Thailand a Beautiful Destination for Your Honeymoon:

Thailand is set in the heart of Southeast Asia. It shares a border with Myanmar to the west, Laos to the north and east, Cambodia to the southeast, and its peninsular southern region stretches down to Malaysia.

The Kingdom of Thailand has long been associated with romance. The country’s reputation in that regard has also been recognized by publications such as Recommend, which again this year-as it has the previous four years-bestowed on Thailand its Reader’s Choice award for the Sexiest Romance/Honeymoon Destination in Asia.  Thailand is one of the easiest destinations to fly to. Thai Airways, the country’s national carrier, flies nonstop from Los Angeles to Bangkok, and several other international carriers offer direct routes from many corners of the globe.

Most international visitors will arrive at Suvarnabhumi Airport, also known as the new Bangkok International Airport, which is 15 miles east of Bangkok. Thailand’s five other international airports are in Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai in the north and Hat Yai, Ko Samui and Phuket in the south. There are also eight domestic airports, making it easy to get around the country, and Thailand’s central location makes it an ideal hub for exploring the rest of Asia as well. Several local airlines provide travel schedules that make any destination in Thailand accessible from Bangkok in less than two hours.

WHY THAILAND?

Thailand’s hospitality is legendary and the destination provides an ideal setting for a memorable honeymoon, not to mention destination weddings. There are countless reasons for choosing Thailand for any vacation, but when it comes to honeymoons the conversation should begin with the Kingdom’s wealth of romantic settings and venues. Perhaps more than any other destination, Thailand is blessed with so many historical settings, natural wonders and cultural attractions that inspire romance and set the tone for the ultimate honeymoon.

The splendor of royal palaces–such as Bangkok’s Grand Palace, home to the famous Emerald Buddha–and exotic appeal of ancient temples come immediately to mind.

Thailand is also a progressive country when it comes to acceptance of all lifestyles on both an official and personal level.

BEACHES

High on the list of Thailand’s most popular features is its stunning beaches. Indeed, they are a major attraction for the millions of visitors the country receives each year and no less than six of them–Ko Phangan, Ko Samui, Khao Lak, Ko Phi Phi Don, Krabi and Ko Lanta– landed in the TripAdvisor Traveler's Choice 2011 list of Top 10 Beaches in Asia.

SPA/WELLNESS

Thailand offers a wealth of spa opportunities, from visiting a day spa to staying in a spa resort and wellness retreat that can customize a treatment package, including meals and holistic or Ayurveda treatments.

 

DINING/CUISINE

Thai restaurants, street stalls, and bars are more than eateries, they are places for people to get together and enjoy each other’s company as well as dine on some incredibly tasty food.  Eating is a Thailand nightlife attraction in its own right.

Thailand offers an array of cooking classes, ranging from half–day courses to extensive chef training programs.

SHOPPING/MARKETS: Shopping is a fun activity for couples to do together and in an exotic place such as Thailand it’s also an exhilarating cultural experience. Bangkok in particular is one of the world’s premier shopping destinations, with a wealth of 21st century shopping malls and department stores. Upscale favorites include Central World, Siam Paragon, Siam Discovery, The Emporium, Central Chidlom and Gaysorn. In these centers they’ll find glittering brand name favorites such as Gucci, Hermes, Prada and more. MBK Center offers seven floors of shopping including two floors devoted largely to electronics, while Pantip Plaza is a mall dedicated entirely to electronics.

Where to Stay: Research shows that honeymooners far outspend typical vacationers, so you may want to start by suggesting a luxury hotel, of which Thailand has some of the world’s finest. You’ll also find world–class hotels not only in Bangkok, but throughout the country, especially in resort areas such as Phuket and Ko Samui, and in Thailand’s second biggest city, Chiang Mai. The beach resort of Hua Hin is an up–and–coming area, with sophisticated hotels coming on line.

Note: Both expensive and moderately priced accommodations add a 10 percent service charge plus seven percent government tax, also called a value–added tax (VAT).

Note: The author of Travel Army (Rashidat Muhammed) is a certied 'Thai The Knot Specialist' approved by  the Tourism Authority of Thailand.