Enjoy Valentine’s Day with a difference
Bangkok - Hotels and restaurants across Thailand offer numerous packages for private celebrations or parties all reflecting the theme of love.
Thamanoon Kuprasert, general manager of Central, Eastern and Southern Africa for Thai Airways International says the JW Marriot Hotel in downtown Bangkok is well known for going all out for Valentine’s Day every year.
“Here visitors who are looking to woo their love interest can indulge in a spectacular Valentine’s Day Grand Buffet guaranteed to win over any suitor.
“Sirocco a restaurant situated at the top of the dome of the State Tower, the second largest building in Bangkok, is another popular Valentine’s Day destination. The view from this outdoor restaurant is absolutely spectacular especially at night with the twinkling city lights in the background,” he comments.
For something different visitors can opt to spend a romantic Valentine’s Day evening on a Loy Nava River Cruise on the Chao Praya River in Bangkok. The package includes a romantic candlelight dinner, traditional Thai dancing and music and a ten-course traditional dinner all while sailing down the river in a luxury teakwood converted rice barge.
“Visitors to the northern province of Lampang can participate in the annual Elephant Banquet which co-incides with Valentine’s Day each year. Here large tables are piled high with flowers, bananas, sugar cane and other elephant treats.
However, before the elephants are allowed to enjoy their banquet they are expected to entertain their gift givers with some sort of trick or performance,” explains Kuprasert.
With its abundance of beautiful beaches, a romantic moonlit dinner in the soft white sand with the sound of lapping waves in the background seems the ideal way to spend Valentine’s Day in Thailand. Various resorts and hotels dotting Thailand’s coast have a number of romantic dinner package on offer to fit all pockets and tastes.
Apart from traditional activities such as a romantic dinner date or exchanging gifts, many Thai couples use the official day of love as an opportunity to get engaged or get married.
“A common activity on Valentine’s Day is getting married under water. Pak Meng Beach in in particular offers a number of wedding packages at its annual Valentine’s event also referred to as Deep Blue. Packages typically include the wedding dress, air tanks, suits and a souvenir video,” says Kuprasert.
“Bangkok’s Bang Rak neighbourhood is another popular location for superstitious couples looking to register their marriages. Its auspicious name, which means ‘Village of Love’, is thought to bring long-lasting love. And for more adventure-seeking couples, a mountainside ceremony in Prachinburi province while extended over a cliff side on a rappelling rope is fast becoming the wedding location of choice. “
Thai Airways travellers can take advantage of the Thailand & Asia Pacific Delight Promotion and purchase an air ticket to Thailand and Asia Pacific destinations such as Malaysia, Singapore, Bali, China, Indo-China, Australia & New Zealand until March 31, 2013. For more information, visit www.thaiair.co.za or phone (011) 268 2580.