14 Best Honeymoon Destinations in Southeast Asia

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If you’re looking for the best honeymoon destinations in Southeast Asia, you’re in luck! Across Southeast Asia there are 11 countries and a whole host of settings that are perfect for a romantic getaway. 

From white sandy beaches to captivating cultural sites, this is a part of the world that has so much to offer, so it’s a fantastic choice for an unforgettable honeymoon.

Whether you’re dreaming of beaches with swaying palms, fascinating temples or beautiful rural scenery, you won’t be disappointed with Southeast Asia! 

I absolutely loved visiting this region and I can’t wait to share some of its very best places. So, if you’re not sure where you want to honeymoon in Southeast Asia, I’ve got you covered.

Here’s my pick of the best honeymoon destinations in Southeast Asia for the ultimate couples escape.

1 Bali, Indonesia 

Best for: Couples who want a romantic, back-to-nature honeymoon

Bali had to be first on the list of best honeymoon destinations in Southeast Asia. This little island is vibrant and romantic, and it’s no wonder so many people want to visit – it’s filled with bucket list experiences!

As a small destination, Bali is easy to explore so you’ll be able to take in a few different settings if you visit on honeymoon.

Across the island, you’ll find beautiful ancient temples, volcanic scenery and lively beaches that are perfect for watching the sunset. 

RELATED: Best Places Like Bali (With Fewer Crowds)

For the most romantic surroundings, Ubud is the best spot for a honeymoon in Bali. Ubud is away from the coast and has a picture-perfect backdrop with dense jungles, rice paddies and waterfalls.

READ MORE: Uluwatu or Ubud? Where’s Best to Stay in Bali?

If all you want to do is chill on your honeymoon, Ubud is also a great spot for relaxation with yoga studios, spas and plenty of cute cafes. It’s a lovely place to unwind and spend quality time together.

If you choose to stay in Ubud, you’ll find a fab choice of luxury, romantic hotels that are made with honeymooners in mind. From villas and resorts to the dreamiest treehouses, there’ll be something you love!

READ MORE: 21 Best Romantic Hotels in Bali for Couples

📸 Top things to do in Bali: Visit temples, have a floating breakfast, explore rice terraces, go surfing, get traditional Balinese massages, chase waterfalls

When to visit: May to September
Best romantic hotel: COMO Shambhala Estate
Nearest airport: Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS)

2 Langkawi, Malaysia

Best for: Couples who want a laid-back tropical escape

If you’re looking for a quieter destination than Bali, Langkawi needs to be on your list. Langkawi is one of the best honeymoon destinations in Southeast Asia for good reason – it’s a tropical paradise that’s all kinds of perfect!

Langkawi is an archipelago made up of 99 islands, so a honeymoon here has a big focus on beaches. You can expect beautiful white beaches fringed with swaying palms.

Sunbathing, dinner cruises and beach hopping are all part and parcel of a honeymoon to exotic Langkawi. Plus, there are lots of cool beach bars that are perfect for a celebratory drink at sunset.

As a destination that’s known for its wildlife, Langkawi is a great choice if you want to experience nature in a more laid-back way. On the main island, you’ll find mangrove forests, mountainous jungles and waterfalls you can visit during your stay. 

RELATED: Best Ecotourism Destinations to Visit on Honeymoon

When you’re not out exploring or making the most of the beaches, you’ll be able to stay in beautiful accommodation. Much of the accommodation is secluded and romantic, so it’s amazing for honeymooners wanting to get away from it all. 

If you want a multi-centre honeymoon, Langkawi also fits the bill. It’s a great destination to combine with Kuala Lumpur or Singapore.

📸 Top things to do in Langkawi: Ride the SkyCab cable car and visit the SkyBridge, take a mangrove tour, go island hopping, visit night markets, relax at the beach

When to visit: November to March
Best romantic hotel: The Datai Langkawi
Nearest airport: Langkawi International Airport (LGK)

3 Palawan, Philippines

Best for: Couples who want an island-hopping honeymoon 

Palawan is known for its turquoise waters, secluded sandy beaches and limestone cliffs. It’s a super pretty destination and an area with a ton of photogenic spots!

The province of Palawan is one of those places that so many people dream about. If you want to be wowed by the scenery, you can’t go wrong with a honeymoon here.

If you want to visit Palawan on your honeymoon to Southeast Asia, you have a few places to choose from.

The most famous locations are El Nido and Coron, but some of the lesser-known islands are well worth looking into. You’ll find unspoilt settings that are a lot less crowded. 

Island hopping around Palawan is one of the best options for a dream honeymoon in Southeast Asia.

Sunny days here will be filled with swimming in shallow waters, snorkelling colourful reefs and diving at shipwreck sites. You can also take a boat tour along one of the world’s longest underground rivers.

Palawan’s dramatic landscape is also brilliant for exploring caves, trekking through jungles and chasing waterfalls. If you’re an adventurous couple you could try rock climbing and ziplining, too.

With so many islands and areas to explore, you’ve got plenty of choice when it comes to accommodation. From romantic rustic hideaways to beachside villas and upscale resorts, it’s a heavenly destination for a once-in-a-lifetime escape.

📸 Top things to do in Palawan: Go island hopping, enjoy the world’s best beaches, try sea kayaking, explore an underground river, swim and snorkel amongst vibrant reefs

When to visit: November to May
Best romantic hotel: El Nido Resorts Pangulasian Island
Nearest airport: Puerto Princesa International Airport (PPS) or El Nido Lio Airport (ENI)

4 Koh Samui, Thailand

Best for: Couples who want a paradise beach resort

If you love the idea of powdery beaches and sparkling turquoise waters, Thailand will be your dream country. It’s one of my favourite places in the world and I really believe it’s one of the best honeymoon destinations in Southeast Asia!

As such a diverse place, there’s so much to see and do across the country. But, if you want an island escape, you can’t go wrong with a honeymoon in Koh Samui.

Tropical Koh Samui is really popular with honeymooners. It’s an island that has some of the country’s best hotels. You’ll find luxury resorts along the coast with heavenly options made with couples in mind.

Plus, as one of the easiest islands to get to in Thailand, it’s a great choice if all you want to do is fly and flop!

RELATED: Bali or Thailand: Which is Better for a Honeymoon?

If you can be dragged away from your resort, Koh Samui has loads to offer so it’s a lovely place to explore. Inland, you’ll be able to do everything from jungle safari tours and hiking to temple visits.

There are also gorgeous waterfalls, elephant sanctuaries and vibrant night markets.

If you want to stay by the coast, you’ll want to add a day trip to Ang Thong National Marine Park to your list. It’s a protected archipelago of 42 islands and is really breathtaking. There’s loads of opportunities for swimming, scuba diving and boat trips in Koh Samui, too. 

If you want to explore further afield, island hopping is amazing around the Gulf of Thailand and is easy to organise from Koh Samui. Koh Phangan and Koh Tao are some of the most famous islands and both can be visited on day trips.

📸 Top things to do in Koh Samui: Relax on the beach, get a Thai massage, go island hopping, take a jungle safari, visit temples, take a cooking class, visit an elephant sanctuary

When to visit: January to April
Best romantic hotel: Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui 
Nearest airport: Samui International Airport (USM)

5 Perhentian Islands, Malaysia

Best for: Couples who want a laid-back, barefoot beach honeymoon 

The Perhentian Islands are a secluded paradise for honeymooners who want understated luxury and a whole load of natural beauty.

The two islands are located off Malaysia’s northeast coast and have a big focus on powdery white-sand beaches, vivid turquoise waters and untouched jungles. It’s the perfect place for an intimate escape that’s not too overly touristy.

The Perhentians are a little more low-key than high-end luxury but they have a lot of charm with lovely boutique beachfront hotels.

It’s a fab place for a relaxed honeymoon in Southeast Asia where your days can be spent snorkelling, enjoying private boat charters to hidden coves and dining under the stars. 

📸 Top things to do in the Perhentian Islands: Snorkel or dive in crystal-clear waters, take boat trips to secluded beaches, hike jungle trails

When to visit: March to October
Best romantic hotel: Perhentian Marriott Resort & Spa
Nearest airport: Sultan Ismail Petra Airport (KBR)

6 Borneo, Malaysia 

Best for: Couples who want a jungle-centred, wildlife honeymoon

If you want to break away from the typical honeymoon trail, Borneo is an incredible choice in Southeast Asia. Borneo is known for being one of the most biodiverse regions on the planet, so it’s a brilliant choice for adventurous newlyweds who want nature and wildlife.

Borneo’s appeal lies in its balance of wild beauty and secluded luxury. As well as untouched rainforests in Sabah, you’ll find white sandy beaches with marine life and coral reefs in places around Kota Kinabalu. It’s great if you want to hop around and experience a bit of everything!

I particularly love the idea of staying in an eco-luxury lodge in Borneo. You’ll be able to trek through jungles, spot orangutans in their natural habitat and experience the most beautiful wild and remote places.

📸 Top things to do in Borneo: Trek through ancient rainforests, spot orangutans in the wild, cruise along jungle rivers, snorkel or dive in crystal-clear waters

When to visit: March to October
Best romantic hotel: Borneo Rainforest Lodge
Nearest airport: Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI)

7 Hoi An, Vietnam

Best for: Couples who want a unique city honeymoon in Southeast Asia 

Vietnam’s Hoi An might not be the first place you think of for a honeymoon but I promise it’s a great choice!

As a country, Vietnam is magical and has so much to offer. If you want to explore more than one region, consider travelling north to south (or vice versa) for a big honeymoon adventure.

But, if you want to pick just one area, go for Hoi An. Hoi An has been named one of the world’s best (and prettiest) cities. It’s famous for its gorgeous old town, unique markets and colourful lanterns.

It’s a vibrant, enchanting and romantic destination that’s bursting with history and culture… so it’s only fitting that it’s one of the best honeymoon destinations in Southeast Asia!

Hoi An packs a punch when it comes to things to see and do, and it’s not all city-centric. If you want to float in a traditional Vietnamese basket boat, you can do this here. You can also spend a leisurely morning cycling amongst the city’s nearby rice paddies.

The beach is also close by for couples wanting to lounge in the sun. It really is a perfect destination if you want to mix romance, relaxation and adventure!

Hoi An is a brilliant destination for foodies, too. The food in Vietnam is delicious and you’ll find food stalls, food tours and cooking classes across Hoi An. It’s also a city that’s renowned for its coffee so you’ll find lots of cosy cafes.

📸 Top things to do in Hoi An: Visit the old town, peruse traditional markets, try a cookery class, take a sunset dinner cruise, join a basket boat tour, day trip to My Son Sanctuary, enjoy the nightlife

When to visit: February to August
Best romantic hotel: Anantara Hoi An Resort
Nearest airport: Da Nang International Airport (DAD)

9 Gili Meno, Indonesia

Best for: Couples who want to get away from it all with island life

Indonesia’s Gili Islands are often combined with a trip to Bali. The three islands – Gili Trawangan, Gili Air and Gili Meno – have all the idyllic tropical vibes and are a good bet if you want to experience island life.

Unlike many islands in Southeast Asia, there are no cars or motorised vehicles on the Gilis. They offer a back-to-nature, boho paradise so they’re one of the best beach destinations in Southeast Asia!

Gili Trawangan is the most popular of the Gili islands and is known for its lively, party atmosphere. However, I recommend Gili Meno for a honeymoon in Southeast Asia.

Known as the ‘honeymoon island’, Gili Meno is the smallest of the Gili islands and is a wonderful place for peace and serenity.

This is an island that’s a lot less busy than Gili T or Gili Air (and has fewer backpackers) so it’s great for a romantic getaway. You can walk around the island within two hours and it’s a lovely spot for some beachside strolls or leisurely bike rides.

Gili Meno also has the best snorkelling and beaches in the region – you’ll feel like you’re in paradise. 

READ MORE: Ultimate Gili Islands Honeymoon Guide + Map

As a tiny tropical isle, this is a destination that’s all about relaxation, slowing down and enjoying island life. If you want loads to see and do, it might not be the best bet for you – but it could be a nice option to combine with other destinations in Indonesia.

You could also consider island hopping between the Gili islands to experience the different vibes of each.

📸 Top things to do in Gili Meno: Relax in a hammock on the beach, go snorkelling, dive at the Gili Meno underwater sculpture site, watch the sunset, visit a turtle sanctuary, go island hopping

When to visit: May to September
Best romantic hotel: Gili Meno Escape
Nearest airport: Lombok International Airport (LOP) or Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS)

10 Koh Kood, Thailand

Best for: Couples who want an untouched Thai island

If you’re thinking about honeymooning in Southeast Asia, I wouldn’t be surprised if Thailand is already on your list. I love Thailand as a honeymoon destination. It’s one of my favourite places because it’s so so beautiful and has so much to offer!

There are so many brilliant spots across the country that are wonderful for a honeymoon. I’ve already mentioned Koh Samui which has brilliant upscale resorts, but I also wanted to include Koh Kood as an alternative.

If you’re dreaming of secluded, palm-fringed tropical beaches – Koh Kood is it. This is a Thai island that’s a little more difficult to get to, but the journey is absolutely worth it.

Koh Kood isn’t generally on the backpacker circuit so you’ll find yourself in paradise with authentic accommodation and soft sands. It’s a dream setting for a quiet, paradise island honeymoon.

📸 Top things to do in Koh Kood: Relax on quiet beaches, snorkel in vibrant coral reefs, explore waterfalls and tropical jungle trails, take boat trips to nearby islands

When to visit: November to February
Best romantic hotel: Soneva Kiri
Nearest airport: Trat Airport (TDX)

11 Anambas Islands, Indonesia

Best for: Couples who want a hidden honeymoon paradise 

If you’re dreaming of a secluded, off-grid island escape that’s away from the usual tourist trail, the Anambas Islands are one of Southeast Asia’s best-kept secrets.

Located in the South China Sea, this tropical archipelago is all about nature, barefoot luxury and tranquillity. It’s a DREAM spot for a bucket list honeymoon.

What makes Anambas perfect for honeymooners is that it’s totally remote with no chain hotels. You’ll be able to spend your honeymoon surrounded by untouched beaches, rich marine biodiversity and access to the kind of stargazing that only exists far from city lights.

My favourite place to stay is Bawah Reserve. This exclusive, eco-luxury resort is spread across six private islands and is an incredible choice for couples. With just a handful of overwater and beachfront suites, Bawah is all about privacy, sustainability, and five-star service. 

Even though it’s a secluded honeymoon destination in Southeast Asia, the Anambas Islands are accessible from Singapore. They’re good destinations to pair together.  

📸 Top things to do in the Anambas Islands: Explore pristine beaches and coral reefs, island hop by boat, discover hidden lagoons, relax at a secluded resort

When to visit: April to October
Best romantic hotel: Bawah Reserve
Nearest airport: Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) or Letung Airport (LMU)

12 Singapore

Best for: Couples who want a green, city-centred honeymoon 

Singapore is one of Southeast Asia’s top honeymoon destinations – especially if you’re planning a luxurious multi-centre trip. City breaks aren’t usually my favourite, but Singapore is brilliant and it’s one of the best city destinations in Southeast Asia.

What I mostly love about Singapore is that it’s a great ecotourism destination. It’s often called a “City in a Garden”, so it’s an ideal city for nature lovers. Plus it has some of the most luxurious hotels that would be amazing for a once-in-a-lifetime honeymoon.

You’ll be able to spend your honeymoon exploring the Gardens by the Bay or diverse neighbourhoods like Little India and Chinatown. If you want beaches, you could also hop over to Singapore’s Sentosa Island where you’ll find luxury hotels and tropical beaches just minutes from the city.

Or, if you don’t want to spend your entire honeymoon in Singapore it’s a fantastic place to spend a few days as a stopover. 

📸 Top things to do in Singapore: Explore Gardens by the Bay, wander through Chinatown and Little India, visit temples, savour delicious street food, relax on Sentosa Island’s beaches

When to visit: February to July
Best romantic hotel: Raffles Singapore
Nearest airport: Singapore Changi Airport (SIN)

13 Timor-Leste (East Timor)

Best for: Couples who want a secluded, authentic and adventurous escape

Timor-Leste is an emerging honeymoon destination in Southeast Asia. It feels like a pretty unknown place for a lot of people so it’s perfect if you want an exclusive and untouched escape.

This small island country offers pristine beaches, mountainous landscapes, and vibrant coral reefs that rival more famous spots – but all without the crowds. It’s a great choice for a romantic honeymoon with off-the-beaten-path charm!

One highlight is Timor-Leste’s Atauro Island, which is known for its world-class diving and snorkelling. You’ll be able to spend your honeymoon exploring coral gardens, swimming with manta rays, or simply relaxing on secluded white-sand beaches.

You won’t find a lot of luxury hotels in East Timor but if you want a unique and adventurous option – this could be the honeymoon destination for you!

📸 Top things to do in Timor-Leste: Dive or snorkel in the coral reefs of Atauro Island, explore pristine beaches and hidden coves, hike scenic trails, visit traditional villages, take boat trips to remote islands

When to visit: May to November
Best romantic hotel: Balibo Fort Hotel
Nearest airport: Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport (DIL)

14 Mekong River, Cambodia / Vietnam

Best for: Couples who want a luxury, immersive journey through scenic landscapes

Since I started working as a travel agent, I’ve seen how popular river cruising is, and one of the options I’ve fallen in love with is the Mekong River. Because of that, the last spot on this list is a little different but is an amazing option for a luxury honeymoon in Southeast Asia.

The Mekong River is an iconic river that winds through lush landscapes and takes in so much vibrant culture and ancient history. It’s a fab place to visit if you want a honeymoon that’s authentic and unique.  

Some of the key places you can see around the Mekong River include Cambodia’s capital of Phnom Penh, the peaceful town of Kratie where you can spot Irrawaddy dolphins, as well as Vietnam’s lush Mekong Delta, which is home to floating markets, winding canals, and vibrant local life. 

If you want to honeymoon along the Mekong, luxury river cruising is one of your best ways to experience it. You’ll be able to stay in a gorgeous small ship and take in all the remote scenery along the river. 

📸 Top things to do on the Mekong River: Sail in style on a luxury river cruise through Vietnam and Cambodia, visit floating markets and riverside villages, enjoy tours of Phnom Penh’s cultural landmarks, spot rare Irrawaddy dolphins

When to visit: November to March
Best romantic river cruise: AmaWaterways AmaDara
Nearest airports: Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH) or Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN)