Hoping for some help...

I have friends who are getting married mid-July. They'd like to honeymoon in Thailand and I'm looking for some recommendations... Here's some relevant info:

- they have three weeks ish

- they want to see some of 'real' Thailand - but not like a backpacking trip in that they're all over the place

- they want a bit of luxury because it's their honeymoon - luxury is not necessary for ALL parts of the holiday though (ie if they have to rough it for a couple of days to see a really beautiful place, that's fine)

- they want to chill out (beachy) first, then see some of the country

- they're happy to travel by train, but because of his bad back, he finds it difficult to do much by car on pot-holey roads (or than lying down in the back!)

- they would like to see some of the spiritual side of things - also some hills (not too much because of his back) and water/rivers, etc (I think they like the idea of spending some time 'up country' on a boat)

- they don't mind a bit of rain, but would be disappointed if they couldn't go on a river trip, for example, because there was too much rain...

- he's a keen photographer and loves to take pics of 'local people' in 'local places'

That's it. All ideas greatly appreciated! Even if you could suggest regions/areas that would be a great start...

Many thanks

Phuket, perhaps Phi Phi or Krabi? Obviously Bangkok - might as well see it if you have to fly in there.

Chiang Mai???

Maybe BKK fly Phuket (do Krabi/Phi Phi) then fly to Chiang Mai.

Anyways personally I stay maybe in Phuket - see everything about there. (heaps to see) Then work in touristy bits in BKK and daytrips.

Bangkok.

Stay several days, get a Skytrain Pass and see some sights.

Grand Palace,

Jim Thompson House.

Erawan Shrine.

Chinatown,

River trip to Ayudhya.

Nite Train to Chaing Mai,

Rent a car and go see Chaing Rai and Mae Hong Son.

Fly to Phuket.

Stay at Marina Cottages, Karon Beach.

Explore the island,

Drive to Krabi stopping at James Bond Island.

Stay at Rallie Beach.

Go to Ko Samui.

Mae Nam Beach.

Fly to Bangkok, shopping etc.

If you have the time I highly recommend a 3 or 4 day side trip to Angkor Wat.

Get a VISA at Cambodia Airport.

Of course if they are novice travelers then a good warning about all the petty scams that they will encounter.Jewelry scam, touts, taxi scams ......

Thanks for these ideas. Any other thoughts?

There are quite a few cruises, ranging from the all-you-can-eat-buffet-while-hongkies-and-singaporeans-are-elbowing-you-for-the-last-prawn type large ones to the sailboat charters for a few days in the Andaman.

Did a short 4-days sailboat cruise through the Whitsundays with my wife a few years back and it was simply amazing.

There are quite a few cruises, ranging from the all-you-can-eat-buffet-while-hongkies-and-singaporeans-are-elbowing-you-for-the-last-prawn type large ones to the sailboat charters for a few days in the Andaman.

Did a short 4-days sailboat cruise through the Whitsundays with my wife a few years back and it was simply amazing.

For something out-of-this world romantic, I would suggest a quick trip (2hr flight) up to Hanoi in the north of Vietnam for 4 or 5 days. A cruise on a chinese junk ship (absolutely stunning) for 3 days/2 nights only costs US$140/each. The trip is a truly spectacular one. I will post some photos so you get an idea of what I'm referring to.

Flights to Hanoi range from US$100 return (air asia) to US$300 return (full service airline) ... I've noticed recently though that thai airways has had many online specials to hanoi www.thaiairways.com

The people to contact about the cruise on Ha long bay are: www.handspan.com (very professional the whole way, including a great guide who spoke very clear english).

Hoping for some help...

I have friends who are getting married mid-July. They'd like to honeymoon in Thailand and I'm looking for some recommendations... Here's some relevant info:

- they have three weeks ish

- they want to see some of 'real' Thailand - but not like a backpacking trip in that they're all over the place

- they want a bit of luxury because it's their honeymoon - luxury is not necessary for ALL parts of the holiday though (ie if they have to rough it for a couple of days to see a really beautiful place, that's fine)

- they want to chill out (beachy) first, then see some of the country

- they're happy to travel by train, but because of his bad back, he finds it difficult to do much by car on pot-holey roads (or than lying down in the back!)

- they would like to see some of the spiritual side of things - also some hills (not too much because of his back) and water/rivers, etc (I think they like the idea of spending some time 'up country' on a boat)

- they don't mind a bit of rain, but would be disappointed if they couldn't go on a river trip, for example, because there was too much rain...

- he's a keen photographer and loves to take pics of 'local people' in 'local places'

That's it. All ideas greatly appreciated! Even if you could suggest regions/areas that would be a great start...

Many thanks

Hi !

Here is a nice place by the river in chiang mai, http://www.moondanceriver.com