Are you dreaming of sun-kissed shores and swaying palms for your honeymoon? Southeast Asian countries host some of the most sublime backdrops for your romantic getaway. After all, that ring you’re adorning represents your heart. What better way to see yourself commemorating by holding hands, walking on the beach with your toes in the sand?
From pristine beaches to captivating cultural sites, Southeast Asia is a part of the world that boasts variety thus, perpetuating a sweet honeymoon. What’s New Indonesia has compiled beach spots for honeymooners who consider the absence of haste to be a gift.
Best Beachy Honeymoon Spots in Southeast Asia
Palawan, The Philippines
Assuming that you want to be in awe of a picturesque vista, Palawan is your answer. Its turquoise waters, secluded sandy beaches, and limestone cliffs make this province an ideal honeymoon spot. You can head to El Nido and Coron, though other lesser-known islands are well worth noting for their unspoilt, dazzling settings.
Go island hopping around Palawan if you are a self-proclaimed mermaid/man. Palawan’s sunny days are filled with swimming in azure shallows, snorkelling vibrant reefs, diving at shipwreck sites, and peaceful sea kayaking. There’s also a boat tour along one of the world’s longest underground rivers.
Bohol, The Philippines
Nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts are in for a treat at Bohol. Acclaimed as the “Jewel of the Philippines”, Bohol offers staggering beaches, ravishing geological formations, and mesmerising coral reefs. You'll find them surrounding Cebu and Boracay, which also have vibrant nightlife scenes.
Rent a bike to explore exotic locales or take a boat ride to Balicasag and the Virgin Island while you’re at it. Alona Beach, connected to Bohol by a bridge, caters to a romantic escape with its serene beaches, powdery sand, turquoise waters, and brown mountains. Some testimonials refer to it as one of the Philippines’ most impressive and affordable honeymoon destinations.
Langkawi, Malaysia
Are you looking for a tropical paradise that’s a bit more silent or in other words, “all kinds of idyllic”? Langkawi is home to transquility fringed with swaying palms. Catch some rays, explore the beaches, and revel in dinner cruises or beach bars for nightfall refreshments. Langkawi is known for its wildlife too. If you decide to lift your bum from the sunloungers, check out the island’s mangrove forests, mountainous jungles, and musing waterfalls.
Mabul Island, Malaysia
We have a not-so-secret-secret: Emerald water hitting against a stretch of soft white sand makes up Mabul Island. Perhaps you have just heard of this hidden gem - Mabul Island embodies a non-cliche experience due to its lack of tourism.
Thus, expect absolute seclusion while you explore the island’s biodiverse marine life through snorkeling and muck diving at Tun Sakaran Marine Park for an adventurous escape. Or, comfortably sit on a transparent kayak as you look into the pristine beaches, waterfront picnic areas, and secret hideouts unreachable by foot. Capture the mesmerising golden hues of the sunrise. Get in touch with the locals at Bajau Laut Village.
Koh Phayam, Thailand
They say you truly know someone when you go on a trip with them. Does ending up on a deserted island with your other half sound a tad extreme? If not, Thailand’s Koh Phayam, in the Andaman Sea, is a wonderful oasis to kick back on the beach for a long lazy afternoon.
Take a couple of paddle boards out or dwell together in the rich underwater life. Koh Phayam’s laidback lifestyle, lack of development, low tourist numbers, and limited activities mean this destination is peculiar to most. Hence, Koh Phayam is for those content with the company of their forever date in an intimate and breathtaking scenery.
Koh Samui, Thailand
Tropical Koh Samui’s sparkling turquoise waters and low-key towns are favourites amongst honeymooners. It boasts some of Thailand’s best hotels along the coast with dreamy packages for couples to indulge in.
Water babies are recommended to go island-hopping by private boat in Ang Thong National Marine Park, along with snorkelling the shallow coral gardens off Koh Tao. Whereas backon land, stop by the Fisherman's Village night market en route to cocktails at Bohput Beach bar Coco Tam's. After all that exploring, get a Thai massage - you deserve it!
Phu Quoc, Vietnam
Allow Phu Quoc to seduce you with its charms. This teardrop of an island in the Gulf of Thailand, in Vietnam’s southwest coast, is notorious for its relaxing fishing village aura, superb seafood, and national park.
The vanilla sands and crystalline waters of Sao Beach (Bai Sao) extends to Phu Quoc’s reputation as hosting some of Vietnam’s stunning beaches. Relax at the beach, go on jungle hikes, have a meal with your toes in the sand, and swim away for your honeymoon!
Nha Trang, Vietnam
Island hopping in Nha Trang, trying water sports or merely lounging with tropical cocktails and fresh seafood dishes are great activities to revel in. Nha Trang’s exquisite crescent bay with soft sand fringed by mountains, fun beachfront promenade, and island hopping excursions suit honeymooners yearning a combination of activities, culture, and relaxation.
Koh Rong Samloem, Cambodia
The untouched landscapes, nature trails, and vibrant coral reefs promote Koh Rong’s soothing ambiance to foster a replenishing experience for the mind and body after all of that wedding stress. You’d be contemplating to announce the world about Koh Rong Samloem Island. Merely a handful of accommodation is available since the island remains its rustic roots, however, the island’s virgin beauty is honourable.
Head to Long Set beach at the southernmost cove of the island. Lay down on the sunlounger with your book and a fresh coconut, take a stroll along the white sands, or discover the Cambodian lifestyle and cuisine at the small villages. Disappear from the world as no traffic and relatively internet exist here.
Koh Ta Kiev, Cambodia
This astounding island off of Otres Beach, an hour by boat from Sihanoukville, is significantly closer to the mainland than the others in Cambodia. The island is the definition of being off the grid; it isn’t well equipped with WiFi, power, and shops. But it has abundant freshly caught crab, three yellow sand beaches shaded by pine trees with coral reefs, as well as a lush jungle to trek through. Activities like shell hunting and snorkeling are popular here.
Sumba, Indonesia
Sumba’s palm-fringed shores unveils the art of languid pace to devoid stress and anxiety (yes, we know you need it). Indulging in sumptuous meals, explore the island's natural wonders, or relish in absolute silence by the unspoiled beach for a laid-back approach.
Meanwhile, those can’t stay still should go discover the Wanukaka Valley's beauty to Matayangu where local guides take you on a 1.5-hour downhill trek through the serene Indonesian National Park forest to reach a tranquil blue lagoon at the waterfall's base. Or, go to a lively market showcasing local treasures at Waikabubak then surf Sumba’s thrilling waves. Not to mention is an engaging interaction with the island’s majestic horses for a different type of stroll along the coastline.