First and foremost, make sure your passport is up to date. It should be valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates, so be sure to double-check ahead of time. Flights we’ve seen are currently starting around $800+. We typically book 4–6 months in advance and recommend securing your flight as soon as you find a great price, especially if your plans are set. We often use Kayak to search for the best routes and deals. We’ll be in Bangkok from 11/28–12/3 and Pattaya 12/3-12/8 for Wonderfruit, with travel plans in other countries before and after the wedding.
Visa for Bangkok is NOT NEEDED. However, please make sure you fill out an arrival card (https://tdac.immigration.go.th/arrival-card/#/home) prior to your travels. Failure to do so may result in delayed or denial for entry.
Many hotels offer flexible booking with free cancellation, so we recommend reserving your stay sooner rather than later. We typically use Agoda and Kayak to find the best options and deals. We’ll be staying at Fig Lobby, a boutique hotel about 15–30 minutes (depending on traffic) from our wedding venue, Gardens of Dinsor Palace, and within walking distance to our reception at CCC Listening Bar. If you prefer to stay closer to the ceremony, friends recommend Jasmine 59 Boutique Hotel, Hotel Nikko, and The Marriott. There are plenty of great options in the area if these don’t quite fit your style.
Grab App We highly recommend downloading the Grab app (https://www.grab.com/th/en/) - it’s the easiest way to get around. You can order rides, food, and drinks anytime, and it’s very affordable. Public Transportation Bangkok’s public transit is also convenient and efficient. The BTS Skytrain, MRT subway, and Chao Phraya Express Boats are all great options. For routes and planning, we suggest using Google Maps and Transit Bangkok (https://www.transitbangkok.com/) to find the best way to your destination. Closest Stations to hotel and wedding venues: - Gardens of Dinsor Palace: BTS Ekkamai Station (6-minute walk) - Fig Lobby & CCC Listening Bar: MRT Queen Sirikit National Convention Center Station (10–11 minute walk)
We’ve been eating our way through Bangkok, both street food and restaurants, and have had a great experience with no issues. A good rule of thumb: avoid drinking tap water. Most places use filtered water for ice, but it never hurts to double-check if you’re unsure. If you have a sensitive stomach, you may want to prepare in advance by taking probiotics. We recommend Erceflora, which has helped us a lot during our travels throughout Asia. It’s not available in the U.S., but you may be able to find it at select Watsons locations in Bangkok. If you can’t find Erceflora, look for probiotics that contain the strain Bacillus clausii.
- Light, breathable clothing (it can get hot and humid) - Comfortable walking shoes (some areas have uneven pavement) - A handheld fan - Sunscreen and sunglasses - Probiotics (like Erceflora or probiotics that contain the strain Bacillus clausii) - Bug repellent If you forget anything, don’t worry most essentials are easy to find once you’re in Bangkok.