15 Most Amazing Beaches in Southeast Asia

Coron Island is a wedge-shaped limestone island in the province of Palawan. It has seven lakes, famous of which is the nationally-acclaimed cleanest lake in the Philippines, the Kayangan Lake. It also has a number of islands with white beaches and clear blue waters perfect for snorkeling, deepsea fishing and shipwreck diving. Some coastal areas are covered with mangrove forests.

Krabi is the more discreet version of Phuket with fewer people and quieter roads. With its trademark karst formations, this place is heaven for rock climbing. Visit the beach of Talay-Wak, one of Thailand’s unseen highlights and Tham Phra Nang Nai, an illuminated caverns full of beautiful limestone formations, including an amazing waterfall of sparkling gold-coloured quartz. Also go elephant trekking or dirt-biking in Phanom Bencha National Park

This pretty island, surrounded by signature clear waters has its share of faultless beaches. A comfortable beach for a holiday, it remains one of the few ones left that are not crowded with tourists. When here, definitely check out the stunning sights at White Rock, walk through the village via the Viewpoint Resort and also check out the rubber plantation and Mango Bay where you can go rock pooling or shell collecting. Visit for 3 nights for a magical holiday.

The idyllic coastline of Koh Rong offers visitors the chance to experience white sand beaches away from the crowds which is quite a rarity in southern Cambodia. Be sure to check out High Point Adventure Park, for the best views of the ocean, the jungle, and the main beach. Also indulge in trekking through the untouched jungle and see the phosphorescent plankton every single night. Plan a trip for 3 nights to enjoy the fabulous beach location with your family.

A large limestone peninsula, Bukit is the real backwater of Bali. After landing here, head straight for Balangan, one of the most gorgeous beaches on the entire island of Bali and perfect for surfing and relaxing. Rent a surfboard for the day or take a scooter to explore the hidden beaches of Bingin and Dreamland and visit the Uluwatu temple to see the famous Kecak dance at sunset. Plan a trip for at least 4 nights to enjoy the laid-back atmosphere.

Blessed with exotic marine life, including leopard sharks and colourful coral reefs, Phi Phi Islands are a beautiful combination of stone and sand beaches and warm Andaman Sea. Visit the six islands that make this island group for a spectacular holiday. Visit Phi Phi Don for the Monkey Beach and take a longtail boat to the fantastic Maya Bay. Visit for 6 nights to make way through all the tourist spots of this beautiful island group.

El Nido: one of the hidden destinations of Asia, has an idyllic setting of a paradise island. The beaches here offer white sand and turquoise water as well as adventure activities such as snorkelling and rock climbing on the limestone cliffs. Visit the beautiful Nagkalit-kalit Waterfalls and take a guided tour of Balay Cuyonon, a well-preserved traditional Cuyonese home to learn about village life. Also go for overnight island hopping and camp on a deserted island. Visit for at least 4 nights to see the island as well as explore the lagoons, coves and caves it offers.

The laid-back atmosphere of Boracay Island combined with the two-mile stretch of sparkling sand of White Beach, makes this places no less beautiful than the Caribbean. Indulge in water-sports like windsurfing and kiteboarding and also horseback riding at the Bulabog Beach and view the island from Mt Luho View Deck. Drench into the white sands for at least 3 nights to get the perfect getaway.

The tiny island has everything, pristine beaches, fun outdoor activities for adults and kids and water-sports. Visit the stunning Ang Thong Marine National Park and the beautiful waterfalls of Nam Tok Than Sadet and Nam Tok Phaeng where you can spot wild crocodiles, monkeys, snakes, deer and boar. Also get a dose of the local culture at the Night Market while nibbling on snacks like Banana pancakes and red snapper over noodles. Stay for 3 nights to enjoy an amazing time at this wonderful beach of Thailand.

One of the most well known destinations in Southeast Asia and home to Malaysia’s most picturesque beaches, Langkawi will leave you wanting for more. Check out the gorgeous Pantai Cenang, one of the most popular beaches in Langkawi, snorkel at the Pulau Payar Marine Park and relax at the pristine waters and lush jungles of Pantai Kok. Another must see is the Gunung Raya, the tallest mountain on the island and Laman Padi, an ecotourism complex for a closer look at rice paddies. To enjoy all the natural and man-made attractions, stay here for at least 5 nights with your family.

Get lost in the lush jungles, clear streams, and dazzling white-sand beaches of Tioman Island. An idyllic spot for a leisurely vacation, see the multi-hued coral and tropical fish and spot butterflies, monitor lizards and deer on the island. Also visit one of several villages around the coastline which make for an excellent day’s trip. Visit the lush green Genting Village, go rock climbing at the legendary Gunung Nenek Semukut and visit the Juara Turtle Project to spend a day with sea turtles. Spend 5 nights to get a wholesome experience of the islands with your family.

Liberally sprinkled with picture-perfect white sand beaches and cloaked in dense, impenetrable jungle, Phu Quoc is the best beach in Vietnam. Spend you day trekking through the Phu Quoc National Park, visit the beautiful Cua Can and Ong Lan Beaches and the Dinh Cau Night Market for delicious range of Vietnamese Street food. Visit for 3 nights for an amazing getaway from your regular life.

Ringed by a necklace of hills and with a sweeping crescent beach, Nha Trang enjoys a stunning setting. Offering some of the best scuba diving in the country it an ideal destination for a memorable beach holiday. Check out the Bao Dai Villas here for a terrific view of the bay. Also visit the National Oceanographic Museum of Vietnam for the sharks, turtles, coral reefs, lionfish, sea horses and Long Son Pagoda for the 79 feet tall white Buddha statue. Visit for 4 nights to enjoy a complete vacation with your family.

Surrounded by white-sand beaches and undeveloped tropical islands, Sihanoukville is Cambodia’s most happening beach destination. If you are looking for something less crowded than this is the place for you. While here definitely make a trip to the Otres Market, the late night market with live music shows and food stalls and the popular rocky strip of Ochheuteal Beach. Visit for 3 nights to get a complete experience of the islands.

Rai Leh is Thailand’s beach paradise on the Andamans. When here, visit the breathtaking Phra Nang beach, arguably the finest beach in Thailand, if not southeast Asia. Relax on the broad strip of white sand staring at the massive cliffs that frame each end of the beach. Also make a trip to Ton Sai to indulge in some rock climbing and go to the viewpoint to get a spectacular view of the islands. Visit for 3 nights to make the most of this wonderful beach destination.