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