Bangkok
Asia

Bangkok

Photo by Syed Ahmad on Unsplash

Destination Overview

Magnificent temples meet high-rise excitement in the buzzing city of Bangkok. Your honeymoon in Thailand should definitely include a trip to this cosmopolitan capital where old meets new and rich ancient history blends seamlessly with modern thrills.

Split up by old canals, the city is full of great romantic restaurants, luxury hotels and unique nightlife. Browse for fresh fruit and crafts at a packed open-air market, or hop on a boat and tour the floating markets along the city’s many waterways. Explore the busy streets all day or escape to a honeymoon date at a real Bangkok amusement park like Safari World. Then, by night, dine on an exotic feast and dance the night away. Couples seeking a little escape from the city hustle will love the surrounding Bangkok countryside, full of rolling green hills and beautiful pastures you can explore by rented bicycles.

From serious culture to theme park silliness, ancient history to modern marvels, relaxing rivers to daring discos, a honeymoon in Bangkok has something special for every couple. Come experience the southeast Asian flavor of nonstop honeymoon thrills in beautiful Bangkok.

About Bangkok

At a Glance

  • GRAND PALACE: The Grand Palace is an expansive complex that holds the history of Beijing within its walls. Built in 1782, this fortress that was once home to royalty, now holds official government offices as well as the Emerald Buddha, a statue said to watch over the Thai nation. Spectators can easily spend a day marveling at its splendid architecture and magnificent walls gilded in gold.
  • WAT ARUN (TEMPLE OF DAWN): The Temple of Dawn gives tourists a true sense of Thai spirituality and culture. Named after Aruna, Indian God of Dawn, the temple is revered by the locals. Thousands of porcelain particles make up the walls of this ancient monument to create an astonishingly beautiful mosaic. Despite its name, the Temple of Dawn is most beautiful at sundown. Guests can climb the steep steps of the temple to view the Bangkok skyline, or watch the stream of the Chao Praya River, which runs beside the monument. Either way, viewing Bangkok from the steps of Wat Arun with your spouse is the epitome of romance.
  • CHINATOWN: For couples seeking the very pulse of life in Bangkok, Chinatown is the place to be. Although it is a popular tourist attraction, it is always bustling with locals who are shopping or visiting one of the hundreds of temples in the area. Come sundown, the busy streets make way for street-side dining. Couples who visit during the Chinese New Year will get to experience this vibrant section of Bangkok, at its best.
  • KHAO SAN ROAD: Thai culture and consumerism collide on Khao San Road. The road was named after khaosan or “milled rice,” because it once held a major rice market. Despite its humble beginnings, Khao San Road has become a well-known backpacker’s pit stop due to its cheap dining and hotel accommodations. Even guests who stay in other parts of the city visit the road to experience the buzz and excitement of the bars, shops, restaurants, and street food vendors of the neighborhood.
  • JIM THOMPSON’S HOUSE: This Bangkok museum was once the home of former CIA operative, Jim Thompson. American-born, Thompson fell in love with Thailand and decided to retire in the city of Bangkok. Thompson grew the silk industry in Bangkok, becoming a tycoon. The six-house complex he once resided in still stands, as a testament of Bangkok’s ability to enrapture foreigners in its beauty. The home itself is architecturally impeccable, but the Southeast Asian artwork placed throughout the premises, make it a truly remarkable experience.

Fast Facts

  • GETTING THERE: Because there are no non-stop flights from New York to Bangkok, it can take anywhere from 20-26 hours. Flights departing from Los Angeles can take 18-22 hours. Bangkok is served by two airports that are relatively far (19 miles) from the city so be prepared for a long ride, compounded by congested traffic.
  • GETTING AROUND: Although Bangkok is notorious for its traffic, there are many alternatives to alleviate your frustration. Some include the sky train, underground train, canal, riverboats, tuk-tuks (a three-wheeled motorized vehicle) and motorbike taxis.
  • WHEN TO VISIT: One of the hottest places in the world, Bangkok is best visited between November and February, when the temperature varies between 70 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. It is also the driest season. Dress lightly year-round but keep in mind that some places (like temples) have a strict dress code. Always carry a bottle of water and remember to hydrate throughout the day.
  • LANGUAGE: Thai is the official language of Bangkok. Many residents also speak Lao.
  • CURRENCY: Baht (1 Thai Baht is equivalent to approximately three cents in US currency at time of writing. Check online for current exchange rates.)
  • ELECTRICITY: 220V/50Hz

Honeymoon Hints

  • STAYING SAFE: Although Bangkok is a generally safe city, travelers should be wary of scams, particularly in major tourist spots. Avoid locals who offer you “special deals” on things like travel fare to marketplaces.