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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.
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