6 affordable destinations for the perfect beach wedding

SINGAPORE - The music starts, and he pulls you into a slow waltz, barefeet stepping to the beat in the soft sand.

If that is your idea of a perfect beach-side wedding or honeymoon, this list of dreamy destinations in Asia compiled by Kayak.sg is bound to set your heart aflutter.  

Tanah Lot, the iconic Balinese temple on the sea, is one of the beautiful backdrops on offer for couples who exchange wedding vows at the Pan Pacific Nirwana Bali.

With an uninterrupted view of the horizon, the view of the sunset here is stunning. The resort's expansive golf course can also accommodate up to 400 wedding guests for larger ceremonies.

For those who want to extend their trip, there are plenty of nearby activities to keep the couple and guests busy, including temple tours, and visits to local museums and pottery factories.

Phuket, Thailand

The Aleenta Phuket Resort is perfect for intimate weddings. With the sun setting over the horizon and waves gently lapping the shoreline, guests will be charmed by the beachfront location.

The resort has various wedding venues to choose from, each with the promise of beautiful views, privacy and exclusivity. To release any tension before or after the big day, travellers can visit Quan Spa to relax and unwind knotted muscles.

Guests can also take up a cooking class and learn more about Thai cuisine with Kin Dee Thai Cooking class.

Koh Samui, Thailand

Located on the southern tip of the island, Conrad Koh Samui is one of Koh Samui's most popular wedding locations and it's not hard to understand why. With a unique over-the-water ceremony, couples walk down a transparent aisle right out to the middle of the resort's main infinity pool.

Visitors to the island can take an elephant jungle-trek, visit a fishing village and pay respects to the "Mummy Monk", Luang Pho Daeng, at Wat Khunaram temple.

Baa Atoll, Maldives

A quick seaplane flight from Male, the Baa Atoll is a haven of clear blue water, pristine beaches and cosy accommodation.

From the deck of an over-water villa at the Anantara Kihavah Maldives, guests can watch playful bottlenose dolphins frolick among schools of tropical fish and soaring seabirds. Ocean-lovers can even dive or snorkel on the atoll.

While staying at the Anantara, couples can take a sunset cruise on a private yacht, dine in an underwater restaurant or even take the plunge - literally - by getting married in an underwater SCUBA ceremony.

Nha Trang, Vietnam

Away from the hustle and bustle of Nha Trang, the Amiana Resort Nha Trang offers sparkling views off Vietnam's east coast. Couples can opt to tie the knot in the resort's ballroom or on the beach. The latter provides a more intimate setting nestled between the rocky coast and the sea. The resort is also known for its impeccable service and exquisite cuisine.

Adventurous guests can take snorkelling and diving trips with Vietnam Active while culture vultures can visit the Po Nagar Cham Towers, a Buddhist place of worship built between the 7th and 12th centuries and possibly first used as early as 2AD.

Pangkor, Malaysia

About three miles off the west coast of Malaysia, Pangkor Laut Resort resides on a sparkling emerald bay renowned as one of the most picturesque beaches in the world.

Couples can choose between a private yacht and an extravagant beachside ceremony at this wedding-album-perfect resort. The island offers a plethora of water sports activities like jet skiing, a world-class spa and delectable cuisine.

Travellers willing to drag themselves away from the resort for an afternoon can visit the Fu Lin Kong temple or the 17th century Dutch Fort.

debwong@sph.com.sg