Thailand Travel Information Resource and Travel Guide

The beautiful beaches of Hua Hin(Stone Head), white sands and calm seas with the aromatic punch of freshly cooked seafood carried along with the breeze from Hua Hins restaurants. Two hundred kilometre south of Bangkok in Prachuap Khiri Khan Province, Hua Hin is a favored resort of the Thai people, a weekend escape from the hustle and bustle of Bangkok.

Since being constructed in 1926 Klai Kangwon Palace (“far from worries”) in Hua Hin has been home to Thai royalty, today it’s the preferred residence of His Majesty King Bhumibol. Although not open to public viewing the palace is still a major attraction from the outside for most visitors to Hua Hin. Moving on to your choice of residence if the Hilton and Marriott hotels are a touch to expensive for you there are plenty of spa resorts and an abundance of hotels and guesthouses to choose from.

Hua Hin Thailand

I settled myself into the Araya Hotel in Chomsin Road just a stones throw from the seafront. Although a little overpriced by Thai standards at 1300 baht (24 Euro) the hotel staff were so helpful and friendly I almost checked out with their names tattooed on my arms.

Introduction To Thai Dowries

A Dowry is traditionally any amount or gift given by the bride to her future groom. In many parts of Asia, however, it is the groom who gives the dowry. Thailand still practices the dowry system, with the groom giving money or gifts to the bride’s family before a marriage is celebrated.

Hua Hin Thailand

Thai dowry: A brief overview

Thais use the term Sin Sod to refer to the act of giving a dowry to the bride. Sin connotes riches whereas Sod means “to store.” In the earlier years, future grooms present cows, water buffaloes, pigs and other livestock animals as dowries. The more affluent ones even provide farmlands for the family. But with modernity at hand, Thai dowries are now given in monetary form.

Prior to giving dowries, it is a well-known custom in Thailand to perform engagement ceremonies. This is often referred to as the Thong Mun. Literally, Thong Mun means gold engagement. In this event, the soon-to-be bride receives a golden ring from her groom. Thong Mun is somehow similar to the engagement practices of the west. However, in recent years, performing Thong Mun is more of an option. Depending on the couples’ decision, the wedding can push through with or without undergoing Thong Mun.