Jungle, Beach and Mountains

After a long flight over endless Pacific seas and tiny islands, you finally arrive in Thailand – home to some of the most scenic landscapes and colorful culture in the world.

Your first stop will be the mainland coast just north of Phuket... far, far away from noise and distraction. A quick 20-minute drive from the airport brings you to the Aleenta Resort and Spa, your welcoming home for the next few days. Your stylish suite awaits, with a bottle of champagne on ice and flower petals floating on the surface of your Jacuzzi. Some serious rest & relaxation is in order. The floor-to-ceiling glass wall provides a full view of the Andaman Sea. And just beyond sits a cooling private plunge pool. As you listen to the waves lapping the beach, two talented therapists help alleviate jet lag with a luxurious couples massage.

The next day, you embark on a cruise...

of Phang Nga Bay National Park, taking in its dramatic limestone cliffs and visiting an unusual sea-gypsy village on stilts. Mid-afternoon you'll stop at a gorgeous, secluded beach for a gourmet picnic lunch!

After fully decompressing on Aleenta's heavenly white sands, it's time to head north to Chiang Mai, the second-largest city in Thailand. But don't be deceived by Chiang Mai's size - its compact, ancient Old Town is filled with meandering side streets, hidden pathways and the feel of an overgrown, provincial village. On your first day, you will travel by a combination of SUV and foot high into the mountains to visit the Karen hilltribe. Always friendly, the Karen women are well-known for their skill in weaving, which is done on a back-strap loom.

Chiang Mai is home to a number of other special activities...

At Wat Chediluang, an impressive 600-year-old temple, join in on the daily "Monk Chat," where you can sit with young Buddhist monks and learn more about the temple's history, as well as Buddhism and Thai culture. Chiang Mai is also a great place to learn the art of traditional Thai massage – a skill to share with your new spouse and take back home! Each evening, you will retreat back to the cool, calm and comfortable Rachamankha, one of the city's most charming boutique hotels, located right in the heart of the Old Town.

Up next is a 3-hour drive by private car northeast into the Golden Triangle, a region once synonymous with the Opium trade but now better known for eco-activities. Your base in the area is the Anantara Resort and Spa, an oasis of comfort in the tangled jungle. From your balcony, you will be able to see the Mekong River and the actual "Golden Triangle," where the borders of Thailand, Laos and Burma all meet!

No trip to Anantara would be complete without...

trying your hand at being a Mahout (elephant trainer / leader) in a real training course. You start by bathing your elephant in the river and feeding young babies a bunch of bananas. Then mount your elephant's back and learn how to steer him through rice paddies and along hillsides – it's exhilarating and gorgeous. Finally, seeing as you're right near Burma and Laos, why not visit? Your private guide will take you by longtail boat on the Mekong River, where you will get to explore trading ports of three different countries!

After covering the north, it's back to Bangkok for some urban adventure. Your lodgings will be the Metropolitan Hotel, home to chic trendsetters and the hippest lounge scene in the central downtown district. Three nights will give you a feel for this lively city, full of world-class restaurants, nightlife, shopping, and historical treasures! One evening, you'll catch an authentic Muay Thai boxing match... sitting amongst the locals in the more colorful second-class seats, of course.

This diverse trip hits many of the country's most beautiful and interesting locales. You'll return home refreshed, relaxed, and having experienced more wonderful things than you ever imagined. Before long, you'll find yourselves planning a return trip!

Who will enjoy this trip:

Couples who prefer smaller, boutique accommodations, especially those with a contemporary edge. Those who want to experience local culture first-hand, and prefer a mix of guided and independent exploration.

Who should avoid this trip:

Couples who prefer larger, international brand-name hotels. Those who just want to relax, without too much activity or moving around. Those who are less interested in local culture.