Most unusual honeymoon destinations

Planning a wedding can be stressful. But once all the most crucial things are taken care of — venue booking, cake tasting, and suit rental for the wedding party — it’s time for the real fun to start. The honeymoon is the chance to explore an exotic locale with a new life partner, so why not go all out? These 10 unusual honeymoon destinations top the list of best places to escape for some post-wedding bliss.

ANGKOR

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Angkor is an important archaeological site in Cambodia. Angkor Archaeological Park is home to the ruins of various capitals of the Khmer Empire, including the famed Angkor Wat, an extensive temple complex that was constructed in the 12th century as a Hindu temple but was later converted into a Buddhist one.

SLOVENIA

Situated in the heart of Europe, this small but diverse country features both Mediterranean and Alpine climates. Head to beautiful Bled, an iconic Alpine destination that has stunning vistas, a castle, hot springs and more.

ICELAND

Airlines like WOW Air have made Reykjavik an easy destination for U.S. travelers. Couples seeking a more rugged adventure will enjoy the Ring Road, an excursion from the capital that includes everything that Iceland is known for: myriad “hot pots,” as hot springs are called in Iceland, plus huge fjords, ice-blue glaciers and jaw-dropping waterfalls.

SRI LANKA

Often compared to India — but easier to travel — Sri Lanka features gorgeous flora and fauna. Visit sites like the Dambulla Buddha Caves, which are filled with cave paintings as well as the caves’ namesake Buddha statues, and Yala National Park, where visitors can witness the largest concentration of leopards in the world, plus wild elephants, sloth bears and buffalo.

RAJA AMPAT ISLANDS

Located off the coast of Sorong in eastern Indonesia, this gorgeous island chain features pristine coral reef ecosystems, steep jungle terrain, beautiful white-sand beaches and sparkling turquoise waters. Although it’s comprised of approximately 1,000 islands, most accommodation options are situated on Waigeo or Batanta, two of the biggest isles, or on one of three smaller islands: Kri, Gam and Mansard.

KYOTO

For those who want to experience Japan in a single city, head to Kyoto. It’s bursting at the seams with Buddhist temples, Shinto shrines, Zen gardens and beautiful geishas. Stay in an authentic ryokan, a Japanese inn, and get a unique nightlife experience in the infamous Gion district, a tightly packed area full of hostess bars, elite restaurants and the so-called “teahouses” where geishas entertain guests.

ABC ISLANDS

Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire are located a mere 20-minute flight away from one another, but those in the know recommend picking one of the three islands to visit. With its pleasant beaches and plenty of attractions, Aruba is the classic choice. However, Curaçao features a more lively city scene. Sleepier Bonaire is less developed, but perfect for those inclined toward water sports.

ANNAPURNA

For something a little more physically challenging, try hut-hiking in the Himalaya. The 128-mile Annapurna Circuit is a route that circles Nepal’s Annapurna mountain range. Complete the full horseshoe for a diverse trek through both humid jungles and high-elevation terrain.

LUANG PRABANG

Situated in northern Laos, the ancient town of Luang Prabang was once the royal capital, and it is still considered the heart of Laotian culture by many. Encircled by mountains 700 meters above sea level, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is known for its plethora of Buddhist temples.

YÚNNÁN

With more than half of China’s ethnic minority groups residing in Yúnnán, it’s the most diverse province in the country. There’s plenty of natural beauty to see, as well. Dense jungle populates the far south, while snow-capped mountains appear toward the western border. Scenic rice paddies abound in between.