and relative peace and quiet make this mainland beach destination a great place for couples.

Krabi is also very close to Phuket and the other islands in the Andaman Bay (including Phi Phi), so it's a great place to use as a base if you want to explore the rest of the region. Railay Beach, which is only accessible by boat, might just be the perfect place for a romantic getaway.

Where to Stay

Railay Beach has two nice but different romantic places to stay. If you want something rustic, private and relaxed, the Railei Beach Club rents houses on the beach. If your budget allows, the Rayavadee is the area's most luxurious resort and has free-standing bungalows with sea views just a few minutes from the beach.

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Phuket

Row of longtail boats at Phi Phi island — simonlong/Getty Images

Phuket, Thailand's largest island, offers visitors just about any experience they could want, including romance and luxury. Although the big, popular beaches such as Patong and Kamala are fun, if you're looking for something romantic, opt for one of the smaller beaches either in the north or south part of the island. Surin Beach, Kata Beach, and Nai Hark Beach are all more peaceful and relaxed than elsewhere.

Where to Stay

The Twin Palms in Surin is stylish, luxurious, and definitely for couples. The Trisara, also near Surin, is an ultra-luxurious resort with prices to match.

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Chiang Mai

Ancient temples, charming boutiques, and vibrant street life make the city of Chiang Mai a great romantic break for history and culture lovers and foodies.

If the great outdoors is more your speed during your Thailand honeymoon, the mountainous area surrounding Chiang Mai is lush and green and offers plenty of outdoor adventure including river rafting. Visitors to the Chiang Mai region typically head out on multi-day hikes, which often involve roughing it, but there are also exceptionally beautiful luxury resorts for those who want to indulge.

Where to Stay

Within the city of Chiang Mai are more and more small boutique hotels and resorts opening every year. On the less-expensive end, 3 Sis Bed & Breakfast is an excellent choice. It's pretty, well-maintained and just around the corner from some of the city's most important temples. Tamarind Village, in the center of Chiang Mai, is the only luxury resort in the old part of the city. Outside of the city, there are a few romantic, beautiful, and expensive resorts, including the Chiang Mai Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi and the Golden Triangle Anantara in Chiang Rai.

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Khao Yai

Hikers enjoy a scenic overlook in Thailand — Tourism Authority of Thailand

Just a few hours by car from Bangkok is the Khao Yai region, a mostly rural, mountainous area with small villages, lush greenery and the country's first national park and third largest.

If hiking and camping under the stars aren't what you consider romantic, the region also has wineries that offer tours and tastings. They're close enough to each other that you can easily visit the three main ones (PB Valley, Village Farm, and GranMonte) in one day.

Where to Stay

You can camp at Khao Yai National Park, and the park even rents tents so you don't have to worry about bringing gear. The wineries mentioned earlier also have their own resorts that look rustic but are in fact quite comfortable.

The Kirimaya Resort in Khao Yai is the region's most luxurious option. Their tented villas give guests a taste of the outdoors but have things such as private swimming pools and air conditioning.