Part 2: Essential Information for Your Vacation/ Honeymoon in Thailand

Entry Requirements: U.S. and Canadian visitors staying fewer than 30 days do not need a visa to enter Thailand, but they do need to show a valid passport (one that will not expire for six months) and proof of a return ticket. But if you are from any other country, you need to apply for a Visitors' visa or Tourist visa  through Thailand embassy in your home country.

Currency: The Baht comes in both paper and coins and $1 equals about 30 baht.

Major credit and debit cards are also accepted in most establishments and shopping centers; there are occasionally additional fees from both the retailer and your card provider. Travelers cheques can be cashed at most banks throughout Thailand, but not at all stores or restaurants.

Climate/Best Time to Visit: Thailand has a tropical climate and the best time to go for a honeymoon there is from November to April, which is considered the high season. The low season (May to October) coincides with the rainy season, which often means cheaper accommodations (although that’s not likely a consideration for honeymooners). From March to the end of April it is hot and dry with average temperatures of 82 to 91 degrees (Fahrenheit). May to October temperatures run 80 to 86 degrees. November to February is pleasantly cooler, with average temperatures of 75 to 80 degrees.

 Language: Thai is the language of the land, but English is widely understood, especially in Bangkok. Road and street signs are in both Thai and English.

Electricity: 220 volts AC. Travelers with appliances and electronic gear are advised to bring an adapter kit. Many hotels will have adapters available for guests on deposit.

Water: Tap water is not safe to drink, recommend that your clients stick to bottled water. Most hotels offer complimentary bottled water in the room on a daily basis. Be wary of the ice in cold drinks, although ice that is served in restaurants is usually delivered to them from government inspected ice factories.

Time: Thailand is 12 hours ahead of Standard Time in the Eastern time zone, 11 ahead of Central, 10 ahead of Mountain and 9 ahead of Western, 6 ahead of Hawaii and 13 ahead of Atlantic (Canada). Thailand does not observe daylight savings time.

Phone: The international dialing code for Thailand is 66. To make international calls from Thailand, first dial 001, then the country code, followed by the area code and telephone number. SIM cards of local Thai network providers are widely sold and may be used to call/text both local and internationally.

Wedding Regulations/Vow Renewals: If you wish to have a destination wedding in Thailand there are some essential rules and regulations you need to know.

A legal marriage in Thailand is legal in the U.S. and Canada, but it must be performed according to Thai law and in addition, paperwork and legal formalities have to be completed to ensure the wedding is recognized in your home country. (Note: Canadian citizens should check with the Vital Statistics Office of the province or territory where the couple will live.) In Thailand you are only legally married once the wedding has been registered at the District Office ("amphur"). Suggest you arrange for them the services of a wedding planner. Better yet, many major hotels offer wedding packages that include the services of a wedding coordinator to oversee all the details.

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