10 Under-the-Radar Honeymoon Destinations in Asia

Move over, Maldives. Fare thee well, Florence. Asia is home to some of the most exotic honeymoon destinations on the planet. From lush jungles and elephant camps to sapphire blue waters, snow-capped peaks, and old-world train journeys, the region spills over with under-the-radar experiences that will kick-start a lifetime of adventures.—Kate Springer

Where: Chiang Rai, Thailand

There’s camping—and then there’s Four Seasons camping. Conceived by Bill Bensley Design, this colonial-inspired Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle is rustic luxury at its best. The 15 thatched-roof “tents” are all kitted out with handcrafted furniture, hardwood floors, claw-foot tubs, and 19th-century artifacts strewn about just so. Located in the Golden Triangle—where Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand meet—this romantic resort is ideal for outdoorsy types and adventure seekers. Not only is the Northern Thailand region known for its wild elephant herds, but there’s also easy access to jungle trekking, tea plantations, bamboo rafting, birdwatching, and riverside picnics. Of course, if you’re just there to relax and fall in love all over again, a Thai meal at the beautifully designed Nong Yao Restaurant, a private wine-pairing dinner in the Wine Cellar, or a few lemongrass martinis at the Burma Bar should keep the magic alive. This is the only all-inclusive Four Seasons in the world, so don’t hold back.

Getting There: The easiest access point is Chiang Rai in northern Thailand. From there, it’s about a 1.5-hour drive to the Golden Triangle.

Insider Tip: Want to have breakfast with wild elephants? There’s a specially built platform above their habitat where guests can enjoy tea and coffee while the beautiful animals roam below.

PLAN YOUR VISIT: Fodor’s Chiang Rai Guide

WHERE: Lhasa, Tibet

Tibet is known for many things—sacred temples, snow-capped peaks, cliff-side retreats, the Dalai Lama—but it’s also a romantic honeymoon destination in its own right. Perfect for culture hounds and adventure enthusiasts, the Himalayan outpost offers unrivalled natural beauty in its shimmering lakes, sun-kissed rice paddies, and colorful monasteries. While there are lots of rustic bed-and-breakfast options for a budget-friendly adventure in “The Roof of the World,” an influx of luxury properties offer modern amenities and a romantic touch. Head to the St. Regis Lhasa Hotel or the Shangri-La Lhasa for all-out bliss in this mountain paradise.

Getting There: Tibet has strict visa regulations that render independent travel off-limits, so you’ll need to book a tour guide. Work with a travel agency to ensure you’re all good to go.

Insider Tip: Plan to visit in April or May, when the ice starts to melt and the sun comes out.

PLAN YOUR VISIT: Fodor’s Tibet Guide

Where: El Nido, The Philippines

When it comes to affordable vacations, The Philippines remains one of the best-value destinations on earth. If island hopping is high on your honey’s wishlist, then make a beeline to El Nido and the surrounding Bacuit, toward the northern end of Palawan Island. Known for its dramatic karst mountains and white-sand beaches, this remote archipelago offers a long list of romantic and barefoot-luxe hotels. Skip the busy downtown hotels and head instead to an intimate outfits such as Cauyan Resort—hidden away on a lush island off the coast. Or head an hour outside of town to seven-cottage Qi Palawan, which sits at the northern edge of the island where spotless beaches, snorkeling, and untouched forests await.

Getting There: Skip the five-hour bus ride from Puerto Princesa, and fly straight from Manila to the El Nido airport.

PLAN YOUR VISIT: Fodor’s Philippines Guide

Where: Ningaloo Reef, Australia

Not Asia, but a great side trip if you’re on this side of the world! Located on the Ningaloo Reef, about an hour’s drive from Exmouth in western Australia, Sal Salis is one of those middle-of-nowhere experiences that you’ll talk about for the rest of your happily married lives. Centering around the main lodge where guests enjoy breakfast as they watch the waves break at sea, the 16 tents sit along the Australian coastal dunes inbetween the Cape Range National Park and incredible gorges. As the retreat is all about celebrating and supporting the environment, travelers can expect solar-generated electricity, composting bathrooms, and all-natural soaps and shampoos. Of course, with proximity to the Ningaloo Reef, the main draw is the ocean itself. The list of activities is endless—think snorkeling, sea kayaking, bird spotting, gorge walks, boat trips, whale shark swims (April-July), humpback whale swims (August-October), and more.

Insider Tip: Be sure to plan ahead. This camp is only open from March to October—and it books up quickly with only 16 wilderness lodges, one of which happens to be an extra-spacious honeymoon tent with the best views of the beach.

Getting There: Qantas flies daily to Exmouth from Perth, with connections from other Australian capital cities.

PLAN YOUR VISIT: Fodor’s Australia Guide

Where: Tea Country, Sri Lanka

Picture rolling green hills as far as the eye can see. Considered Sri Lanka’s most prestigious tea bungalow experience, Ceylon Tea Trails pays homage to English gardens, nostalgic furniture and roaring fires of days gone by. More like private houses than a hotel, each of the five intimate properties—all scattered across Sri Lanka’s tea country—features beautifully appointed rooms, sweeping lawns, discreet butlers, and expert chefs who whip up multi-course lunches and wine pairings as part of the all-inclusive experience. What better way to toast your marriage than with a gimlet in hand and a sunset over the hills of Sri Lanka.

Insider Tip: There’s a complimentary shuttle that will cart you between bungalows if you’re interested the comprehensive Tea Trails experience.

Getting There: Sri Lanka tea country is about a six-hour drive from Colombo’s international airport.

PLAN YOUR VISIT: Fodor’s Sri Lanka Guide

Where: Raja Ampat, Indonesia

Comprising 1,500 tiny islands, this idyllic archipelago in West Papua has managed to stay under-the-radar while other areas of Indonesia capsize with tourists. Thanks to a rich marine habitat and pristine coral reefs, Raja Ampat is a dream destination for sea-loving souls. The options are endless in these crystal-clear waters—you can fill your days with diving, sailing, exploring the rainforest, or simply lounging by the beach. If you’re looking to splurge, sail through the islands in pure luxury aboard the Amanikan or Amandira. Operated by Aman hotels, both cruisers offer five- and seven-night voyages that take off from Sorong and set sail for the horizon.

Insider Tip: It’s worth getting your Scuba certificate beforehand to get the most out of your trip, as Raja Ampat is said to have one of the densest marine habitats on earth.

Getting There: Fly into Sorong, in West Papua, and arrange a boat to reach your destination.

PLAN YOUR VISIT: Fodor’s Indonesia Guide

Where: Southeast Asia

There’s nothing like a romantic train ride to ring in your nuptials—and the one and only Eastern & Oriental Express will be an adventure to remember. Chugging from Singapore to Bangkok with stops in Penang and Kuala Lumpur, the nostalgic experience transports honeymooners to the golden age of train travel. Picture luxury cabins, fine-dining cars, classic cocktails, on-call butlers, and piano music fluttering through the air. The signature six-night journey, dubbed “Fables of the Peninsula,” starts at the Raffles Hotel in Singapore and winds its way up through Malaysia, stopping in Kuala Lumpur, Cameron Highlands, Penang, and finishing in Huay Yang, Thailand, about 185 miles outside of Bangkok.

Insider Tip: A teakwood train car at the back of the train is the best for sightseeing along the way.

Getting There: The Eastern & Oriental train departs from Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, and Singapore.

Read More: Fodor’s 10 Most Unforgettable Train Rides

Where: Koh Rong Archipelago, Cambodia

Cambodia might not jump to mind as a world-class beach destination—but it’s an up-and-comer that’s as romantic as they come. For a luxurious getaway with an eco-friendly focus, check out Song Saa Private Island in the Koh Rong Archipelago. Known in Khmer as the “sweetheart” island, Song Saa is a family-owned property that’s been nothing short of a labor of love. Husband-and-wife duo Rory and Melita Hunter worked with the surrounding community to clean up the islands and set up Cambodia’s first marine reserve. Since then, their environmental efforts have brought marine life back to the waters so guests can now kayak, snorkel, scuba, and sail around the secluded coves. The couple designed every detail of the resort’s 27 overwater villas using reclaimed driftwood furniture, thatched roofs, stones, and local resources whenever possible.

Insider Tip: Pair the experience with a trip to Angkor Wat and Phnom Penh, and you’ll have quite the adventure.

Getting There: To get to Song Saa, travelers can fly to Sihanoukvill via Siem Reap or Phnom Penh. From there, the resort arranges a private boat to reach the island.

PLAN YOUR VISIT: Fodor’s Cambodia Guide

WHERE: Bhutan

There’s nothing more remote than the snow-capped mountains of Bhutan—especially in a helicopter tour with COMO Hotels. The pioneering wellness brand recently launched a picture-perfect, six-night Scenic Heli-Adventure that travels between the brand’s two Bhutan properties: four nights at COMO Uma Paro and two nights at COMO Uma Punakha. The cozy chalet-style lodges will make newlyweds fall in love all over again with sanctuary-like spas, a 60-minute COMO Shambhala body treatment, and complimentary yoga sessions. One of the most remote corners of the world, this hidden paradise has a bit of everything, from trekking to archery, white-water rafting, Bhutanese monasteries, mystical mountains, turquoise lakes, lush valleys and idyllic rice paddies.

Insider Tip: COMO’s spas cater to honeymooners, so treat yourselves to a couple’s treatment like the Bhutanese hot stone bath.

Getting there: Bhutan has specific visa requirements for travelers, so read up on it ahead of the trip.

PLAN YOUR VISIT: Fodor’s Bhutan Guide

WHERE: Southeast Asia

Balancing contemporary design with rustic river vibes, the 205-foot Aqua Mekong will totally change the way you think about cruises. Instead of hordes of people and never-ending buffets, the Aqua Mekong experience revolves around intimacy and bespoke services, spa treatments, plunge pools, sun-downers, and river-view balconies—not to mention world-class fine dining David Thompson, a Michelin-starred chef from Australia. The luxury outfit traverses the waterways of Cambodia and Vietnam, with stop-offs to explore picturesque rice paddies and remote floating villages for an off-the-beaten path experience.

Insider Tip: Ask about the exclusive dinner options—the crew will set up a private couple’s tables on the top deck of the boat so you can lap up a bottle of wine under the stars.

Getting There: Cruises take off from ports in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, Cambodia.

PLAN YOUR VISIT: Fodor’s Mekong Delta Guide