seamus1973

Hi there,
fabulous resource this!
thought i'd ask some advice in trying to plan a honeymoon!
we are planning out honeymoon in Thailand in January, We enjoy Diving, snorkelling, good food, bit of luxury; current plan -
arrive 9th of January - stay a few nights in Bangkok (maybe 4) possibly in the Oriental,
some day trips (river Kwai etc)
fly or train to Chiang Mai - 3-4 days play it by ear!! (should we skip it?? big question!!)
fly to Phuket-
3 or 6 days liveonboard trip to similian islands (not sure with who or how many days!)
bit of luxury somewhere- would love to dive from hotel room/ chalet straight into sea in private beach!
back to Bangkok and Home to Brussels (we're expats!)
any advice thoughts on any element would be much appreciated,
Thanks a million!

simpsonc510

With your amount of time, I might consider leaving Chiang Mai for another time. Bangkok will have plenty for you to do in 4/5 days, let alone side trips out of the city IMO.

The liveaboard sounds great, but you might also want to include some quiet time at a land-based resort. I really like Mom Tri's Villa Royale on Phuket, Kata Noi Beach.

simpsonc510

Another suggestion would be to split your Bangkok time. Maybe 3 days at the beginning, and then allow for another 2-3 days at the end of the trip, before flying home from there.

That way you could try out two of Bangkok's finer hotels. You mentioned the Oriental. Great for the beginning of your trip. Relaxing along the river, recovering from jetlag, etc. The Peninsula is also an exceptionally nice option in this location.

When you come back after your beach/liveaboard, you might consider staying in the center of the city, where there are restaurants and shopping nearby, within easy walking distance. Look at the Four Seasons or the Hyatt Erewan or the Centara (located above the Central World shopping mall). There is also a J W Marriott and a new Sofitel Sukhumvit.

rayong

Agree with previous advice. Split your BKK time and skip CM.

rhkkmk

look at the jw marriott in khao lak, good place from which to take a diving trip and for beach lux when you return--you fly to phuket and drive north 75 minutes... fab!!

stay at peninsula in bkk

zardom

Why dont you try cruising? where you will visit different country and I think it will be more memorable and romantic...

seamus1973

Thanks a million to you all for takin the time to advise me,
zardom- cruise with who- not sure-
will look at all the hotels you've all mentioned,
A trip to Australia N Zealand keeps coming into my head!!
will we have an amazing time in Thailand-
should we travel to another country when there? maybe indonesia?

Kathie

It appears that you have two weeks. Choose one country. Thailand will be lovely - it's a great place for a honeymoon.

Australia and New Zealand aren't as exotic and pampering as Thailand.

Bali is also an excellent place for a honeymoon. But again, choose one country.

simpsonc510

I agree about Australia and New Zealand. Not nearly as romantic as Thailand! Save them for an anniversary trip. They are both great places to visit (I've been 8 times) but not nearly as exotic as S E Asia for a honeymoon.

Your plan for Thailand was really good (with the Bangkok split time).

seamus1973

Thanks a million, i've decided! off to book flights to Thailand today!
you've been a great help;

simpsonc510

That's Great!!

Kathie

Thailand is a great choice.

Take a look at this website for ideas for Phuket hotels
http://www.phuket.com/hotel/recommen...ic-resorts.htm

I'm not suggesting you book your hotels through this website, I just think it gives some good ideas for romantic resorts.