Alternative to Thailand Honeymoon
Apr 26th, 2010, 07:21 PM
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Alternative to Thailand Honeymoon
My fiance and I were planning our dream honeymoon in Thailand this August. We were planning to visit Bangkok, Golden Triangle and Ko Samui. Sadly and unfortunately, we're now starting to reconsider our plans given unrest in Bangkok. We are hoping to find an exotic alternative that has a similar mix of adventure and relaxation. We have two weeks for travel, and would be open to multi-city/country stopovers throughout Asia and/or South Pacific. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated, thank you!!!
Apr 27th, 2010, 01:46 AM
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It really is far to early to write off Thailand, although the concern is understandable. I would give it another month or so.
Alternatives might include Bali, Hong Kong or Singapore, Toraja, Komodo and Yogyakarta.
Alternatives might include Bali, Hong Kong or Singapore, Toraja, Komodo and Yogyakarta.
Apr 27th, 2010, 05:42 AM
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August? I'd stick with your current plans, but research another option. Bali would be an easy substitute, with a stopover in Singapore.
If you were leaving tomorrow, I'd still say you could go, but you might skip Bangkok if you were uneasy.
If you were leaving tomorrow, I'd still say you could go, but you might skip Bangkok if you were uneasy.
Apr 27th, 2010, 07:24 AM
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I put up a similar post that people responded to that says "If not Thailand, then where?" Although not my HM it has been my dream too however, summer being around the corner I feel that I can't wait/hold out much longer to make a decision.
Not sure where you have traveled before, but I would recommend Costa Rica for beaches, culture, and adventure. We went last year and it was incredibly amazing.
Not sure where you have traveled before, but I would recommend Costa Rica for beaches, culture, and adventure. We went last year and it was incredibly amazing.
Apr 27th, 2010, 06:42 PM
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Parkersunshine’s post and responses to it can be found at http://www.fodors.com/community/asia...n-where-to.cfm
you might find it useful for your planning purposes too.
I also want to add one more thought: Hawaii. I know it sounds very pedestrian, but I have to say that I went there for the first time a few years ago and thought it was just fantastic – and this is from a person who has lived in Asia for almost 20 years and seen a lot of Asia. I went to volunteer at the Ironman (a complete hoot and something I <i>highly</i> recommend by the way), and so went there by default more than choice, and did not really have expectations of liking Hawaii, but I was really surprised. With the hauteur of the typical jaded traveler who has been to many “exotic” places (and lived in several), I thought Hawaii would be so “American”. And I course many parts of it are. I only went to Maui and the Big Island. I was not such a fan of Maui, as it is quite developed (although has some very lovely bits), but really thought the Big Island was gorgeous. Lots of different geography, from cool hill ranch areas to fairly tall mountains, to the moon-like Kona coast, to dense rainforest at Hilo. And some very nice beaches indeed. (And I think that Molokai or Kauai would be very good choices too as they are relatively undeveloped.) TONS of outdoor activities that are easy to do, and easy to do on your own, which is something that can be quite difficult about Asia. To be able to rent a car, tie a kayak on top and head out for the day on your own is sort of a treat you don’t get often get here. Helicopter rides over volcanoes are not something you can do here either. Hiking and biking are very good and again you can do on your own. Hotels I will say are not as luxurious for the most part as those in Asia, and Asia will spoil you for service, but I think that can be managed, and there are many opportunities to rent apartments or houses, see something like vrbo.com, which is virtually not found here, other than on Bali and some limited opportunities in major cities. And August is generally good weather in most of the islands, but happens to be the low season price-wise (high season is Christmas which is actually the rainy season). So for what it is worth, I thought I would throw it out there.
Another thought would be a safari to Africa, it’s hard for me to imagine a better honeymoon for someone interested in wildlife (which I assume is part of the reason you were including the Golden Triangle), and possibly include some beach time somewhere. The wildebeest migration in Kenya occurs from June through August so you might be able to see that. It would be winter to early spring in much of Africa, so you would have to choose beaches with some care (if warm beach temps are important to you), but it should be possible, perhaps a stop over in Spain or Greece on the way home (of course in August that could be mobbed with vacationing Europeans).
you might find it useful for your planning purposes too.
I also want to add one more thought: Hawaii. I know it sounds very pedestrian, but I have to say that I went there for the first time a few years ago and thought it was just fantastic – and this is from a person who has lived in Asia for almost 20 years and seen a lot of Asia. I went to volunteer at the Ironman (a complete hoot and something I <i>highly</i> recommend by the way), and so went there by default more than choice, and did not really have expectations of liking Hawaii, but I was really surprised. With the hauteur of the typical jaded traveler who has been to many “exotic” places (and lived in several), I thought Hawaii would be so “American”. And I course many parts of it are. I only went to Maui and the Big Island. I was not such a fan of Maui, as it is quite developed (although has some very lovely bits), but really thought the Big Island was gorgeous. Lots of different geography, from cool hill ranch areas to fairly tall mountains, to the moon-like Kona coast, to dense rainforest at Hilo. And some very nice beaches indeed. (And I think that Molokai or Kauai would be very good choices too as they are relatively undeveloped.) TONS of outdoor activities that are easy to do, and easy to do on your own, which is something that can be quite difficult about Asia. To be able to rent a car, tie a kayak on top and head out for the day on your own is sort of a treat you don’t get often get here. Helicopter rides over volcanoes are not something you can do here either. Hiking and biking are very good and again you can do on your own. Hotels I will say are not as luxurious for the most part as those in Asia, and Asia will spoil you for service, but I think that can be managed, and there are many opportunities to rent apartments or houses, see something like vrbo.com, which is virtually not found here, other than on Bali and some limited opportunities in major cities. And August is generally good weather in most of the islands, but happens to be the low season price-wise (high season is Christmas which is actually the rainy season). So for what it is worth, I thought I would throw it out there.
Another thought would be a safari to Africa, it’s hard for me to imagine a better honeymoon for someone interested in wildlife (which I assume is part of the reason you were including the Golden Triangle), and possibly include some beach time somewhere. The wildebeest migration in Kenya occurs from June through August so you might be able to see that. It would be winter to early spring in much of Africa, so you would have to choose beaches with some care (if warm beach temps are important to you), but it should be possible, perhaps a stop over in Spain or Greece on the way home (of course in August that could be mobbed with vacationing Europeans).
Apr 28th, 2010, 04:30 PM
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Wow, Cicerone, your post is incredibly helpful and right on target. At first I was hesitant on Hawaii given the exact reasons you listed above (wanted a more "exotic" less typical honeymoon experience with good mix of warm beach weather for relaxation and adventurous activities), but your description really has me sold on this one. I'll look into it, thanks for taking the time to respond and save my honeymoon!! 
Also like the idea of safari in SA, but given weather might not be as warm as I'd like, will probably defer until some other time, if lucky enough to go. THANK YOU!
Also like the idea of safari in SA, but given weather might not be as warm as I'd like, will probably defer until some other time, if lucky enough to go. THANK YOU!
Apr 28th, 2010, 06:19 PM
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Honeymooner, Bali sounds like it has everything you're looking for -- maybe in combination with Lombok's beaches.
Bali offers a lot of outdoorsy action activities, but if you like your adventure more remote there are many other parts of Indonesia for nature and culture. What is it that you want to do?
A stopover in Singapore or Hong Kong is easily doable.
I think it's a bit premature to bail out on Thailand, but since it's your honeymoon, you don't need the additional stress. August is peak season though so you need to move quickly on this if you're considering Bali.
Bali offers a lot of outdoorsy action activities, but if you like your adventure more remote there are many other parts of Indonesia for nature and culture. What is it that you want to do?
A stopover in Singapore or Hong Kong is easily doable.
I think it's a bit premature to bail out on Thailand, but since it's your honeymoon, you don't need the additional stress. August is peak season though so you need to move quickly on this if you're considering Bali.
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