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6 lesser-known Thai islands to host your destination wedding
Destination Weddings, Travel & Honeymoon - Sep 26, 2023
Fondly addressed as the ‘Land of Smiles’, Thailand has charmed Indian couples and their families for years with hotspots, like, Pattaya, Bangkok, Phuket and Krabi being on top of their wedding destination wishlist. However, apart from impeccable hospitality, acute understanding of Indian culture, short travel time and visa on arrival – the country still has more to give!
Surrounded by numerous small islands that are scattered around the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea, Thailand possesses an array of hidden gems in the form of tropical islands that look straight out of a dream. And, if you’re a couple who wishes to stand out of the crowd with a stunning island wedding, be it intimate or grand, then this list is bound to inspire you.
Koh Naka Yai
Located off the northeastern coast of Phuket, Koh Naka Yai is lined by beaches that are easily accessible via Phang Nga Bay. The eastern coast of the island provides one with views of a smaller island while the northeastern bay gives you a majestic view of the iconic limestone karsts of the Phang Nga Bay. Apart from its natural beauty and water sports, the neighboring island, Koh Naka Noi, boasts of a Southern Sea Pearl farm where your guests can take home precious wedding souvenirs.
Getting here: The easiest way to reach the Naka Islands is by hiring a speedboat or a long-tail boat from Ao Por Pier in Pa Khlok in Phuket or you can contact your venue for a shuttle service plan.
Venue:
The Naka Island, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa
The Naka Island, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa is the only luxury resort where you and your loved ones can experience the whimsies of the island lifestyle amidst its 67 rooms. Equipped with multiple restaurants, a long ivory beach, luxurious private pool villas and suites, airport transfer facilities, and plenty of activities ensure a series of lively celebrations.
WOW Factor: The 1,600-square-meter Horizon Pool Villa is situated on the hilltop over the emerald sea, bordered by a lush, landscaped garden perfect for a small wedding or reception.
Website: The Naka Island, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Phuket
Photo Courtesy: The Naka Island, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa
Photo Courtesy: The Naka Island, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa
Photo Courtesy: The Naka Island, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa
Koh Yao Noi
Located at Phang Nga Bay and a mere 45 minutes away from Phuket, this palm-speckled oasis brims with local communities and natural beauty. Go on island hopping tours with your wedding party, indulge in kayaking sessions, or hire a vintage scooter to get around the villages – there is much to do. The peak season to visit is October to April.
Getting here: Koh Yao Noi is approximately 45 minutes away from Phuket. You can always travel like locals do, via a ferry from Bangrong Pier to Manoh Pier. However, hotels do offer airport transfers which makes for a smoother ride perfect for the senior citizens on your guest list.
Venues:
Six Senses Yao Noi
Equipped with 56 uniquely designed one and two-bedroom villas with private infinity pools nestled quietly in the tropical wilderness, Six Senses Yao Noi gives you the chance to explore tropical wilderness up close while hosting an array of luxurious celebrations. With the beautiful Mai Thai beach at your doorstep for a stunning beach wedding, a spa, and the legendary James Bond Islands nearby for a spontaneous pre-wedding photoshoot – boredom is easily kept at bay!
WOW Factor: Each villa has different levels of elevation, offering you total privacy for the quiet moment you and your partner will cherish in between celebrations.
Website: Six Senses Yao Noi
Photo Courtesy: Six Senses Yao Noi
Photo Courtesy: Six Senses Yao Noi
Photo Courtesy: Six Senses Yao Noi
9 Hornbills Tented Camp
Seeking thrills along with luxury? Then, this tented camp on Koh Yao Noi is right up your alley. Island glamping takes a whole new meaning as you and your loved ones lounge in the 10 safari-style tented villas with ocean views punctuated by the majestic limestone karsts of Phang Nga Bay. Here you can tie the knot quietly in the lap of nature with an unconventional tropical jungle wedding.
WOW Factor: Discover secret beaches or kayak through the Ao Nang Mangrove for your first adventure as an engaged couple. If you’re in the mood, then you can even convert your excursion into a fun pre-wedding shoot.
Website: 9 Hornbills Tented Camp
Photo Courtesy: 9 Hornbills Tented Camp
Photo Courtesy: 9 Hornbills Tented Camp
Koh Kood Islands
A hidden gem that has been frequented by locals for many years as a quick getaway, Koh Kood is the fourth largest island in Thailand’s kitty. Its remoteness has ensured that it remained pristine with a lack of supermarkets and shops. And, apart from beaches, jungles, and rock formations, the island is also home to incredible waterfalls, like, the Khlong Chao waterfall. During your time away from the festivities, you can go diving, visit a crab farm, marvel at the simplicity of fishing villages, or chase sunsets.
Getting here: Koh Kood’s nearest airport is the Trat Airport which operates a handful of flights daily. Once you land, you can jump on a ferry to Koh Kood. High-end hotels also offer private jet airport transfers.
Venues:
Shantaa Koh Kood
At Shantaa, a family-run establishment, peace and cosiness come together to give you a perfect environment for a low-key but serene wedding. Favorably located at the Ao Taopao beach, it is equipped with 25 villas that offer views of the wilderness and sea.
WOW Factor: With a policy of housing a limited number of guests at a time, this hotel ensures total privacy and impeccable hospitality for your destination wedding. Its grounds can easily be a blank canvas for your imagination with its two beaches, a pier and sunset decks on a hillock – that make the most romantic vow exchange ceremony spot!
Website: Shantaa
Photo Courtesy: Shantaa Koh Kood
Photo Courtesy: Shantaa Koh Kood
Photo Courtesy: Shantaa Koh Kood
Soneva Kiri
At Soneva Kiri, the charms of island life are amplified with breezy luxury. The resort’s 33 individual villas with its own private pools make it an opulent stay for your wedding guests after the long travel schedule. Feel as free as a bird with a unique ‘Treepod Dining’ date with your partner, explore the nearby Yai Ki waterfall with an adventurous trek or cool off with a mushroom cave lunch where you can indulge in a variety of mushrooms – the choice is yours. Plus, the resort also offers a private jet transfer, straight from Bangkok!
WOW Factor: Villas with a configuration of three, four and five bedrooms make it an ideal spot for grand Indian weddings with big families.
Website: Soneva Kiri
Photo Courtesy: Soneva Kiri
Photo Courtesy: Soneva Kiri
Photo Courtesy: Soneva Kiri
Koh Lipe
Part of Tarutao National Marine Park, Koh Lipe boasts of coral reefs and silver sand beaches that stretch on till the eyes can see. Here, everything is largely untouched which gives you the chance to experience the bounties of nature sans a filter. The island is located near Malaysia’s border and is far flung from the hustle of tourists due to its remote location. Also, bear in mind that since the island comes under Tarutao National Marine Park an entrance fee is required per person and it would be wise to keep the ticket on you at all times.
Getting here: Get there via a flight from Bangkok to Hat Yai where a ferry headed for Koh Lipe can be boarded at the Pak Bara Pier.
Venues:
Idyllic Concept Resort
Nestled in a prime location at the sought-after sunrise beach and equipped with 82 rooms, Idyllic Concept Resort is where you can welcome your ‘happily ever after’ surrounded by pure seaside beauty. Offering varied wedding packages, this resort has its own wedding planner to help smooth out any potential creases that you can face at an international destination wedding. And in case, you need something curated specifically to your cultural needs, the package can be altered to your convenience.
WOW Factor: A morning beach wedding at the sunrise beach gives your wedding mandap a swoon-worthy backdrop and paves the way for wedding pictures that resemble a fairytale!
Website: Idyllic Concept Resort
Photo Courtesy: Idyllic Concept Resort
Koh Tao
The Koh Tao Island which literally translates to ‘Turtle Island’ is, needless to say, abundant in sea turtles whom you can easily spot lounging alongside you on the shores! Sandy beaches, palms and steep hills make up this island which is quite popular among tourists for its proximity to the tourist hotspot of Koh Samui. Take pictures at Koh Nangyuan and the iconic group of three islets, go scuba diving or snorkelling to unwind after long festivities or explore Tanote Bay, the options are endless for your wedding party.
Getting Here: With Koh Samui close by, reaching Koh Tao is quite straightforward as you can take a flight from Bangkok to Koh Samui where you can board a ferry to Koh Tao.
Venues:
Jamahkiri Resort and Spa
Jamahkiri Resort and Spa can be found at a 10-minute drive away from the harbour at Thian Og Bay on the south side of Koh Tao surrounded by sea boulders smoothened by the waves and surrounded by lush tropical greenery. With its own private diving club for cheerful wedding brunches, 40 rooms that suit every need, and an in-house spa, you can find plenty to do at this resort while you hand over the planning reins to your wedding planner.
WOW Factor: Say ‘bye-bye’ to conventional beach weddings as this resort’s beach with its natural boulder formations gives your wedding mandap a unique, rugged backdrop.
Website: Jamahkiri Resort and Spa
Photo Courtesy: Jamahkiri Resort and Spa
Photo Courtesy: Jamahkiri Resort
Koh Lanta
Located south of tourism hotspots, like, the Phi Phi Islands and Krabi, Koh Lanta remains largely pristine. With a small population of fishermen, this coral-lined island is a fairly large one with other small islands scattered around it. From the moment you step foot in Koh Lanta, its laidback atmosphere will intoxicate you. Lazy beach days after long celebrations, refreshing boat rides to catch the legendary sunsets, and majestic limestone formations, an excursion to the Emerald Cave that was once frequented by pirates and a stroll in the town are the highlights of the island.
Getting there:
The nearest airports are Krabi, Trang and Phuket which have regular flights coming from Bangkok. Once you land on one of these airports head to the pier and hop onto a ferry to Koh Lanta.
Venues:
Avani+ Koh Lanta Krabi Resort
At this resort, you and your wedding guests will be treated to sunsets that look unreal. Built on a peninsula facing the setting sun, Avani+ Koh Lanta Krabi Resort is one with nature with its 91 rooms. Needless to say, sundowner pheras are an absolute ‘must’ here! Consisting of cliffside dining options, tall trees, structures hidden by foliage, and a sprawling beach that you can descend to – this resort has everything a luxurious island resort needs for a destination wedding.
WOW Factor: If you’re looking for a place where you can make a stunning bridal entry, the beach here is your playground. With wooden steps that are constructed around the cliff, you can be sure that your to-be groom will be spellbound as you walk down the stairs in all your splendour during the sunset hours.
Website: Avani+ Koh Lanta Krabi Resort
Photo Courtesy: Avani+ Koh Lanta Krabi Resort
Photo Courtesy: Avani+ Koh Lanta Krabi Resort
Rawi Warin Resort & Spa
Got a grand destination wedding on the cards? Sitting snugly in between a hillside dotted with lush tropical greenery and the Klong Toab Beach, Rawi Warin Resort and Spa is a vast luxury resort with 185 rooms, private villas, and suites. With venues that range from indoors to outdoors, a grand beach wedding here with all your loved ones in tow is not a far-fetched dream.
WOW Factor: Host a poolside haldi by the vast 1000 square meter infinity pool or head to the beach for a floral wedding with a chrome aisle! Offering end-to-end wedding packages makes tying the knot here a cakewalk!
Website: Rawi Warin Resort & Spa
Photo Courtesy: Rawi Warin Resort and Spa
Photo Courtesy: Rawi Warin Resort and Spa
