Thailand fuses together the spirituality and architecture of ancient cities, palaces and temples with the modern buzz of its major cities. Thailand’s mix of old and new, along with its world-famous cuisine, beautiful beaches and world-class shopping make it the ideal destination for a luxury honeymoon.

Krabi

Krabi is famous for its rugged coastline of towering limestone cliffs and its beautiful clear water which is surrounded by white sandy beaches. Krabi isn’t as developed as other coastal hotspots in Thailand so it’s a great opportunity to experience the exotic beauty of Thailand without the overload of tourists. Five star hotels are in abundance in Krabi. If you enjoy classic luxury then try the Rayavadee Hotel which is just on the edge of Krabi Marine National Park. It’s surrounded by lush tropical gardens and features 98 two-story luxury pavilions and is the perfect setting for honeymoon romance. In the local area, the beaches are the main attraction. The crystal clear water is ideal for snorkelling and there are miles of breath-taking coastline to explore.

Koh Samui

Once a mecca for partying backpackers, Koh Samui has now grown up and is a popular place for visitors looking for a sophisticated beach holiday. The Four Seasons lead the way for Koh Samui to become a leading light in luxury when the hotel opened on the island five years ago, the hotel comes complete with hillside villas, a private beach and an infinity pool. The island is truly beautiful and a real paradise for honeymooners looking for romance. Spend the day exploring the island’s many waterfalls and unspoilt beaches or retreat into ultimate luxury with a day in one of the island’s award-winning spas.

Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is a shopper’s paradise and the ideal place to visit if you want to explore Thailand’s cultural heritage and enjoy stall after stall of local crafts and exotic tastes. Chiang Mai is a walled city which was once the capital of the ancient Lanna Kingdom and is packed with beautiful temples set against a backdrop of stunning mountains and tropical jungle. As Chiang Mai is in the north of Thailand the food here is influenced by neighbouring Burma so be sure to try a spicy Burmese curry or salad on one of the many street food stalls. Chiang Mai is home to lots of lovely boutique hotels which offer the perfect place to stay on a honeymoon in this exciting city. For a place within the Old City walls, try Rachamakha, a beautiful boutique hotel which features a massage gallery, a huge collection of Asian art and antiques and a 20 metre pool, all set in stylish surroundings which reflect Chiang Mai’s heritage.

Bangkok

Although you might not have the stamina to spend your entire honeymoon in the explosion of sights, sounds and tastes that is Bangkok, a couple of nights in this one-of-a-kind city is highly recommended.

The food on offer is one of the highlights of Bangkok and it ranges from mouth-watering street food stands where you can buy noodle dishes piled high for a couple of dollars to world-renowned restaurants, including Bo. Lan in the Sukhumvit region where the chef is trained by David Thompson of the Michelin-starred Nahm Thai restaurant in London. There are hundreds of temples to explore but a real highlight is Wat Traimit which features a 3m tall solid-gold Buddha statue. If you’re visiting temples, be sure to take a kaftan cover-up as many of the temples won’t allow women to enter with bare arms.

Author: Sarah Stewart is a travel and lifestyle blogger.