If your wedding daydream involves holding hands on a beach under balmy skies, a destination wedding in Thailand (and blissful honeymoon afterwards) could make it come true. Known as the ‘Land of Smiles’ for its warm hospitality, this stunning country of ornate temples and tropical shores is the ideal location for a romantic ceremony.
How to Organise a Chic Wedding in Thailand
Done right, a wedding in Thailand is the epitome of affordable luxury and a fabulous upgrade to your big day. Simply pick your favourite backdrop – lotus lake, beachscape, shimmering waterfall or majestic mountain – and your magical wedding journey has begun.
The legal technicalities are simple to sort too, you just complete the paperwork and register it at the district office, known as the ‘amphur’ (‘or ‘khet’ in Bangkok). A stay in Bangkok is usually required, and to make things super smooth, we’d also recommend a wedding planner or capable hotel to make the arrangements. The sleek Hyatt Regency can assist, and the city’s expert wedding planners include The Botanical House.
With the promise of sunshine, lush landscapes and fragrant cuisine, family and friends will be delighted to RSVP – we have it on good authority that every wedding guest longs to don a floaty gown and snap glowing selfies, all tousled beach hair, tropical cocktail in hand. And what better place for your happy-ever-after than the Land of Smiles?
Classic Choices for a Thailand Honeymoon
The romance continues with a classic honeymoon in Thailand. Bangkok is a buzzing cultural centre, and, alongside the Grand Palace, Wat Pho and Wat Arun, fabulous galleries abound – one of the coolest is street-art hub Aurum, founded by drum and bass legend Goldie. Spend your evenings in Bangkok’s stylish rooftop restaurants and bars (the highest is Sky Beach), and stay in the historic Old City Area, or for foodies, Chinatown.
Chiang Mai is voted among the world’s best cities to visit, and its relaxed pace is ideal for honeymooners. Wander around the old city with its beautiful temples, then, come evening, head for a live music venue serving street food – North Gate Jazz Co-Op is a winner – with cocktails at speakeasy White Rabbit to finish.
After a beach break? The tropical triple-whammy of Koh Samui, Koh Pha Ngan and Koh Tao islands makes it easy. Touchdown in Koh Samui and frequent boat services deliver you to the other islands whenever you fancy. You’ll find quiet coasts where you can completely relax, alongside Koh Pha Ngan’s famed monthly Full Moon Party for boogie nights.
An Island-Hopping Thailand Honeymoon
If your honeymoon hotlist involves island-hopping, you’re spoiled for choice in Thailand. Krabi province has a sprinkling of gorgeous islands to visit, including the six Phi Phi Islands, set in an area of outstanding natural beauty – all azure waves, sandy beaches and dramatic limestone cliffs, plus superb diving. Laidback Ko Lanta is also just a couple of hours by ferry from Krabi. Perfect beaches aside, the Old Town is also worth visiting for its divine seafood restaurants and quaint wooden houses.
Meanwhile, tiny Ko Lipe offers incredible snorkelling amid pristine coral reefs. With its relaxed beachfront hotels, it makes a great honeymoon base for exploring stunning nearby islands. Fancy being pampered? Ko Kood is laidback luxe – a stay at eco resort Soneva Kiri and a Six Senses Spa session should have you floating on air – and is so worth the seven-hour trip from Bangkok!
An exhilarating 30-minute speedboat ride from Phuket, Ko Yao Noi and twin island Ko Yao Yai are tranquil thanks to traffic-free roads. Simply hop on a bike or kayak to hidden beaches for pure peace.
Adventurous Honeymoons in Thailand
Thailand honeymooners with a taste for adventure have an entire buffet of activities to choose from. Chiang Mai has an excellent trekking scene – think lush jungle pathways and stunning waterfalls. It’s also the perfect starting point to reach Mae Hong Son (via a magical journey over winding mountain roads). Halfway between these two lies the bohemian town of Pai where you’ll discover a night market with tasty street food, hot springs and the Pai Canyon.
A couple of hours by train from Bangkok is Kanchanaburi. Home to Sai Yok National Park, it offers trails, caves and waterfalls – alongside floating accommodation, like River Kwai Jungle Rafts Resort – a bamboo eco lodge where romantic evenings are lit by the glow of traditional kerosene lamps.
For Bangkok adventures, clamber up the 300-plus steps of the Golden Mount for incredible panoramic views then visit a vibrant floating market – just barter for your boat and paddle along. Cycling fans can tour the Bangkok Jungle area of the city. After all that, a suite at The Siam with oversized, cloud-soft beds and Italian bathtubs spacious enough for two brings the honeymoon luxury (as does the attentive butler service).
For more inspiration, travel tips and itinerary ideas, visit www.fanclubthailand.co.uk or follow @fanclubthailand on Instagram.
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