| COVER STORY
Weddings in Thailand 泰国婚礼
Now’s the time to
in the Land of Smiles
V
isitors to Thailand are often enticed by the idea of a relaxing beach holiday, or an exotic place to discover fascinating local culture, food, and customs, but romance is also a big draw in the “Land of Smiles”. Thailand’s reputation for friendly service, along with its wide range of accommodations and overall value for money, has turned the Kingdom into a destination of choice for brides and grooms, as well as newlyweds celebrating their nuptials with a heavenly honeymoon. Tourism experts estimate more than 100,000 marriage-minded travellers become husband and wife each year in Thailand, and another million plus embark on honeymoon holidays here. The reason behind the Kingdom’s popularity has to do with the fact that it has all the elements needed to create the unforgettable memories one associates with one of the most exceptional events in any couple’s life—their wedding day! So what gives Thailand the edge when it comes to luring prospective brides and grooms? For starters, there’s the legendary quality of service that Thai people provide, along with their innate sense of hospitality. Secondly, organizing a wedding in Thailand is generally cheaper than in most other countries in the world, as luxury is affordable and competition is high amongst the country’s hotels and resorts. Finally, in most of Thailand’s well known tourist destinations the hotels and resorts generally have one or more specialists on staff to look after almost every detail of both the wedding ceremony and the various receptions. So whether you prefer having a chapel set up on the beach, or a lavish ceremony wearing traditional Thai outfits, anything is possible.
Bangkok certainly gets its fair share of the wedding market in Thailand, and its variety of hotels and reception venues is endless, but there are plenty of other worthy destinations in Thailand as well. Locations such as Chiang Mai, Hua Hin, Koh Samui, and Phuket all have thriving destination wedding industries, but these are by no means the only options. Secondary destinations often provide couples with an even more intimate experience—whether for honeymoon getaways or wedding ceremonies—so be sure to include Khao Yai, Krabi, Pattaya, Koh Kood, and Trang on your list of places to consider. For couples who might want to celebrate their wedding in a real Western-style church, there are many beautiful places of worship across the country that can provide the perfect setting. Known for their grand, often neo-gothic architectural style, there are several exceptional Christian and Catholic churches within Bangkok, while others can be found in Ayutthaya, Chanthaburi, Ratchaburi and Samut Songkhram provinces. In addition, many small Thai temples in these and other provinces would be pleased to organizing a traditional Thai wedding ceremony for a reasonable donation. It’s a perfect way to help local communities and create a memorable wedding event at the same time.
20 l 24 LIFE M a g a z i n e
By Bruce Scott
