How to Have an Unforgettable Bangkok Honeymoon
The Thai capital of Bangkok is one of the world’s top tourist destinations and is also a fabulous honeymoon hotspot. A vibrant, fast-paced city where East and West comfortably rub shoulders, Bangkok – also known as Krung Thep – offers plenty of romantic sites and activities for honeymooners to experience, not to mention a plethora of shopping and dining opportunities, complemented by a buzzing nightlife. Whether you want to learn more about Thailand’s rich culture, take in some of the city’s most iconic sites, or just allow impulse to guide you through the bustling streets, you are sure to have an amazing – and unforgettable – Bangkok honeymoon. Read on to find out more about how to make the most of your romantic sojourn in the capital of the Land of Smiles.
Choose the right accommodation
Finding a good hotel shouldn’t be a problem in Bangkok, which offers a wide variety of accommodation options ranging from cheap and cheerful guest-houses through to luxury hotels with sumptuous suites. You will, of course, have to let your budget guide your choice of quarters but that doesn’t mean settling for less than you deserve.
Looking for a stylish but affordable getaway? Why not opt for the likes of the iCheck Inn Silom, tucked away down a quiet lane just off Silom Road. This stylish modern hotel offers well-appointed 3 star accommodation with air-conditioning, cable TV and a DVD player, and is a 10-minute walk from BTS Surasak. Another ideal budget option is the Rambuttri Village Inn, just minutes from Khao San Road. This charming hotel offers clean, comfortable guestrooms, and boasts an internet café, travel agency and two rooftop swimming pools.
Alternatively, if you would like to splurge on your honeymoon accommodation, you may want to opt for the likes of the ultra-lavish Shangri-La Hotel Bangkok, both of which are luxury 5 star hotels nestled on the banks of the Chao Phraya and boasting world-class wining and dining venues, upmarket spas and well-equipped fitness centres.
What to See and Where to Go
Deciding what to do and what you would like to see on your Bangkok honeymoon is going to be the tricky part, as Bangkok has so much to offer and sadly it’s impossible to fit it all in in one trip. If experiencing authentic Thai culture is at the top of your list, then why not head to Taling Chan market, which is held on the weekends from around 9 in the morning until mid-afternoon. This traditional floating market sells a plethora of delectable Thai specialities, with a focus on mouth-watering seafood dishes. The prices are good, the market is authentic, and the whole spectacle is bound to delight and enthral. Bear in mind you can also take a canal tour if you want to experience more of life both on the river, and along its banks; check out thaicanaltour.com and choose from a selection of tours such as the popular Bangkok Classic.
During your trip it is also well worth trying to cram as many of the capital’s amazing temples and historic sites into your itinerary as you can, to get a true taste of Thai beliefs and traditions. The Grand Palace is always labelled a must-see and for good reason; the architecture is stunning and won’t fail to impress. Then there is the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Thailand’s most revered religious site, which is located nearby, and Wat Arun and Wat Pho are also not to be missed. The latter also happens to be a leading Thai massage school so it’s the perfect place to have any stubborn stresses and strains expertly removed by a skilled Thai masseuse.
A slightly less relaxing experience – but perhaps just as fun – is a visit to the sprawling Chatuchak Weekend Market, a vast network of 8000+ stalls selling what seems like every item, appliance or product under the sun. Keen shoppers will be in seventh heaven the moment they enter this labyrinthine market and while it may seem a little daunting at first, a visit to Chatuchak is a Bangkok must-do.
Wining and dining
Bangkok is a food-lover’s paradise, thanks not only to its numerous outstanding restaurants but also to its open-air markets and ubiquitous street vendors, many of whom sell some of the tastiest dishes to be found anywhere in the capital. If you can’t wait to try some delicious street food, why not head to Sukhumvit Soi 38 and order everything from pork satay to pad thai, mango and sticky rice, and seafood noodle soup.
For a more ‘upmarket’ dining experience, grab a table at a fine dining restaurant such as Nahm at the Metropolitan Hotel on Sathorn Road, or perhaps the ultra-chic Sra Bua, which serves innovative Thai cuisine at the Siam Kempinski Hotel.
After a romantic dinner prepare for an unforgettable night on the town. Enjoy cocktails with amazing views at Sky Bar (lebua at State Tower) or the Moon Bar at the Banyan Tree Hotel, then head on to a sizzling nightclub such as Ku De Ta in the Sathorn One Building, Route 66 on Royal City Avenue or Demo, located on Thong Lor Street.
