Honeymoon Advice: Leisure, Luxury Make Thailand or Vietnam Perfect Getaways

Why choose between two destinations for your ultimate honeymoon when you can enjoy an expedition to Thailand and Vietnam steeped in culture, leisure and luxury? Picture gorgeous historic temples, pristine beaches and some of the most spectacular sunsets imaginable. Both countries have a broad array of sprawling, incredible resorts and properties that can be launching pads for doing and seeing plenty (or absolutely nothing at all).

Côn Đao, a grouping of fifteen islands off the southeastern coast of Vietnam is known as one of the most incredible places to visit in Asia. Six Senses Con Dao (sixsenses.com), the first five-star resort in the archipelago, offers villas with private infinity pools and unobstructed water vistas in a protected national marine park. Their three-night-minimum “Honeymoon Treat” package includes sparkling wine, arrival amenities of fresh fruit, chocolates and dinner for two at Vietnamese by the Market. The five-night-minimum package also includes a 60-minute spa treatment for two. The resort is secluded and offers water sports, beach activities and opportunities to hike in the tropical rainforest.

Da Nang, situated on the coast of the South China Sea, is another ideal honeymoon destination in Vietnam. Peppered with resorts and unique historic landmarks like UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Imperial City of Hue, the Old Town of Hoi An and the My Son Sanctuary, there’s plenty to see and do. Banyan Tree Lang Cô (banyantree.com) is a spectacular all-pool villa golf resort by the East Sea with sweeping views of the Truong Son Mountain Range and the longest private beach in Lang Cô. Banyan Tree Lang Cô offers honeymooners a private pool villa, couples spa treatments, Destination Dining experiences like an intimate dinner setup at you pool villa or in a romantic corner on the beach. For a truly sensual experience, the “Sense of Romance” package features a two-night stay in a Lagoon Pool Villa, a warm “Tranh” welcome with Intimate Moments setup and a bottle of champagne, spa treatments, a romantic dinner for two, full day car service to explore the nearby sites, late checkout and private car to the airport.

If you’re honeymooning in the Kingdom of Thailand, be sure to have more than “One Night in Bangkok,” as between the temples, museums, restaurants parks and nightlife, you could easily spend weeks in the capital city. Be sure to check out the Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha), Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn), Instagram some pictures from the Grand Palace and marvel at the enormous collection of Thai art and artifacts at the Bangkok National Museum. If you plan on shopping, make a beeline to Chatuchak Market for unique trinkets and deals at night markets like Patpong and Rot Fai Markets. Banyan Tree Bangkok is the ultimate urban oasis nestled in the Sathon/Silom area. Bangkok’s only 5-star all-suite hotel is the logical home base for you to both get acquainted with the city and occasionally escape the hustle and bustle. Their “Sense of Romance” package offering a Royal Thai dinner on Apsara dining cruise along the Chao Phraya River, monogrammed Banyan Tree bathrobes, airport transfers, “Moon Lovers” drinks at the Moon Bar, breakfast and discounts at Banyan Tree Spa Bangkok.

Ko Samui, Thailand’s second largest island, sits proudly in the Gulf of Thailand offering stunning beaches, sleepy fisherman’s villages, lush forests and many variations on relaxation. Na Muang Waterfalls, two cascades southeast of Nathon Bay, make a stunning backdrop for photos as does the Secret Buddha Garden, tucked into the inland hills. Six Senses Samui is comprised of 66 private duplex villas most of which come with personal pools. The Dining on the Rocks Restaurant is situated on ten terraced decks of weathered teak and bamboo at the tip of the headland and offers gorgeous views. Samui adventures include sunrise kayaking to Koh Som, sunset cruising, Thai cooking classes, snorkeling and exploring the Ang Thong Marine Park. Further South in the private bay of Lamai Banyan Tree Samui, the luxury all-pool villa resort offers a honeymoon package that includes a fun romantic setup, 90-minute spa treatment, breakfast and an optional “honeyteering activity” for two. Don’t miss their signature Spa treatment “The Rainforest,” which leads you through various environments that utilize the healing power of water. If you’re seeking the ultimate views of the storied Phang Nga Bay, consider Six Senses Yao Noi. Bask in the sun while gorgeous limestone pinnacles soar up from the water all around. Share adventures like diving, snorkeling, exploring Phi Phi Island (where Alex Garland’s novel The Beach is set), and kayaking through the mangroves.

If you have Phuket in mind, book your stay at the COMO Point Yamu (comohotels.com), which offers 360-degree views at the tip of Cape Yamu and overlooks the Andman Sea and Phang Na Bay. The quaint hotel DoublePool Villas by Banyan Tree – offers some 105 rooms, suites and private villas with interiors by Italian designer Paola Navone, featuring bright aquamarine colors with a hint of burnt orange (to reflect the sun-kissed sea). Phuket is known for beach fun, and there are plenty of options to get into the water. COMO Point Yamu offers Khai Islands snorkeling trips, sea adventures like Hong by Starlight, relaxation at the COMO Beach Club, diving through the pristine reefs in the Andaman Sea and trips to the Gibbon Rehabilitation Centre and Bang Pae Waterfall.

Also check out our article about influential designer in Southeast Asia, Bill Bensley