Honeymoon in Koh Samui and Phuket
Thailand is undeniably one of the most romantic destinations in the world, with its richly exotic culture, mind-blowing beaches and impressive array of luxury restaurants and resorts. The Land of Smiles is also home to some of the most beautiful islands to be found anywhere on the globe, with Koh Samui and Phuket being perhaps the two most famous – and, unsurprisingly, sought-after honeymoon hotspots.
Phuket is the larger and more vibrant of the two, a charming juxtaposition of Western luxury and convenience melded with traditional Thai hospitality and tradition. An island of temples, rustic beach restaurants, air-conditioned malls and chic 5 star resorts, Phuket treads a fine line between the worlds of East and West but never loses its own authentic beauty and allure. The beaches on the island’s western coast are the most popular with tourists, but on the eastern and northern coastlines you will find quieter beaches where the locals like to hang out, sip watered-down Sangsom whiskey, and feast on fresh grilled seafood brought in by longtail boat.
Unsurprisingly Phuket is home to a wide variety of hotels and resorts, including some outstanding luxury getaways such as Andaman White Beach – featured in The Quest and The Beach – and Banyan Tree Phuket, overlooking picturesque Bang Tao bay. Other ultra-romantic honeymoon retreats include the likes of Anantara Phuket Villas and the uniquely designed Indigo Pearl, Phuket.
While your hotel of choice is guaranteed to offer a perfect romantic dining venue – or three – it is worth venturing out into the island for your dinner, as Phuket boasts many spectacular eateries, ranging from authentic wooden restaurants on the beach to sophisticated international venues with crisp white linens and candlelight. For a casual meal in a unique and rather beautiful setting, perched on a lush forested hill above Phuket Town, head to Tunk Ka Café. Dine on delicious Thai cuisine on one of 3 foliage-bordered terraces, and gaze out over the town toward Cape Panwa and Chalong – the perfect way to spend a romantic evening in Phuket. If you are in the mood after your meal head down into town and check out the bars, such as Timber Rock (Timber Hut) on Yaowarat Road, a buzzing music bar highly popular with locals.
For a more upscale romantic dinner on Phuket, make your way to Chalong and Kan Eang@Pier, a spacious restaurant which offers indoor and al fresco dining with sweeping views of Chalong Bay and the neighbouring islands. The menu is an outstanding blend of Thai and Chinese dishes with a heavy focus on seafood and includes such delights as baked Phuket lobster in butter and creamy tom ka gai, a flavourful and delicious chicken and coconut milk soup. To go with your meal choose from an impressive drinks list of Old and New World wines, beers, smoothies and refreshing juices.
A short flight from Phuket, you will find the much-loved island of Koh Samui, Phuket’s more laidback ‘little sister’. Formerly sleepy and undeveloped, Samui is now following in Phuket’s footsteps, with many new resorts, bars and restaurants opening on the island all the time. The beaches most frequented by tourists are Chaweng and Lamai, on the east coast, while the isle’s northern beaches are quieter and more unspoiled. When it comes to selecting your accommodation honeymooners have an impressive choice of lavish resorts available to them, from Centara Villas Samui to The Tongsai Bay and Silvadee Pool Spa Resort.
Just like on Phuket there are plenty of romantic ways to spend your time, from swimming in the sea to enjoying unforgettable boat trips or a decadent spa package in your resort spa. However Samui boasts a couple of natural attractions which Phuket doesn’t. One is Hin Ta and Hin Yai; two rather amusing rock formations which are guaranteed to raise a giggle, or perhaps put you in the mood for romance. The other is the Secret Buddha Garden, a magical spot nestled in the hills north-west of Lamai. Surrounded by jungle, the garden provides a secluded, tranquil place to wander and reflect, and is peopled by an incredible cast of statues depicting figures from Thai mythology and folklore. There is even a statue of the garden’s founder, Khun Nim, who worked on this breath-taking labour of love until he died at the venerable age of 91.
Secret Buddha GardenAfter spending an unforgettable afternoon exploring this hidden gem, head to one of Samui’s most romantic restaurants for a sumptuous dinner a deux. Choose a table at the award-winning Dining on the Rocks restaurant at Six Senses Samui, which provides you with staggering 270-degree views as well as some of the finest dining on the island. Alternatively you can opt for a more low-key venue and head to the Happy Elephant at the Fisherman’s Village. This atmospheric restaurant is sure to charm with its varied menu, friendly staff and the sultry strains of live jazz music – what better way to spend an evening on your Koh Samui honeymoon?
