HoneyMoon

[The Philosopher]

Been to Thailand a few times now, as others have said, avoid Phuket. Our first year included a few nights in Phuket and it's really busy. After the first year I researched and went to the more remote area's. I am a research whore and found some really nice spots.

If you want a really quiet island, try Ko Kradan. Snorkelling was awesome (one of the best in Thailand) and the island is small (took us half a day to kayak around the island exploring the different coves) and the beaches are the best I have seen in Thailand. Only 4/5 hotels/lodges on the island though, so choice is limited. (2 nice places, rest very basic). Just across is Ko Mok which has the emerald caves which is an experience in itself. (You swim through a pitch black cave to emerge into what seems like the inside of a valcano).

If you want something slightly busier with more to do, but still awesome - Racha island. We have gone back to Racha each time we went to Thailand, the only place we repeated each year so far.

PM me if you want some pictures, I have plenty on my FB profile

Very informative!

Yaa that is the idea i want, remote as possible. Would you recommend booking straight through the resort? or with travel company. I would like to avoid travel agents. they charge mega commission as I have just found out on my trip to america!.

 

[The Philosopher]

Went to Thailand, stayed in larney hotels (Le Meridien hotel group). In Thailand take only B&B cause the booze and food in the hotels are stupidly expensive. You van eat and drink for a fraction by walking to local places.

I'm now in Le Meridien in Mauritius, a 330ml beer costs about R100 next to the pool, slightly more in the bar. Walk down the street and I buy a 6pack for R50.

I prefer Thailand due to warm water cheap food, rent a scooter while you are there and explore. Don't give them your passport and let a skivvy at the hotel "organize" a deal for you for R100 a day.

Koh Samui is good, hotels are packed close together and plenty nightlife, don't stare at the girls/boys. I prefer Khao Lak, much quieter and resorts are spaced well on the beaches with the empty areas in between ideal for locals to sell good and cheap food, booze and massages.

Enjoy the honeymoon

That is something I am worried about. The overpriced beverages at the hotels. I am sure there are all inclusive packages for food and drink?

 

[Joeboy69]

Some packages include local beverages ... But make no mistake you still pay for it ... I hardly drank or ate in a resort in Thailand, this week in Mauritius as well, except for happy hour cocktails in the pool

 

[Joeboy69]

Not going full board at a resort also has the advantage that when you are away from the hotel exploring the islands or on a snorkeling day trip where you are served meals, you don't lose out on the meals at the hotel that you have already paid for but are not there to eat. Plus how many buffet can you eat 3 times a day for 10 days in a row ....

 

[Arzy]

I'd vouch for Umngazi as well, went there with the family last year for a week and it was great.

Only downside is that it's a bit of a bitch to get there. The drive was scenic till the little one started throwing up from car sickness, local spar has boards up stating only 100 odd turns left to go.

 

[Mike Hoxbig]

I'd vouch for Umngazi as well, went there with the family last year for a week and it was great.

Only downside is that it's a bit of a bitch to get there. The drive was scenic till the little one started throwing up from car sickness, local spar has boards up stating only 100 odd turns left to go.

What's this? You've discovered other sections of the forum?

 

[Cpc]

In Zanzibar, where did you stay? What resort and was it a package through travel agent or directly through the hotel?

We stayed at Pongwe beach resort before the wedding and then had the wedding and honeymoon at Fumba beach lodge. Both where awesome with your on chalet on the beach. Fumba was perfect for a honeymoon, nice and quiet . I think my wife booked through Barefoot Breaks. Have a bit of a Google and check it out. The nice thing about Zanzibar is that it's only about 4 hrs from joburg as opposed to 16+ to Thailand.

 

[momo786]

Can also vouch for Zanzibar...quiet and awesome! And it should be off season now.

We stayed at Diamond Dreams, booked via Africa Stay. If I remember correctly, it's a two hour flight if you fly directly with Mango.

 

[Quantum Theory]

Saint Helena That is where I would go.

You better go soon... Once the airport is completed, it will become a tourist trap.

 

[Mila]

Is Thailand not having a bit of drama currently?

 

[Voicy]

Been to Thailand a few times now, as others have said, avoid Phuket. Our first year included a few nights in Phuket and it's really busy. After the first year I researched and went to the more remote area's. I am a research whore and found some really nice spots.

If you want a really quiet island, try Ko Kradan. Snorkelling was awesome (one of the best in Thailand) and the island is small (took us half a day to kayak around the island exploring the different coves) and the beaches are the best I have seen in Thailand. Only 4/5 hotels/lodges on the island though, so choice is limited. (2 nice places, rest very basic). Just across is Ko Mok which has the emerald caves which is an experience in itself. (You swim through a pitch black cave to emerge into what seems like the inside of a valcano).

If you want something slightly busier with more to do, but still awesome - Racha island. We have gone back to Racha each time we went to Thailand, the only place we repeated each year so far.

PM me if you want some pictures, I have plenty on my FB profile

I've dived Racha, beautiful little island but about a 2hr boat ride from Phuket. Not sure if I'd spend all my time there as a couple, but if I were on my ace I'd dive/snorkel the crap out of that place. Water was 27 and viz was 30m+

 

[crackersa]

Fiji, Tahiti, Hawaii...any where in the Caribbean?

 

[Cpc]

Fiji, Tahiti, Hawaii...any where in the Caribbean?

Caribbean is awesome!!! But flights are gonna cost a fortune!!

 

[MrWireless]

Very informative!

Yaa that is the idea i want, remote as possible. Would you recommend booking straight through the resort? or with travel company. I would like to avoid travel agents. they charge mega commission as I have just found out on my trip to america!.

On our very first trip we looked at travel agents, but they worked out much more expensive than if I did it myself. Each successive year, I have booked everything myself - flights, transport and hotels. Agoda, Tripadvisor and the hotel's website's are your friend. The first year I found Agoda had all the best deals. Since then I found the hotel's website direct gave us the best deals - compare and wait for specials.

My only real concern each time we have gone (especially to the remote area's) is how to get there, and how reliable the transport is. Thailand has the easiest transport network I have ever experienced. If you are worried about getting anywhere, don't. There are always people around who can point you in the right direction.

If you go to Racha Island, we always stay at Rayaburi. Has the best beach (Siam bay). The last time we went they had just finished renovating, so I think pricing has gone up as they really have improved their rooms. The service was always very good, and you have meals right on the beach on the sand. There is a small town, and each day we would go to a different beach and snorkel and relax. In the evening's there is a small bar at the end of the beach (both sides) which we would visit and have some drinks. They have loungers and use fire poles to light up the area - very romantic. The owner of the one bar even offered to cook for us one night - got there at 6pm, the guy literally caught the fish in front of us - and cooked it right then and there on the beach - doesn't get better than that.

If you consider Ko Kradan, we stayed at Coral Resort. When you go to the more remote area's, language does become an issue though. Only 1 staff member spoke English - so hand signals became our friend. The rooms are very nice, right on the beach - and as I mentioned, snorkeling was awesome. The service at Coral Resort needs some improvement (or we were unlucky), but the location and views definitely make up for it. The other resort I considered on Ko Kradan was Seven Sea's Resort. It was very nice, but sadly out of my budget. We did eat there a few times tho and can vouch for them - very nice establishment with awesome service.