This is a guest post from Priya Ghatol of Travel World Guide.
So there you are! All set to tie the knot and ready to start a new beginning. There’s every possibility that you have shortlisted Thailand as a potential honeymoon destination and you’re right – Thailand is a gorgeous destination with all the right elements for a romantic break and quite affordable. I planned my honeymoon trip to Thailand and all I can say is that you have to see it to cherish it. Here are some amazing places to check out on your Thailand trip.
Koh Samui
Koh Samui was a perfect slice of romantic paradise, not far from Bangkok. At just an hour’s flight away, located in the Gulf of Thailand, this beautiful island is steeped in all the idyllic essentials one desires on a serene honeymoon trip. With tropical sunshine, gleaming crystal waters lapping at soft, white sandy beach shores, it’s blissful. I loved everything about it; a place where I could just laze around, spend my day basking in the sun or take a dip in the warm waters and simply enjoy the picturesque panoramas and the sublime ambiance. I recommend a stroll around the surrounding beach villages to mingle with friendly locals and sample some authentic Thai delicacies. Crave some adventure on your honeymoon? Take your beloved for a thrilling dive underwater and marvel at the exotic marine life. Watch a beautiful sunset before you wind up the day with a romantic candle light dinner or you can head to the famous full moon night parties of Koh Samui and feel the thrill and verve of the island’s nightlife.
Tips for a better experience:
Upgrade your romantic break and make it into an unforgettable luxury beach holiday. Book a private villa at any of Koh Samui’s opulent resorts from world-class hotel chains such as Anantara and Banyan Tree where you can often get great honeymoon discounts and complimentary services.
Koh Samui is a great place for party goers and adventure seekers. If you are keen on adding a bit of adventure to your trip, take a trip to the Ang Thong National Marine Park. To experience the frenzied nightlife of Koh Samui, try planning your journey around Koh Phangan (the next island over)’s popular full moon night party.
Krabi
Whisk your beloved into a faraway Thai island adventure. I had thought Krabi was a picture perfect archipelago of secluded islands, yet what I experienced there was not just a blissful romantic break surrounded in awe-inspiring nature escapes, but much more. Krabi has everything for a laid back leisure trip – sun-drenched beaches, warm turquoise waters, endless stretched of sun-kissed beaches, rugged limestone karsts, secluded coves, verdant forests and an incredible assortment of flora and fauna.
Nonetheless, I’d suggest this island as a happening place for those who seek an adrenaline-rush in their Thai holiday. You can have a romantic break living like an islander amid spectacular natural vistas, pamper yourself with laid back relaxation and delicious Thai food and gear up for some thrilling adventures. Of course, you can spend your honeymoon break in the usual way of soaking up the sun, splashing in the water, admiring the horizon, walking hand in hand barefoot on the beach and having a lovely candle light dinner. But notch up the adventure factor in your trip and you’ll find heaps of things to do for your romantic adventure trip. We had a great time seeking adventure and exploring the islands on island hopping tour. Ao Thalane village is a must visit for some amazing kayaking experience; discover the secret lagoons at Bor Thor, try river rafting at Songpraek river and go deep sea scuba diving at Phi Phi Islands are some of my suggestions to include on your Krabi trip.
Tips for a better experience:
I found Ao Nang and Krabi Town ideal places to stay as I could find easy, reasonable accommodation and direct accessibility to many attractions. If you feel like staying away from the tourist crowd, somewhere secluded, then you will find Tubkaek quite suitable for your stay.
If you wish to have the perfect combination of nature and adventure escape, head to Tab Kak Hang Nak Hill Nature Trail where you can walk hand in hand amid breathtaking nature vistas.
Krabi is famous for its natural hot springs; do check them out for a relaxing dip at Emerald Pool and Klong Thom Hot springs.
Koh Lanta
When I went to Koh Lanta, I felt as if I discovered a different realm, with a wonderful calm. Koh Lanta feels extraordinarily refreshing and blissful as compared to other islands of Thailand. Just an hour’s boat ride from Krabi, Koh Lanta welcomes you with brilliant hues of endless white sandy beaches and pristine azure waters. The beaches are less crowded and apt for couples who are keen on a secluded romantic break. This was a perfect place for barefoot relaxation and to spend days getting pampered and doing absolutely nothing else. Nevertheless, I loved the scuba diving sessions in the crystal clear waters. Koh Lanta is currently receiving a lot of attention as one of the best romantic places to visit in Thailand.
Tips for a better experience:
Koh Lanta is a great place to live like an islander – gear up to explore the deep underwater marine life, catch a few fishes on a friendly fishing trip, and enjoy some local Thai dishes with your catch of the day.
You can add a bit of luxury flair with stays at exquisite beach resorts where you can get pampered with Thai massages in spas. Party around at fabulous beach bars, and relish some luscious seafood delicacies.
Pimalai – one of Koh Lanta’s first and finest luxury hotels – finds itself surrounded by tropical forest and white beaches, and is probably the best place to stay for a serene romantic holiday.
Hua Hin
On my trip to Thailand, I found Bangkok too modern and crowded. A three hour drive from the capital city bought me to Hua Hin which is a respite from the chaos of Bangkok. A charming mix of city and coastline, Hua Hin provides a less frantic version of Bangkok. For newly wedded couples, Hua Hin lets you have your own breathing space in a city along with numerous activities and entertainment options to explore. A day spent on the amazing golden sandy beach is the ideal way to start your Thailand honeymoon holiday. The water is refreshing and absolutely perfect for snorkeling and swimming. Catch all the action of Hua Hin’s city life and enjoy its happening markets, shopping spots, and vibrant nightlife. If you feel like getting spoilt in luxury, Hua Hin has amazing resorts, golf courses and spas that will give you the best laid back leisure experience of your life.
Tips for a better experience:
Though the best way to reach Hua Hin is by coach or car ride, or a train ride would be a fantastic experience. Firstly you will get to view some breathtaking nature vistas comprising of rolling mountains and rivers on your journey and most of all the Hua Hin station is one fascinating station you might have ever visited in your life. The travelling time is almost four hours but It is worth the time spent on a beautiful and relaxing scenic train journey.
Hua Hin is famous for its shopping malls and street shopping. While you are in Hua Hin, don’t miss the chance to shop at Hua Hin’s newest theme shopping village – The Venezia which largely takes its inspiration from the Venice Canals and Mediterranean villages.
Phuket
Phuket is one of Thailand’s most popular honeymoon destinations. Blessed with a vast stretch of coastline, its tropical sunshine, palm fringed beaches, and clear turquoise waters have entranced beach lovers and couples over the years. Though the place is usually brimming with travellers, I usually find certain nooks a perfect secluded hideaway. Some fantastic spots such as Phang Nga Bay and Phromthep Cape are must-visit attractions to indulge in its sheer natural beauty plus these places are perfect for viewing amazing sunrise and sunsets. Also, Phuket is one of the most budget-friendly destinations in Thailand where even for a luxury experience; you won’t have to burn a hole in your wallet.
Tips for a better experience:
Phuket has some of the best diving zones in Thailand hence never miss a chance to go snorkeling or scuba diving together to marvel the beauty of the hidden realms of deep oceans.
Exploring the surrounding islands of Phuket on an island hopping tour is a great idea. A trip to Similan Islands, Coral Islands, and Racha islands are worth the visit.
Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai was wonderfully revitalizing for me. I loved the dramatic change of scenery from the azure waters to the refreshing green wilderness. While everyone looks forward to sunny beaches and emerald waters in Thailand, Chiang Mai comes as a complete change. This northern city in Thailand has breathtaking mountains blanketed in dense rain forests and stretches of rolling plantations. Living in Chiang Mai feels like you are cocooned in nature. The main thrills here are for nature lovers and adventure seekers. A mountain trek lets you explore the lush green terrains, its rugged nature trails dotted with some of Chiang Mai’s popular temples and shrines. A hub for local culture and amazing Thai food, you will part from Chiang Mai with some delightful memories.
Tips for a better experience:
Chiang Mai is home to world-class luxury resorts and some of the best Thailand honeymoon resorts which provide its guests with choices of private bungalow and villas overlooking the rice paddies and sweeping mountains. For honeymoon guests, resorts provide amazing offers and complimentary benefits.
Do check out Chiang Mai’s famous Elephant Nature Park where you can feed and bathe these gentle giants.
Koh Kood
I like to venture out on off-beat places and I stumbled upon this tiny Thai isle lying east of Thailand and I was spell-bound by its sheer beauty and seclusion. One of Thailand’s unspoilt islands located near the Cambodian borders, yet to be hoarded with tourists, Koh Kood is a gorgeous paradise to spend an idyllic romantic interlude. For those who wish their little Thai paradise complemented with solace where you can laze around on sun-kissed beaches and gaze into the horizon for time without end, then look no further, Koh Kood is the ultimate destination for secluded romantic escapes. Indulge in nature therapy in its pristine beaches and fascinating green woodlands. A pampering spa session followed by an open-air Thai dinner and later a midnight swim under the clear moonlit sky sounds amazing, doesn’t it?
Tips for a better experience:
Travelling to Koh Kood is pretty extensive with changes in various modes of transports, but the journey is worth the hassle as once you reach on this island, you won’t feel like going back to real world.
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Thailand is a destination where you’ll be spoilt for choice. There are loads of sights to watch and things to do in Thailand that a mere visit to a beach town or a city hardly covers any Thai experience. In my personal opinion, to get a whole Thai experience, a 6-day tour is recommended and it would be quite a loss if you are missing out on Bangkok’s fervor if you are in Thailand. A Bangkok Pattaya package with your choice of Thai honeymoon destination and regale in Thai romance amid the best experiences Thailand has to offer.