Khao Lak

Khao Lak is what Phuket was thirty years ago: long empty beaches, jungle behind them and resorts that never feel crowded.

Khao Lak is long, quiet beach and very little else, which is the point. A single resort can hold the whole wedding party without anyone else around.

Buy-out weekends, couples who want privacy over nightlife, and groups travelling with children.

The right place for couples who want privacy over nightlife, and for weddings where the whole group stays in one resort.

Large beachfront resorts with private stretches of sand, and a smaller number of villas suited to intimate ceremonies.

About an hour north of Phuket airport by road, so guests keep the international flight options of Phuket without the crowds.

November to April. Many resorts reduce operations in the low season, so venue choice narrows more here than in Phuket.

November to April is the dry season. The sea is calmest then; monsoon months bring stronger surf as well as rain.

Resort ballrooms and covered beachfront salas stand in for the sand, decided the afternoon before where the forecast is clear.

About 60 to 90 minutes north of Phuket airport by road, so guests still get the long-haul connections.

Slow morning, private beach ceremony, dinner for thirty under festoon lights, everyone walking back to their room.

Resort packages dominate, which keeps quotes simple. Suppliers usually travel from Phuket, so allow for their transport.

Ceremonies here are symbolic; registration takes place at a district office. Requirements differ by nationality.

Beach ceremonies, multi-day resort weddings and family-friendly celebrations.