Just because you didn’t get one of The Bachelor’s final roses doesn’t mean you can’t plan a romantic or fun and relaxing Thai getaway
Whether you’re a fan of ABC’s The Bachelor or just a fan of Thailand, Tourism Authority of Thailand’s guide to Southern Thailand makes it easy for you to plan a romantic getaway or vacation with friends.
This season on The Bachelor, Sean Lowe took the final-three ladies to Thailand’s Trang province. While looking for love, the women and Sean enjoyed more than just Thailand’s beautiful scenery. Experiencing Thai culture, the couples fed monkeys on the beach, explored magnificent caves and took in breathtaking sunsets.
Taking a cue from The Bachelor, our journey recommendations start in Trang, but the fun doesn’t stop there. There are plenty of other must-see tourism activities, as well as some hidden treasures off the beaten path in nearby parts of Thailand. We’ve highlighted our top picks for Krabi, Phuket, Koh Phi Phi, Koh Lanta and Koh Tarutao.
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Sean and the three finalists began their journey for love in Thailand in Trang, a cheerful and pleasant Thai province.
- Vegetarians go gaga for Trang’s well-known vegetarian restaurant. The colorful Thai buffet has something for everyone…well, almost everyone. Carnivores may be disappointed.
- Take a boat trip to Hat Chao Mai National Park, it’s the perfect place for a picnic lunch.
- Sean and Lindsay loved the colorful Reur Chak Phra they watched on their date. The Chak Phra Festival, which takes place annually in October, celebrates the Buddhist legend of Lord Buddha returning to earth. You can experience Thai culture too by attending festivals throughout Thailand; Songkran is coming up in April!
- A hidden gem, the Emerald Cave is only accessible by swimming to it in low tide. It’s worth the effort, once you reach the other side, a beautiful lagoon awaits.
- Thai Trivia: The cave earned its nickname from the turquoise water surrounding it, its official name is Tam Morakot.
- Sean and Lindsay were brave enough to experience all parts of Thailand, including eating grasshoppers. If that’s not your thing, don’t worry, open-air markets, like Si Kao, have so much more to do, see and taste.
- Sean and AshLee toured the Andaman Sea in a traditional long-tail boat.
- Long-tail boats may not be fast, but they’re relaxing. If you’ve got time to spare, indulge in island hopping around Trang’s islands on one of these boats.
- Thai Trivia: The colorful fabrics tied to the head of each long-tail boat are meant to appease the sprits of the seas and bring good luck to fishermen.
- Sean and the three finalists stayed in a lap of luxury at Anantara Si Kao Resort & Spa. From private suits to sparkling pools and Thai cooking classes, this resort has it all (even a private island!).
- One of the best beaches on earth, Krabi’s Koh Lanta is perfect for a tropical getaway with your sweetheart.
- Fun and affordable, you can feast on authentic Thai dishes at open-air restaurant, Time for Lime. Looking to recreate your Thai experience at home? The restaurant also offers cooking classes.
- During your time in Krabi, you may check out Ao Nang to shop till you drop but don’t miss out on this destination’s recommended water activities, sea kayaking anyone?
- First time visitor to Thailand? Make sure you ride in a Tuk Tuk!
- Feeding monkeys sound like fun? Head to Krabi’s Had Yong Ling and relive Sean and Lindsay’s experience. A snorkeling and diving oasis, this beach is a great place to explore nature, or putt around in a sailboat .
- Thai Trivia: Bond enthusiasts may recognize the Andaman Sea from the classic 007 movie, The Man With the Golden Gun. The amazing limestone rock formations made Khao Phing Kan the perfect filming location.
Sean and the finalists missed out on some great views in Thailand: Under the sea in Koh Phi Phi, you’ll be wowed by exotic marine life, from angelfish to green turtles, and calmed by the turquoise waters.
Calling all beach bums: this island-hoping itinerary will take you to some of Thailand’s most lauded beach destinations from Phuket to Koh Phi Phi to Ko Samui. If you’ve got energy left to burn after a week of island hopping, Phuket’s Patong Beach is known for its fun parties.
- Daydreaming of blue skies and grassy knolls? This guide’s got the 411 on luxury golf clubs in Phuket.
- The various jungle-esque flora of the Blue Canyon Country Club, and mixed course, make it one of the highest-rated club in all of Asia.
If you’re up for visiting one more Thai island before heading home, south of Trang, the island of Koh Tarutao is a favorite among honeymooners. It boasts 10 miles of beaches, lush rainforests and plenty of activities to keep visitors satisfied.
If our travel recommendations have you inspired to visit Thailand and you need help planning your trip, our website has all the information you need to plan a dream vacation. On a budget? Don’t worry, our partner deals on Book Thailand Now can get you to Thailand without breaking the bank. If you’re returning from a trip to Thailand, we want to hear about your experience! Find us on Facebook or Twitter and tell us about your Thai adventures.
Remember to check back next week, after The Bachelor’s season finale, for our tourism recommendations in Northern Thailand!