Best Beach Destinations in Southeast Asia

Looking for Southeast Asia holiday destinations? Then don’t miss to explore some best and unspoiled beaches here. Every year the majority of the tourists visit this part of Asia for exploring the best beach destinations on a budget. Yes, Southeast Asia is the haven of some pristine but affordable and unexplored beach destinations. It is worth to enjoy your best beach holidays here even at any time of the year. Check out this post for the complete guide to explore the best beach destinations in Southeast Asia. Get many practical and budget travel tips, tips on best beach activities, facilities, best resorts to budget accommodations, local food, and restaurants. Details are inside.

Where to go in Southeast Asia beach vacations? There are many, in fact, many famous beaches but why not explore some unique and off the beaten path best beaches in Southeast Asia? So, here you go. This beach destinations guide will save your time and help you to pick the best one for you. However, if visiting for the first time must follow some essential tips on Southeast Asia beach holidays. Once you’re ready for the best beach holidays in Southeast Asia and started packing, don’t leave any beach holiday essentials to enjoy a perfect and memorable beach tour.

Malapascua Island, The Philippines

If you’re looking for the perfect beach destination in Southeast Asia, we recommend Malapascua, one of the many beautiful islands in the Philippines. Malapascua is also one of the best diving and snorkeling spots in the continent, so don’t miss here to take the experience of best snorkeling in Southeast Asia.

Apart from that Malapascua has so many incredible beaches to swim, hang out and relax on. Lighthouse Beach is an excellent spot for watching the sunset while Bounty Beach is a vibrant part of the island that’s filled with restaurants and dive schools. Our favorite beach in Malapascua is Langob Beach, a quiet and secluded area that has such breathtaking views and unspoiled beauty.

You can take a day trip to Kalanggaman Island from Malapascua. Kalanggaman is 2 hours away by boat and has crystal clear waters and a very popular sandbar that’s 100% Instagram-worthy. There’s an entrance fee of USD 10 for foreigners while kids get in for free. What’s even more exciting is you can stay on Kalanggaman Island in a tent overnight for less than USD 10!

When you get back to Malapascua, you can try different local food like danggit, or dried and salted rabbitfish for breakfast, and a bowl of binignit, a dessert-slash-snack made of bananas, jackfruit, taro root, sweet potatoes, grains of sticky rice and tapioca-like pearls. Yum! Mangoes are also a specialty in Malapascua, with Cebu having some of the most delicious and most succulent mangoes in the world.

Malapascua can be reached from Cebu’s mainland by riding a van or a bus to the port then getting onto a ferry, with the entire trip from the city costs less than USD 6. The warm and dry months of May to October are the best time to visit Malapascua, a very affordable yet memorable destination in the Philippines.

Our best recommendation to stay in Malapascua is Blanco Beach Resort where the views are amazing to the beach, clean, wifi working good and friendly staff as always in the Philippines.

Ruben and Rachel from Gamintraveler

Ko Poda Island, Thailand

Named “One of the most photographed destinations in the world,” are the beaches on the island of Ko Poda in Southern Thailand. These beaches are located 8 kilometers south of Ao Kang, in the Krabi Province.

What makes the beaches so photogenic is the fact that the sand is as white as a cloud and the water is crystal-clear blue. It is the epitome of what people think of when they imagine a tropical beach. The beach is also large enough that you can find your private corner to lay in the soft pillow-like sand and take in some sun without being disturb.

There are no hotels, resorts, or restaurants, so the number of tourists is kept to a minimum. You will see one stand selling drinks and snacks, but it is best to bring your food if you plan on staying all day at the beach.

You can only arrive at this beach if you either book a tour or rent a private longtail boat. If you go with a trip, the price of visiting this National Park is included in the tour price.  Arrive by private boat and the entrance fee is 200 baht (approx. USD 6). You won’t regret it!

Gina from Jet Set And Forget

Pulau Weh Island, Indonesia

Pulau Weh island near Sumatra, Indonesia is a real off the grid place compared to the other beach destinations in the region. To get there, one must get first to Banda Acheh a town at the west end of Sumatra and then catch a ferry that goes to the island. The best time for visiting Pulau Weh is between March and August in the dry season.

Pulau Weh is an excellent place to come for a relaxing holiday far away from tourist crowds, big hotels, nightlife, and party. There are several beautiful beaches in the different parts of the island where you can find accommodation for a separate budget from simple homestays to quite luxury small resorts. Best beaches to stay are Gapang and Iboih; both are small with white sand, clear turquoise water and beautiful coral reefs nearby. Hotels and hostels are located right at the beach you get out of your place and can go swimming and snorkeling right there.

Diving around Pulau Weh is great being surrounded by beautiful coral reefs, warm clear water with a staggering diversity of marine life covering the reefs. It was terrific to see packs of Bluefin trevallies hunting over jungles of huge gorgonian fans and massive clouds of Indian triggerfish. Except for water activities, there is plenty of things to do in the island, e.g., renting a scooter and driving around exploring small hidden beaches; visiting a volcano; hiking through the rainforest; chilling in a hammock while enjoying a beautiful sunset.

Pulau Weh is a budget beach destination all from accommodation to food and activities cost significantly less than in more popular beach destinations in Indonesia like Bali and smaller islands around it.

Campbell and Alya from Stingy Nomads

Phan Thiet, Vietnam

If you are looking for something that is not a mainstream beach in Southeast Asia, I highly suggest you take a look at Phan Thiet. The strip of Mui Ne down to Phan Thiet proper is an extended beach area where you can enjoy plenty of water activities. You can either spend your day on the beach until sundown and watch the beautiful sunset and give kite and windsurfing a try. In case you are interested in doing something else, you can visit the Fairy Stream or enjoy the sunrise and sunset over the white and red dunes which is a favorite thing to do in Mui Ne and the area of Phan Thiet.

If you are worried about where to stay in Mui Ne and Phan Thiet, you should not be. There are options for every type of traveler depending on your budget. From luxurious hotels and resorts to budget-friendly hostels and homestays can be found here. If your budget permits, I suggest you stay at Bamboo Beach Village Resort which is excellent for couple holidaymaker while Mui Ne Backpacker Hills Hostel is excellent for backpackers on the budget and those who love to party all night.

While during the off-season; June to October which is a rainy time of the year, the beach won’t be a deserted area once the cloud clears up, the hotels, resorts, and other business are still open and operating since many tourists, and travelers again come to enjoy the area. All activities and attractions will be open in usual opening times unless it’s too dangerous to let people explore. In these situations, you can simply walk around the fishing village or enjoy seafood and all Vietnamese food and its authentic taste at a very affordable price.

Mary from Move To Vietnam

Tioman Island, Malaysia

A short 1.5-hour ferry ride off the east coast of Malaysia is the rugged island of Tioman. There are some fantastic luxury boutique hotels and even a large resort (Berjaya), but Tioman has kept its rustic jungle feel intact. The beaches on the west coast like Genting, Paya, Tekek, ABC and Salang are all tourist friendly with activities galore. Beaches in other areas are pristine, wild and untouched by tourism.

Traveling families should stay at the massive Berjaya compound in Tekek as it has all the amenities from restaurants to snorkeling gear to day excursions. The beaches are also beautiful, if not slightly crowded in season and on weekends. Kids will enjoy jumping into the warm waters and being surrounded by fish, even in the shallow parts. Parents can relax on a lounger, cocktail in hand. The west is also the best place for divers and island hopping for some genuinely remote beaches.

Couples looking for a bit more seclusion can catch a boat taxi or go on a hike to Monkey Beach at the northern part of the island. While there will most likely be no one else in sight, macaques rule this slice of paradise. If you don’t take out your food, you’ll be fine. There is a makeshift wooden shack and trees, so it’s best to bring loads of water.

Traveling to the rougher eastern side of the island will take you to the turtle sanctuary, Juara. There are some small hotels and restaurants here; however, the ocean is wilder. Come as a volunteer or watch the cute little turtle hatchlings being welcomed into the world. The south is not really beach-worthy, but there is a beautiful hike to Asah Waterfall where you may come across monitor lizards or even giant flying squirrels.

Cal from Singapore & Beyond

The Ngapali, Myanmar

The Ngapali (pronounced Napally) beach in Myanmar is one of the most unexplored yet beautiful beach destinations in the whole of Asia. Located on the western coast of Myanmar, Ngapali boasts of soft white sands, picturesque palm trees, and a never-ending view of the Indian ocean. Sunsets can be fantastic here. The dark silhouette of a fishing boat against an orange sky will not only usher in the sense of calm but also make you want to stay here forever.

Ngapali is not the typical beach destination where you can find an exciting nightlife and terrific water sports. Preferably, it is the perfect place to unwind, relax, and rejuvenate. Here, you can visit a fishing village, get friendly with the locals, have some excellent seafood, and enjoy the sun. Not to mention, catch some magical sunsets. Kayaking, scuba diving, and snorkeling are also possible.

It never gets very crowded in Ngapali. Therefore, it makes an excellent round-the-year tourist destination. Rainy season is unusually quiet and a good time for surfing if you are okay with the sometimes-persistent rains. The best option to get to Ngapali is from the Thandwe airport. There are direct flights from Yangon to Thandwe.

Accommodation options are plenty, from the very basic guest houses to the more luxurious beach villas and cottages. Ngapali also has a great food scene with some favorite restaurants on the Ngapali Road. A key attraction is the row of late night restaurants that crop up every evening on the beach to serve some delicious seafood. Ngapali is just the perfectly unspoiled beach that you have been longing to visit!

Soumya from Stories by Soumya

Sihanoukville, Cambodia

One of our favorite beach holidays in Southeast Asia is in Sihanoukville, Cambodia. Sihanoukville is a coastal city in southwest Cambodia, which nicknamed Snookyville or Snooky! Here you can find some of Cambodia’s best beaches.

We came here as a respite from all the temple hunting in Siem Reap and to relax for the remainder of our Cambodia holiday. Unlike Siem Reap, there are far fewer crowds here.

The beaches in Sihanoukville are stunning. Long stretches of sand, clear warm waters, and as a bonus, it’s west facing, so you’re guaranteed beautiful sunsets every evening. The busier popular ones are Victory beach and Ochheuteal beaches, close to all the budget accommodations. Next to Ochheuteal is Serendipity Beach which is where all the best backpacker beach bars can be found.

 

For us, the best beaches are the Otres beaches – Otres 1, Otres 2 and Otres 3. These are 4km long stretches of clean white sands, and being further away is less crowded and more relaxed. Here there is also an array of things to do like kayaking, paddle boarding, take a boat ride into the mangroves, as well as trips to Koh Ta Kiev island and sunset cruises. Also look out for the great swing in the water for the best beach photo opportunity.

The beaches are quite long, but you can walk them. There are inexpensive tuk tuk drivers who can drive you around. To give you an idea, we paid $3 for a tuk tuk ride from the new bus station to Serendipity Beach, and $5 to get between Serendipity to one of the Otres beaches.

You can reach Sihanoukville by bus from the main cities in Cambodia, and also has an airport with several flights throughout the week from the main cities and some international destinations.

Stefan and Sebastien from Nomadic Boys

Koh Lipe Island, Thailand

Koh Lipe is one of Thailand’s smallest islands, but it’s also one of its most stunning. Not much more than a mile long, this tiny dollop of sand sits in the Andaman Sea on Thailand’s southern border with Malaysia.

Moreover, even getting to Koh Lipe can be a bit of an adventure (it’s easier to reach from Malaysia), you’ll be well-rewarded for the effort when you step off your ferry to find what might be the prettiest little island in the world.

So what’s so great about Koh Lipe? Well, the beaches of course!

Koh Lipe sports some of the most picture-perfect beaches in the world, with white powdery sand slowly giving way to turquoise blue waters. They are so pretty that some have even nicknamed the island “the Maldives of Thailand.” The main beaches here are the aptly named Sunrise Beach and Sunset Beach (I bet you can guess which one to catch the sunset at, right?). However, if you somehow bore of those, you can take a boat tour to snorkel the nearby beautiful Tarutao National Park, which is filled with all kinds of marine life.

Oh, and you won’t be competing for space with cars! Koh Lipe’s size means the only means of transportation are scooters, tuk tuks, or your own two feet. Just be sure to visit Koh Lipe soon, because the word is getting out that this is one of the best Southeast Asia beach holiday destinations!

Nate from Travel Lemming

Siargao, The Philippines

Although Siargao is best known for being the top surfing spot in the Philippines, it’s also a great beach destination! There are some truly incredible beaches to enjoy, which help make it one of the best beach holiday destinations in Southeast Asia.

To enjoy the area’s best beaches, you’ll need to go island hopping. This can be done as a group island hopping tour or by private boat. A group island hopping tour should cost around 650-1000 pesos, whereas a private boat costs just 1,500 pesos. By renting a private boat you’re able to set off whenever you want, which makes avoiding the crowds a lot easier – so you can enjoy the stunning Southeast Asia beaches peacefully!

When island hopping, you’ll have the chance to visit the beautiful beaches of Guyam Island, Naked Island and Daku Island. Guyam Island is a mini paradise covered in palm trees, with a white sand beach surrounded by pristine water. As Naked Island is a sandbank, the whole island is basically a beach! Daku Island is the biggest one of the three, which means there is a larger beach area to enjoy!

Visiting just one of these islands is excellent if you’re looking to spend a day relaxing on a lovely beach, but in Siargao, you’ll be spoilt as you can visit three incredible beaches in one day!

If that’s not enough for you, there’s a great beach in north Siargao called Alegria beach. It’s around an hour and a half driving from the central area of General Luna, and boasts crystal clear water and white sand!

With plenty of beaches to choose from, Siargao is the perfect destination if you’re looking for beautiful beaches in Southeast Asia.

Sam and Natalia from Something of Freedom

Gili Trawangan, Indonesia

An Australian woman we shared a cab with described Gili Trawangan as Bali before it got big with tourists. I don’t think I would go that far, but I will always associate Gili with the word Paradise.

Beautiful beaches and turquoise water is not all Gili Trawangan has to offer. The sand is super fine; you have beach-side bars and cafés with loungers and bean bags on the shore where you can chill with a young coconut or a Bintang all day long.

A real highlight of Gili Trawangan is the vibe. The people laid back and super friendly, the hecklers don’t bother you much, and you can go shopping in the typical market or beautiful boutique stores all on the same street.

No cars or other motorized vehicles allowed, so you have no choice but to slow down, relax and appreciate where you are. After the crazy traffic and driving habits on Bali, this was a very welcome change. If walking around in your flip-flops is not your idea of a good time you can rent a bike from your hotel or specialized rentals and cycle around the entire island.

The biggest reason of course why people come to Gili Trawangan is the turtles. If you wish to get PADI certified, there are schools all over the island that offer lessons and accommodation! However, you don’t need to go diving to see the turtles!

Aptly named ‘Turtle Point’ is a beach about 10 minutes walk away from the main harbor where you can rent snorkeling gear and flippers and explore the underwater kingdom. Best time to go is in the morning when the tide is high. The water is so crystal clear and shallow; you can usually spot these giant majestic turtles standing from the shore, so you know where to swim. If you feel lucky and adventurous, you can dive in and see when you encounter one. You don’t need to swim far. The turtles come quite close to shore to enjoy the seaweed growing on the ocean floor.

Moreover, the best part? They are not shy, at all. You can swim close enough to reach out and touch one (although please don’t be THAT tourist – don’t molest the turtles) and will go about their day as if you weren’t even there. After spending two days almost entirely in the water hanging out with these beauties, I have an altered perspective on nature, wildlife, and environment. It was magical and, and you should try it too.

Rita from Pocket Guide to the World

Maniwaya Island, The Philippines

My memories of Marinduque, an island 3 hours by ferry or 1 hour by plane away from Luzon, the Philippines include trips to the rivers, walking a lot around the neighborhood, and white, pristine sand on a separate island reachable by boat. I always thought about the calm and peace there, that although there isn’t much to do, I was a happy kid picking up shells or waiting for the sun to set. The island is called Maniwaya, and before tourism got a hold of this beautiful beach, it was an escape to only a handful of beach lovers.

Maniwaya is part of Sta. Cruz, a 1st class municipality in the province of Marinduque. The island can be reached by boat, roughly 1 hour from mainland Sta. Cruz’s Buyabod port – it could cost around 150 pesos or 3$ per head for a boat ride. Because Maniwaya is not so commercialized as most beaches, one can enjoy its almost untouched beauty, save for some establishments. Those few resorts and accommodations have taken root and are thriving as a friendly community.

At Maniwaya, one can get so close to nature, enjoy the clear waters, snorkel, go banana riding, paddle board, kayak, jet ski and even walk on Palad sandbar when the tide is low, which is usually in the mornings. There are also tents for rent, so you can see stars and constellations before you decide to get a few winks.

For accommodation, I recommend 3 Brother’s Beach; they serve you food for your entire stay as other resorts would (be sure to book this along with your bedroom/cottage bookings). There are fishermen around the island selling their catch to the restaurants and other food establishments, rest assured that you are eating the freshest seafood while on the island.

Marie from Our City Travels

Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam

Traveling to Vietnam is suddenly cool. While Hanoi and Saigon get most tourists, the island of Phu Quoc is still tourist-free. Which is great news for travelers as you can explore some fantastic beaches without selfie sticks pointing in every direction.

The best beaches are on opposite ends of the island so make sure you rent a scooter (approx. $15 a day) to go from Sao and Khem beaches to Dai and Vung Bau beaches. Once the sun sets, make your way to the Dinh Cau night market for what will become your best seafood in Vietnam, including live snakes that will be cooked in front of you if you’re in the mood for them.

Most accommodation in Phu Quoc centered around Duong Dong but if you can, try to get close to the white sand beaches of Bai Sao. This stretch of beachfront is every bit as beautiful as popular beach destinations like Maldives or Seychelles with everything costing a fourth of what they would cost in those places.

If you don’t want to tan yourself all day, you’re in luck. Half the island is a protected reserve with beautiful trails and mini waterfalls that will get you up and active. Phu Quoc is also known as one of the biggest producers of pepper so visiting a plantation is a must-do activity. If you’re feeling adventurous, do try nuoc nam – the ubiquitous fish sauce that’s a staple in almost every Vietnamese dish. Finally, there’s a popular pearl factory in case you’re looking for something special to gift.

Flight from Saigon and Hanoi connects the island, so connectivity isn’t a problem. With so much to do, your only problem will be trying to fit these in your limited schedule in Phu Quoc. Of course, you can come here and just do nothing at all as well.

Priyanko from Constant Traveller

Komodo National Park, Indonesia

Komodo is one of the most beautiful beach destinations in Southeast Asia and a highlight of every Indonesia backpacking trip is undoubtedly a visit to Komodo National Park! Komodo is located east of the popular tourist destination Bali and close to the island of Flores, which is the getaway to explore the national park. From the city Labuan Bajo on Flores (a cheap flight from Bali will take you there), you can make a one- or multiple-day cruise around Komodo. I chose a 3-day trip and can highly recommend taking enough time to explore this paradise.

Komodo National Park consists of several islands, beaches, and snorkeling or diving spots. On two of the islands, you’ll have the chance to see the famous Komodo dragons, and while many people think Komodo is all about the big lizards, the real highlight are the beautiful and remote beaches. We stopped at several of them, and while other parts of Indonesia tend to be quite overcrowded, Komodo was different and a true unexplored paradise.

The water is crystal clear, and if you’re interested in diving or snorkeling, you’ll have a great experience – I even swam with turtles and substantial manta rays! My 3-day cruise was the perfect chance to see a lot of what Komodo National Park has to offer, and I can highly recommend including this destination on your next trip to Asia!

Patrick from German Backpacker

Trang Islands, Thailand

Undoubtedly, Thailand has some of the best beaches in Southeast Asia but finding one that is quiet, as well as picturesque, is more of a challenge. That’s why the Trang Islands are one of our favorite beach destinations, not just in Thailand, but the whole of Southeast Asia.

Situated just south of Koh Lanta in the Andaman Sea, the Trangs mix stunning white sand beaches with a slower pace than many of the party islands in Thailand. The best place to start is Koh Muk, an island that still maintains a wild feel, covered in jungle, with the few resorts being situated along the beaches. As well as enjoying the views and swimming in the warm sea, the more adventurous can hike in the island interior or take a kayak to the Emerald Cave, a place where the sea turns a bright green, and you can enter the sizeable secret cove.

It’s an excellent place for people on a budget as you can get a basic beach bungalow for as little as USD 15 per night and eat at sites offering cheap street food.

After a few days on Koh Muk, take a longboat to the neighboring island of Koh Ngai. There is a little more life on this island, but it’s still a lot quieter than most of the famous Thai islands. The highlight here is a vast white beach that seems to go as far as the eye can see. If you want some adventure, then you can hike to one of the viewpoints in the interior or go snorkeling off the shore. However, the main reason you go to Koh Ngai is to disconnect and chill on a beautiful beach with limestone karst views.

Cat and Joe from Walk My World

Raja Ampat, Indonesia

Indonesia is famous as a beach destination. It hides so many islands and mesmerizing beaches that it is difficult to be missed. However, there is one place that deserves to stand our – Raja Ampat. An archipelago is hidden in the remote West Papua province. You need to get to Sorong, the capital of the province, and from there take a ferry to Raja Ampat’s capital, Waisai. From there, you are free to choose one of the hundreds of islands.

One of the islands which are popular due to its location is Gam Island. You can reach by taking a small boat from Waisai. Moreover, trust me, you will like you’ve entered paradise the moment you get off the boat. The water is too clear to see the healthy and colorful corals. Also, the beach has perfectly soft and white sand. You are free to explore but make sure to take care of the corals and of course, any wildlife surrounding you.

Raja Ampat is a divers’ paradise. So the number one activity which you can do there is either diving or snorkeling. We met divers saying that it’s the most incredible place in the world given its biodiversity. Just spend some time floating in the warm and turquoise water, and you will meet tons of colorful fish, turtles swimming next to you, reef sharks (don’t worry, they won’t bite), manta rays, stingrays, and of course, dozens of Nemos.

You can also explore the heart of the island by going bird watching or visiting the village and watching the locals’ way of life; this will make you fall in love with the place even more.

As for accommodation, the best places are the homestays, which you can check and book via the official website of the archipelago – www.stayrajaampat.com.

Andra from Our World to Wander

Kep, Cambodia

Kep in Cambodia may be the perfect beach destination for you if you enjoy exploring off the beaten track when you travel and avoiding crowds. This small stretch of coastline in the south of Cambodia is a great place to relax, swim, and soak in the sun.

Vendors behind the beach sell fresh fruits, coconuts, and Cambodian snacks. You can find the fresh seafood at the nearby Kep Crab Market. There you can see people hauling in their crab traps and selling crabs right along the boardwalk at the market. There are also many restaurants by the Kep Crab Market where you can enjoy fresh seafood and beautiful views of the Gulf of Thailand.

Kep has a fascinating history. Back in the 1950s and 1960s, Kep was a favorite weekend getaway for Cambodia’s wealthy. Cambodian celebrities, business people, foreigners, and even the Royal family had mansions in Kep that they would regularly visit to get away from city life and enjoy the seaside.

In the 1970s when Cambodia was taken over by the Khmer Rouge all of the mansions were abandoned. Some were even used as strongholds for the Khmer Rouge soldiers. Even today a majority of the mansions remain abandoned because of Cambodians’ strong belief in ghosts.

Despite its harrowing past, Kep is rising again to become one of Cambodia’s favorite beach retreats for Cambodians, foreigners, and travelers. Besides the beach, there is a National Park nearby with beautiful hiking trails. Another excellent place to visit in Cambodia is Kampot, a laid-back riverside town just 40 minutes away from Kep by tuk-tuk. Kep is well worth visiting on a trip to Cambodia!

A beautiful budget place to stay in Kep is Saravoan Kep.

Jen from Two Can Travel

The Perhentian Islands, Malaysia

Having lived and traveled in Southeast Asia 7 years now, I lost count long ago on the different beaches I have been to through the years. At the same time, there are some which I will never forget, and the real standout destination during this time has to the Perhentian Islands, located on the undeveloped east coast of Malaysia in the South China Sea. Moreover, the best beach to base a stay is without a doubt Teluk Pauh Beach in a hidden cove on the northeast of the Big Island (Perhentian Besar).

An idyllic golden sand paradise surrounded by towering rainforests and the unrelenting siren of nature. However, accommodation is slightly limited on the island where the main beachfront feels almost like a private beach for the Perhentian Island Resort, which again is one of the pricier options in this area.

Our stay was somewhat magical when we woke to the 1st morning to patters of branches and fruit falling on the bungalow roof as a family of silvered-leaf langurs breakfasted in the trees above. Then there were just all sorts of tropical birds screaming from the dense jungle canopies, squirrels, and even a slow loris.

The real draw is the snorkelling at the Perhentian Islands Resort and Teluk Pauh Beach, which is by far the best marine life and coral reef I’ve come across in these parts of Southeast Asia. Also, in just a short paddle and swim from the shoreline, I spotted ten 10, 20, 30 species of fish, including clownfish, a stonefish, and a ray. And swimming further out past the resorts safety rope brings us to the location of the island’s famous sea turtle tour. It’s just fascinating, and we decided we didn’t want to leave.

However, it is expensive at the Perhentian Island Resort, so by following a wooden walkway from the arrival pier, we found the Coral View Island Resort which is the cheap option for accommodation near Teluk Pauh Beach.

Allan and Fanfan from Live Less Ordinary

Sentosa Island, Singapore

Although not known for the beaches, Singapore has a long sandy coastline and an entirely manmade island, Sentosa.

Sentosa specially designed as an entertainment hub, and there are lots of things to do.  From spending a day at Universal Studios to gambling at the casino, staying at one of the many hotels and resorts, wandering around the high-end residential development of Sentosa Cove with the mansions of the rich and famous, chilling at one of the two yacht marinas or enjoying one of the three beaches.

Sentosa also has some family-oriented activities with Pirate ships, a Kidzania, bouncy castles, indoor flying, Segway tours, and a large shopping Mall, Vivo City, at its doorsteps.

The three main beaches on Sentosa Island are Siloso Beach, Palawan Beach and Tanjong Beach. While Tanjong Beach tends to be the more active and hip area, with famous Tanjong Beach Club attracting beautiful people in the weekends, Palawan is the typical one for visitors because it has a suspended bridge that is the southernmost point of the country, and some quiet sandy bits with lifeguards on duty and calm waters. Siloso Beach is the most family-friendly of the three.

There are many hotels on Sentosa, but my favorite ones are the Sofitel Sentosa and the Capella, one of the most luxuriously appointed and peaceful hotels in Singapore, ideal for a staycation. Their spa is divine and their Sunday brunch the best in the city.

Mar from Once in a Lifetime Journey

Palawan, The Philippines

Palawan is famous for the Underground River, a new wonder of the world, but its beaches are stunning. With excellent white sand, an endless expanse of blue-green water, and the hot sun on your face, definitely you can enjoy your best Southeast Asia vacation here.

However, like any popular destination, the beaches in Palawan are already inundated with tourists, especially during peak season. An alternative? Hire or rent a motorcycle and head to Nacpan Beach close to El Nido town. It is gorgeous, and any beach lover’s idea of paradise.

Of course, if you’re a party person, this is NOT the beach for you. It has a long stretch of coastline, very few establishments, and not so many people. Depending on when you go, you will even have the beach to yourself.

Some people hire a boat from El Nido and use Nacpan Beach as one of their stopovers. There’s a short hill you can hike where you can get this perfect vantage point. Spend an hour or two, but don’t forget to bring a picnic, as you may not find anyone there selling food and drinks.

I would recommend Nacpan Beach to anyone who wants a little slice of paradise all to themselves!

Aleah from Solitary Wanderer

Da Nang and Hoi An, Vietnam

At either end of the country, you have busy, chaotic, polluted cities. Da Nang and Hue conveniently placed for long weekend trips. Da Nang has its airport and is on the Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh railway line. You can reach Hue by bus or taxi from Da Nang. A Grab Bike from Da Nang train station to An Bang Beach (sometimes referred to as Hoi An beach) costs 110,000 VND.

My Khe Beach (in Da Nang) and An Bang Beach are lovely places to unwind. The water is beautifully warm, and you can order beer straight from the sunbed. The bar staff get the balance right between providing convenience but not being pushy. Both beaches were busy, but neither could be described as crowded.

Da Nang and Hoi An are near to Ba Na Hills which has recently shot up in popularity after the new bridge, Golden Bridge, went viral. The area was a let down in my eyes. The place felt very artificial. For Vietnam standards, the mountain ranges were not particularly unusual.

In Da Nang, you can start the night with craft beer from 7 Bridges Brewing Taproom which overlooks the fire-breathing bridge. Then head to Dirty Fingers for cheesy nachos and a live band.

Hoi An has a vibrant night market with cheap local food and ‘millennial’ options like Avocado Ice Cream. The bars offer all you can drink deals for 100,000 VND. Avoid my mistake of getting too drunk and being scammed by a taxi. Unfortunately, Grab does not operate in Hoi An town center.

Ross from Ross the Explorer

Senggigi in Lombok, Indonesia

Without a doubt, my favorite beach destination in Southeast Asia is Senggigi, Lombok in beautiful Indonesia. I love this piece of paradise that much that it is my place of relaxation and I have been lucky to visit several times. Whether you want to eat in a quiet, yummy, local restaurant on the beach in The Art Market of Senggigi or you want to explore the beaches north or south you won’t be disappointed by the West Coast of Lombok.

The Senggigi area is the main tourist town of Lombok but does not even compare to that of Kuta or Seminyak in Bali. This quiet town certainly has tourists, but nothing on it’s far more famous neighbor of Bali. For this exact reason, I love it. You get a far more authentic feel of the Indonesian culture, and it is so damn cheap. The villa I often stay in, Imaj Private Villas, is dirt cheap for a traditional villa with your private pool. This spot is perfect for a group stay, and I have loved showcasing Lombok to many friends who have traveled with us.

Regarding the beaches, I have three favorites. The first is north of Senggigi where you can find a local warung, Indonesian for café, located on a beach with a small hut cooking simple, delicious food. Warung Paradiso as it is called is a perfect spot to eat a great meal with sand between your toes, before entering the sea for a quick dip or a sneaky surf on natural beginner waves.

The second is the first beach directly south of Senggigi. Here you will find a small bean bag restaurant that provides local live music that is the best spot to watch the sunset over Mt Batur, Bali to the east. Finally, the beach in the heart of Senggigi that I mentioned previously is also a particularly great spot. The perfect beach to use a stand-up paddleboard, this beach within a bay is an ideal spot for relaxation.

So, there you have it! Really could there be a better beach area than Senggigi, Lombok in Southeast Asia?

Lauren from The Traveller’s Guide By #ljojlo

Koh Lanta, Thailand

Thailand as a whole is inarguably one of the best beach destinations, but for me, Koh Lanta is the no. 1 of all islands that belong to Thailand.

The relatively small island of Koh Lanta is not that easy to reach – you need a ferry to get there. That contributes to keeping the tourist numbers low.

Koh Lanta beaches mostly located on its western side. The main beach and the longest one at the same time are called ‘Long Beach.’ While it doesn’t score high on the relativity level thanks to its name, it’s still a beautiful spacious beach.

However, the real gems lie further south. The more south you go, the more pristine the beaches become. You can hop on a scooter and explore.

Some of the small & beautiful beaches worth stopping at are Ba Kantiang Bay, Ao Nui Beach, and Klong Jark Beach.

However, my absolute favorite is Ao Mai Pai Beach a.k.a. The Bamboo Bay. This is the last beach on the western shore after it; there’s just Koh Lanta’s National Park. The beach is covered in white sand, there are a few palm trees scattered around, and it’s usually empty. Even though there’s a resort near the beach, the guests tend to hang out by the pool more than on the beach.

I can highly recommend Koh Lanta as a superb beach destination. The beaches are all a little different from one another, so everyone can find ‘their own.’

Veronika from Travelgeekery

Uluwatu in Bali, Indonesia

Uluwatu, located at the south tip of Bali, Indonesia, is known for stunning cliffside views and stellar surfing on the island.   What many visitors of Bali don’t know, however, is that Uluwatu hosts some of the most top beaches on the island with a breathtaking panorama of the crystal clear ocean and pristine white sand.  Uluwatu beaches are perfect for those who prefer a quiet and remote beach away from the massive crowds of Kuta, Seminyak and Canggu beaches.

Nyang Nyang Beach is the most remote beach of all, but also the most difficult to reach.  The 20-30 minute climb down the rocky and gravely hill is a challenge, but once you reach the shore, it’s worth every effort to get there. This long stretch of a powdery white beach is nearly deserted even in the high season. If you want to experience a private beach in Bali for free, head to Nyang Nyang!

Nunggalan Beach is known for the shipwreck that displays graffiti by local artists, making it an Instagram-worthy destination for photographers and beach lovers alike.  Accessing Nunggalan also requires a 20-minute hike down a cliff, but if you take your time, the trek is doable even for families.  Despite the impressive, endless horizon of white sand and baby blue waters at Nunggalan, it is surprisingly always empty!  There are beach umbrellas for rent and a couple of shacks along the hike where you can take drinks and snacks for your perfect beach day.

Pandawa Beach is the most accessible of all the beaches in Uluwatu, which means it also attracts more crowd.  While not as busy as the beaches on the west coast, it still draws a good crowd during the high season and the weekends.  Pandawa offers amenities such as beach chairs, local food stands (called “warung” in Indonesia), and even kayak rentals.  If you enjoy a livelier beach atmosphere with activities and comforts, Pandawa is a fantastic option!

Mo from Travelust 101

Koh Samui, Thailand

Koh Samui is one of the famous beach destinations in Phuket, Thailand. Here you’ll love the stunning white sandy beaches. As a beach lover, you will find many gorgeous beaches to explore. There is a good selection of excellent restaurants and a large choice of hotels and resorts suitable for any budget.

However, Koh Samui offers a lot more than just beaches. There is one famous Big Buddha Temple, two fun water parks. Moreover, you might also like to go for a day trip to Ang Thong Marine Park where is best to enjoy kayaking and snorkeling.

Bophut Beach is an excellent choice to enjoy some quiet beach time. Here the Fisherman’s Village has a good range of restaurants and bars. Coco Tam’s beach bar is the recommended one to enjoy swings and huge cocktails!

Chaweng or Lamai beaches are also worth to visit. Chaweng not only has the longest beach on the island, but it is also the nightlife capital of Koh Samui, and here you will find a whole host of bars and restaurants, and nightclubs buzzing every night of the week. You will find accommodation here to suit every budget, from high-end resorts such as the Amari and the Library, and a vast range of more budget options.

Marianne from Mum on the Move

Gili Air, Indonesia

During a romantic trip to Bali, my husband and I decided to take a speedboat to visit the Gili Islands. There are a group of three amazing islands in the Gili Islands – all well worth a visit! One of the best perks of visiting these islands is being able to take a glass bottom boat tour (either private or with a group) from one island to the next. It cost us only US $100 for a private island-hopping and snorkeling tour for the full day! That’s when we met our favorite island of the three, Gili Air which we vote as one of Southeast Asia’s best beach destinations.

Gili Air ticked all the boxes and more for us when it comes to what we think makes a great beach – powdery white sand with mountain and ocean views. The colors of the water were mesmerizing shades of mint and blue. The atmosphere is wonderfully relaxing – it feels far away from the rush of an ordinary, busy life.

When exploring the island, you can look forward to finding quirky bars and restaurants that feature unique day beds, swings and chairs either close to or on the beaches. One such a bar is Saparis Bar which has a gorgeous swing right on the beach. Murami Restaurant has cute island-style day beds which we relaxed on while taking in the incredible views.

We visited in the month of October, and the weather was just perfect for swimming and taking long strolls on the beach. Accommodation gets booked up fast on the islands, so be sure to book in advance when you decide to go.

Michelle from Romantic Explorers

Pangkor Island, Malaysia

Pangkor Island is an 18 square-kilometer island on the west coast of Peninsula Malaysia, halfway between Penang and Kuala Lumpur. What makes this an excellent place for a beach holiday is the size of the island and the variety of beaches that are on offer. There is a couple of private beaches like Emerald Beach, which non-guests can pay 80 RM to access for the day, in addition to public beaches that scattered around the island. Given the islands small size, you can hop around the island and sample many of the beaches in a day.

The main beach on the island is Pasir Bogak, not too far from the majority of the accommodation options on the island. There are various types of watersports you can partake in during the day, but the real action happens in the lead up to sunset. Street vendors begin to fire up their stalls, selling their local meals into the evening while everyone catches the sunset. Moreover, you’ll get to see the islands famous hornbills that come in to eat snacks left out by the locals shortly before sunset. The hornbills are used to humans so are easily photographed and aren’t in a rush to leave creating a unique beach experience.

Regarding swimming, Pasir Bogak is often referred to as a swimming pool as the waters are shallow allowing you to walk out over 100 meters during low tide.

If you’re considering visiting Pangkor Island, you can visit Pangkor comfortably as a day trip from Ipoh or Kuala Lumpur as the ferries are only a short journey from the mainland.

Jub from Tiki Touring Kiwi

Koh Kood, Thailand

Koh Kood is a small-ish island located in the far east of Thailand, in the province of Trat. The island is close to Cambodia than Thailand, though it seems to be a world of its own.

The beaches on Koh Kood are incredible. My favorite beach on the island is Ao Tapao on the island’s west coast. A forest of coconut palms backs the beach. The palms along the sand have extreme rope swings hanging off them.

Want to make an adventure into the middle of the island? No worries, take a motorbike into the jungle and you’ll discover two amazing waterfalls. Swimming in the cool freshwater is also a nice change from the beach if you are here more than a few days.

What makes Koh Kood even more amazing is that it does not have substantial fancy five-star resorts. Instead, the island scattered with smaller boutique resorts and basic bungalows. It is a place where you can stay right along the beach for well under $100 per night. Even better, the island never seems to get busy. You can about have the entire beach to yourself.

In the more than ten times I’ve visited Koh Kood I’ve never been disappointed. I am sure that when you visit, you’ll love it as much as I have!

Josh from The Lost Passport

Pink Beach in Flores, Indonesia

One of the unmissable and must things to do in Indonesia, especially for beach lovers, is going to Pink Beach. Located on an uninhabited island of the Komodo Islands, and easily reached from Labuan Bajo, in Flores, this is one of the most beautiful beaches in Southeast Asia. It benefits from the fact that is far away from everything, that nobody lives on the island – which means that all the garbage and all the crowds that typically found on Asian beaches are not a thing there.

The beach owes its name to the corals present in the fine sand, which give it the characteristic pinkish color. Though it still is a stunning place, the pink color is not as bright as it used to be, because many tourists who visit take the sand. Don’t do that! Help preserve the beautiful environment of this beach, one of only five pink beaches in the world!

The fair color of the sand creates an incredible contrast with the waters, which are crystal clear and populated with an astonishing variety of fish and corals. It is an incredible place to go snorkeling and marvel at the underwater world. However, beware of the riptide offshore, as it is extreme.

The only way to reach Pink Beach is on an organized boat tour from Labuan Bajo – that is unless you have a private boat.

Claudia from My Adventures Across The World

Koh Rong Samloem, Cambodia

When all you want is a peaceful beach where you don’t have to wear shoes for the whole week, the place to go to is Cambodia’s Koh Rong Samloem Island, and the gentle waters of Saracen Bay. This idyllic crescent of powder white sand beach a short ferry ride from Sihanoukville is the quieter, more tranquil cousin to the famous party island of Koh Rong.

A year-round destination because of the tropical location, we visited in January with our two young kids and enjoyed snorkeling, reading, playing games and hiking across the island – yes, across! Just a 20-minute walk on a jungle path brings you to you to Lazy Beach, a great jumping off point for nearby diving or snorkeling. Bio florescent waters are also common on the northern part of the small island making a magical evening for a night swim.

Our favorite part of a family vacation to the best beach in Cambodia was staying at Sol Beach Resort. Each bungalow at this upscale beachside hotel has a small deck, hammock, and AC with plenty of relaxing amenities and onsite restaurant. Located right on the beach with lots of lounging chairs and swings over the water, our kids just loved the freedom of not wearing shoes all week! This is the place to unwind, reconnect with family, relax with friends and make the most of an affordable beach vacation in Southeast Asia.

Cerise from Enchanted Vagabond

Tonsai and Railay, Thailand

Tonsai and Railay, these two beach areas are the stunners of Southern Thailand. Located on the mainland but requiring a boat to get to due to the crazy gorgeous karst cliffs blocking access, these island-like beaches are jaw-droppingly beautiful. The limestone mountains backing the beaches are dramatic and create this isolated “lost on an island” feel. The water is azure and lined with cute wooden longtail boats waiting for you to go island hopping.

Tonsai’s beach is a bit rocky in some areas but is significantly less crowded, my favorite place to stay. Just a 15-minute hop over the hill and you will find yourself on Railay west, a great place for a sunset. Another 15 min walk will take you to Phranang Cave Beach, the most crowded of them all but for a good reason. This beach is incredible, and as its name suggest, has a cave and towering cliffs above as you bask under the sun.  You may also see some rock climbers in action if you look closely.

Nina from Where in the World is Nina

Nusa Penida, Indonesia

Nusa Penida is a beautiful respite from the craziness of Bali. With very few tourists, not much infrastructure and roads that take it out of the cars and mopeds that trawl them, visiting Nusa Penida feels like proper traveling.

There are many cool things to do on Nusa Penida island, but it is fantastic for the beachgoer who wants to chill out and relax. Highlights include Kelingking Beach, where many people take an iconic photo looking out over the rocky outcrop. However, very few walk down the steps (which are slightly treacherous) and enjoy the deserted beach, with beautiful turquoise waters, at the bottom.

While not technically a beach, Angels Billabong is a lovely hidden cove which meets the sea. There’s no sand here, but rocks to sit on – and the view of the Billabong isn’t one you’ll want to rush. You can get in the Billabong, but be very careful and don’t go near the edge if you do. It’s also probably a good idea to confirm with a local whether it is safe for swimming that day, as the tide levels can change and can sometimes be more dangerous.

However, my favorite beach in Nusa Penida is Crystal Bay. With palm trees seemingly sky-high, gorgeously blue waters and snorkeling opportunities from the shore, it’s no surprise why any tourist to the island loves this beach. If you go a bit way out from the coast, you’ll get a chance to see beautiful tropical fish and the best-preserved coral in Bali.

With so many beaches and other opportunities for adventure, Nusa Penida is a must for anybody’s Bali itinerary.

Claire from Claire’s Footsteps

Boracay Island, The Philippines

The milky white sand and shallow, turquoise water of Boracay’s famous White Beach has earned the Philippines Islands a reputation as one of the best beach locations in the world, but not everyone knows that this seven-kilometer-long destination contains over a dozen different beaches that help make the island genuinely unique. Since each beach caters to a different type of crowd, there’s something for everyone on Boracay Island. You can hunt for seashells on Puka Beach, kite surf on Bulabog Beach, snorkel on Tambisaan, or escape from all the tourists by heading to the quiet shores of Diniwid.

Four lesser known, hidden beaches are rarely ever talked about but provide some of the most scenic views in the entire country. You can even have dinner on a disappearing beach that only reveals itself during low tide before being swallowed by the ocean every day.  As the most popular beach, White Beach offers the most vibrant entertainment, and restaurants located around almost every corner give tourists the chance to experience authentic Filipino dishes for affordable prices. Most meals cost just 2 to 5 dollars.

Boracay’s most iconic landmark, Willy’s Rock, can also be found on White Beach, and kids can take mermaid lessons on its shores as well. Because the island is so small, a short trek to the top of Mount Luho will reward hikers with a panoramic view of its entire circumference. Some of the most beautiful sunsets in the world are found in Boracay, so special evening sailing tours have become one of the most popular activities on the island, allowing guests to experience this magic up close. I highly recommend Boracay Island to anyone looking for a cheap but beautiful beach holiday full of fun for full families in Southeast Asia.

Jillian from Adventure Dragon

Langkawi, Malaysia

Approximately an hour plane ride from the capital, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, is the island of Langkawi, one of the popular and best beach destinations in Southeast Asia.

Sitting on the South part of the Andaman Sea and Northwest of the coastal town of Penang is this beautiful beach destination filled with treasures of food, experiences, hospitality, and of course, beaches.

All this best encapsulated by one of Langkawi’s top resorts, The Berjaya Langkawi Resort. There is a large selection of rooms to book, ranging from ocean views to a more jungle-like atmosphere, and everything in between.

There are restaurants scattered throughout the resort, with both Eastern and Western offerings. Don’t miss the traditional cuisine of this region of Malaysia, as it is unique; influenced by the spiciness of their neighbor, Thailand, and the strong Islamic-Indian flavors.

The staff is extremely hospitable, and language is never a problem as most of them speak multiple languages. The beauty of this resort is also the diversity in its topography. One second you can be swimming off the beautiful white sand beach, the next, being amongst the many types of monkeys that inhabit the island.

There are luxurious amenities, which include great spa treatments, and an excellent pool where everyone seems to congregate at some point or another. If you are less about leisure and looking for activities, there are plenty offered in-house.

Best part, it’s well situated to explore the rest of the island, which filled with beautiful sites and sounds. One such place is a gondola ride that leads to one of the highest suspension bridges in the world.

Langkawi offers some of the most beautiful Southeast Asia beaches to explore, but what makes it so unique are all the other treasures, not the least of which are its people.

Andrew from Dish Our Town

Nusa Lembongan, Indonesia

Nusa Lembongan is a tiny island located just in front of busy Bali, in Indonesia. This peaceful island, where cars are a rare sight, has some lovely beaches, good hotels, and great diving spots, so it’s an excellent destination for a weekend getaway or a relaxing week.

Amongst all the beaches in Nusa Lembongan, Jungutbatu beach is my favorite one. Jungutbatu is well known for its crystal clear water, white sand, and a laid-back atmosphere. Also, the fishermen’s colorful boats are always anchored not far from the shore, which gives the visitor endless photo opportunities. Jungutbatu beach has a nice seawall walkway which is ideal for a sunset stroll.

Sometimes there are food stalls to buy some staples and cold drinks so you can spend all the day on the beach if this is what you like. Because life in Indonesia is cheap, you can treat yourself and book a nice hotel room. Most of the hotels in the area offer a terrace with magnificent sea views and views of Gunung Agung, in Eastern Bali.

There is a public boat at Sanur Beach to reach Nusa Lembongan from Bali. The ride takes one hour and a half, and it is operated by many local companies, all at the same price. Nusa Lembongan beach has different accommodation options and other amenities like restaurants, ATM and diving, and snorkeling courses. A motorbike will be your best ally to explore the island. You can also rent a bike for a lower price, but some of the roads are very hilly.

Elisa from World in Paris

Koh Tao Island, Thailand

Thailand is well known for its beautiful waters, as well as golden beaches. Koh Tao is a well-known island in Thailand, and it is trendy, but that doesn’t mean these beaches aren’t worth a visit.

Sairee beach is the most well known on the island, it is a short walk from the central hub of Koh Tao, and it can get quite busy. However, the gentle waves that wash up along this section of shore are still incredibly refreshing, and the sands are clean from garbage to make relaxing even more comfortable. Plastic water bottles prohibited from being carried onto the island, so it is incredibly clean and picturesque.

Nang Than island connected to Koh Tao island and you can enjoy a short day trip.  Low tide allows a walking path between the two little chunks of the sandbar. Snorkeling is a great activity along the beaches around Nang Yuan Island and Koh Tao itself.

If you’re visiting Thailand to relax, you probably don’t want to be around hundreds of people swimming at the same beach as you. Don’t worry, Koh Tao has you covered! Just walking around the edge of this beautiful island gives you plenty of options of lesser-known beaches that are every bit as stunning as the popular ones.

Beach hopping in Thailand has many, many fantastic options. Koh Tao is a well known and popular destination, but don’t overlook the beauty all around this island.

Ben from Horizon Unknown

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