Planning a Destination Wedding: Thailand
We know you’ve been dreaming of traveling and getting out of...well, just out. So we have a healthy dose of hope with a little destination wedding inspiration just for you! One of the most important things to remember with a destination wedding is the guests’ experience. You want their experiences at the destination to make your wedding even more memorable. To give you a glimpse into planning a destination wedding, we are taking you to Thailand, as it is the perfect place to reconnect your guests with nature, adventure...pretty much anything but a computer screen!
Choosing a location for your destination wedding is a huge undertaking. There are so many factors to think about: flight time, visa requirements, weather, accommodations, budget, experiences, and now COVID regulations. Once you have identified the most important factors to you, you can start thinking about what you want your guests to take away from your wedding experience. Based on our destination wedding expertise, we have outlined some experiences in Thailand that are suited to different types of guest experiences to inspire and help you create an unforgettable destination wedding!
Adventure: forever share great stories
Elephant Nature Park, Chiang Mai - Everyone wants to ride elephants on a trip to Thailand, but you want to make sure that you are not contributing to negative practices. Thankfully, we have for you Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai, a rescue and rehabilitation center, where your guests can volunteer and visit to learn and contribute to elephants’ healing.
Hike with the Hill Tribes, Chiang Mai - Not your typical hike, this is a minimum 5-day trek with Thailand’s remote hill tribe communities. This immersive experience will bring guests closer to the mountains, national parks, and quaint villages Thailand has to offer. Not to mention the time with a shaman, deep cave exploration, and jungle scenery. The hike is from Chiang Mai to Ban Jabo and back!
Koh Phi Phi Viewpoint, Ko Phi Phi Don - For incredible views and a less extreme hike, the Ko Phi Phi Viewpoint (aka Phi Phi Viewpoint) is a must-do! It is an intuitive 20-30 minute trail that leads you to the most picturesque view of the island. If you want more adventure, there are trails that lead you to various beaches, but by trails, we mean paths carved out by locals. You’ll have to trust your gut or make some friends!
Rock Climb at Railay Beach, Krabi - You may not have climbed Everest, but this will make for just as great a story! No climbing experience is necessary, there are guides and courses you and your guests can reserve to rope climb the beautiful limestone rock formations above a coral reef. Truly a once in a lifetime adventure!
Culture: feel enlightened
Temples - If it’s not elephants, it’s temples that your guests want to see in Thailand. There are many opportunities to see lasting cultural landmarks throughout Thailand, but we have highlighted some of the must-sees. Sukhothai Historical Park, Sukhotai is a great place to see where it all began, as it is a UNESCO World Heritage site with ruins of nearly 200 temples. Wat Rong Khun, Chiang Rai is known as the White Temple, meant to symbolize purity, and is the most recently built, completed in 2008. Grand Palace, Bangkok is one of the most famous series of landmarks in Bangkok with its golden architecture, Emerald Buddha, and surrounding temples.
Street Food - The best way to experience a culture is through food! Street food to be exact. Take a tour of Thailand’s famous street food markets in any city. To enrich your cultural experience, there are midnight food tours by Tuk Tuk, private food tours with Thai chefs, locals, or you can even take a cooking class!
Amulet Markets - Aren’t we all searching for a little luck? These famous Amulet Markets, most notably in Bangkok but can be found in Phuket and other cities, are like no other. Experience buyers and sellers intently looking for sacred pieces in mountains of amulets along the streets.
Big Buddha, Phuket - Also known as the Great Buddha of Phuket, the Big Buddha is a large seated statue on top of the Nakkerd Hills. It is one of the most famous landmarks in Phuket and features panoramic views of the city below.
Nature: never forget the surreal views
Red Lotus Lake, Udon Thani - If you are planning to be in Thailand in December or January, you may be able to catch this natural wonder. Lotus blossoms bloom along this secluded lake in Udon Thani, turning it into a serene vision of lily pads and pink flowers. Take a boat from Ban Diam and grab an unforgettable 1-2 hr tour around the lake!
Khao Sok National Park, Surat Thani - These views will take your breath away. The oldest evergreen rainforest in the world and limestone mountains paired with the deep valleys, lakes, caves, and wildlife is best taken in by your eyes and all your senses. Experience the best this Earth has to offer!
Erawan Cascading Waterfalls and Caves, Si Sawat - 7-tiered falls with emerald green ponds and caves throughout make this park the definition of natural beauty. Surrounding the falls is a forest rich in green and mixed elevations to truly enclose you in nature. Try not to gasp!
Maya Bay, Ko Phi Phi Lee - This beach is trademark Thailand! If anyone remembers the Leonardo DiCaprio film “The Beach”, this is the place! The view includes limestone cliffs, white sand beaches, and coral reefs. The scenic cliffs make this beach feel secluded and your own! Reopening of the beach set for June 2021.
Unique: truly unforgettable!
Chat with a Monk, Chiang Mai - For a truly everlasting experience, gift your guests with clarity. A talk with Monks in Chiang Mai is the definition of once in a lifetime and will change you and your guests forever!
Festival of Yi Peng (Yee Peng), Chiang Mai - “Tangled” dreams come to life at this November festival where candle-lit paper lanterns are released into the night sky over a river. This can be a magical and romantic end to your destination wedding experience. If you are looking for more of a party scene, monthly Full Moon festivals along Haad Rin Beach may be more your style for dancing and music to last a lifetime! Please be sure to check COVID-19 regulations surrounding celebrations before planning to visit!
Floating Market, Bangkok - Streets become canals as you take a boat trip through a Thai floating market. Boat vendors sell food and goods as well as exchange conversation that will make you feel like a local!
Railway Market, Mae Klong - If boat travel is not for you, maybe trains are! At the Mae Klong Railway Market a train runs right through the market. Not to worry, the vendors know when the train is coming and pull away accordingly. For the thrill-seekers, this is the perfect experience!
We know, so many things to consider! With a destination like Thailand, you really can’t go wrong. You and your guests will walk away with everlasting memories and even more dreams of returning. We hope this helped you escape reality and, most importantly, start planning your destination wedding! Please remember to check VISA requirements and adhere to COVID-19 regulations for any travel during this time. Safety is always a priority for you and your guests!
