There is nothing more romantic for newlyweds than jet setting off to an exotic tropical island to start a new life together, and increasingly, more couples are choosing Thailand as their dream honeymoon destination.

The serenity of the islands combined with the magic of an ancient kingdom, heavenly spas and heart-pumping adventures is the perfect concoction to get couples intoxicated with love. 

“With its luxurious amenities, Thailand is often seen as the world’s dream honeymoon destination where newlyweds can find intimacy and romantic experiences at enchanting tropical islands,” says Thamanoon Kuprasert, general manager of Central, Eastern and Southern Africa for Thai Airways International (THAI).

Thailand is home to an abundance of islands, most of which can be found in southern Thailand. 

On the west coast of southern Thailand lies Phuket, the kingdom’s most popular honeymoon Eden. Couples are spoilt for choice as they can lounge in quiet bays, snorkel through spectacular reefs and explore forests and hills on elephant-back or on foot.

Nestled between coves and green hills is Thailand’s second-most popular honeymoon island, Koh Samui. It’s well-known for its peculiar rock formations on Lamai Beach and its glistening waterfalls. More than half of the island makes up Ang Thong National Marine Park, where islands, caves, hidden lagoons and towering cliffs can dazzle newlyweds. 

For a honeymoon destination taken straight from a movie scene, couples should travel to the islands of Phi Phi. The beaches of Maya Bay situated on Phi Phi Ley have been the backdrop for films such as The Beach, featuring Leonardo DiCaprio. Phi Phi Don’s lush jungles are filled with mountains that offer thrilling rock-climbing experiences and cliff jumping. This will surely get your marriage off to an exciting start as you take a leap off 18 meter high limestone cliffs.

The empty stretches of beach backed by abundant forests of Lanta Island make for a secluded retreat some 70km from Krabi, where couples can experience an isolated honeymoon heaven. The resorts are decorated with manicured gardens spilling onto golden and white sandy beaches. Here, blissful spas and rejuvenating Thai massage therapists can take the island’s serene ambiance to the next level, leaving you and your spouse in a state of utter bliss.

Almost any coast of Thailand is a scuba-diver and snorkeler’s delight. However, the true pearl of Thailand’s waters lies near the border of Malaysia in the marine national park of Adan-Rawi. Located in a group of islands in Satun is the idyllic underwater mecca for newlyweds to capture treasured memories of marine creatures hidden between beautiful coral.

"Thailand is surrounded with romance and offers honeymooners everything their heart desires, allowing love to blossom as colourfully as the country’s orchid flowers. A Thai island honeymoon will add treasured memories to the first days that follow the happiest day in anyone’s life – their marriage and lifelong union,” concludes Kuprasert.

To celebrate the airline's 52nd anniversary, Thai Airways is offering special fares from Johannesburg to Bangkok starting from R4700 per person, excluding taxes and surcharges. For more information, visit www.thaiair.co.za or phone (011) 268 2580.