A tale of two Countries From pristine white sand beaches and crystal clear blue seas to bustling cities that never sleep, Thailand is a country of contradictions. Whether it’s rest and relaxation or action and adventure that you crave, Thailand has it all…
The warmth and implicit hospitality of this beautiful country is underpinned by its reliance on tourism as its number one industry. Having weathered the storm of recent tragic events including the 2004 tsunami, which wreaked havoc on many of its most popular resorts, and benefiting from reducing flight costs, Thailand is entering a new renaissance as one of the world’s most popular holiday and honeymoon destinations.
While the colourful nightlife of Bangkok is certainly a sight that has to be seen to be believed, beyond the brash blinking lights of Thailand’s capital city lies a country of epic beauty and immense cultural wealth just waiting to be explored.
PHUKET - GATEWAY TO BEAUTY
Located off the west coast of Thailand in the Andaman Sea, Phuket is the country’s largest island, made up of one large and 39 small islands and joined to the Thai mainland by bridge. The gateway to some of the country’s most beautiful islands, Phuket is a popular holiday destination for foreign tourists and is just a short distance from the stunning Phi Phi islands, Phang Nga Bay (home to the famous ‘James Bond’ island featured in Man With The Golden Gun), Koh Samui and the Samilian Islands.
|  |
One of the best ways to explore the area is by sea. Join a group boat cruise, or take a private charter for a little more privacy and explore the immense tropical beauty of this region. For more information visit www.phuket-adventures.com
FAR FROM THE MADDING CROWDS
Due to its spectacular setting and its close proximity to some of Thailand’s most beautiful sights, Phuket is one of the country’s busiest tourist spots. However, if you know where to look, you can escape the backpacking black spots and uncover a truly idyllic paradise - a perfect setting for a romantic honeymoon getaway, where you can check your worries at the door.
One of Thailand’s newest 5 star resorts, the stunning Vijitt Resort occupies an incredible 18 acres on Friendship Beach in Rawai, Phuket. Offering pure unbridled luxury, the resort, which opened in 2008, boasts beautiful panoramic views across Chalong Bay across to Lon and Coral Islands and Cape Panwa. Featuring 92 traditionally built and styled Thai villas, including the sensational Vijitt Pool Villas, with beachfront views and private pools, this is ultimate luxury at its very best. Add to this an exquisite mix of mouth-watering Thai cuisine, a spa complex with individual treatment rooms built into the lush green hills and a first class service that truly comes from the heart and you’ll soon forget the hustle and bustle of the outside world.
KRABI - PARADISE FOUND
In stark contrast to the tourist meccas of many of the Thai islands, the town of Krabi, located on the west coast of southern Thailand offers a much slower, relaxed pace, perfect for honeymooners wanting a more relaxed getaway.
Elephant trekking and sea canoeing are popular activities for visitors to this part of Thailand, while a visit to the stunning Tiger Cave Temple is a must.
| The stunning family-run Pakasai Resort is located unobtrusively off the town of Ao Nang’s main stretch in a glorious man-made rainforest. Offering a truly personalised service, the resort’s Adora Suites are the ultimate in understated luxury and feature their own outdoor Jacuzzi baths, which are laden with fresh rose petals for arriving honeymooners. The resort also features a stunning rooftop infinity pool, and a stylish restaurant set under the rainforest canopy, creating a tranquil, relaxed setting to mark the beginning of married life. |  |
FOOD GLORIOUS FOOD
From the weird and wonderful exotic fruits sold in the atmospheric food markets to the exquisite traditional Thai cuisine on offer in its sophisticated city restaurants, Thailand has something to suit every palette. Thai Green Curry is a perhaps the country’s most famous native dish, though in its purest interpretation is not for the faint hearted! Seafood lovers will also be enamoured by the sensational fresh fish dishes that feature heavily on the menus of every restaurant.
THE LOVING TOUCH
The second highest ranked spa destination in the world, a visit to Thailand would not be complete without experiencing a traditional Thai massage. Both the Vijitt and the Pakasai Resort feature their own dedicated spas; the Vijitt’s features individual, authentic Thai huts with their own dedicated treatment rooms and Jacuzzi looking out on the abundant floral clad hills. The Pakasai features a beautiful spa atop a beautiful, lush rainforest inspired garden. Both resorts provide the perfect setting for couples treatments, where you can lay side by side and enjoy the most serene relaxation you’re ever likely to experience.
MARRYING IN THAILAND
As well as being one of the top honeymoon destinations for Irish couples, Thailand is also a popular choice for destination weddings. Both the Vijitt Resort in Phuket and the Pakasai Resort in Krabi offer dedicated wedding packages to visiting couples, which can be tailored to suit your individual needs.
Irish couples wishing to marry in Thailand need to take the following steps in preparation:
 - Ensure you both have valid passports.
- Obtain a certifying letter or document from your embassy indicating your wish to get married in Thailand, including your personal details such names, address, nationality, your parents’ names & nationality.
- Divorce document if married before.
- All documents must be translated to Thai
- All documents must be endorsed by the Ministry of Foreign affairs in Bangkok.
|
TwoHigs Worldwide Holidays are offering 7 nights in a Deluxe Villa at the Vijjit Resort from €1355 (inc taxes) per person. This includes flights with Thai Airways via London and all airport transfers. Contact Twohigs on 01 648 0800 or visit www.twohigs.com
|
Honeymoon 
I posted 4 photos on Facebook in the album "Bridal inspiration from Cannes...." 
