Hi, we're looking at potential honeymoon destinations and are looking at potential beach spots in Thailand. Because it's our honeymoon, we want to avoid the regions affected by the tsuanami. So, not Phuket. Are there beach areas on the east, west or north that would be good in July?

We're also considering Bora Bora but it gets so expensive.

Will be taking 2 weeks from east coast in total and want to be sure it's relaxing. We've never been to thailand. Would consider a stop over in california or hawaii for beach time if that's an option.

Thanks!

Although there is no reason at all not to visit Phuket as you would not really know anything had happened unless you really searched, being that it is July it would be rainy season then anyway.

If you want a busy Island in July with decent weather then Koh Samui, if you are into diving then Koh Tao ( close to Koh Samui so you can always do both ), quieter island Koh Chang, plus there are the mainland beaches.

You could spend a few nights in Bangkok, flights to Samui about 1 hr, around 12 flights a day.

If you are flying from east Coast others can give you their tips and advice for the westbound routes on NW etc, or if you travel eastbound a fairly fast route is Emirates from JFK non-stop to Dubai and then continue with Emirates who have up to 3 x daily Dubai-Bangkok, seatback PTVs etc in all classes.

Now you need to tell us Budget for accommodation!

Hi, thanks for your reply and the info. We would budget up to $300 per night for a hotel. Would cheng mai be possible as well or is it too much of an 'adventure' trip to go there? I'd like romance/relaxation for most of the trip.

Thai Airways has a new non-stop flight NY to BKK starting in May, only 17 hours total trip time. Flight cost from NY is about $1000.

Personaly I think Chiang mai is excellent, the flight takes just over/on 1 hr, if you fly Thai it is only a small amount to upgrade to Royal Executive Class, you can enjoy the lounge and extra space, some lovely places to stay in Chiang Mai such as the Rachamankha ( half your budget!), or if you don't mind being out of town the Jirung Health resort and Spa Boutique suite for $90!. Travel within Thailand especially flying is easy, cheap, and stress free. Most would do a few days in Chiang Mai before heading to the beach.
If it is valid for your time of travel the Bangkok Airways Discovery pass would give you $50 per sector tickets and you could do Chiang Mai with them and also Samui.

If your budget is up to $300 that will get you some top places to stay. That would get you a garden pool villa at the Sala Samui, there are of course a lot of places that offer good accommodation for a lot less. Try these as they have some nice photos to give you ideas of what you will get for your money.

http://www.phuket-luxury-hotels.com/...ry_hotels.html

http://www.phuket-luxury-hotels.com/...ry_hotels.html

I will let others come in for ideas for a night or so in Bangkok, but a River View twin at the Marriott resort in Bangkok would only cost about $130, or a Junior Suite in the $160 region.

You will be able to stay in some truly great accommodation, perhaps by saving yet still staying in great places in Bangkok and Chiang Mai you can go over a bit on Samui.

Well said tnnc, I keep on forgeting that!! Yes, that would be great, and with the option of the Premium Economy they would get 2 x 3 x 2 seating and pick up some useful mileage and then fly up to Chiang Mai Royal Executive.

we have always flown northwest from boston to thailand through detroit or minneapolis with a stop in tokyo....both stops are about 1-1 1/2 hours... very quick service...

the new thai air flt from nyc to begin in may looks very good at only 17+ hours...

for bkk hotels look at peninsula, oriental, banyon tree, four seasons and conrad...my favorite is the marriott resort and spa to which i have sent several honeymooning fodorites with success....none of these hotels will cost $300 or even $200 except the oriental ($300) and peninsula ($220)...

phuket had limited destruction...koh samui is very nice and top places there are the meredien and the pansea plus the brand new anantara...

with only two weeks i would go to bkk and one beach place....i would start in bkk for 3-4 days, go to the beach and return to bkk for at least 3 days....

a good hotel site is: www.huahin.20m.com....scroll down to other thailand locations and click...then drop down top window and choose your location....all inclusive with tax/service (17.7%) and breakfast usually...good deals...

For a relaxing elegant very private beach resort we stayed at the Pimalai on Koh Lanta. Don't know how the weather is at that time of year -- JamesA can tell you -- but it is ideal for a honeymoon, or second honeymoon, or whatever... Gorgeous wide, long white sand beach, water so clear you can see your toes, beautiful accommodations in low rise villas scattered throughout lush tropical landscaping with jasmine, bird of paradise, and other lovely flowers, fantastic service, a lovely spa, an infinity pool, delicious food (Thai & Western). It is heaven. We stayed 6 nights and I actually cried when we left.

May/June it can be possible to chance down south Koh Lanta / krabi / Phuket etc but July really is right in the middle of the rainy season, that is why Samui is busy at that time.

HI,
Thanks for those great ideas. We've decided to go for it and make Thailand our honeymoon destination thanks to your feedback. Now if we can just get people to stop looking at us funny when we say we're going to Thailand we'll be all set! I think we will find some great hotel destinations. That's my next bit of work!

always make sure to tell the hotel that it is your honeymoon at reservation time and as you are checking in as they often give special treatment to you