FAQs

Question

When should I arrive in Thailand to comfortably adjust and attend all events?

Answer

We strongly recommend arriving about a week before the wedding. Flying in on Friday, Oct. 30 or Saturday, Oct. 31 will give you plenty of time to shake off the jet lag, settle in, and enjoy Bangkok and Chiang Mai before the week’s festivities begin. If your schedule is tighter and you’re planning around a one-week trip, arriving around Nov. 2 or 3 should still give you enough time to acclimate before events begin on the 5th.

Question

What’s the best airport to fly into, and how do I get from the airport to our hotels?

Answer

Most international flights into Thailand arrive in Bangkok, either at Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK)—the main international hub—or Don Mueang Airport (DMK), which primarily serves low-cost and domestic carriers. From Bangkok, you’ll likely take a short domestic flight to Chiang Mai (CNX) for the wedding. Once you arrive, getting to your hotel is easy. We recommend downloading Grab on your smartphone (Southeast Asia’s version of Uber), which is widely used and reliable. Having your hotel’s address handy will make the ride even smoother.

Question

Do I need a visa or any special travel documents for Thailand?

Answer

For stays of less than 30 days, U.S. travelers do not need a visa to enter Thailand. You will need a passport valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date. Travelers are also required to complete a Digital Arrival Card within three days of entering the country. You can find more details about both of these requirements on the Travel page.

Question

Which hotels are recommended, and are there group rates available?

Answer

Bangkok and Chiang Mai offer countless hotel options. For convenience, we’ve identified a few where members of the wedding party and our families will be staying: Hyatt Regency Bangkok Sukhumvit, The Peninsula Bangkok, and Anantara Chiang Mai Resort. At this time, we have not secured group rates at the hotels listed above, but we will update this page if that changes.

Question

Are there more budget-friendly lodging options nearby?

Answer

Absolutely. Thailand offers an incredible range of accommodations at nearly every price point. Airbnb can be a great option, and both Bangkok and Chiang Mai have many comfortable, budget-friendly hotels as well. A quick search on Google or Airbnb should reveal plenty of options. If you’d like recommendations or guidance, please feel free to reach out to us.

Question

Will transportation be provided between hotels and wedding events?

Answer

Transportation will be provided for the wedding ceremony and reception. For other events during the week, guests will be responsible for arranging their own transportation. Additional details will be shared as the wedding approaches.

Question

What is the dress code for the different wedding events?

Answer

A detailed attire guide for the wedding ceremony and reception will be published on this site. For the surrounding events—such as the welcome reception—semi-formal, relaxed attire is perfectly appropriate. Think dressy vacation style: polished but comfortable, and nothing overly flashy.

Question

Are there any cultural or local customs we should know about when attending ceremonies?

Answer

Our wedding will include two ceremonies: a traditional Thai ceremony followed by a Western ceremony. The Thai ceremony incorporates a few local customs, but nothing complicated for guests—it’s meant to be enjoyable and welcoming for everyone.

Question

Can dietary restrictions or food allergies be accommodated?

Answer

Absolutely. We’ll do our best to accommodate dietary restrictions and food allergies throughout the wedding events. Please let us know of any specific needs in advance so we can coordinate with our venues and vendors accordingly.

Question

Will any events take place outdoors, and should we prepare for weather conditions?

Answer

Several events, including the wedding ceremony and reception, will take place outdoors. November in Thailand is typically warm and comfortable, with temperatures in the upper 80s to low 90s and moderate to high humidity. We recommend dressing with the heat in mind and choosing light, breathable fabrics.

Question

Will my phone work in Thailand, or should I get a temporary SIM card?

Answer

Most U.S. phones can work with international roaming, but charges can be high. Many travelers opt for a temporary Thai SIM card or an international travel plan, which provides local data and calling at a much lower cost. You can pick up a SIM at the airport or at mobile shops around the city—just make sure your phone is unlocked before you leave.

Question

What’s the local currency, and are credit cards widely accepted?

Answer

The currency in Thailand is the Thai Baht (BHT). Credit cards are widely accepted, but it’s a good idea to carry some cash for smaller shops, markets, or tips where cards may not be accepted.

Question

Are any vaccinations or health precautions recommended for traveling to Thailand?

Answer

Thailand is generally safe for travelers. Make sure you’re up-to-date on routine vaccines, and consider Hepatitis A and Typhoid, which are recommended for most visitors. To prevent insect-borne illnesses like Dengue and Zika, use repellent (DEET) and wear long clothing. Stick to bottled or sealed water and hot, cooked foods to avoid stomach issues. For the latest guidance, check the U.S. CDC website.

Question

Are there emergency contacts or local resources available if needed?

Answer

Yes, there are comprehensive emergency services and local resources in Thailand, with English-speaking Tourist Police available. Major hospitals, especially private ones in cities, offer high-quality care, and your embassy can provide support in serious situations.