HONEYMOONS IN THAILAND
Mark Rogers

When the prospect of honeymoon travel comes up, there’s usually a handful of destinations that immediately come to mind; Hawaii, Fiji, Tahiti, Mexico and the Caribbean. But according to a study from the Conde Nast Bridal Group, 85 percent of brides and grooms are open to considering any destination for their honeymoon. This bodes well for Thailand capturing a larger share of the honeymoon market, as long as travel agents make the case for the destination as a prime choice for this (hopefully) once-in-a-lifetime travel experience.

Creating a Thailand itinerary for a honeymoon client is an opportunity for an agent to shine. Sure it will be a challenge finding the ideal setting, whether city, beach or countryside; the right hotel or resort, the perfect combination of experiences. But if you pull it off there’s a good chance you’ll have a pair of clients for life.

Thailand has everything these other top honeymoon destinations have, including balmy weather and amazingly picturesque beaches, two qualities high on any honeymooner’s list. But Thailand also has an unmatched exoticism that honeymooners come face-to-face with on arrival, when they first experience the graceful national gesture of greeting referred to as the wai. This consists of placing the palms of two hands together and making a slight bow. A greeting like this sets the tone for the rest of the trip, in which romance-minded couples can begin exploring the sights, sounds and tastes of Thailand. (For a charming video showing the many permutations of the wai greeting, click here.)

A Thailand honeymoon can be narrowed down to three types: city, beach and northern Thailand. A honeymoon could focus on one of these, or encompass all three if there are enough travel days in the itinerary.

For travelers from the U.S., Bangkok will be the primary gateway to Thailand. Bangkok is one of the most exciting cities in the world – it’s also an assault on the senses, so a few days in the capital would best be combined with a several quiet days in the countryside or on the country’s beaches. Time spent in Bangkok could be romantic, though, with days exploring the Grand Palace and Temple of the Emerald Buddha, afternoons shopping the local markets and upscale boutiques, and quiet dinners at one of the city’s rooftop restaurants. Bangkok’s tailors are famous for creating reasonably-priced customized garments on short order. Honeymoon couples could browse through the silk samples on display and have matching robes custom made that they could wear during the rest of their trip.

Beach destinations range from those relatively close to Bangkok, such as sophisticated Hua Hin and party-hearty Pattaya, to those a bit farther away, such as Phuket, Phi Phi Island and Koh Samui. These latter three offer a more relaxed pace and stunning scenery of lush hillsides and dramatic islands just offshore.

For a Thailand honeymoon with a cultural component, head north to Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai
Chiang Mai makes a great base, since it has excellent hotels, lots of city diversions and is convenient to area attractions and activities, from Wat Phra That, a temple on Doi Suthep mountain, to riding elephants through the countryside. Chiang Rai is the place to go for honeymooners seeking an experience and interaction with the hillside tribal people of Thailand.

Throughout their romantic sojourn through Thailand, no matter which region they choose to visit, honeymooners will enjoy the friendly people and gracious culture of Thailand.

THAILAND HONEYMOON PACKAGES
Numerous resorts in Thailand offer honeymoon and romance travel packages. Here are two examples of honeymoon packages currently on offer in Thailand. For more packages, click here.

Honeymoon 5 Night Package

Sukhothai Hotel Bangkok, Bangkok and Rayavadee, Krabi resort are offering a Honeymoon 5 Night Package. The package price is $2,703 and is based on two nights at The Sukhothai Bangkok and three nights at Rayavadee, Krabi.

The Sukhothai Bangkok portion of the package includes two nights in an Executive Deluxe Room, buffet breakfast, two 60-minute Thai massages in a private suite at Spa Botanica, handmade chocolate truffles on arrival and return limousine airport transfers. The Rayavadee, Krabi provides three nights in a Deluxe Pavilion, daily breakfast for two, daily afternoon tea in The Raya Lounge, honeymoon welcome drink on arrival, a selection of tropical fruits served daily, floral bath arrangement on arrival night, bottle of sparkling wine, 75-minute Rayavadee Signature Spa for two and round trip transfer to and from Krabi Airport.

Package price does not include flights from Bangkok to Krabi and the rate is exclusive of 10 percent service charge and 7 percent government tax. Package is valid through October 31. Visit www.sukhothaihotel.com

Honeymoon Heaven
Dusit Laguna Resort Phuket is offering the Honeymoon Heaven package at a cost $607 per night, with a minimum two night stay. The package includes guaranteed double bed with rose petal décor; round-trip airport transfer; daily buffet breakfast; honeymoon welcome hand garland and welcome drink upon arrival; one romantic dinner for two at La Trattoria per stay; and complimentary bottle of wine, cake, chocolate and tropical fruits in room. All rates are subject to 10 percent service charge, 7 percent VAT, and 1 percent provincial tax. Package is valid until October 31. Visit www.lagunaphuket.com