A Thailand honeymoon is a popular choice for Indian couples, and it is easy to see why. Flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai and Bengaluru take about three to five hours, hotels suit every budget, and the country offers beaches, islands, hill towns, temples and great food within one trip. This guide replaces our old post with updated advice on where to go, when to go on each coast, and the entry rules that apply from 15 September 2026.
Table of Contents
Quick Facts for Planning
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Visa for Indian tourists | 30 day visa exemption from 15 September 2026 |
| Arrival form | Free Thailand Digital Arrival Card, within 72 hours before arrival |
| Currency | Thai baht |
| Best months, Andaman coast | About November to April |
| Wettest months, Gulf islands | About October to December |
| Ideal trip length | Seven to twelve nights for two regions |
Entry Rules in 2026
Thailand revised its visa exemption scheme in 2026. The Royal Thai Embassy in New Delhi announced that from 15 September 2026, Indian ordinary passport holders visiting for tourism can stay up to 30 days without a visa. This replaced the longer stay that was allowed earlier. The exemption is for tourism only, so other purposes need the right visa.
Every foreign visitor must also fill in the Thailand Digital Arrival Card, known as TDAC, within 72 hours before arrival. It is free and should be filled in only on the official immigration website. Be careful of lookalike sites that charge a fee. A tourist entry fee has been discussed for years, but as of October 2026 it has not been introduced.
Carry a passport valid for at least six months, a return ticket, your hotel bookings and travel insurance. Rules can change, so check with the embassy before you book.
Choosing Your Season
Thailand has two main beach coasts with different weather. The Andaman coast in the west, which includes Phuket, Krabi and the Phi Phi islands, is driest from about November to April. From May to October it gets the southwest monsoon, with rough seas and some boat trips cancelled. The Gulf coast in the east, home to Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao, follows a different pattern, with its heaviest rain from about October to December. This means couples marrying in the Indian wedding season of November to February will usually find the Andaman side at its best, while a summer honeymoon often works better on Koh Samui.
Bangkok and the north are hot from March to May. The cool, dry months of November to February are the most pleasant for city sightseeing and for Chiang Mai.
Best Places for a Thailand Honeymoon
Phuket
Thailand’s largest island is the easiest beach base, with direct flights from several Indian cities. Choose a quieter beach such as Kata, Kata Noi or Kamala rather than busy Patong. Sunset at Promthep Cape and a boat day to Phang Nga Bay, with its limestone islands, are classic couple outings.
Krabi and Railay
Krabi is known for tall limestone cliffs rising from the sea. Railay can only be reached by boat, which gives it a calm, hidden feel. Couples can kayak through mangroves, take a four island boat tour or simply watch the sunset from Railay West.
Koh Phi Phi
Phi Phi is a short boat ride from Phuket or Krabi. Maya Bay on Phi Phi Leh, made famous by a Hollywood film, was closed from 2018 to January 2022 to let its coral recover. It is open again with visitor limits, and swimming in the bay is not allowed. Stay on Phi Phi Don for a night or two to see the islands before and after the day trip crowds.
Koh Samui
Samui has many private pool villas and good flight links, which makes it a strong choice for a luxury honeymoon. Its beaches at Chaweng, Lamai and Bophut each have a different mood. A day trip to Ang Thong Marine Park, a group of over forty islands, is worth the early start.
Koh Lanta and Koh Tao
For quieter islands, Koh Lanta on the Andaman side has long beaches and a slower pace. Koh Tao on the Gulf side is known for snorkelling and beginner diving courses.
Bangkok
Most trips start or end in the capital. Visit the Grand Palace and Wat Pho, take a long tail boat through the canals, and book a riverside dinner cruise on the Chao Phraya for a romantic evening.
Chiang Mai and Pai
The north offers a cooler, greener contrast to the beaches. Chiang Mai has old city temples, night markets and cooking classes. Many couples ride Route 1095 to the small hill town of Pai, a road famous for hundreds of tight bends. If you plan to rent a scooter, you need a valid licence for that class of vehicle and a helmet, and many insurance policies will not pay out without them.
Hua Hin
Hua Hin is a calm seaside town about three hours from Bangkok by road, popular with Thai families. It suits couples who want a short beach stay without a flight.
Romantic Things to Do
- Take a sunset sail or a private longtail boat around the islands.
- Book a couple’s Thai massage at a licensed spa.
- Join a cooking class and learn to make green curry and pad thai together.
- Snorkel over coral reefs at Koh Tao or around Phi Phi.
- Release a lantern only where it is allowed, such as at official Yi Peng events in Chiang Mai in November.
- Visit an ethical elephant sanctuary that does not offer rides or shows.
Food to Try Together
Thai food balances sweet, sour, salty and spicy flavours. Try tom yum soup, green and massaman curries, som tam papaya salad, pad thai and mango sticky rice. Vegetarian couples will find it easier than they expect. Say “jay” or “mangsawirat” to ask for food without meat, and ask the cook to leave out fish sauce and shrimp paste. Bangkok, Phuket and Chiang Mai also have many Indian restaurants, and most large hotels serve Indian dishes at breakfast. Street food is generally safe at busy stalls where food is cooked fresh in front of you.
For a special evening, book a beach dinner at your resort or a rooftop restaurant in Bangkok. Reserve a few days ahead in peak season and mention that it is your honeymoon, as many hotels add a small surprise.
A Sample Ten Night Plan
- Nights one and two: Bangkok for temples, shopping and a river cruise.
- Nights three to six: Krabi or Phuket, with a day trip to Phi Phi.
- Nights seven to ten: Koh Samui in a pool villa, or Chiang Mai for a cooler finish.
Honeymoon on a Budget
Thailand can be very affordable. Book flights early, travel just outside peak weeks such as Christmas and New Year, and mix one splurge hotel with simpler guesthouses. Use local ferries and buses for short hops, and eat at night markets, where a good meal costs very little. Pay in baht, avoid airport currency counters for large amounts, and tell your bank before you travel.
Safety Tips for Couples
- Fill in the TDAC only on the official site.
- Use official taxis or ride apps rather than unmarked cars.
- Check that boat operators provide life jackets.
- Respect temple dress codes: cover shoulders and knees.
- Never speak badly about the Thai royal family; it is a serious offence.
Before you go, read our checklist of documents for international travel and our guide to choosing travel insurance. Newly married couples may also like our tips to build intimacy in a marriage, and if you prefer a trip at home, see our piece on the Island Tourism Festival.
Download offline maps and save hotel addresses in Thai script so drivers can read them easily.
Pack light cotton clothes, reef safe sunscreen and one modest outfit for temple visits.
Keep digital and paper copies of your passport, visa stamp and insurance policy in separate bags.
A local SIM or eSIM bought at the airport makes maps, ride apps and calls much easier.
Island ferries can be cancelled in rough weather, so leave a spare day before your flight home.
What We Changed From the Old Post
The old post called Thailand an island, praised full moon party drinks served in plastic buckets and gave little practical planning help. We removed the errors, the party drink advice and an outbound link to a tour seller. We added the 2026 visa exemption for Indians, the TDAC arrival card, season advice for each coast, updated details on Maya Bay, a sample plan, budget ideas and safety tips.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Indians need a visa for a Thailand honeymoon?
From 15 September 2026, Indian tourists can stay up to 30 days without a visa. Confirm the latest rules with the Royal Thai Embassy before you book.
What is the best month for a Thailand honeymoon?
November to February suits most of the country, especially the Andaman coast. For a summer trip, Koh Samui is usually a better choice.
How many days are enough?
Seven to twelve nights lets you enjoy two regions, such as Bangkok and an island, without rushing.