Thailand & Cambodia Honeymoon Spots!

Emily recently traveled to the Far East and she is sharing her favorite spots, that are perfect for honeymooners, in a two part series on the blog this week and next week! 

Though I love planning, working with my awesome clients and the high intensity energy of each coming wedding season, in my off time, I can’t deny that taking a little “ME” time feels nice too! This past December, I had the amazing opportunity to explore a little piece of the world with my family. My brother, mom and I spent three life-changing weeks traveling through Thailand and Cambodia and it was such a great trip, I almost didn’t come back!  First of all, I just have to say that South East Asia is so beautiful – easily one of the most interesting places I’ve ever traveled to, full of inspiration! Thailand and Cambodia are also known to be high on the list of many honeymooners too – as these countries are full of romantic adventures whether you and your honey like the mountains, gorgeous beaches, or even big, cosmopolitan cities! Thinking of planning your own honeymoon in South East Asia? Here are a few hotels and destinations from my trip that I would consider to be “MUST DO’s”.

Chiang Mai, Thailand – We stayed at the Rachamankha – a beautiful boutique hotel with a tranquil feel in the Old City. Perfection is hard to find, but this place delivers it on so many levels. The design of this hotel is what one would expect from an architect who studied under the great Le Corbusier! The interior is just as stunning, perfect symmetry and clean lines, a seriously impressive art collection and treatments using Chinese antiques, traditional old Thai paintings, plush sofas and Jim Thompson silk cushions. The feel of the hotel created quiet zones of elegance and harmony juxtaposed with an element of nature brought in from the beautiful collection of old bonsai trees that lived in each nook. The breakfasts were delicious – stylishly served on the gorgeous blue willow pottery. The staff was friendly and the rooms were quite large and comfortable! The pool and library (which included a teak lining with floor to ceiling books in all languages) are just two more delights of this place. Honestly, the hotel was heaven and for any couple looking for style, comfort and a great value for their money, I’d highly recommend this spot!

Chiang Mai at large is a great city for fun and adventure. Though it does not include sea and sand, there is much that can keep you busy. If you are a big shopper, I highly recommend making sure that you are in town on a Sunday for the Sunday Walking Market. The local tribes and craftsmen fill the streets in the evening with beautifully handcrafted items and I walked away with many gorgeous purses that I imagined would be sold at Ikram for hundreds of dollars. Some other great activities for honeymooners in Chiang Mai could easily include: spending the day at an Elephant Camp (The Patara Elephant Farm is one of the most widely known and renowned of the camps – praised for their humane treatment of animals), an evening cooking class (look no further than Asia Scenic Thai Cooking School – ask for Indy!), trekking in the mountains, visiting hill tribe villages, getting massages at the local parlors, making friends at Tiger Kingdom and checking out all of the temples. This place has so much to explore!

Koh Samui, Thailand – The Lanna Sammui couldn’t have provided a better “beach” atmosphere for our ‘island’ leg of the trip. The property is immaculate and the grounds are very well kept and always tidy. The pool area is pristine and relaxing. The rooms are warm – beautifully appointed with a crisp white layout, which suits the modern feel and beach setting. The hotel’s location is also excellent – just a short 10 minute drive away from the airport and a scooter ride away from the downtown area. Alex at reception is lovely and very helpful and Barney, the GM, has a great presence on-site. While the Lanna Sammui is still a fairly new hotel (1-2 years old), the staff members operate like a well-oiled machine and were incredibly welcoming and eager to make us comfortable. In short, the Lanna Sammui is a hidden piece of paradise. Fresh, serene, modern, and relaxing – all GREAT words to describe these lux accommodations!

Make sure to check back next Wednesday for the second half of Emily’s adventure!