Our 8 Favourite Romantic Things to Do in Thailand

Catering to seclusion and romance, Thailand is one of the world's most popular honeymoon destinations.

From private dining under a hidden waterfall to a dreamy hot air balloon ride over Chiang Mai, Thailand has it all.

These are some of our favourite unforgettable romantic things to do in Thailand.

1) Private waterfall dining

On the coast of Phang Nga Province, just a short distance from Phuket, are the peaceful white sand shores of Laem Pakarang beach, backed by tropical gardens and rainforest. In a lantern-lit enclave of Phang Nga’s wilderness, with a waterfall tumbling down before you, savour gourmet Thai cuisine with white linen tablecloths and Champagne flutes.

The stylish beachside hotel, the Sarojin, gives couples the chance to dine privately, either by a waterfall in a jungle clearing, on a secluded stretch of beach, ‘shipwrecked’ on a sandy islet, or in the Sarojin’s tropical gardens.

While you’re there: seek out the caves and lagoons of Phang Nga Bay by canoe.

2) Hot air ballooning over Chiang Mai

Northern Thailand’s mountainous landscape is a breath of fresh air from the heat of the south, with a great wealth of temples to step into, hill-tribe villages to visit and hiking trails to explore. Set out early to see the sunrise over the rolling green highlands, as you float over the land by hot air balloon, passing over the temples, villages and elephant camps that this region is so famous for. On landing, celebrate the flight with an indulgent Champagne breakfast.

While you’re there: climb the 290 steps or take a cable car up the mountainside to the golden temple Wat Phra That Doi Suthep.

3) Dining in a treetop pod

The idyllic island of Koh Kood is one of Thailand’s least visited islands, despite being one of the largest, with fishing villages scattered around the coast. For a luxury retreat, head to Soneva Kiri, where guests can dine with panoramic views out to sea, sixteen feet above the ground in Soneva Kiri’s bamboo Tree Pod. After being hoisted up to this private sanctuary above the forest, your waiter will bring you each fine dining course by ziplining in.

While you’re there: take a guided tour of Koh Kood to meet the fishermen of a nearby stilted fishing village.

4) Luxury safari-style camp stay

The Golden Triangle is the region in which Laos, Myanmar and Thailand meet, and where the Ruak River flows into the Mekong, making it especially rich in culture. By staying in the town of Chiang Rai you can experience this culture while exploring the surrounding landscape.

Arrive by long-tail boat at the luxury Four Seasons Golden Triangle Tented Camp, just outside Chiang Rai, which from its setting amidst the forest, overlooks an elephant camp and encompasses safari-style tents with handmade furniture, modern amenities and fine dining.

Hike along mountain trails and cruise on the Mekong by day, then as the sun goes down dine in the camp’s wine cellar and go for sunset cocktail at the site’s highest point, Camp Peak.

While you’re there: take part in one of the tented camps Thai cookery classes.

5) Sunset and canapes on a remote sandbar

Krabi draws many travellers for its limestone cliffs that are ideal for climbing, but the region also boasts idyllic islands and coastline, mangrove forest and national park. The award winning luxury hotel Rayavadee is bordered by these cliffs, as well as tropical forest, while facing out to the turquoise ocean.

Guests at the resort can be whisked off by speedboat to a remote beach on Poda Island or when the tide is right to a secluded sandbar, where they can watch the sunset while sangria and canapes are brought to them.

While you’re there: go island hopping and trek to the islands’ waterfalls.

6) Candlelit dining in a private cove

With its sublime coastline and luxurious hotels, Koh Samui is a relentlessly popular island escape. In a private lantern-lit cove on the island, dine on the Four Season Koh Samui’s top-rate cuisine with wine pairing, while traditional Thai music is performed exclusively for you.

Before returning to the resort, release Thai paper lanterns into the night sky for good luck, and end the meal with a glass of Champagne.

While you’re there: dive and snorkel around the Gulf of Thailand’s Ang Thong National Marine Park.

7) A starlit long-tail boat cruise

Phuket is one of Thailand’s most visited islands, yet it still has secluded bays to unwind at and nearby caves, lagoons and marine park to explore. Banyan Tree Phuket is on the island’s vast Laguna Beach, looking out to the Andaman Sea.

As the sun sets, drift across Banyan Tree’s sheltered lagoon on a traditional long-tail boat while your meal is prepared before you. Then, enjoy the spread of fine food and wine, to a traditional Thai music performance under a sea of stars.

While you’re there: sail around Thailand’s Andaman islands and snorkel to see the abundance of colourful marine life.

8) Cycling amidst rice paddy fields

Back up north in the verdant countryside that surrounds Chiang Mai, the Thai-style pavilions and villas of Four Seasons Chiang Mai are surrounded by landscaped gardens and paddy fields with a backdrop of the highland’s mountains.

Couples can set out on a leisurely cycle through the lush green paddies of the Mae Rim Valley, before returning to cool down in one of the resort’s pools.

While you’re there: meet the local farmers and join them in the paddy fields to learn about rice planting.