Thailand’s reputation as one of the world’s most romantic destinations was further enhanced recently when two top travel and lifestyle publications voted the islands of Phuket and Samui as among the world’s most romantic destinations and perfect honeymoon settings.

Just short of Valentine’s Day, the highly-respected travel website, Fordors.com named Phuket as one of the world’s Best Honeymoon Destinations for 2015, while VeryFirstTo.com, a luxury retail site that caters for wealthy tourists, rated the Southern Thai island of Samui as one of the top ten romantic destinations in the world, alongside cities; such as, Paris and Venice.

Fordors.com praised Phuket as a honeymoon destination, citing its endless soft white sandy beaches, electric blue waters and the world’s best sunsets. Also singled out was the fine dining the island can boast as well as temples, five-star resorts and nearby excursions. Other honeymoon destinations featured in the Fordor list included Milan, Las Vegas and St. Barts.

In the Thai Gulf, the island of Samui was rated highly as a romantic destination by 581 members of VeryFirstTo.com. The survey asked “which is the most romantic destination in the world?” to establish which destinations should appear in the Valentine’s holiday organised in partnership with tour company Hurlingham Travel. Paris, Venice and St. Moritz were cited, with Samui being chosen for its friendly island atmosphere, unique culture and fine dining.

TAT Governor, Mr. Thawatchai Arunyik said, “It’s wonderful that Thailand’s loveliest islands are being recognised as romantic hotspots just in time for Valentine’s Day. But Thailand is a romantic destination for couples and honeymooners all year round. Phuket and Samui are known for their lovely beaches, stunning scenery, warm sea, ever-friendly people and range of fun activities to enjoy, as well as being home to some of the finest hotels in Asia: everything a couple in love could ask for.”