Thailand Honeymoon Guide

Thailand honeymoon guide

Known as the “Land of Smiles”, Thailand is hard to sum up in a short time due to its diverse range of experiences. From cultural Chiang Mai in the north, to bustling Bangkok in the south, this South East Asian destination has experiences for every type of traveller.

Responsible for one of the most popular take-away cuisines in the world, Thailand is a popular choice for foodies wanting to experience that authentic Thai flavour or perhaps even try their hand at cooking a dish or two themselves.

To add to this, sightseers will love the ornate temples, mystical ruins and majestic palaces that cover the Kingdom of Thailand. If relaxation is what you’re after, then look no further than one of Thailand’s many idyllic beaches, as well as mystical islands you may recognise from movies including “James Bond” and “The Beach”.

Thailand is an easy spot to get around for those wishing to see more than one location. Read on to see why it should be the top of any honeymoon list.

 

WHY GO TO THAILAND?

Tropical beaches, luxurious palaces, cheap food and drink, ancient ruins, lavish temples, cheap shopping.

 

GETTING THERE

The Kingdom of Thailand, formally known as Siam is located in the heart of South East Asia. With a population of over 68 million people, its main entry point is its bustling capital city Bangkok, located in the south.

Direct flight times from:

New York: 20 hours	New Delhi: 4 hours
L.A.: 18 hours	Beijing: 5 hours
London: 12 hours	Dubai: 7 hours
Sydney: 10 hours

 

WHAT TO DO IN THAILAND?

Temple of the Reclining Buddha (Wat Pho) – At more than 46 metres or 150 feet in length, this gold-leaf covered Buddha is an awe-inspiring site. It is housed in one of the biggest temple complexes in Bangkok and there is a small fee of 100 baht to enter. It’s only a short walk between here and the Grand Palace so you may want to do both on the same day.

Ayutthaya – Once the capital of Thailand, this UNESCO World Heritage site dates from 1350 when King U Thong moved there to avoid a smallpox outbreak. It was almost entirely destroyed in 1767 by the Burmese Army and at this time the kingdom collapsed. The ruins are a site not to miss on your trip to Thailand.

The Grand Palace and Emerald Buddah (Wat Phra Kaew) – Don’t visit Bangkok without spending some time at the amazing Grand Palace. It’s stunning architecture, with its ornate details, really shows the talents of the Thai people. The Palace was built in 1782 and was home to the King for 150 years. He still comes to the Palace to change the seasonal cloak of the Emerald Buddha between summer, winter and rainy season robes in order to bring good fortune to Thailand. The buddha, which is carved from a single block of jade is housed inside a temple which is known as the most important Buddhist temple in Thailand. No one, except the King is allowed near the buddha. Get there early to beat the crowds and the heat of the day.

Wat Arun – Take a boat to really get a great view of this Bangkok temple, which is located on the Chao Phraya River. Known as Temple of the Dawn, the temple is unique with its colourful spires and is located almost across from Wat Pho. Take a boat from the Sapphan Taksin boat pier down to pier 8, where you can take a shuttle boat from one side of the river to the other for just a few baht. Entry to the temple is 100 baht.

Adventure tours – From gentle rafting for the beginner to rapids that are Grade 4+, Thailand has an abundance of white water rafting experiences that range from short courses to multi-day trips. Other adventure options include things like ATV tours through the jungle, hiking, waterfall abseiling and caving. Many companies will combine a few options with lunch for a great full day of action.

The Golden Triangle – located at the point where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar (Burma) meet, is the notorious Golden Triangle. Accessed in the northern town of Chiang Rai, it is primarily known for its opium production. On the way, take lunch overlooking the Mekong River, visit a hill tribe such as the Karen Long Neck villages, enjoy local delicacies in the market and see the Big Buddha, elephant statues and white temple Wat Rong Khun.

Doi Suthep – Watch the sunrise over Chiang Mai, 5400 feet above sea level on the magical Doi Suthrep in the grounds of the Buddhist monastery and holy temple Wat Phra That. Taking a tuk-tuk from town, you will wind your way 15km up the mountain before ascending the 300 stair Naga Serpent staircase to the top of this 13^th Century masterpiece. Make sure to give the giant gong a strike, take in the magnificent Golden Spire at the centre and if you’re really lucky be blessed by one of the resident monks.

Thai Cooking School – Since Thai food is one of the most popular take-way cuisines in the world, why not learn to recreate famous dishes such as Pad Thai, spring rolls and Tom Yum soup. There are dozens of courses on offer across the country. We took a class with Chiang Mai Thai Cookery School who picked us up from our accommodation before providing demonstration lessons, hands-on experience at our own cooking station and finally a delicious meal prepared by ourselves in the lush garden dining room.

Bangla and Patpong Roads – Famed entertainment districts Patpong Road in Bankok and Bangla Road in Phuket are real eye-openers for those on their first trip, but one not to be missed. Shop at the markets, chat with the lady boys, drink a beer at the pubs and dance til the early hours. If you’re really brave, go and see a ping-pong show, just be weary of scams even when you set a price first. We were lured into a club for a particular price by one girl, only to be told later she didn’t work there and paying a much heftier bill in order to leave safely.

Chiang Mai Night Bazaar – Open from dusk til around midnight, this 1km long strip of markets is one of the best in Thailand. From the late afternoon, you will see the stall owners wheeling in their metal carts to line the street. There are a few other markets that run straight off the main road of markets that are worth a look as well. Be prepared to bargain to get yourself a good deal and ask for the good stuff out the back if you’re a serous shopper.

Chiang Mai Riverside restaurants – Cross over the bridge from the main side of town to enjoy stunning views over the Ping River and some live music at one of the many riverside restaurants in Chiang Mai. Here you will find dozens of restaurants offering everything from local Thai to Mexican and Japanese.

Bangkok shopping – From the giant air-conditioned malls to local night markets, Bangkok is a shopper’s paradise. We found it the best place in Thailand for clothing, particularly shoes at very cheap prices. Our highlights were MBK shopping mall which showcases over 2000 stores over 8 levels and is easily accessible with direct access from the National Stadium BTS Skytrain station. Equally as fun was the food stalls and night markets across from Lumpini Park. We would sit for a cheap meal and listen to some local music at the food stalls before hitting up the rows and rows of undercover markets adjacent to this.

Floating Markets – For even more shopping fun and a unique experience, check out one of the many floating markets around the country. One of the biggest is the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, which lies about 100kms from Bangkok. Here you will find boats selling all sorts of exotic foods as they float between the stilt houses on the narrow canals. A great photo opportunity of the local Thai life, so be sure to take your camera.

Thai Massage – famous the world over, a relaxing Thai massage will leave you feeling refreshed and reinvigorated after the hectic site seeing and shopping. You don’t realise how good a simple leg massage can feel after hours of walking around in the humid weather. You won’t find it hard to spot a massage parlour with girls beckoning you and offering very cheap massages on nearly every street. Ask them to be gentle if you’re not used to a vigorous massage.

Koh Lanta – This tiny island south of Phuket in the southern Andaman Sea packs more dive shops on its’ 20km length then you can imagine. With 17 to choose from, you’re in good hands to see some of the best diving in the world including Hin Daeng and Hin Maeng. These sites feature two deep water rocks and are home to whale sharks, manta rays, beautiful coloured soft corals, large schools of trevallies, barracuda, reef sharks and Thailand’s highest vertical wall (Hin Maeng) with one side at about 60metres and the other vanishing into the darkness.

Thai-Burma Railway – Take a historic trip on the Thai-Burma Railway, also known as Death Railway because of the some 300,000 people who died completing it. Originally built to transport Japanese troops to Burma in 1942/1943, the 415km railway was constructed by prisoners and crosses the River Kwai.

STAYING FOR LONGER – CHECK OUT….

Phi Phi Islands –  Made famous by Leonardo Di-Caprio’s movie ‘The Beach’ and James Bond, Kho Phi Phi consists of six islands located in Krabi and is host to possibly some of the most stunning island beaches in the world. Walking is the only form of transport on the islands, but with everything located between the two main beaches, you will find it all very accessible.

The islands are serviced by ferry and high-speed boat with the former taking about 2 hours from Phuket or 90 minutes from Krabi. With a host of amazing beaches, snorkelling, diving, jungles and limestone cliffs, you will find these islands a laid-back paradise to explore.

Be sure to take a day trip to visit Maya Bay where ‘The Beach’ was filmed, Monkey Beach, Tonsai Bay and Viking Cave for some snorkelling, sea kayaking and stunning scenery or if you want to spend even more time, book somewhere to stay on the only accommodation island, Kho Phi Phi Don

SOMETHING SPECIAL FOR HONEYMOON NIGHT 1

If you can work your trip in around one of the festival below, particularly Loi Krathong… DO IT. I promise you won’t regret it. If you can’t, something romantic to do on your honeymoon in Thailand is to purchase sky lanterns from many of the beach vendors. Take it down to the beach and release all your bad luck, as is tradition, or make a few wishes for your marriage ahead before releasing your lantern into the sky together.

 

FESTIVALS IN THAILAND

Songkran – April

Celebrated in April, the traditional Thai New Year sees water everywhere in order to wash away sins and bad luck. While it used to be sprinkled, these days there is an all-in water fight, which closes down streets. Bring your water gun and wear your swimmers, because your about to get a soaking.

 

Loi Krathong – November

Celebrate the Goddess of water by releasing a krathong (small, lotus-shaped floating basket) in the most breathtaking festival. Each year thousands of krathongs and paper lanterns are lit and left to float down the rivers and canals or into the air. Many cities such as where we were in Chiang Mai will have a procession down the main street which is a magical site in itself. Afterwards celebrate and thank the Goddess for all the water over the past year with fireworks, music, dancing and light.

 

Full Moon Party – Monthly

Join up to 30,000 party goers on the beaches of Koh Phanang to celebrate the full moon in a flurry of colour, music and drinking. These parties started when a group of tourists to the island discovered the most amazing view of the full moon from the island’s beaches and have gained much notoriety ever since.

 

GETTING AROUND THAILAND

You can’t go past the traditional tuk-tuk for most of your travel around Thailand. Just remember to keep all your limbs and belongings inside as traffic can be chaotic and theft common. Metred taxi’s and private drivers are a good option for longer trips where you might like the luxury of air conditioning. Be sure to agree on pricing and destination before you go. The Skyetrain in Bangkok is very sleek and easy to get around the city and buses and ferries are another fun option to see the sights. For getting between cities, domestic flights are fairly cheap and the country is serviced by over 70 airlines, ensuring plenty of choice.

If you decide to hire a bike or scooter, be sure you are covered by your travel insurance, always wear a helmet and protective clothing. We know a few people who have been involved in vehicles accidents and spent much of their holiday on crutches. Take precautions however and you will have a great time zooming around the countryside like we did.

 

ACCOMMODATION IN THAILAND

Budget: Under $50pn

Mid: $50-$200pn

Luxury: $200+pn

Due to being one of the biggest tourist destinations in the world, Thailand has an abundance of accommodation options ranging from backpacker style to amazing 5-star resorts. We tended to stay in 3 or 4 star hotels and found these were amazing for the price with restaurants, pools, swim up bars, room service and even a bowling alley in one of our stays.

Koh Samui – A short one-hour flight from Bangkok lies the idyllic island of Koh Samui. Great for honeymooners with its quieter, laid-back vibe, this island really heats up at night with nightlife such as the full moon parties over on neighbouring Koh Phanang. Host to plenty of luxury villas and beach resorts to choose from.

Krabi – Krabi is a nature lover’s paradise with stunning scenery from hidden caves to rugged limestone cliffs. Island hop the Phi Phi Islands, take a dip in the natural hot springs or discover Bor Thor’s secret lagoons.

Phuket – One of the biggest holiday destinations in the world, Phuket has it all, from high end private resorts to crazy street bars. Phuket makes a great home base to explore the many surrounding islands on day trips, take in an amazing sunset, drink some deliciously cheap cocktails and meet some great local characters.

Bangkok – Thailand’s bustling capital is a melting pot of cultures, known as one of the most culturally diverse places in South East Asia. With amazing temples and some of the best shopping in Thailand, Bangkok is worthy of a short stopover on every travellers first trip.

Chiang Mai – historic Chiang Mai in the north is miles away from the hustle and bustle of Bangkok and Phuket. Think lush tropical rainforests and breathtaking mountain peaks. Choose from quaint bungalows overlooking the rice fields to world-class luxury resorts. This town, along with its neighbour Chiang Rai, provides a real insight into what Thailand was like before tourism with its old city and cultural feel.

ALL INCLUSIVE PACKAGES THAILAND

Thailand has numerous all-inclusive hotels on offer including:

• Club Med Phuket
• Shiva Samui Koh Samui
• Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp and Resort
• Sofitel Krabi
• Dusit Thani Hua Hin and Krabi
• Phulay Bay Krabi
• The Racha
• Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle
• Centara Grand Beach Hua Hin and Karon Resort Phuket
• Phuket Marriott Resort and Spa
• Le Meridien Phuket Beach

ADULT ONLY RESORTS THAILAND

• Beyond Resort Karon – guests over 18 years of age.
• The Pavilions Phuket – guests over 16 years of age.
• Cape Sienna Hotel and Villas – guests over 12 years of age.
• The Shore at Katathani – guests over 12 years of age.
• Mangosteen Resort and Ayurvedic Spa – guests over 12 years of age.
• Tubkaak Krabi Boutique Resort – adults only
• Ayara Hilltops Boutique Resort – guests over 18 years of age.
• The Village Resort and Spa – guests over 12 years of age.
• Kamala Beach Resort – guest over 16 years of age

 

LOCAL CUISINE IN THAILAND

• • Tom Yum Goong – a spicy and sour soup with shrimp.
  • Pad Thai – possibly the countries most famous dish, made with noodles mixed with egg omelette, sauces and most commonly chicken or shrimp. Be sure to top with lots of bean sprouts, peanuts and a squeeze of lime.
  • Larb – seasoned minced meat often served in lettuce cups.
  • Green/Red Curry – Thai curries are a delicious blend of spices and coconut milk, making them sweet yet spicy. Kaffir lime and fresh Thai basil make this dish pop.
  • Sate – like most South East Asian countries, sates are a staple street food of meat of a skewer served with delicious peanut dipping sauce.
  • Khao Pad – a fried rice dish which is kept simple so you can dress it as you like. Add prawns, chicken, vegetables, basil, lime and chilli to take this fried rice from plain to amazing.
  • Pad Krapow Moo Saap – translating to fried basil and pork, you may also find this dish with other meats and served on a pile of steamed rice. Add egg to the top and be ready for a spicy dish if eating with the locals.

 

LANGUAGE IN THAILAND

Thai is the official language of Thailand and this itself divides into a number of dialects across the country. Many Thai place names are extremely long and difficult to say and the Thai language is tonal, meaning words can have a different meaning depending on the pitch it is said in. English is widely spoken in tourist areas, but it can be wise to write down places for drivers or when asking for directions.

Useful Thai phrases

• Ka (if you are female) and Krub (if you are male) are added to the end of phrases to denote respect. E.g. hello for a female would be sawatdee ka
• Greeting = sawatdee (sa-wat-dee)
• Spicy = Phet (pet)
• Not spicy – Mai Phet (My-pet)
• Delicious = Aroy (Aloy)
• How much? = Tao Rai (tow-rye)
• Too expensive = Phaeng Mark Pai (feng-mak-pie)
• Thank you = Khob Khun (cob-koon)
• where is? = Yoo tee nai?(yoo-tee-ny)
• Sorry/excuse me = Khor thoad (Khor-tort)
• Yes =Chai (chai)
• No =Mai (my)
• Water = Nam (nam)
• How are you? = Sa bai dee mai (sah-by-dee-my)
• Taxi = (thaek-ee)
• Toilet = hawng nam (Hong-Num)

 

WEATHER IN THAILAND

With its tropical climate, Thailand is hot and humid throughout the year. Most of the country which goes north of Bangkok has three seasons, while the southern peninsular has two. Usually November to February is considered the best time to visit as there is some relief from heat due to the northeast monsoon. April is the hottest month across the country.

High season: January, February, Songkran festival (April)

Dry Season: November to May (November to February has cooler temperatures in the north)

Rainy Season: June to October

Months	min. Temp.		max. Temp.		Average Sea temp.		Rain days	Rainfall	Season
January	22°C	72°F	32°C	90°F	28°C	82°F	6	40mm	Dry
February	23°C	73°F	33°C	91°F	29°C	84°F	4	30mm	Dry
March	23°C	73°F	34°C	93°F	29°C	84°F	8	40mm	Dry
April	24°C	75°F	33°C	91°F	30°C	86°F	11	150mm	Dry
May	25°C	77°F	32°C	90°F	30°C	86°F	18	200mm	Dry
June	25°C	77°F	32°C	90°F	30°C	86°F	18	240mm	Wet
July	25°C	77°F	31°C	88°F	30°C	86°F	19	300mm	Wet
August	25°C	77°F	31°C	88°F	29°C	84°F	19	260mm	Wet
September	24°C	75°F	30°C	86°F	29°C	84°F	21	400mm	Wet
October	24°C	75°F	31°C	88°F	29°C	84°F	23	280mm	Wet
November	23°C	73°F	31°C	88°F	29°C	84°F	16	200mm	Dry
December	23°C	73°F	31°C	86°F	28°C	82°F	10	60mm	Dry

 

COST OF THINGS IN THAILAND

Currency:  Thai Baht

McDonalds Combo Meal	$5.61 USD
Domestic Beer (0.5 litre draught)	$2.00 USD
Imported Beer (0.33 litre bottle)	$3.19 USD
Cappuccino (regular)	$1.85 USD
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 litre bottle)	$0.61 USD
Water (0.33 litre bottle)	$0.32 USD

 

THAILAND TRAVEL TIPS AND TRICKS

Coloured drinks – When drinking in bars across Thailand, you may commonly find that waitresses bring glasses of coloured drinks immediately to the table. While these may seem complimentary, more often than not they are for you to buy the pretty girls a drink and will be charged to your bill at the end of the day. Just politely refuse them and move them to the side.

The WAI – (pronounced Way) is the act of bowing with your palms together in front of your chest to show respect to the person you are greeting. There are three levels of Wai depending on the level of respect owed. For people who are the same level or older than you bow your head so your index fingers touch your brows. For respected people such as parents or teachers bow your head so your index fingers touch your forehead and your thumbs touch your nose. For people such as the Royal Family, Monks and Priests bow your head so your thumbs touch your brow. If someone gives you a Wai you should return the respect by putting your palms together in front of your chest, however, you do not need to bow.

Driver scams – Many drivers in Thailand will happily take you to your destination with a short detour to their friends’ jewellery or gem shop to buy goods. Be very insistent on where you want to go and know your information e.g. they may try to tell you that the Palace is closed that day or opens later in the afternoon and offer to take you to other places where they may get commissions. This may also occur when you turn up to the attraction itself, only to be told by helpful locals outside it is closed. Just smile and keep walking to check for yourself.

Ping Pong Shows – Everywhere you go, you will have people with cards showing you everything you will get if you come to their show. This can include, the show and often drinks at seemingly reasonable prices. Be aware that once inside the dark, seedy bar, the person who bought you in will be gone before you know it and at the end of the show you will be left with a large drink and show bill which can be hard to argue your way out of when being enforced by large security.

Toilet Paper – If your used to the luxury of using toilet paper when you use the bathroom, ensure you carry some sheets or a small pack of tissues around with you, as it will rarely be available in public toilets. Small coins are also helpful to buy a few sheets at the entry.

Tourist Police – Wearing white shirts and black pants, these guys are here to help tourists in need. Whether you’ve been bailed up for damage to a jet ski that was already damaged when you hired it or lost your passport, the tourist police will help you out or direct you to your consulate for assistance. Don’t confuse them with the local police, who can often be in on scams for payments or will demand bribes from you.

I hope this Thailand honeymoon guide has been helpful – have a great trip!