6 best winter honeymoon destinations in Asia
by Kate on 24th November 2016
A cosy winter wedding with the promise of a honeymoon to Asia sounds pretty perfect to us, and there are so many romantic experiences to choose from across this continent’s diverse countries. Some, however, are more visit-able than others between November and February, so we’ve picked six of the very best honeymoon destinations for maximum sun, secluded relaxation and exhilarating adventure.
Southern Vietnam
From January onwards, the drier, warmer weather returns to southern Vietnam, making the golden sand on those pristine beaches sparkle very temptingly indeed. Two perfect honeymoon destinations that feel a million miles from the rain back home are the islands of Phu Quoc and the Con Dao archipelago – gorgeous retreats with plenty of tropical luxury.
Phu Quoc makes the list thanks to its peaceful atmosphere and unspoilt landscape, while the tiny islands of the Con Dao archipelago make up one of Vietnam’s Marine National Parks, and offer superb diving and snorkelling opportunities. Con Son is the archipelago’s only inhabited island, and its ultra-deluxe Six Senses resort is consistently rated as one of Asia’s top hotels – just right for a honeymoon steeped in indulgent luxury.
Sri Lanka’s south coast
The south coast resorts of Sri Lanka balance time-out on sunny beaches with exploring picturesque Colonial towns, Yala and Uda Walawe National Parks, and whale watching on the open sea. The region's versatility, combined with the drier weather between December and April, make this an ideal place to escape the winter on your luxury honeymoon to Asia.
Galle’s Colonial good looks have been stealing visitors’ hearts for years, with winding streets full of historic architecture, antique stalls and delightful boutique hotels. For contrast, spend a night or two in a luxury safari tent by one of the nearby National Parks, which are home to leopards and hundreds of elephants.
Whale-watching on your ‘must-do’ list? The sleepy seaside town of Mirissa has many boats offering daily trips out into the bay to see sperm whales, dolphins and migrating blue whales - visiting between November and April gives you the best chance to see these magnificent animals up-close.
Less-visited Thai islands, or Chiang Mai
Picture-perfect tropical beaches, the buzz of Bangkok, awe-inspiring temples and world-class diving, not to mention some of the best luxury spa resorts in Asia: it’s easy to see why so many couples choose to spend their honeymoon in Thailand.
Thanks to the promise of tropical heat, the winter months are a popular season here, so we would recommend heading straight for one of the lesser-known (but nonetheless breathtaking) islands, such as Khanom, Koh Kood or Koh Chang. Take a look at our Bangkok and Island Escape itinerary for ideas on combining a few days exploring the heady delights of Thailand's capital with snorkeling, diving and relaxing in some of its quieter spots.
For something a little different, Chiang Mai in the north of the country is great for forest trekking, temple-exploring and haggling in night markets. For a quintessential Thailand experience, we particularly love the Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp, which combines superb spa accommodation with the chance to interact with rescued elephants.
Anywhere in Cambodia
The Angkor temples are among the most breathtaking man-made wonders of the world, and likely to be a high-point of any honeymoon to Cambodia. Winter is one of the best times to see these magnificent structures, as the cooler temperatures (by which we mean cooler for Cambodia, so, still an average of 24-26 °C!) make touring the temples all day more comfortable. However, there is so much more to this rich and fascinating country, and a multi-centre honeymoon is a great option for seeing best of the temples, cities and beaches in one trip.
The Koh Rong archipelago, just off Cambodia’s south coast, is exactly what you picture when you think ‘desert-island paradise’ – a string of forested islets, miles of undisturbed white sands and clear waters – and the idyllic resort of Song Saa is simply one of the most beautiful honeymoon destinations in Asia. This island eco-resort combines tropical luxury with true sustainability, giving you peace of mind as you enjoy the delicious food and sublime spa treatments.
West Coast of Peninsula Malaysia
Malaysia’s vibrant culture, incredible wildlife and fabulous beaches are just a few reasons it remains one of the most popular honeymoon destinations in Asia. November to February is peak season along the west coast, with plenty of blue skies and hot sun making it ideal for couples escaping the chilly Western weather.
Langkawi is Malayasia’s best-known island destination, and for good reason - it's a beautiful place to spend some time soaking up the sun. The super-deluxe Datai resort delivers easy relaxation in stunning natural surroundings, while other highlights include riding the record-breaking cable-car through the jungle, and exploring the mangrove swamps.
Anywhere in Myanmar
If you’re looking for a honeymoon with a few less frills and a lot of memorable moments, Myanmar could be just the ticket. Its high season runs between November and February, when weather is at its best, and although there's only a handful of luxury hotels here, a honeymoon in Myanmar is an excellent chance to explore the country’s culture, both past and present, as well as some intrepid trekking and fascinating wildlife encounters.
Spend a couple of days exploring Yangon’s pagoda-filled skyline and lush parks, with a stay at either the Belmond Governor’s Residence or The Strand to fully immerse yourself in that city's legendary Colonial style. Alternatively, a cruise down the Ayeyarwady River, watching the Irrawaddy Dolphins and visiting ancient monuments along the way, offers a stylish experience that's very different from the typical ‘beach & spa’ honeymoon. Bagan's famous temples can be viewed from a hot air balloon (which we can arrange as a surprise), and in January you can enjoy the spectacular Ananda Temple Festival – a fabulous atmosphere to match your own honeymoon celebration.