Sweetness

Headed to thailand for our belated honeymoon, Spending 2 full days in Bangkok, then headed to Phuket for 7 days. Need help on planning and where to stay. Does this make sense? Any suggestions welcome.
Day I-in Hong kon for the day
Day 1-Bangkok, stay at Penisula-one day to rest and explore the city, get massage? eat good food?
Day 2 Bangkok, stay at Penisula- explore Temples during day, show at night?
Day 3 Head to Phuket on an am flight, stay in resort on the beach and use it as a base as we explore the island.
Thinking of staying at Renaissance or JW Marriot in KL, but a bit worried it is to far to explore the island??? should we head to more of a central stop in Kata or Karon beach? Looking for a beach resort to take a walk in the am
Day 4-just relax and visit sites near to resort late day?? Massage?
Day 5-Elepahant Tour?
Day 6-visit a few beaches, maybe Patong just to say we saw it??
Day 7-visit to Krabi? Kayak tour?? Will this take too long to get to fro KL??? Is it doable in a day


Day 8-10-move to more upscale resort to really enjoy the beach and relaxing before we head to USA. We'd like more of a honeymoon feel for these days, but not totally isolated. Stay at The Shore at Katathani or another upscale resort. or should we stay in Krabi area? there is a nice Ritx Caralton there

Fly home day 11 from Phuket

THOUGHTS???

Kathie

If you want a honeymoon feel, you need to slow down! No need to plan your time at Phuket at all other than to reserve a hotel. Otherwise, do whatever strikes your fancy (except the Elephant tour - please - these places treat the elephants horribly!)

I'm not really sure what you feel you have to explore on Phuket. It's an international beach resort - just go and enjoy. You could have a perfectly wonderful time without doing any of these things. The only Phuket area day trip that gets great reviews are the John Gray Sea Canoe trips, and you don't have to do that either.

Honestly, make the whole trip a honeymoon, take your time, stay at nice places (they don't have to be extravagant), choose just one place in the Phuket area. The Khao Lak area is lovely. If you MUST move hotels fine, but there really is no need to do so.

You are really over-thinking this!

Sweetness

I hear you, thanks! The Renaiassance or JW Mariott, both in KL-which do you prefer? How about the Shore at Katathani?? Which has a better swimmable, beautiful beach?

simpsonc510

Both beaches are very nice. I've stayed at Katathani Resort (not the Shore) and I like that smaller beach! (I like the Katathani Resort too!!!) Not so busy, but more importantly, not so remote as KL (I've stayed at J W and it is lovely). I also like Mom Tri's Villa Royale for a splurge.

I kind of see your point in splitting your time. Will you be renting a car or relying on local taxis/tuk tuks? If you will have a car, then yes, KL would be good for a few days. You will find local restaurants if you can explore by car.

If you stay along Kata/Kata Noi beach, you are much closer to restaurants and night life.

Patong is the busiest beach. I don't recommend staying there as it is too busy/crazy. Kata/Kata Noi is far enough away that it is much quieter, but close enough by tuk tuk that you can go to Patong and have a look/have a dinner/see what the hooplah is all about, and then LEAVE and go back to your much quieter beach!

I have stayed at the Renaissance Phuket, and at the Phuket Beach Club (condo) both of which are located in close proximity to the J W Phuket (different from KL). This beach (Mai Khao) is also nice. Our family will return to the Phuket Beach Club for one week, over the new year this Dec/Jan. Can't wait! It's fabulous!!!

I guess the main consideration is... will you have a car? If not, then don't book yourself too far away from "life" on Phuket.

simpsonc510

Peninsula is a GREAT choice for Bangkok, by the way!!!!