Ever seen the film, The Beach? Idyllic beaches, pristine waters and unending adventure: the chain of islands in the Gulf of Siam is the perfect location for a sizzling-hot honeymoon, romantic but also adrenaline pumping. Come honeymoon planning, evaluate the many pros (all items listed above) and cons (expensive flight, long flight) and you’ll see that the pros definitely outweigh the cons. Lazing about on hammocks overlooking the water, island hopping and jungle trekking a la Leonardo DiCaprio in The Beach is the perfect fit for adventure-honeymoon seekers.
The islands of Koh Chang on the east of the gulf, and Koh Phangan, Koh Tao and Koh Samui on the west, are all within short and easy bus or train routes from Bangkok. On these islands you’ll find everything from beautiful, quiet beaches, loud and un-ending full moon parties, five star luxury hotels, sweet and simple cabanas, as well as every water adventure you can think of.
Here is a two-week adventure-honeymoon itinerary from Thailand’s capital, Bangkok City, to the main islands of the Gulf of Siam.
Day 1: Arrive at Bangkok international airport in the afternoon and take a cab to the very affordable Amari Boulevard Boutique Hotel in the centre of the commercial district (check with your travel agent, as this luxury boutique hotel often hosts package deals with Thai Airlines.) After unpacking and a quick lunch of Pad Thai and pineapple juice for 60 baht (about 2 US dollars – makes up for the expensive flight!), walk down the main strip of the area, packed with souvenir and traditional gift shops. Back at the hotel, book a very affordable guided tour of the city for the next day. Then walk out to the internet café/travel shops and book a bus trip, about an hour east, to the island of Koh Chang.
Day 2: After an early breakfast in the hotel restaurant, climb aboard the bus around 8:30 in the morning and experience the vibrancy of the city: the tuk-tuks pulling people along the street, flower markets with buckets full of fresh blooms and gorgeous Thai silk skirts. On your tour, you will get to see some of the city’s favorite sights: the Grand Palace of Siam, Wat Pho Temple, and the famous Reclining Buddha (which also makes an appearance in the film, The Beach).
Day 3: Rise early and catch the bus to Koh Chang Island. It is about an hour ride across the beautiful countryside. From Trat, you’ll take a glorious ferry ride over the water to the island. After disembarking the ferry, hitch a ride on a friendly truck to Magic Resort – a family run resort with private cabanas and honeymoon suites right on the beach. The on-site restaurant serves delicious food – green curries, mango salads, spicy fish stir-fry.
Day 4: Meet your hosts: Nong, the village fisherman, Neng, the village Elvis (named for his great karaoke singing), and Henry – a part-time expat from Germany who lives at the resort 6 months out of the year and is the English translator for the family. They are a riot.
Day 5, 6: Still here. You won’t want to leave. After singing karaoke, you have visited all the neighborhood thatched-roof pubs, ridden on elephants in the jungle and watched villagers tap the rubber trees. You’ve relaxed on the pristine white sands of the beach and read several novels from cover to cover, or you’ve meditated on the water, watching monks glide along the sand in their saffron robes. You’re sitting beside your loved one, asking, “Is this a honeymoon? Or a dream?”
Day 7: Back to Bangkok. From there book a train to the island of Koh Samui. A longer ride, but you can catch a comfortable train or a local flight so that you can stretch your legs.
Day 8: You are in Koh Samui, staying at the luxurious Amari Palm Reef Resort. It is here, with the unrivalled view of the beaches, 2 swimming pools, and spa services that you will enjoy the romantic “honeymoon” stage of the journey (if you haven’t already!) Beautiful palm-fringed, hilly landscapes, Cheweng Beach close by, and only minutes from Wat Prha Yai, home of the sitting Golden Buddha. Rent a scooter and ride around the island. The landscape is wild.
Day 9: Still at the pool. You just can’t leave.
Day 10 and 11: Getting a little bit bored? Catch a ferry over to the next island about 30 minutes north to Koh Phangan – rumored to be the filming site for The Beach. Here you can snorkel the deep waters and lounge in hammocks during the day. Enjoy a beach Thai massage for 6 US dollars. Then join the Half Moon or Full Moon party at night.
Day 12 and 13: Another short ferry ride north takes you to Koh Tao. This is often the favorite island for many adventure honeymooners for its unspoiled beauty. The terrain is hilly, a little more difficult for your scooter to navigate, but less touristy. It is a great scuba diving and snorkeling destination and also boasts some great locations for rock-climbers (all the gear for these adventure sports are readily available from rentals on the island.)
Day 14: Back to the big city by train. After your final authentic Thai meal, catch a cab back to the airport. On the plane, devise a plan for when you’ll next return for a longer stay.
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