The Only Honeymoon Guide to Phuket You’ll Ever Need!

It’s clear why Phuket is a popular choice among honeymooners, with over 40 beaches and the crystal clear waters of the Andaman Sea and 32 islands off its coastline, it is the ultimate beach paradise with an affordable price.

Phuket has it all: culture permeates every inch of the streets of the historic old town which are lined with Sino-Portuguese shophouses and buildings, Buddhist temples, stretches of gorgeous sandy beaches, vibrant coral reefs, incredible mouth-watering cuisine and a hedonistic nightlife scene.

Phuket as a honeymoon destination also has accommodation and activities to suit all budgets and here in the only honeymoon guide to Phuket you’ll ever need, we will show you how to make the most of this tropical paradise whatever your budget!

Where to go in Phuket on your honeymoon

Karon Beach

Karon beach boasts the third-longest beach on the island of Phuket and is a popular choice for honeymooners and couples.

The reason for this is that Karon has three areas to suit your every need: Karon city centre is a lively area with plenty of restaurants, shops, a charming Buddhist temple and also a vivid nightlife scene.

Karon Beach has several large resorts and access to an excellent beach and great snorkelling and finally, the area around Luang Poh Chuan Road which is renowned for its colourful and hedonistic nightlife.

Kata Beach

Another popular choice for honeymooners, Kata Beach has a stretch of over 1 mile of golden sand beach, incredible viewpoints, plenty of activities such as snorkelling and scuba diving and plenty of resorts to suit all different budgets. There is also a nightlife scene which will be sure to keep you entertained.

Kamala Beach

For those seeking a quieter and more relaxed honeymoon, away from the frantic nightlife, Kamala Beach is an excellent choice.

With a beautiful beach which is ideal for surfers during the months of May to November, Kamala is best for chilled out honeymoons and disconnecting and escaping from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. There are some restaurants and bars but choices are more limited in this area.

Phuket Old Town

Culture and history lovers will enjoy staying in Phuket Old Town where you can enjoy a slice of local Thai culture and lifestyle. There are plenty of markets, temples and attractions within easy reach and accommodation to suit every budget.

Though you are far from the beaches, don’t expect a lot of wild nightlife. It is best to combine a stay in Phuket town with staying some days on the beach as well, to experience the best of both worlds.

Bang Tao Beach

For a slice of luxury, head to Bang Tao Beach. This is the destination for travellers with money to burn who want to experience five-star resorts, world-class fine dining and a quieter experience away from the crowds. There are also golf clubs nearby for avid golfers.

Important information on Phuket for your honeymoon

Phuket as a honeymoon destination is an ideal combination of city and beaches and if you’re looking for sun, it is best to visit during the months of March to May, after this time, the monsoon season begins and the climate becomes more humid with frequent tropical rainstorms.

The most rainfall in Phuket falls during the month of September and it is a month that is best avoided. The most expensive time to travel to Phuket is during the peak season of November to February where you are guaranteed endless sunny days and calm seas,  but prices will skyrocket.

The currency used in Phuket is the Thai Baht and you can use your major credit or debit cards in most popular restaurants, shopping centres and hotels. It is always advisable to have some cash on hand and there are plenty of ATMs all over Phuket.

You should budget for around ฿3,012 per day in Phuket, this is around €90  per day per person. The average cost of a hotel for two is around is ฿3,316 per night, which is around €98 per night. You should budget around ฿596 per day for food and around ฿294 to get around.

Getting around Phuket is very easy, there are many forms of transportation: Tuk tuks are a popular choice and are ideal to travel short distances, but can be quite pricey, due to them being a tourist attraction, a short five-minute ride can cost ฿100, but the price is highly dependent on your bargaining skills.

Almost every price can be haggled and make sure to agree on the price before setting off or you will end up paying a small fortune.

Taxis are a good way to get around and fares usually start from ฿50 in a metred taxi for the first two kilometres, you can negotiate a flat fee for a longer journey, but again it’s important to negotiate before going anywhere. There is an app called GRAB which is used for booking taxis on your phone.

The cheapest form of transportation in Phuket is the Songtaew, or colourful, open-air buses. These are hailed from the roadside and have no scheduled stops. A journey from Patong, Surin or Kamala to the Old Town costs around ฿20!

Thai food is absolutely delicious and there are amazing dishes for foodies to enjoy, it’s always advisable to be careful with meat that hasn’t been cooked properly or undercooked shellfish. The best places have open kitchens or a high turnover of diners, to ensure that food is cooked fresh in front of you.

Do not be afraid to eat at the local markets and eat where the locals eat! To be on the safe side, make sure to pack some diarrhoea medication as often western stomachs are not accustomed to the spicy foods or foreign gut bacteria.

Meals are very cheap and an average budget of ฿596 per person will be suitable for your honeymoon, with fine-dining restaurants charging higher prices. Tipping is not expected in Thailand but is much appreciated.

Tap water is not potable or safe to drink, it is advisable to buy bottled water and many hotels supply complimentary bottled water to their guests. Be careful and avoid drinks with ice in them.

Finally, Thailand has its own culture and customs and visitors should be respectful of them. Clothes that cover the shoulders and legs should be worn when visiting religious sites, though many Wats and temples offer a sarong for rent to those who have not brought the correct attire.

Also, the head is considered sacred and you must not touch any locals on the head or point to people or things with your feet, considered the dirtiest and lowest part of the body.

Where to stay in Phuket on your honeymoon

Luxury:

Kata Rocks Hotel

For the ultimate in extravagance and luxury, Kata Rocks offers villas with one to four bedrooms decked out in minimalist designer furnishings with their own private infinity pools and terraces. Some of the villas offer spa rooms or soaking tubs and all rooms have Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs.

The hotel has an outdoor infinity swimming pool with a poolside bar, gym, relaxing spa, on-site cooking school and seafront restaurant.

Anantara Layan Phuket Resort

For a luxurious and indulgent honeymoon, look no further than the Layan Anantara Layan Phuket Resort, nestled on the hillside and overlooking the blue vastness of the Andaman Sea.

Rooms are decorated in a contemporary style and all have free Wi-Fi and balconies or terraces and Nespresso coffee machines.

The one or two-bedroomed villas have private plunge pools, outdoor soaking tubs or showers. The hotel has a fabulous swimming pool, beach bar and poolside bar as well as a fine-dining restaurant, it also boasts a fitness centre, spa and gardens.

Mid-range:

Novotel Phuket Karon Beach Resort and Spa

This hotel offers comfort and style just across the road from Karon Beach. The intimate and romantic hotel is surrounded by verdant tropical gardens and the rooms are light and modern with all the typical amenities.

They each have balconies and bathrooms fitted with rainfall showers; upgraded suites have private plunge pools and living areas.

The hotel has three different restaurants and two bars, including a poolside bar beside one of their three outdoor pools, there is also a gym, water sports equipment and massage service.

Cape Panwa Hotel

This chic hotel is situated on the hillside with views over the Andaman Sea and offers luxury at an affordable price. The rooms are contemporary and polished and have views of the sea from the balconies.

Upgraded suites have soaking tubs on the balconies where you can relax and take in the views. If you want to splash out, there is a two-storey penthouse with its own kitchen, dining and living area, infinity pool and private spa.

The hotel has 10 different bars and restaurants to choose from serving different kinds of international and Thai cuisine and also two outdoor swimming pools, gym and spa and access to a private beach.

Budget:

Mangrove Panwa Hotel

This hotel is great value for money and is situated at the end of Chalong Bay, there are individual accommodations such as villas which are fitted with Jacuzzis, small kitchenettes, free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs. The hotel facilities include a modern restaurant, infinity saltwater pool.

CC’s Hideaway Phuket

This three-star hotel can be found on the hills overlooking Karon Beach and this excellent hotel is great value for money.

The rooms are decorated with bespoke furniture and handcrafted linens with Thai flair and are equipped with flat-screen TVs with satellite, minifridges and free Wi-Fi and overlook the lush gardens of the hotel grounds.

The hotel has a rooftop restaurant serving up both Western and Thai cuisine, an outdoor pool, beach access, yoga classes and a bar.

Things to do in Phuket on your honeymoon

Hit the beaches

Phuket has some excellent choices among the 30 beaches which line its coastline. The coastlines are also surrounded by fringing reefs which are full of colourful tropical inhabitants, making this an ideal place to enjoy snorkelling.

There are so many options for water sports and activities to keep you entertained, including jet skis, parasailing and SUP.

As Phuket is a tourist hub, the beaches can be incredibly crowded during the high season, so if you’re looking for some peaceful beaches, head to Kata or Kata Noi beach.

Take in the sunsets on Promthep Cape

Speaking of beaches, they are the best places to catch an epic Andaman coast sunset. Head to Promthep Cape, famous for being an incredible sunset viewpoint with unparalleled views over the sea which extend as far as Koh Phi Phi islands on a clear day!

Its reputation for stunning sunsets means that it can get very crowded as the sun goes down, for a quieter place to enjoy the views, head to Karon Viewpoint.

Dive into the tropical waters of the Andaman Sea

If you want to explore the marine life of Phuket further, head out on a scuba diving trip or take a diving course.

From Phuket, you can explore the hundreds of dive sites of the neighbouring islands such as Koh Phi Phi and the world-renowned Similan Islands. These sites are home to incredible coral reefs full of abundant tropical fish species, harmless leopard and reef sharks and resident hawksbill turtles.

If you’re lucky you may even spot a majestic whale shark which can grow to over 10 metres in length! The best time to dive in Phuket is between October to May, when the seas are calm and visibility is good.

The Similan Islands are actually closed outside of high season. To begin your diving adventure head to Super Divers in Patong.

Explore the Old Town of Phuket

Phuket Old Town is a great place to visit for a day or night during your honeymoon. Here you can stroll through the streets which are lined with Sino-Portuguese style buildings, past small shrines, temples and shophouses.

Phuket has a vibrant street food scene and plenty of colonial and Chinese historical buildings for culture junkies due to its past as one of the major trading hubs between India and China which drew influences from cultures that extended as far as the Arabian empire.

Phuket town also has great shopping centres and plenty of restaurants to choose from.

Savour the local flavours at the Night Market

Thailand is home to night markets which are the best place to take in the local atmosphere, enjoy some local delicacies and see the hustle and bustle of Thai lifestyle.

The Phuket Walking Street in the Old Town comes alive on Sundays between 16 and 22 with stalls which line the 350-metre long street selling local foods alongside souvenirs and handicrafts.

For some retail therapy, head to the Chilva Market which is a trendy, up and coming boho market catering to younger Thais.

Visit Wat Chalong Temple

This famous 19^th-century temple is an attraction which draws thousands every year, it is one of the province’s most important Buddhist temples and is one of the 29 temples that can be found in Phuket.

Here you can smell the heady incense, watch local Thais praying and giving offerings, see monks in their vivid orange gowns praying and see ornately illustrated paintings within which depict Buddha’s life and journey.

As the temple is an important sacred site, you should observe the local customs and cover your shoulders and legs to show proper respect.

Ascend to the mountain and see the Big Buddha

The impressive Big Buddha statue can be found atop the Nakkern hills and stands at 45 metres tall. It is one of the most revered Buddha statues in the province and can be seen from most locations in Southern Phuket.

The buddha glitters under the sunlight and is a magnificent sight, from the top of the mountain you can see all of Phuket Town as well as the beaches of Karon and Kata and Chalong Bay, making this an ideal climb at sunset where you can enjoy the incredible 360-degree vistas.

Relax at a spa

Thailand is famous for being a wellness destination and with hundreds of spas and massage parlours in Phuket you are spoilt for choice if you’re looking for a little pampering. Don’t forget to try out a Thai massage, a style of massage which is very physical but will leave you completely blissed out!

Some of the best spas in Phuket include the luxe Banyan Tree Spa, situated in Bangtao Beach, which is one of Phuket’s oldest and most-established spas. A treatment at Banyan Tree comes with complimentary refreshments and relaxation time at their premises and treatments start from around ฿5,000 for a massage.

Another amazing spa can be found at Kata Rocks Resort, a five-star resort near Kata Beach where a 120-minute Thai massage will set you back ฿6,000. Both of these are pricey options, for cheaper options you can head to Orientala Spa in Patong with a 150-minute package starting at only ฿2,500.

Visit the stunning Phang Nga Bay

The Ao Phang Nga National Park is a world-famous nature reserve situated a short distance by boat from Phuket. The incredible limestone rock formations and mangrove forests, small islands and coral reefs make it the ideal day trip on your honeymoon.

One of the most famous islands in Phang Nga Bay is James Bond Island, known to locals as Khao Ping Khan, and it appeared as the backdrop to the Bond film “The Man with the Golden Gun”. A full day trip from Phuket, including kayaking into the caves of Hong Island and Panak Island will set you back around €91 per person, including hotel pickup and transfers.

Learn to cook Thai cuisine

Thailand is home to some of the most delicious dishes in Southeast Asia and you can learn how to take these recipes home with you and impress your family and friends after your holiday!

Learn how to make your favourite Thai dishes and enjoy eating them afterwards at Pum’s cooking school situated in Patong, which has courses starting from only ฿500 for one dish to a six-hour cooking course of ฿7,500 for passionate foodies!

Visit a Thai village on stilts

See how an authentic seafaring Indonesian community live in a village on stilts, where over 360 families of local fishermen thrive in Koh Panyee. Legend says that Toh Baboo, an Indonesian migrant, came to Koh Panyee and established a village there over 200 years ago.

It is said that when Toh Baboo and two other families set out to find a new home, that if one of them should find a suitable place to live with abundant fishing nearby, that they would raise a flag on the mountain so that the other families would come and join them there.

Toh Baboo found the island of Koh Panyee and raised his flag high, hence giving birth to the name which means “Island of the Flag”. Nowadays, all the current residents are his indirect or direct descendants. To see this fascinating island and learn about its residents, you can combine this visit with a trip to the incredible Phang Nga Bay by speedboat in a full-day tour.

Romantic places to eat on your honeymoon in Phuket

La Gritta

Undoubtedly one of Phuket’s most romantic restaurants, this contemporary Italian restaurant offers delicious cuisine served on an outdoor terrace with views over Patong Bay.

The restaurant is located at the Amari Phuket Resort and serves up delicious Italian classics, pasta, pizza and grilled meats and has an impressive wine cellar where you will be spoilt for choice for your dinner under the stars, only interrupted by the sound of the waves lapping the shoreline and the cool evening breeze through your hair.

Mom Tri’s Kitchen

One of Phuket’s most elegant dining establishments, upon entering you will see carp swimming in tranquil rock pools and the tables are surrounded by lush manicured gardens, transmitting a sense of peace. The restaurant is a feast for all the senses with its views over Kata Yai and Kata Noi beach.

The restaurant serves international cuisine along with all the Thai classics and has an impressive cellar boasting over 700 labels of wine from different countries. It is no surprise that it has won several awards for outstanding cuisine and ambience.

On the Rock

This restaurant is located within the Marina Phuket Resort on Karon Beach and is a Phuket institution serving up delicious, freshly-caught seafood. The décor resembles a beach cottage overlooking the beach, surrounded by huge boulders which form its base.

It serves up mouth-watering Thai classics such as fried fish in tamarind sauce, sautéed king prawns and also plenty of international fish dishes. Food may not be innovative but is always cooked to perfection and is the ideal place to experience some local classics.

Baan Rim Pa Patong

For a Royal Thai fine-dining experience, pay a visit to Baan Rim Pa Patong, from the same group that owns the renowned restaurant, Joe’s Downstairs. If you want to taste what Royal Thais ate in times gone by, this award-winning restaurant will provide the culinary experience you are looking for.

The cliff-side restaurant offers panoramic views of the Andaman Sea and creates delicious dishes such as Tiger Prawns in a rich, sticky tamarind sauce or chicken glazed in honey and wrapped in pandanus leaves.

Black Ginger Restaurant

Located in the Slate Resort overlooking Nai Yang Beach is the restaurant on an island within a tranquil lagoon that can only be accessed by boat. Arriving at Black Ginger is quite an experience, being taken across the lagoon lit by burning torches to the dining area and the cuisine is incredible.

The restaurant serves Thai cuisine with a twist and all herbs and vegetables are grown at the resort’s very own organic garden. Try some lesser-known Thai specialities such as battered cha-plu leaves served with chilli sauce or savour some roll-your-own spring rolls with a choice of roasted pork, honeyed tamarind and crabmeat.

Old Siam Restaurant

For authentic flavours and Royal Thai cuisine, visit the Old Siam Restaurant at Thavorn Beach Village and Spa in Nakalay Bay. This restaurant serves delicious royal classics such as Tom Yam Goong, spicy prawn soup, or sautéed chicken with cashew nuts whilst you dine with sand between your toes at a private beach cabana.  What could be more romantic?

Tours to do in Phuket on your honeymoon

Visit the wonders of Phuket

On this tour, you will see the most famous attractions of Phuket in a half-day tour. Learn about the history and culture of Phuket on this tour and visit the Big Buddha, Wat Chalong and discover the beautiful beaches of the region with a local guide. The price of €13 per person includes all hotel transfers.

Day trips from Phuket on your honeymoon

Explore the islands of Koh Phi Phi

Koh Phi Phi is only a short distance from Phuket and is a must-visit whilst you are in Phuket. Home to the famous beach from the movie “The Beach” with Leonardo di Caprio, the islands have a captivating natural beauty and boasts vivid coral reefs.

On this tour you will explore Bamboo Island, meet the mischievous monkeys of Monkey Beach and enter the stunning Pileh Lagoon.

Spend the day on a speedboat and discover the gems of the Andaman in the Phi Phi Archipelago.

Take an island-hopping tour to Coral Island, Racha Yai and Maithon Island

On this full-day cruise on a gorgeous catamaran you will visit Coral Island, the beautiful Koh Racha Yai and Honeymoon Island, known to locals as Maithon Island.

On this relaxing cruise across the Andaman Sea, you have a chance to spot wild dolphins leaping in the water, snorkel with the colourful tropical fishes of the local reefs and enjoy a buffet lunch on board.

The tour costs includes fresh fruit, drinks, buffet lunch, snorkel gear, pickups and transfers and five photos per person of your memorable day.

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