From idyllic white sandy beaches and stunning national parks to wild animal encounters and a buzzing nightlife - Thailand travel offers something for everyone. We visited in June for a Thailand honeymoon tour, reviewing an array of hotels in Bangkok and Phuket. If you're looking for a honeymoon which incorporates adventure, relaxation, stunning scenery and great Thai food - then Thailand could be the perfect destination.
Travelling to Thailand for just over two weeks, the capital Bangkok was our first stop. We stayed at the Chatrium Riverside Hotel - a skyscraper hotel located on the banks of the stunning river Chao Phraya. With a room on the 62nd floor, our panoramic view overlooking the river and city was a spectacular feature to our spacious suite.
The Chatrium Riverside hotel is a great place for honeymooners, with a relaxing and luxurious ambiance, as well as their exclusive rooftop pool overlooking the city and river. They go the extra mile for all their guests - leaving flowers and surprises on the beds...
In our 3 days we managed to see the iconic Grand Palace, Wat Po and Temple of Dawn, squeezing in a famous Thai massage and some shopping at the markets. With a public boat system, tourists can hop on and off the boat shuttle visiting the varying attractions along the river.
Whilst in Bangkok, we visited the famous Banyan Tree for dinner. After our tour of the stunning bedrooms and suites, we were whisked away to the rooftop Moon Bar and Vertigo Restaurant. With unrivalled panoramic views of Bangkok, the bar and restaurant offered service, cocktails and food of the highest standard - with a slight side effect of Vertigo! Although it began to rain when we were mid dinner, we were quickly whisked away to their equally impressive indoor restaurant before being allowed back on the roof for dessert. This hotel is a spectacular choice for couples seeking a relaxing and sophisticated few days in city.
After 3 nights in the buzzing city of Bangkok, we flew to Phuket (only an hours flight). We were chauffeur driven to Elephant Hills - a beautiful camp in Khao Sok National Park in Southern Thailand which would be our home for the next 2 nights. We were shown to our luxury tents - complete with a wooden safe, wooden wardrobe, private outdoor shower and a swimming pool just around the corner.
Our two days at Elephant Hills was activity packed; from canoeing an kayaking to snorkelling and elephant washing - we came away with unforgettable memories and some "once in a life time" experiences. We saw monkeys and snakes in their natural habitats and got to feed the gorgeous elephants after having some fun with the hose pipe. This was one of our holiday highlights - despite not being "at one with nature" types!
We then moved on to our last hotel - a few hours drive from Elephant Hills, where we planned to relax for 8 nights and do some island hopping. Angsana Laguna Phuket is located in a quiet spot on the West side of Phuket, not far from the famous Patong Beach. The family friendly hotel offered first class service from the moment we arrived.
Our two bedroom pool suite was in the heart of the hotel - overlooking the free flowing lazy-river style pool. As it was June, the hotel was very quiet which was great. We even had access to the exclusive Xana Beach Club at no extra cost, relaxing in private cabanas and sipping pina coladas all day.
The al a carte breakfast was first class and included in our accommodation rate. The hotel is situated among multiple lagoons, with a free boat shuttle to connect you around the resort. With plenty to do, the hotel is perfect for honeymooners who just want to sit back and relax, but also families who want to take part in the resort's activities which include windsurfing, shopping, elephant trekking and canoeing on the lagoons. The wedding chapel is a stunning addition to the hotel and a perfect location to exchange your vows.
Whilst most of our days were spent lazing around the hotel, we also took some time to visit Tiger Kingdom, Phi Phi islands and Patong Beach. Visiting Phi Phi islands is definitely worth adding to your itinerary. We stopped at monkey beach, Maya Beach (where the iconic film 'The Beach' was filmed), a hotspot for snorkelling and another island for some more relaxation. We also had our first cocktail presented in a real coconut which was delicious! Patong is also a great night time adventure for couples who want to get involved in Phuket's nightlife scene.
For those who just want to stay in the resort, Laguna offers a large selection of fun activities. Our favourite was the elephant feeding and trekking around the Laguna - we were so impressed we went back again just to feed them! It was 50p to feed these amazing animals a basket of bananas. The 7 month baby, Coconut, was a real attraction due to his playful and cheeky personality.
In the Laguna resort, there are a number of different hotels to visit and dine at. We visited the Outrigger Laguna Phuket Beach Resort for their delicious evening Thai Buffet. This hotel is a great option for honeymooners who are travelling with a family, successfully balancing a relaxing retreat with entertainment for children. We were very impressed by their lobby area and the water slide which was a huge hit with children and young adults.
Thailand holiday provides honeymooners with a real mix of adventure and relaxation. We had an unforgettable 2 weeks and managed to experience 3 very different areas. The culture and Thai people are beyond kind and we were overwhelmed by how helpful everyone was. Whilst the best time to visit Thailand for the hot months is December - we went in June, had 2 days of rain and came home with spectacular memories of Thailand travel and a fab suntan.