Thailand

WHERE TO STAY:

• SHANGRI-LA: 745 rooms, 52 suites. This impeccable property is really a resort in the midst of the city that delivers everything promised and more. The ideal location--in Bang Rak, one of Bangkok's most exclusive sections, at the edge of the Chao Phraya River and just two minutes away from Sky Train station--makes it stand out above the rest. You can choose to stay in the serene Krung Thep Wing which has its own relaxing pool area or the Shangri-La Tower where a wonderful array of world class restaurants and bars awaits. Two shaded pool areas, a squash court, a gym, and Chi, one of the city's finest and most luxurious spas are all part of the complex. Everything is spacious, relaxing and easy on the eyes. You have all the privacy you want yet superior, smiling service is at your fingertips around the clock. A room on a Horizon Lounge floor brings even more perks such as complimentary breakfast and snacks on an upper floor overlooking the river. Being together in such a beautiful and complete setting makes your honeymoon even more romantic.

  89 Soi Wat Suan Plu,
  New Road
  
  Tel: (662) 236 7777
  Email:
  
  

• THE ORIENTAL: 358 rooms, 35 suites. One of Bangkok's first and most famous hotels continues to attract statesmen and celebrities from throughout the world. It has delighted discerning travelers since the days that writer Somerset Maughm lived here, leaving behind an aura of mystique and excellent taste. Everything is First Class. The riverside location, the exotic lobby, the air- conditioned shopping mall, the wonderful restaurants, the humidor and cigar bar, the small pool area, a spa across the river and the riverside location all help to carry on the refined legend that it is.

  48 Oriental Ave.,
  Silom
  
  Tel: 02 659 9000
  Website:
  
  

• DUSIT THANI: 487 rooms, 30 suites. This striking, modern steel and glass pyramid is a tried and true oasis in the middle of Bangkok's action. It is a good headquarters for exploring as the subway and Sky Train are only minutes away. A small pool, a spa and a popular Chinese restaurant are added attractions.

  946 Rama IV Road,
  Silom
  
  Tel: 02 200 9000
  Website:
  
  

• SILOM VILLAGE INN: 80 rooms. This is a good, no frills option for honey- mooners on a budget. Small, tidy rooms have king size beds. A small and quiet Thai style shopping complex and one of Bangkok's busiest thoroughfares are just steps away. Rates are reasonable and the complex delivers value.

  286 Silom Rd.,
  Silom
  
  Tel: 02 635 6810
  
  

• LEBUA AT STATE TOWER: 198 rooms. This is for couples who love sweeping city views. It is part of the golden domed State Tower skyscraper and popular with a trendy, young crowd. Large, comfortable rooms with a modern decor and a great selection of romantic restaurants with striking views make it even better. The Sky Train is a short walk away.

  1055 Silom Road,
  Silom
  
  Tel: 02 624 9999
  Website:
  
  

HONEYMOON TRAVEL TIPS:

HONEYMOON TIPS

• OFFICIAL LANGUAGE: Thai
• CURRENCY: Bhat. Banks are open weekdays from 8:30 a.m.- 3:30 p.m.
• COUNTRY CODE: 66. If you need an English speaking operator, dial 1133.
• ELECTRICITY: 220 volts, 50 cycles. Most outlets take 2 flat prongs.
• DRIVING: Drive on the left. It's better to use public transportation in Bangkok where public transportation is easily accessible and reasonably priced. In smaller towns, drive with care as other drivers may not.
• ATM: Change a small amount of money in the airport to cover the taxi ride to your hotel. If necessary, change your pin number to four digits or more before leaving the USA. Otherwise, Thai ATM's will not work.

HELPFUL HONEYMOON HINTS

• Here's our advice on how to get the most romance and the most for your money on your Bangkok honeymoon. Luxury is affordable here so:
  • SPLURGE ON A HOTEL ON THE RIVER and ask for a room with a river view. You'll never tire of watching the river traffic or the beautiful sparkling lights by night.
  • BOOK A HOTEL NEAR THE SKY TRAIN: This will make getting to major sights and attractions easier and quicker. You'll be able to pack more fun into your stay.
  • USE TAXIS TO SEE THE SIGHTS: Hourly rates are affordable. Hire one for a day of easy sightseeing and shopping but get a list of where you want to go written in Thai before leaving the hotel. Establish the rate before entering the taxi and tip the driver 10%. Ask in advance and expect to pay more for English speaking drivers.
• TIPPING: If no Service Charge has been added to the restaurant bill, tip at least 10%. Tip hotel porters at least 20 bhat per bag. Taxi drivers get small change. Drivers hired by the day get at least 10% depending on service rendered.
• DRINK BOTTLED WATER outside your hotel.
• CLOTHING: Light, cotton clothing is best. Long pants or skirts and un- revealing tops are required for visits to temples. International resort wear is acceptable for most clubs and restaurants.
• BARGAINING: Shops have fixed prices but markets and street stall vendors expect you to bargain. Smile, never raise your voice, joke and have fun to get the best price.

DON’T MISS:

Thailand has an astounding selection of things to see and do. Couples who love adventure can go zip lining over rain forests, hike into the jungle, ride an elephant through the forest, kayak along rushing rivers or ride a bicycle to see small towns. Those who like to rest and relax can sun on a pristine beach, take boat rides to see the sights, enjoy the luxury of treatments at some of the world's finest spas, or shop to their hearts content for items to decorate their new home. You can do something unique every day and there will still be plenty left over for an anniversary trip! Bangkok and its environs offers a microcosm of what there is to do throughout the country. Here are a few things you shouldn't miss:

• RIDE ON THE SKY TRAIN: The quickest, easiest way to get around seeing Bangkok's exciting sights. It whisks you over traffic jams below while offering great views of the city, the temples and the river.
• SEE THE JIM THOMPSON HOUSE AND MUSEUM: Jim Thompson, an American who settled in Thailand, started the Thai silk export industry and collected wonderful pieces of Asian art. His Bangkok home, a collection of typical Thai houses, is now a museum with a pleasant restaurant, garden and shop on the grounds. It's an ideal place to cool off, shop for fine silks, and see the exquisite Asian sculptures and paintings.
• GET TO KNOW AN ELEPHANT: Elephants are revered in Thailand and there are many places to see and study them up close. Just outside Bangkok, you can visit ELEPHANT STAY to watch elephants and their babies being cared for, bathed and exercised. You can even watch elephants painting! If you like what you see, you can stay for a few days to help with their care and feeding. At the PATARA ELEPHANT FARM just outside Chiang Mai in the Northern part of the country, you can make an elephant "your own" for a day. Some couples have given each other presents of this experience and a few have even married here! After lessons on elephant health and care, you are assigned your very own elephant to bathe, lead and ride through the jungle to a waterfall. A typical Thai lunch is spread out on a giant palm frond. You can swim with your elephant, then ride back to camp together on his back. No matter where you go, it will be a day that make memories to share forever!
• GO SHOPPING: Shopping is a sport here, and prices are so good that some couples wait until they get to Thailand to buy engagement rings and wedding bands. You can shop 24/7 at everything from street stalls to modern malls. Wonderful things to buy include decorative items for your new home, clothing, silks for everything from clothes to curtains, and antiques. The price is right and the quality is excellent. Here are a few great places to find the best quality at reasonable prices. ANITA'S SILKS offers the experience of two generations to help you select fine silks at fair prices for clothing or decorating. JOHNNY'S GEMS displays gold jewelry with precious and semi precious stones, or they will make or copy whatever you like. SILOM VILLAGE TRADE CENTER has a good collection of quality souvenirs, original costume jewelry, resort wear and acces- sories in a picturesque shops. Sprawling markets such as weekend CHATUCHAK with 8000 vendors to visit and street stalls such as the NIGHT MARKET on Khao San Road are the places to bargain, but in Thailand, you get more than your moneysworth on almost every purchase.
• TREAT YOURSELVES TO A COUPLES MASSAGE. Massage is a part of Thai life. Thai masseurs are world famous. One of the very best places to indulge in spa treatments is at "Chi" in the Shangri La Hotel which is one of the most spacious and luxurious spas in town. Scented treatment rooms, especially double ones, are unusually tranquil and comfortable. Treatments are ultra relaxing and sensuous. Couples feel as pampered as can be after a day of sports and sightseeing. You'll dream about it afterwards!
• RIDE A TUK TUK: Take a spin on this Thai trademark, a three wheeled car/bicycle that carries people, produce and other outrageous items through busy streets. Window shop if you're in a traffic jam. Tuk Tuk tips: Only use them for short trips and set the price and destination before you enter.
• FILL YOUR ROOM WITH FLOWERS: Add to honeymoon romance by filling your bath with orchids from the Flower Market which is minutes away from the Grand Palace. Decorate your room with beauty and color for pennies.
• CRUISE THE CANALS (KLONGS): Water taxis will take you from point to point along the river or to special places like River City Shopping Mall. Or, hire your own boat for a hour to get a glimpse of typical life along the river.
• SIAM NIRAMINT THEATER: Thailand's art and culture are on display at this amazing spectacular performed on the world's largest stage. The enchanting Kingdom of Thailand is portrayed by 150 exquisitely costumed performers who dazzle and delight as you learn about Thai history and thrill at the exotic staging. Dinner can be included.

ROMANTIC RESTAURANTS:

Thailand has some of the world's most romantic restaurants. The cuisine is world renowned. People come from all over the world to enjoy everything from tasty street food to romantic meals in refined gourmet restaurants. Every meal or snack here is a memorable event. Local seafood dishes are most popular, but plenty of international and ethnic restaurants can be found.

Thai restaurants appeal to all the senses. The decor, the ambience and the food will add to the romance. Bangkok restaurants range from simple to sophisticate. You can dine in a garden under the stars, in an old home which has welcomed international celebrities and dignitaries, in a ultra modern setting high above the city on skyscraper rooftops with panoramic views, or beside the river with tiny boats and glittering city lights all around you.

Here are some of the most romantic restaurants that we found. Ask your concierge to make reservations for a table for two with a view.

• CELADON: Soft lights and lotus ponds surround the air conditioned dining room, which is a free standing building on the hotel grounds. This is the perfect place to relax, hold hands and share your dreams. Quiet music, complete serenity and discreet service make you want to linger over desert and coffee. International and Thai dishes are beautifully presented and served. You'll love it!
  Hotel Sukothai
  13/3 Sathorn Road
  Silom
  Tel: 02/344 8888
• SALATHIP: Few restaurants are as charming as this one located in an old Thai pavilions placed beside the river on the grounds of the Shangri La Hotel. Couples can choose to dine in the garden, at an open air table at the river's edge, or in the air conditioned dining room. No matter where you choose, the romantic ambience and the delicious Thai food will enchant you. Beautifully costumed dancers surprise you and perform beside your table. This is the most refined and authentic riverside restaurant of all. The beautiful setting, candlelit tables, and exquisitely costumed service staff make it even more memorable!
  Hotel Shangri-La
  89 Soi Wat Suan Plu
  New Road
  Tel: (662) 236 7777
• SIROCCO AT THE DOME. This independent restaurant high atop the gold domed State Tower skyscraper will give you a heady feel. Steep steps lead down to the open air restaurant. Before sitting down, enjoy a drink at the Sky Bar that juts out over the edge of the building for a breathtaking view of the city spread out below you. Then, sit down to a wonderful dinner under the stars as cool breezes caress you and the sounds of soft jazz surround you. This may be one of the coolest restaurants in town! Your spirits will soar as you take in the exciting views!
  State Tower, 1055 Silom Road
  Tel: 02 624 9555
• BED SUPPERCLUB: This one is for a night when you feel like doing something outrageous. You'll feel as if you're in a space ship as you sit or lie in your "own" large white bed for dinner and drinks while other diners do the same in theirs! Soft music and exotic slide shows accompany light meals. After dinner, it turns into one of the trendiest dance clubs in town. Different performers and events take place each night. There's never a dull moment after dark here! The concept is unique in the world, and the entertainment is up to the minute.
  26 Sukhumvit
  Soi 11
  Tel: 02651 3537
• THE BLUE ELEPHANT. Celebrities, dignitaries, diplomats and chiefs of state from throughout the world have enjoyed dinner in this turn of the century building that was once a leading department store. The atmosphere is informal, and the food is famous. So famous, that they even offer a Thai cooking school so you can learn how to make your favorite dishes at home.
  233 South Sathorn Road
  Vannawa
  Tel: 02 673 9353-8
• LE NORMANDIE. When you're in the mood for refined dining and great wines and cuisine, reserve a table by the window overlooking the river and splurge on dinner here. Located on the top floor of one of the Oriental, rated one of the world's top hotels, this quintessential French restaurant has European decor but a relaxed, intimate atmosphere. Choose a fine French wine to accompany your meal, listen to the soft piano music and savor the moments as well as the food.
  Oriental Hotel
  48 Oriental Ave.
  Silom
  Tel: 02 659 9000

DESTINATION WEDDINGS:

Thailand may be one of the most beautiful places in the world to marry. Wedding venues are breathtaking. The top of a skyscraper, a pristine beach, an elegant hotel, a shady coconut grove, aboard a river boat, or among the elephants are just a few of the choices. Some couples don scuba suits and tie the knot under water.

Most luxury hotels throughout the country have wedding packages and/or wedding planners on staff. Prices are more than reasonable. Couples who want to save money also buy wedding rings and wedding bands here. Whether you bring a group of friends or plan a ceremony just for the two of you, you'll be surrounded by beauty and romance.

Here are a few wedding tips:

• Arrive 5-6 days in advance to set up legal documentation.
• Marriages in Thailand should be performed according to Thai law.
• You must be 18 or over. If divorced, 310 days must have passed since your divorce.
• Your passports must be valid for at least 6 month from the date of your entry into Thailand.
• Divorce papers translated into Thai must be presented.
• You must register at the nearest Amphoe (district office) and have a civil ceremony with a local official in attendance. Religious ceremonies alone are not valid.
• Your marriage certificate will be in Thai. Be sure to get an official translation of the certificate from a translation bureau.
• Register your marriage with your embassy.