The most-visited country in Southeast Asia, Thailand is home to thriving cities, intriguing temples and pristine forests, as well as beach-studded islands scattered throughout the Andaman Sea and Gulf of Thailand. Whatever version of tropical paradise you're seeking, your search stops here.
Wedding Requirements Marrying here requires some footwork, so hiring a local wedding coordinator is almost a must. At minimum, both you and your fiancé will need to get an affidavit in person at the U.S. consulate in Bangkok or Chiang Mai. The legal declaration of marriage is quite businesslike and takes place at the local amphur (city hall). The process can take up to six business days, so it's not uncommon to hold the ceremony prior to the legalization at city hall. Ceremony-site options are limitless.
What to Do
Islands and Beaches Thailand's exotic beaches, balmy waters and stellar reefs lure sun-lovers. Phuket and Ko Samui are the country's two most-frequented islands, and for good reason. In Phuket, find high-end hotels, hot nightlife (Patong Beach throws the best party, with its evening lineup of fire-dancers, live music and spicy foods) and myriad dive operators eager to whisk you off to popular sites like Shark Point and Anemone Reef. In Ko Samui, don't miss top attractions like the Hin Ta Hin Yai rock formation (which comically resembles male and female genitalia) and the beautiful Na Muang Falls.
Temples Home to more than 30,000 Buddhist wat (temples), Thailand also draws its fair share of spiritual seekers. Even for the casual visitor, these historic, breathtaking sites make for fascinating outings. Bangkok, the capital, naturally has some of the most famous, including the Temple of the Emerald Buddha inside the Grand Palace, the Temple of the Reclining Buddha and the iridescent Temple of the Dawn, whose spire soars to 250 feet. Chiang Mai, Thailand's second-largest city, also boasts spectacular temples, including Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Bonus: The observation deck here affords awesome views.
National Parks Those seeking jungle thrills won't be disappointed with Thailand's national parks, which offer activities from hiking and zip-lining to white-water rafting and mountain biking. With Chiang Mai as your base, head to Doi Inthanon National Park, home to the country's highest mountain. Or spot tigers, bears and other protected wildlife at Khao Yai National Park, only 125 miles from Bangkok. Phuket neighbors Ao Phang Nga National Park (featured in the James Bond film, The Man with the Golden Gun), while Ko Samui is a two-hour boat ride from picturesque Ang Thong National Park, consisting of 42 lush limestone islands.
Off the Beaten Path
Elephants Take a training course at the Thai Elephant Conservation Center in Lampang (four hours east of Chiang Mai), where you'll learn how to bathe, feed, teach and ride the resident elephants, then trek on their backs through the forest. The good feeling you get from contributing to the care and protection of these unique creatures is just icing on the cake. — Erika Hueneke
