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 Stop – ignore the building stress of wedding
planning for a brief moment. Breathe – your classic Thailand
honeymoon is just around the corner.
Upon arrival after a long travel day, your personal driver is waiting for you. He'll sweep you away to
remote and secluded Rayavadee in the beachside
province of Krabi. Check in between towering
jungle-clad limestone cliffs and the dazzling Andaman
Sea. Without a doubt, this is one of the
most dramatic resort settings in Thailand, if
not the world. You can hear the water lapping the sand
from your Deluxe Pavilion on Railay Beach.
While here, book a Thai massage or slip into the
infinity pool. You have five days of pure
bliss so enjoy!
 One
morning you will head out by speedboat to
explore the
islands and archipelagos of spectacular Phang Nga
Bay, stopping to snorkel near Koh
Phi Phi. Another day, take kayaks
through mangroves and sea caves, spotting
monkeys and macaques along the shore. You
return in time for an intimate candle-lit dinner
under the stars on your private terrace.
As you say good-bye to the beach, it’s time to
catch two short flights to the ancient city of
Chiang Mai, the “Rose of the North.” Although
it's the second-largest city in Thailand, Chiang
Mai has a more laid back feel than most urban
areas its size. It was once the capital of an
independent kingdom, and the moat around the
original old town is still intact.
 Just outside
the city lies your palatial retreat –
the Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi. Your
well-appointed duplex villa was converted from
an authentic Northern Thai rice barn. When
not out and about, these digs provide the
perfect respite. Relax with a good book in your
downstairs living room while looking out at the
gardens, or ring your private butler for a
gourmet cheese plate and a flight of wines.
Stroll the resort's lush grounds, perhaps
stopping for a yoga class or a hands on craft
demonstration at the Culture Centre.
 The next morning, you're off
for an
elephant safari through the jungle. As she lumbers below
you, your new friend will be happy to
accept bananas from you! From there, your
driver will guide you through scenic hills where
you'll get to stop and see elaborate temples, as
well as visit indigenous hilltribes. If
desired, there's some great hiking in the area
as well.
From the north, you'll jet down to epic
Bangkok. Here you are staying at one of the most
esteemed addresses in Asia, the
Mandarin Oriental Hotel! You'll be treated like royalty
in a 700-square-foot Deluxe Stateroom, decorated
in traditional Thai style with dark teakwood and
bright Thai silk.
Floor-to-ceiling windows offer uninterrupted
views of the Chao Phraya River and the city
skyline. Don’t miss the nirvana you’ll find at
the spa, with more than 40 treatments offering
combinations of ancient traditions to delight
your senses.
 In Bangkok, you need not travel far to find the
trappings of modern civilization giving way to
historical treasures. The city’s fragrant,
colorful markets surround some of Asia's most
jaw-dropping temples. Gleaming gold and
mother-of-pearl mosaics express the Thai
people's devotion to their King, Buddha, and the
divine. Be sure you escape the crowds and
explore the city by private longtail boat, crisscrossing
the capital via ancient canals, called
khlongs. After a full day of sightseeing,
return to the hotel where a table will be
waiting at their famous Riverfront Terrace
Restaurant. As you dine, watch the sun set over
the bustling river and dramatic cityscape.
Reflect on Thailand's culture
and beauty as you share dessert. Raise a glass to your trip and to
each other. Your new marriage is off to a
wonderful
start!
Who
will enjoy this trip:
Couples who desire luxury and pampering with
classic,
top-notch hotels. Those interested in
seeing
the key highlights of Thailand without going too
far off the beaten path. People with a limited amount
of time.
Who
should avoid this trip:
Couples who prefer boutique
hotels. Those who want to see more of the
country and have the time to do so.
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