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Categories Dining Occasion

Seafood by the Rivers in Hoi An: What to Order and How to Choose the Best Dishes

by Pushpitha Wijesinghe Posted on
Seafood by the Rivers in Hoi An: What to Order and How to Choose the Best Dishes

In Hoi An, a memorable meal can be about more than what’s on your plate; the setting, the gentle flow of the river and the flavours of central Vietnam all add to the experience. If you are planning a riverside seafood feast, here’s how to make the most of the scenery, discover local favourites and choose dishes worth savouring.

Peaceful Riverside Settings
Hoi An’s charm extends beyond its UNESCO-listed Ancient Town to the scenic Thu Bon River and the smaller Hoai River, which winds through the historic quarter. For a relaxing stay, consider a riverside resort less than a kilometre from the old town, where river-view suites and waterfront dining let you slow down between outings. Such properties, including Anantara Hoi An Resort, can also arrange guided Thu Bon cruises with street-food tastings for a closer look at local life.

Enchanting Dining Experiences
A meal by the water adds a special touch to a culinary adventure. Restaurants such as Hoi An Riverside offer waterfront terraces overlooking the Thu Bon River, where you can watch boats glide past while enjoying Vietnamese specialities and local classics. For a romantic occasion in Hoi An, private dining is on offer at resorts like the one mentioned above; you can look forward to an intimate dinner in a secluded pavilion, with candlelight, river views and menus created with the chef to suit your tastes.

When It’s Time for Seafood Delights!
Hoi An serves up plenty of tempting seafood, so arrive hungry and get ready to treat your taste buds. Look to try dishes like Tam Thanh-style sea bass baked in banana leaf, king prawns with tamarind, or crispy soft-shell crab with wok-fried vermicelli. You might also find baked sea bass fillet wrapped in clay, Van Don Bay oysters or grilled Cham Island calamari on the menu. While not from the sea, poached Thu Bon prawns are worth savouring too and a great addition to your seafood feast. 

How to Choose the Best Dishes
Not sure where to start? Ask your server which seafood is freshest and what the kitchen recommends that day; seasonal catches and house specialities are often your best guide. Check how dishes are prepared, and balance richer, fried options with lighter grilled or steamed choices. If seafood is sold by weight, confirm the price and portion size before ordering. Of course, remember to always mention allergies, dietary restrictions or special requirements when booking or ordering.

Categories Honeymoon Occasion Travel

Complete Guide to Honeymoon Travel in the Maldives Privacy Romance and Special Occasion Planning

by CatalinaC Forbes Posted on
Complete Guide to Honeymoon Travel in the Maldives Privacy Romance and Special Occasion Planning

The Maldives offers couples an idyllic setting for celebrating their new chapter, with private villas, turquoise lagoons and intimate island experiences. Thoughtful planning can make the journey go from regular to memorable.

Choose the Right Island Stay

Choosing an adults only resort in Maldives gives newlyweds the option of greater privacy and a peaceful atmosphere. Resorts like Anantara Veli Maldives Resort offer overwater villas, beach accommodation or living spaces with a private pool. Couples can decide which accommodation type suits their getaway best. 

Plan Special Experiences

Build your honeymoon around a few experiences that feel personal, such as a private beach dinner, sunset cruise, couples’ spa treatment or snorkelling excursion. Reserve popular experiences before arrival, particularly if your honeymoon falls during a busy travel period.

Balance Adventure and Relaxation

Leave room for unplanned time between activities, allowing you to enjoy the beach, lagoon and resort facilities without following a packed schedule. A morning of diving or snorkelling can be followed by an afternoon at the spa or a quiet evening together.

Prepare for Island Life

Check transfer arrangements, seasonal weather and what your accommodation package includes before travelling. Pack lightweight clothing, swimwear, reef-friendly sunscreen and suitable attire for any visits to local islands, where Maldivian customs should be respected.

Categories Outdoor Wedding Venues Weddings

Celebrate Your Love in Paradise: How to Plan a Wedding in Phuket

by pushpitha Posted on
Celebrate Your Love in Paradise: How to Plan a Wedding in Phuket

Celebrate Your Love in Paradise: How to Plan a Wedding in Phuket

Phuket is the ideal destination for your dream wedding to come to life, with its stunning beaches, lavish venues and enchanting tropical scenery. Starting with the selection of a beautiful location for your wedding and continuing with all the special details, this guide shows you how to curate a lovely, joyful event in one of the most romantic spots in Thailand.

Choose the Perfect Wedding Venue

Phuket offers a wide variety of wedding venues, from beachfront resorts and private villas to elegant garden settings overlooking the Andaman Sea. Couples searching for the best Phuket wedding venues will find plenty of options that suit different wedding styles, guest lists, and budgets. Visiting venues in advance or taking virtual tours can help you choose the perfect setting for your special day.

Work with an Experienced Wedding Planner

Planning a destination wedding is much easier with the support of an experienced local wedding planner. Couples celebrating at SAii Laguna Phuket can benefit from dedicated wedding services that help coordinate suppliers, manage timelines, and create a seamless celebration. Having professional guidance allows you to relax and enjoy every moment of your special day.

Plan the Perfect Guest Experience

Guests attending destination weddings also take a holiday, which can be a great opportunity for you to provide some unique experiences that they will be able to look back on fondly. Try arranging a few welcome dinners, island tours, spa sessions, or cultural activities either before or after the wedding. These thoughtful gestures not only give the guests an enjoyable time but also encourage them to explore and appreciate everything that Phuket has to offer while they join you in your celebration.

Prepare for Phuket’s Tropical Weather

Phuket’s tropical climate absolutely makes it a wonderful destination for a wedding; however, seasonal weather changes are something that should be considered. Choosing the right time of the year, having a backup plan for outdoor ceremonies, and selecting lightweight attire for attendees helps to ensure a smooth celebration. These are just a few reasons why planning around the weather can provide peace of mind for the ceremony.

Categories Destinations Honeymoon Island Honeymoon Outdoor Wedding Venues Weddings

Why Koh Samui Remains One of Thailand’s Top Luxury Wedding Destinations

by caleb Posted on
Why Koh Samui Remains One of Thailand's Top Luxury Wedding Destinations

Introduction

Very few locations can offer what Koh Samui does as a luxury wedding destination, thanks to its stunning scenery, resorts, and romantic settings. The beaches and sunsets make Koh Samui an ideal location for couples to celebrate their big day.

Stunning Beachfront Settings

One of the top attractions in Koh Samui is its coastline. A couple can say their vows barefoot in the sand, amidst tropical surroundings and the sounds of the ocean. A sunset ceremony will be more enchanting and create great backdrops for wedding photos.

In case you’re planning a small beachfront ceremony or a more lavish celebration, Koh Samui wedding venues will not disappoint. They are both elegant and full of natural beauty.

Luxury Meets Personalisation

Koh Samui’s five-star resorts like Avani Chaweng Samui Hotel & Beach Club have all the necessary amenities to plan customised weddings. Whether you want an intimate dinner or grand reception, there are options to suit any theme.

With tailored menus, flowers, entertainment, and decorations, you can make your dream wedding a reality.

Exceptional Food and Celebrations

When planning your wedding, don’t neglect details like the food and dining at your reception. You can create a menu with multiple courses or serve an elegant Thai-inspired meal along with delicious seafood and cocktails.

A Honeymoon in the Same Destination

Another advantage of choosing Koh Samui is that you can switch easily from your wedding ceremony to the honeymoon. Young couples can embark on their honeymoon by exploring the beautiful beaches or going on boat rides around the island, without flying out of the country.

An Island Guests Will Love

A destination wedding is also an occasion for creating lasting memories for your guests. They will have a chance to discover temples, shop at local markets, enjoy beach activities, and taste the amazing culinary offerings of the island.

Categories Destinations Travel Weddings

Wedding Traditions in Bangkok: What International Couples Should Know

by caleb Posted on
Wedding Traditions in Bangkok: What International Couples Should Know

Introduction to Bangkok Wedding Traditions

Bangkok has quickly grown into a premier destination for global couples seeking a unique backdrop for their vows. Blending vibrant city energy with deep-rooted heritage creates an unforgettable experience, provided you understand a few local customs.

Preparation for the Big Day

Setting the Scene

Capturing the city’s timeless charm often begins long before the ceremony itself. Scheduling a pre wedding photoshoot in Bangkok allows couples to pose against ornate temples and dramatic skylines, creating beautiful memories to share with guests. For a truly seamless experience, hosting your main events at an elegant riverside venue like The Siam Hotel Bangkok or a similar boutique property blends historic Thai aesthetics with absolute luxury.

Traditional Ceremonial Practices

The Khan Maak Procession

Traditionally, the groom leads a lively parade to the bride’s family home, carrying gifts on ornamental trays. This energetic procession is filled with traditional drumming, chanting, and immense joy. The groom must also pass through symbolic “gates” of silver and gold chains held by the bride’s friends by offering small envelopes of money.

Water Pouring Ritual

The heart of a traditional Thai ceremony is the Rod Nam Sang. The couple sits side by side, connected by a sacred thread looped around their heads. Elders and honored guests then pour blessed water from a conch shell over the couple’s hands while offering heartfelt blessings for their future together.

Understanding Cultural Etiquette

Respect is everything during these sacred rituals. Couples should dress modestly, ensuring shoulders and knees are covered during traditional ceremonies. Returning a polite wai, hands pressed together with a gentle bow, to older guests shows deep appreciation for the local culture.

Categories Destinations Outdoor Wedding Venues Weddings

The Complete Guide to Planning a Destination Wedding in Krabi

by maggie Posted on
The Complete Guide to Planning a Destination Wedding in Krabi

A Guide to Planning a Destination Wedding in Krabi – Getting Ready for a Magical Ceremony

Undoubtedly, a location in Krabi such as the pristine island of Koh Lanta will be a marvellous setting for a romantic wedding ceremony in Thailand. That said, you do need to keep some key things in mind, and the below insights will help.

Wedding venues

Naturally, you must select a memorable wedding venue for your special day. Some of the options are a barefoot wedding on a private beach, a ceremony amidst tropical gardens or perhaps in a cliffside villa offering breathtaking views; you can also select a fine banquet venue for a gala reception. For such Krabi weddings, a choice of accommodation to consider that also offers the enchanting venues described above is Avani+ Koh Lanta Krabi Resort.

Accommodation for guests

Undoubtedly, you must look into the accommodation options available to your guests. An excellent choice would be a resort, as the one mentioned above, at which your ceremony will be held. In this regard, an attractive choice is a property offering elegant rooms, suites and villas, a private beach, cliffside dining and drinks, a sunset bar, spa services and more.

Ideal period for your wedding

You will find that the weather in Thailand is sunny and clear from November through April. In particular, clear skies are virtually certain in February and March. However, if you seek a more private time with fewer fellow tourists and desire to take advantage of the discounted rates, consider the interval from May to October; though rain is more likely, you will find bright sunny spells as well.

Marriage registration

Another vital matter to consider is the registration of your marriage. Many couples take the simple route and obtain their marriage license in their native country, followed by a ceremonial wedding in Thailand. On the other hand, if you wish to register your marriage in Thailand itself, there is a set procedure to undertake, and understandably, this will need more planning and could take longer.

Categories Adventures Birthdays City Honeymoon Dining Honeymoon Safari Honeymoon Travel

The Ultimate Couple’s Guide to Xiamen: 4 Unforgettable Romantic Experiences

by caleb Posted on

Xiamen effortlessly blends salty coastal breezes with historic European-style charm, making it a standout destination for a romantic trip. Known across China as the “Garden on the Sea”, this vibrant port city offers lush green spaces, rich local tea culture, and stunning seaside paths that set a perfectly relaxed pace for two.

Wander Through Gulangyu Island

Take a quick ferry ride over to Gulangyu, where cars are completely banned. Winding alleys lead past shaded red-brick villas and overgrown banyan trees, while ambient piano music floats from open windows. It is ideal for an unhurried afternoon stroll that naturally ends at Sunlight Rock just as dusk falls over the bay.

Unwind with High-End Coastal Hospitality

For couples who love a comfortable base after exploring, the downtown area offers exceptional stays right near the main waterfront hubs. A stay at a property like Pan Pacific Xiamen puts travellers right near Yundang Lake, making it easy to pop out for a peaceful evening walk around the water. Finding a solid spot, frequently rated among the Xiamen best hotel options, gives any packed itinerary a grounded, effortless baseline.

Explore the Creative Vibe at Shapowei

Shapowei brings together traditional fishing history and modern artsy culture. Old harbour boardwalks now feature independent craft coffee shops, hidden galleries, and intimate rooftop cocktail lounges. Watching wooden boats rest along the dock against a backdrop of glowing city towers offers a fantastic mix of old-world heritage and modern energy.

Image by pexels

Cycle Along the Coast on Huandao Road

Rent a tandem bicycle along Huandao Road to catch the warm sunset. Rolling past towering palm trees with the open ocean right alongside makes for a classic, easygoing date that fully highlights the city’s coastal charm.

Categories Adventure Honeymoon Adventures Beach Honeymoon Destinations Honeymoon Island Honeymoon Travel Weddings

Romance in the Hill Country

by CatalinaC Forbes Posted on

Kandy occupies a special place in Sri Lanka’s geography and its cultural identity. Set among the hills of the central highlands, surrounded by tea plantations and tropical forest, and centred on a lake that literally mirrors the city’s temple rooftops at dusk, it provides a setting that feels truly romantic without any particular effort to be so. For couples visiting Sri Lanka, Kandy is the kind of destination that tends to exceed expectations quietly and completely.

View point of Kandy | Wikimedia Commons

A City Built Around Its Lake

Kandy Lake is right in the middle of the city, and it sets the scene for everything around it. Strolling along the lake path in the early morning or evening, with the Temple of the Tooth Relic on one side and the wooded hills on the other, is one of the most serene and beautiful things you can do in Sri Lanka.

Hill Country and the Surrounding Landscape

The landscape around Kandy is among the most beautiful in Sri Lanka. Tea plantations cover the hillsides, waterfalls drop through the forest, and the cool air at this altitude is a welcome contrast to the coastal heat. When you’re looking for the best honeymoon hotels in Kandy, staying in places that take advantage of their hilltop location adds to the romance of the stay. Theva Residency is a perfect example of this, offering villa accommodation nestled in the hillside above the city.

Evenings in Kandy

Kandy’s evenings have a particular quality that is difficult to describe. As the sun dips below the horizon, the temperature starts to cool down, the city settles into a peaceful silence, and the mix of delicious food, refreshing air, and a view of the lake or hills creates a truly special atmosphere. It is something that is hard to recreate and easy to savour.

The Temple and the Culture

The Temple of the Tooth Relic is one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in Asia and gives Kandy a cultural and spiritual weight that adds depth to a visit beyond the scenery alone. The evening puja ceremonies, accompanied by drumming and the scent of incense, are moving experiences that most visitors find stay with them long after leaving. Kandy’s cultural calendar also includes the Esala Perahera festival, one of the most spectacular processions in Asia, held annually in July or August.

Categories Adventure Honeymoon Beach Honeymoon Destinations Dining Honeymoon Travel Weddings

Planning Romantic Night Outs in Dubai

by CatalinaC Forbes Posted on

Dubai knows how to turn an ordinary evening into something extraordinary, making it a wonderful destination for couples looking to add a little ‘magic’ to their holiday. If you and that special someone are planning a getaway here, these are a few romantic ways to spend an evening together.

Hotel Atlantis at Sunset, The Palm – Dubai | Flickr

Begin with a Romantic Massage
Start your evening with some well-deserved pampering at an award-winning spa in a hotel on Palm Jumeirah like NH Collection Dubai The Palm. Choose a special package with rejuvenating rituals for two; begin with a welcome drink and foot treatment before moving on to a relaxing exfoliation, nourishing body wrap, soothing oil massage and Thai stretches. Finish with post-treatment refreshments, ready for your next romantic adventure!

Dine at a Rooftop Restaurant or Bar
A great addition to any date night is dinner and drinks at a rooftop bar in Dubai with panoramic views from Palm Jumeirah across the city’s glittering skyline and the ocean. Ideal options include VIEW 180 at the previously mentioned hotel. Savour contemporary international dishes crafted to awaken the senses and enjoy creative cocktails or fine wines as you toast to your love eternal.

Experience Some Beach Time Together
When the city starts to sparkle, head to the coast for a romantic stroll at Palm West Beach or JBR Beach. Walk along the sand or waterfront promenade as the sun spectacularly bids farewell to the day, or simply enjoy the atmosphere beneath the evening sky. Afterwards, settle into an alfresco restaurant or café and share a meal amidst beautiful views and the soothing songs of the sea.

Take a Private Ride on Ain Dubai
Literally take your love to new heights with a private ride on Ain Dubai, the tallest observation wheel on the planet! With a special package, you can enjoy an intimate experience in an air-conditioned cabin decorated with flowers and candles, complete with a personal playlist. Add sparkling wine, chocolate-covered strawberries and a food platter, and you have a celebration worth remembering, 250 metres above the ground!

Categories Adventure Honeymoon Adventures Beach Honeymoon Destinations Dining Honeymoon Island Honeymoon Occasion Travel Weddings

Romance in Pattaya

by CatalinaC Forbes Posted on

Pattaya has often been known for a reputation that doesn’t quite capture all it has to offer. While the bustling entertainment areas and crowds are there, there’s a much richer and more appealing place waiting for couples who are open to exploring beyond the surface. Private villas, serene beaches, and delicious food have turned Pattaya into one of Thailand’s more intriguing romantic spots.

Pattaya Beach | Wikimedia Commons

A Different Side of the City

The Pattaya that most people picture is concentrated along Walking Street and the areas immediately surrounding it. But there is more to the city than this, with quieter neighbourhoods, hilltop viewpoints, and stretches of coastline that are a lot more peaceful than the main strip. Couples who stay further away from the busiest parts of the city often find that Pattaya surprises them, with a character that is warmer and more layered than the typical fanfare.

The Private Villa Experience

To really make your Pattaya trip feel like a romantic getaway, consider staying in a place that offers its own private space. A romantic pool villa in Pattaya means you can skip the crowded resort areas and enjoy the privacy and peace that a regular hotel room just can’t provide. La Miniera Pool Villas Pattaya is designed with this idea in mind, featuring individually crafted villas with private pools and a sense that the city feels like it’s miles away.

Dining for Two

Pattaya’s food scene is broader and better than many other cities in Thailand. Seafood restaurants along the quieter parts of the waterfront, rooftop dining with views across the Gulf of Thailand, and intimate Thai restaurants tucked away from the main tourist areas all suit a romantic evening well. The quality of fresh seafood here, in particular, makes a long dinner by the water one of the more enjoyable ways to spend an evening in the city.

Day Trips and Nearby Escapes

Pattaya’s location makes it a great starting point for some quieter islands and beaches perfect for couples. Koh Larn, just a quick boat ride from the main pier, boasts clear waters and beaches that feel much more relaxed than the city. If you’re looking for something a bit further out, Koh Samet is another lovely choice.

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