Destination weddings are weddings held away from home at the couple's dream destinations. A destination wedding makes it possible for couples to create strong bonds with families and friends. There are usually a limited number of people invited to the wedding. Thus these weddings are private affairs and this also results in less cost expenditure. Furthermore, they obviously serve as stunning places for capturing the best moments. With so many benefits, destination weddings are becoming increasingly popular. A range of exotic locations are available for a perfect destination wedding and Thailand is one of the most sought-after wedding destinations. Before we get into the reasons why Thailand is an ideal place for destination weddings, familiarise yourself with the important guidelines released by the government of Thailand regarding the pandemic:
COVID-19 cases have been declining in the country with a strict lockdown. It is recovering from the third wave of the coronavirus pandemic, which was at its peak in March this year. Now, the Thai government has eased the restrictions on tourism in the country from November 1, 2021 by allowing fully vaccinated tourists from India and various other countries. People need not to be quarantined after entering the country, they only need to give an RT-PCR test on arrival and a self testing Antigen rapid test on the 6th day of arrival. With a negative result you can travel to different provinces of Thailand.
The government of Thailand has also set-up different zones in the country according to the level of restrictions in terms of pandemic. Blue zone destinations are fully open for tourists without any strict rule or regulation.
Thailand is located in the middle of mainland Southeast Asia which is known for its tropical beaches, Buddhist temples, quaint rural locations and much more. From misty mountains to dry plateaus, the country offers idyllic settings best for the destination wedding of any couple. Thailand also has appropriate venues for an Indian wedding, which can host various functions along with the main ceremony.
Unlike many exotic locations, Thailand is directly connected to India through air transport and it takes roughly four hours to complete the journey (from Delhi). One can even reach the place through the road via Myanmar. This could become an exciting road trip for you. So, when it comes to connectivity, both the road and the air networks are great.
You don't have to worry about your guests not attending your wedding as Indian passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Thailand. So, a visa will not be a problem for them. They need to apply for the visa at the port of arrival. Permission for a stay of two weeks will be given under this programme.
When it comes to natural surroundings, Thailand has a vast diversity to offer. The main terrains of the country are mountains, plateaus and plains. It is also surrounded by oceans which makes for sandy beaches with blue skies. The marvellous natural landscapes of Thailand allow you to choose an ideal destination for your wedding from a variety of places.
India and Thailand have had a great relationship since ancient times. Initially it started with trading; then Indian religion started flourishing in the country and eventually the influence came down to culture. So naturally the Thai people have an affinity towards Indian culture. The country also has officials to perform rituals of Hinduism, Christanity and others. This makes it easy for you to have a relaxed wedding.
In the 'Land Of Smiles' i.e. Thailand, you will mostly notice happy faces on the streets. Thai people are usually friendly and helpful. It is due to the people residing in Thailand, the country is known for its hospitality.
Hotels and resorts have a similar price as that of India so it becomes one of the cost effective wedding destinations. You can book the venue well in advance and you can choose off-season for the wedding. With these pointers along with the right planning, one can easily save a few bucks.
Luxurious hotels are easily available in Thailand. The number of hotels and resorts are huge therefore they are ready to arrange the setup irrespective of the season. The same won't happen in India as the venues are always booked during peak season. The mere variety of resorts, from the beach side to the one having splendid ballrooms, is mindblowing. The amenities in hotels are world-class and the staff will be friendly as well. You can easily find a hotel or resort according to your needs.
As a tropical country Thailand is mostly warm and cozy throughout the year. Even though the country has a monsoon season, it hardly rains in the tropics and if it does it's not a heavy rainfall. So, the weather conditions are best for a wedding.
From pre-wedding photoshoots to the big day celebration, Thailand will serve as the best for everything. A photoshoot at the pristine beaches with the cool breeze and gritty sand or in the woody jungles filled with lush green surroundings; either way you will have thousands of opportunities for getting the best photographs. In the end you also don't have to scratch your head for a good pre-wedding shoot location. Travel along with your photographer for best results.
You can avail the desired food facilities for the guests at various hotels or resorts. Indian food can be available in most of the venues in Thailand. A blend of Thai and Indian cuisine could be another alternative to your wedding for a Thai twist.
Your guest will never be bored in the country due to its lively entertainment. Amusement parks, historical places, zoological parks, spas, temples, bars, pubs - you name it, they have it. A wide range of adventure activities are also available in the country so you will never run out of entertainment for your guests.
You might not be able to explore the whole place due to the preparations of the wedding, so you may stay in Thailand after your wedding. You can traverse the untouched sites, try the local dishes with relish and learn about the artforms of Thailand. With a large number of activities a honeymoon destination will be curated for you. This will, of course, save you some money effortlessly.
Due to pandemic the government of Thailand has allowed only Blue Zones to be free of quarantine. These are seventeen provinces and you can choose any of them for a hassle free wedding during these times. The best ones are mentioned here:
An all time favourite tourist spot, Bangkok is the capital city of Thailand. The vibrant city is filled with different cultures and ethnicities. Bangkok has everything from deluxe hotels and resorts to ancient temples. You will be astonished by the plethora of options that you can opt for as your wedding venue. Plus, the city is packed with entertainment for every person, so anyone can extend their stay in the city to get a glimpse of Bangkok's local shopping market or enjoy Thai cuisine in Chinatown.
Located at the Andaman Sea, this serene island is the biggest of all in Thailand. It is surrounded by calm and inviting deep turquoise beaches, an ideal place for a picture-perfect destination wedding. The place also offers the best sunset point, i.e. Laem Phromthep viewpoint. Phuket is largely influenced by Chinese culture due to the majority of the Chinese population. You can easily incorporate some of their heritage in your wedding too. Also your guests will be entertained by the nightlife and the classical architecture of Phuket.
With the best sights of lovely mountains, this province will prove your wedding to be a soul soothing break from your busy life. The lush green forests only add on to the already existing beauty of the place. Villagers living in the mountains sustain their life with a special tea named Miang. You can serve it as a beverage during your wedding events. This way you will end up supporting the local drink as well.
Located only 80 kms from the capital city, Chon Buri is a much quieter place than Bangkok. The beaches are the main attraction of this town along with the diverse culture and seafood. If you are a fan of seafood then it will be a great idea to have it in your wedding menu which will also save some money. The Pattaya beach is the most famous beach here which is flooded with many hotels providing for a great destination wedding.
Surat Thani is the gateway to Thailand's beauty as it sits in the Gulf of Thailand. It is occupied by glorious waterfalls and clear oceans along with rainforest islands of Ang Thong National Marine Park. Any of these sights can make for an unforgettable wedding.
Thailand furnishes a broad variety of lavish venues, beautiful locations, blend of culture and so much more which are ideal for any couple seeking a special wedding beyond borders. A detailed planning with your wedding planner will give you a unique and memorable wedding experience. If these reasons have not helped you make up your mind for choosing Thailand as your wedding destination, then what will?
