If you identify as LGBTQ+ and are in search of an ideal honeymoon location, you not only wish for a romantic environment to unwind but also a place where you feel welcomed and secure. Married couple and travel enthusiasts Whitney and Megan Bacon-Evans from What Wegan Did Next have conducted thorough research to pinpoint a perfect same-sex honeymoon locale: Ko Samui, Thailand. Below, they present a comprehensive guide detailing where to stay, what to do, and where to dine.
Thailand stands out as one of the most welcoming and LGBTQ+ friendly countries in Asia; our own experiences confirmed this sentiment. We encountered no uncomfortable inquiries such as: “Would you prefer two single beds over a king bed?” – everyone was incredibly welcoming and congratulated us. For same-sex couples, it is crucial to feel secure while enjoying a memorable honeymoon, and Thailand’s remarkable hospitality guarantees that every couple feels cherished and welcomed.
Where to Stay
Ko Samui excels in providing luxury accommodations, and the best part is that it remains budget-friendly.
SALA Samui Choengmon Beach Resort
Located merely a 10- to 15-minute drive from Ko Samui airport, SALA Samui Choengmon Beach Resort offers a prime beachside location, featuring two pools, a restaurant, and an on-site spa. The resort presents a peaceful atmosphere, accentuated by luxury and traditional Thai architecture. We enjoyed our villa suite, complete with a private pool and an outdoor bathroom.
SALA Samui Chaweng Beach Resort
For a more contemporary atmosphere, consider staying at SALA Samui Chaweng Beach Resort. This resort, facing the pristine white sands of Chaweng Beach, boasts a ‘moon pool’ and a beachfront restaurant. We recommend the Oceanfront one-bedroom pool suite for an exceptional experience, complete with a private infinity pool overlooking the beach.
Silavadee Pool Spa Resort
For those seeking an opulent retreat, Silavadee Pool Spa Resort is an excellent choice. A buggy transports you to your picturesque villa nestled amidst lush tropical foliage. Upon our arrival, we were enchanted by the four-poster bed, private pool, and deck. The resort offers numerous dining options, two pools, a spa, and an exclusive beach area.
Bangkok Pit Stop
Your journey will likely take you through Bangkok, making it worthwhile to spend a night there. The luxurious The Peninsula welcomes guests with personalized pillows, while the Mandarin Oriental provides a superb experience with dedicated butler service. For an intimate romantic experience, consider a treatment at MO’s Oriental Spa, which features a suite complete with a personal steam room and private vitality pool.
What to Do
For couples like us, it is essential to maximize enjoyment of your exquisite villa or suite. Ensure that there is ample time to unwind, ideally with a glass of champagne in hand. Nevertheless, if you wish to explore outside, there are numerous options available.
Enjoy Some R&R at a Spa
Following our flight to Thailand, we relished a couple’s massage at SALA Samui Choengmon. This rejuvenating treatment is precisely what your body requires after a lengthy flight and post-celebration festivities. For a distinctive spa experience, consider booking ‘The Rainforest Indulgence’ hydrotherapy treatment at the Banyan Tree. The treatment encompasses various trials beginning with a hot steam room and concluding with an invigorating ice-cold bucket shower – laughter and surprise are guaranteed! Finish with a series of water-pressure massages followed by relaxation on warm beds accompanied by tea.
Go on Safari Around the Island
For a thrilling day, partake in a safari tour around the island with Raging Bull Safari. This excursion is an excellent way to add excitement while savoring beautiful landscapes. Climb aboard the vehicle to traverse various locales around Ko Samui. The tour includes stops at a waterfall and notable temples, including the Big Buddha, the Standing Buddha, and the Mummified Monk Temple. Revel in awe as you ascend into the mountains for picturesque views and conclude your day at the secret Buddha Garden. After several hours of exploration, you’ll likely crave a delightful meal at Jungle Route 360° restaurant, boasting breathtaking vistas of the island. Should you be fortunate, you may have the opportunity to take a photo at Grandfather and Grandmother rock – a delightful surprise awaits!
Take a Trip to an Ethical Elephant Sanctuary
A notable experience in Ko Samui includes visiting the ethical Samui Elephant Sanctuary. This sanctuary is the first of its kind on the island, focusing on rescuing elephants from exploitation in tourism and logging. Visitors gain insights into the sanctuary’s crucial efforts while interacting with the elephants and hearing their personal stories from the dedicated volunteers. The pinnacle of the experience is feeding the elephants; witnessing their joy as they munch on whole watermelons provides immense satisfaction!
Take a Thai Cooking Class
What could be more romantic than preparing a meal together? We participated in a Thai cooking lesson at SALA Choeng Beach with Head Chef Max, where we crafted our favorite Thai dishes: vegetarian green Thai curry and green papaya salad. Upon completing the lesson, we savored our culinary creations while dining beside the beach.
Visit Ang Thong Marine National Park
Ang Thong Marine National Park, comprised of 42 islands, awaits your exploration. After a boat journey of 45 to 90 minutes (depending on the vessel), you’ll arrive in a true paradise. The islands are breathtaking, and you’ll have the opportunity to stop at a few for exploration.
Where to Eat
For Rooftop Views
For a memorable dining experience with stunning views, consider visiting Star, the rooftop restaurant at Silavadee Resort. Ascend prior to sunset to fully appreciate the breathtaking panorama while enjoying a cocktail surrounded by fairy lights and candles. Opt for dinner at one of the sunken tables, creating a unique visual effect as if you are immersed in water. One aspect we appreciated about Thai cuisine is the restaurants’ attentiveness to dietary preferences such as vegetarian and pescatarian options – frequently, a tailored menu meets diverse tastes. The chef at Star curated a delightful menu specifically for us, featuring decadent black-sesame orange tofu. Be sure not to leave without trying the exquisite mango sticky rice.
For a Beach Dinner Date
If a beachside dining experience appeals to you, then dine at SALA Samui Chaweng’s The Tent Beachfront Restaurant & Bar. For a refreshing option, try the pomelo salad with a hint of chili – it offers vibrant flavors that will excite your palate. Additionally, another remarkable vegan dish is the young coconut soup, comprised of coconut water and meat, shiitake and shimeji mushrooms, along with aromatic Thai seasonings.
For Riverside Romance
Enhance your romantic evening with a boat trip from the Mandarin Oriental over to its restaurant situated across the Chao Phraya River. Terrace Rim Naam offers outstanding Thai fare crafted by Michelin-starred Chef de Cuisine Pom. Revel in an open-air dining experience while observing the boats glide by. We were treated to an exquisite customized five-course dinner featuring lavish Thai flavors, culminating in heart-shaped mango sticky rice. Our overall dining experience was truly memorable, encompassing the exceptional cuisine, enchanting ambiance, and impeccable hospitality—a culinary dream come true for food enthusiasts.
