Honeymoons in Thailand
| Flight time from UK | 10 hrs |
| Time Difference | GMT +7 |
| Best time to travel | The seasons may vary depending on where you choose to stay – check in advance. In general, there are 3 seasons – the hot season (March – June, with April and May the hottest months), the monsoon season (June – October but may start earlier), and the Cool season (November – February). |
| Capital City | Bangkok |
| Languages | Thai. Almost all hotels will speak English, some restaurants offer English menus. |
| Local currency | Thai Baht (THB) – Check exchange rate |
| Useful websites | Tourism Authority Tripadvisor – Thailand |
Things to Do
Bangkok – Visit the magnificent Grand Palace, built in 1782 and featuring an emerald Buddha, the Temple of the Reclining Buddha which measures more than 150foot in length. Other attractions incluce Jim Thompson’s house in Siam square, a remarkable example of traditional Thai residential architecture and home to some of the finest examples of southeast Asian art.
Thai Markets – Thailand is renowned for its markets. From Chatuchak weekend market with 15,000 stalls and 200,000 visitors daily, to the amazing Suan Lum Night Bazaar market, you can find beautiful and authentic Thai craftwork, excellent value clothing and delicious local food.
Best seen in the early morning, there are also many floating markets. The most popular and well known is Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. Others include Amphawa, Taling Chan, Sai Nai Floating Market, Khu Wiang and Bang Nam Pheung.
At any market, be prepared to haggle, and beware anything that seems too good to be true – it probably is! Avoid touts and stores that offer cheap suits or jewellery. Taxi drivers and tour guides often receive commission for taking tourists to certain shops. Instead, ask your hotel to recommend reputable shops.
Southern islands – Phuket is a large island, known for the devastation it suffered due to the 2004 tsunami. It has fully recovered and is more vibrant than ever. While Patong Beach is a tourist trap full of small hotels, clubs (of various types), restaurants and shops, there are many quiet areas.
Koh Samui celebrates the Thai New Year (13 April) in style, and is home to the Ko Samui music festival in September and October. It boasts several luxury resorts, beaches, golf courses and spas.
Chiang Mai Province offers a huge variety of activities, from visits to an elephant farm and rock climbing to Thai cookery lessons and spas.
Other places to visit include: Pattaya, Koh Tao, Ko Lanta, Kanchanaburi, Chiang Rai and Patong.
Insurance
When travelling abroad, you should always take out some form of honeymoon or travel insurance before you go. Policies can offer cover against delay or cancellation, lost baggage and importantly medical costs should you fall ill whilst abroad.
Places to Stay
The most popular destinations in Thailand are Ayutthaya, Pattaya, Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi, Chiang Mai, and Ko Samui. Bangkok is Thailand’s capital city of over 6 million people, and is Thailand’s main tourist attraction. Food ranges from street vendors through to fine cuisine.
Ranging from ultra-luxurious to simple and cheap, from beach resorts to bustling city hotels, there is something in Thailand to suit any honeymooning couple.
