Thailand Honeymoon

babyt6383

Has anyone or is anyone booking their honeymoon in Thailand. Me and my fiance are looking into Phuket and was wondering if anyone has any tips/recommendations on things to do and places to stay? Thanks!!!! Tracy

caramels03

Hi Tracy,My fiance and I aren't going to Thailand for our honeymoon, although I've been there countless times on vacation with my family.  Phuket is gorgeous, relaxing, and the food is amazing!!  My favorite hotels there are the JW Marriott (the rooms are amazing, the breakfast buffet is incredible, and it has 3 pools... the only downside is it's situated far away from "town" so it's a bit pricey getting down there) and the Chedi.  Almost forgot to mention that the ocean by the JW Marriott is almost unswimmable... the waves are very rough up there.  But the pools are more than satisfying in my opinion!A lot of people like to stay in the Patong area since that is where "downtown" is... I put that in quotations because there really isn't THAT much to do downtown.  Just a bunch of street vendors, a couple of rundown malls, a strip of beach, and that's it.My suggestions to you on activities are: go on a Phi Phi Islands tour (this is where James Bond and The Beach were filmed... the lagoons are beautiful), go horseback riding or on an elephant trek, check out a transvestite show (Simon's) - not creepy at all, more like a musical put on by pretty women who are actually men, eat LOTS of food, soak up the sun, and enjoy the Thai hospitality.  They are the most friendly and helpful people you will ever meet.Let me know if you have any more questions! 

babyt6383

Thank you so much for your input! I do have a question...have you heard anything about the Chava Resort? We are looking at staying there and tripadvisor has all good reviews...but its nice to get as many opinions as possible. I am also going to check out the two hotels you recommended.

caramels03

Sorry, I haven't heard anything about Chava!  I'm sure it's nice though, if it's got great ratings on Tripadvisor.    How long is your honeymoon?  Are you going to be in Phuket the whole time or are you thinking of going to other places in Thailand, like Bangkok?

babyt6383

We will be in Phuket for 7 days....We are leaning towards only staying in Phuket...I think i'd like to feel like im at a home away from home rather than being on the go. Although if the vacay were longer i'd love to see other parts of the country. The Chava resort is on Surin Beach...away from the hustle of Patong but still close enough to go spend an afternoon there. Any favorite fancy restaurants that you would recommend?

caramels03

Well, Phuket is a great place and I'm sure you'll feel right at home after 7 days!  Are you considering the Phi Phi Islands tour?  It really is not to be missed!I don't know of any fancy restaurants, sorry... I don't even think Phuket has many fancy restaurants.  The best tasting food comes from the side of the road shacks!  There are some nice restaurants at the JW Marriott (and other hotels) but I don't know of any freestanding fancy places.Are you renting a car?  Maybe it'll be easier to find fancy restaurants if you do.

babyt6383

oh yes...we are definitely wanting to check out the phi phi islands....they look so neat. We are considering renting a car...at least for the days we head in to the city. What company have you used to get over to the phi phi islands? what all does it include?

caramels03

We went with Asia Web Direct.http://www.phuket-travel.com/destinations/frameme-phiphi.php?page=phiphi.htmIt's an all day tour which includes hotel pick up and drop off,  various stops on different islands (one or two lagoons, areas for snorkelling, beaches), lunch on one of the islands, and drinks and fresh fruit on board.  They provide the snorkel equipment.  The above link has some pretty good descriptions of what stops you'll be making.By the way, speedboat is the best way to see Phi Phi Islands because they're smaller (so they can get into the pretty lagoons more easily) and faster.  However, I don't think I've ever felt more tossed around in my life!!  You're safe in the speedboat since it is enclosed, but the waves + speed make for one BUMPY and CHOPPY ride.  Whew!When are you thinking of going to Phuket? 

babyt6383

oooh that sounds fantastic! Im getting too anxious...haha. Our honeymoon in at the beginning of June...I know its during the rainy season, but from what i've read, if it rains its only for 30 mins or so and then it dries up quick and is beautiful again. Have you ever been during June?

caramels03

Yup, I've been in June-July and most recently in September... all of those months are considered the monsoon season.  It does rain for a few hours each day (at most) but there are definitely lots of moments of sunshine as well, so I wouldn't be deterred.  The best part is that hotel rates are so much cheaper during that time!When I went this past September, it rained the ENTIRE first day we got there... it was a bit of a bummer, but the next 2 days it was BRIGHT sunshine without a single drop!  So it really depends on your luck.  I'm sure you'll be fine.