Phuket Honeymoons – What You Need to Know

Phuket, Thailand, is one of the most romantic places on the planet. Plan your getaway with our guide to the best Phuket honeymoons.

Phuket, Thailand’s west coast, is unquestionably a romantic destination, dubbed the “Pearl of the Andamans.” Its world-renowned sandy beaches and azure waters combine to create a postcard-like appeal, complete with all the romance ingredients that a tropical island destination has to offer. A honeymoon in Phuket is an excellent choice for a couple’s post-wedding getaway. Our Phuket honeymoon guide will help you plan the perfect memory-filled tropical island honeymoon.

The majority of the action and accommodation options are concentrated on Phuket’s west coast. On the lower west coast, Kata and Karon Beaches are laid-back, family-friendly destinations. Patong, known for its lively resorts, is ideal for couples looking for lively beach activities, an abundance of watersports, and a lively nightlife. Kamala’s long, wide beach, gentle surf breaks, and upscale resorts entice visitors. Surin, Bang Tao, Nai Thon, and Nai Yang have excellent resorts and less crowded beaches further north along the west coast. Mai Khao beach, located north of the international airport at the top of the island, is dotted with 5-star resorts and long stretches of open space.

Life at the Beach

Phuket has over 40 beaches, many of which have rows of beach chairs and umbrellas, making them ideal for group relaxation. Most beachfront resorts also provide their own beach beds. Check out beaches like Kamala, which has excellent swimming and gentle surf breaks, or Patong, which has active water sports like jet skis and parasailing. If you want to avoid the crowds, the northern region of Phuket’s west coast, such as Bang Tao and Nai Yang, is ideal.

Many beachfront hotels and resorts have day-use beach clubs that are open to the public for a fee. Alternatively, independent Beach Clubs provide everything beach-related, including some indulgences. You get comfortable lounges and umbrellas, as well as access to a swimming pool, restaurants, bars, and possibly water sports activities. Some will gladly encourage you to stay for sunset and dance to the DJ beats. There are several options, including M Beach Club at JW Marriott Mai Khao, Catch Beach Club in Bang Tao, and Kudo Beach Club in Patong.

Day Trips to the Islands

Sure, Phuket, Thailand’s largest island, has a lot to offer; however, it is also surrounded by 32 smaller islands, some of which are only 15 minutes away by boat. Further south, there are the well-known Phi Phi islands, and many tour operators and ferries are available to take visitors on the two-hour (4-hour return) trip. However, for more couple-friendly island options away from the throngs, I recommend Phuket’s immediate neighboring islands.

Koh Racha Yai and Racha Noi (big and small islands) are popular tourist destinations less than 13 miles south of Phuket. Then there’s Koh Hea (Coral Island), just three miles southeast of Phuket, with two idyllic beaches and a small resort serving refreshments and meals.

Scuba Diving

Phuket is an ideal destination for honeymooners who enjoy scuba diving or couples who want to earn their PADI certification. For the majority of the year, it has warm waters, mild currents, world-class reefs, sea life, and excellent visibility. Many dive sites are easily accessible by day trips from Phuket, and Aussie Divers Phuket has an enviable reputation among Phuket’s many dive operators. The Similan Islands group is just a couple of hours’ drive north of Phuket and is home to one of the world’s top ten dive sites. Liveaboard dive trips are the best way to experience the underwater world of Similan Marine National Park; however, these trips are only available from October to May.

Activities to Warm the Heart and Create Memories

Southeast Asian countries, such as Thailand, have seen native animals such as elephants and gibbons “tamed” and used in tourism. These animals are also frequently sold illegally to foreign collectors. Today’s operators are consciously avoiding any of these activities. Here are two suggestions for rescue and rehabilitation projects. When you have a positive interaction with the wildlife, your visit helps to fund their continued ‘freedom.’

Gibbons were nearly poached to extinction on Phuket 40 years ago, but the Gibbon Rehabilitation Project has successfully reintroduced 50 gibbons to the same, now protected jungles. Visitors can volunteer for a half-day as a “gibbon research assistant,” assisting with food preparation and other tasks while learning about these primates. You cannot get close to the gibbons as they are being prepared for release back into the wild. You will, however, hear their stories and learn how to distinguish and comprehend their high-pitched calls and body language. Reservations are required for all visits.

A visit to Phuket Elephant Sanctuary is highly recommended as one of the leaders in ethical care and treatment of Thailand’s revered pachyderms. Unlike other elephant camps on the island, no riding or bathing with the elephants is permitted. You are, however, close enough to see these rescued giants being themselves. Visitors can follow them from the sanctuary’s new 600-meter (almost 2000-foot) long and 6-meter (20-foot) tall canopy walkway and take guided tours through the 30-acre sanctuary.

Gourmet Honeymoon Dining in Phuket

Remember to include food in your romantic getaway. After all, this is Thailand, home to one of the world’s most popular cuisines. Phuket was Thailand’s first city to be designated as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy. Baba cuisine on the island is descended from early descendants. These primarily Hokkien Chinese migrated and intermarried with the locals, fusing cultural traditions and cuisines. The fiery Southern Thai cuisine is also recommended.

Phuket has an impressive selection of restaurants, ranging from authentic family-run Thai eateries to Michelin-starred fine dining experiences. The 2022 edition of Thailand’s Michelin Guide includes over 60 eateries and restaurants, including many street food outlets. Using the Michelin guide for your Phuket feasting will reward both your taste buds and your budget.

The Blue Elephant restaurant is housed in a beautifully restored Sino-colonial building in Phuket Old Town. This is a memorable Phuket dining experience, featuring both local Baba-Peranakan dishes and classic examples of Royal Thai cuisine. Book a Thai cooking class with Blue Elephants Cooking School for a unique bonding experience for honeymooners. At the end of class, you all sit down to taste and compare your culinary creations.

Nightlife

The nightlife on Phuket is quite diverse, ranging from rustic reggae-style bars to rowdy nightclubs, rooftop venues, and beachside bars with sunset views. Some venues feature international DJs or live bands. Dinner and cabarets are available at a few venues. There are flamboyant ladyboy shows, or you can shimmy into a go-go bar with your loved one.

Patong, particularly Soi Bangla, the Walking Street, is the epicenter of Phuket’s nightlife. The action picks up around 9 p.m. and continues until the early hours of the morning. Karon and Kata also have a reasonably active nightlife. In the south, Rawai has some laid-back bars and entertainment venues. Bang Tao Beach has a few more upscale nightlife options, but the northern area is generally quiet.

Thai Massage and Day Spas

A Thai massage is a must-do while in Thailand; the traditional treatment dates back to ancient times. Your hotel spas are an excellent starting point for providing pampering, therapeutic, and couple-focused treatments. There are numerous simple and clean local massage shops on the streets and near most beaches. Massages last an hour and cost as little as $10. Let’s Relax and Oasis Spas are two independently owned and operated upmarket Day Spas. Each company has several locations on Phuket, and these may be a good alternative to hotel-based spas.

Other Honeymoon Activities in Phuket

Phuket is more than just beautiful beaches, breathtaking coastlines, and idyllic neighboring islands. Other attractions include waterparks, ziplining, Kart racing, ATVing, mini golf, and championship golf, as well as sacred Buddhist temples and shrines, shopping, local Thai markets, and much more. Beautiful viewpoints may also appeal to couples. Promthep Cape, perhaps the most famous, is ideal for watching stunning sunsets over the Andaman Sea.

Best accommodation for your honeymoon

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