Southeast Asia Islands and Beaches
There are so many beautiful regions in Southeast Asia that it is hard to pinpoint a favoured or ‘most delectable’ area as everyone’s taste differs. Some of the world’s finest beaches are here and the many thousands of islands of Indonesia, the Philippines and Thailand leave great scope for exploring. Some famous names that spring to mind among travellers include Phuket and Phi Phi in Thailand, Palawan and Boracay in the Philippines, Lombok and Bali in Indonesia, Langkawi in Malaysia and mui Ne beach in Vietnam.
Boracay, Philippines
The Philippines’ most desirable beach, and one of the world’s best, features amazing sugary white sand and inviting waters. Very popular with tourists, Boracay also offers all types of water sports activities and a good nightlife.
Koh Samui, Thailand
One of Thailand’s foremost resort islands, Koh Samui has numerous sandy beaches and a buzzing nightlife. Chaweng beach is the main beach, backed by a slew of guesthouses, cafes and bars.
Kuta Beach, Bali
Kuta is one of Southeast Asia’s most well known beaches and one for the water sports enthusiast. Mostly frequented by holidaying Australian’s, Kuta beach is Bali’s largest and busiest.
Phuket, Thailand
Asia’s most successful holiday island has rebounded after the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami and is as popular as ever. Most development is on the west of the island around manic Patong and the quieter Karon and Kata beaches.
Tanjung Rhu - Langkawi, Malaysia
Langkawi island’s best beach is a huge yet secluded with soft sand and lots of shady spots. The swimming here is excellent and there are no noisy jet-skis.
China Beach, Vietnam
Vietnam’s unspoilt 30kms-long China beach was the site of US landings during the Vietnam War. Today the beach is getting more popular as a tourist destination and is one of the best spots in Vietnam to go surfing.
Tioman Island, Malaysia
Tioman Island is a sparsely inhabited and densely forested island off the coast of peninsular Malaysia. It is favoured by scuba divers with its colourful reefs and was depicted in the 1958 movie South Pacific as Bali Hai.
Koh Chang, Thailand
Lying in the eastern part of the Gulf of Thailand, Koh Chang is a national marine park and popular tourist destination. An eco-destination known for its sweeping beaches, lush foliage and lack of the typical tourist hordes found elsewhere in the country.
Phi Phi, Thailand
Phi Phi is a stunning group of islands lying in the Andaman in the south of Thailand. Phi Phi Don is the main island here and has some stunning beaches, while the island of Phi Phi Leh is idyllic with fantastic snorkeling.
Mui Ne Beach - Phan Thiet, Vietnam
An up and coming tourist destination in Vietnam, Mui Ne Beach is one of white sands, boutique resorts and great seafood. The golf is particularly good while the small town of Phan Thiet is also fairly interesting.
Lombok, Indonesia
Lying just off the coast of Bali, Lombok has the whitest of beaches and crystal clear water. The island is a great escape from noisy Bali and has some real secluded spots.
Koh Phangan, Thailand
The island of Koh Phangan in the Thai Gulf, just north of larger Koh Samui, is a chill-out island aimed mainly at the backpacker crowd. It is best known for its monthly ‘full moon party’ and its nudist beach.
Ngapali Beach, Burma
Burma’s main beach is one of long stretches of sand and few people. With only a few hotels and great seafood it’s a must see for those brave enough to travel here.
Palawan, Philippines
Palawan features stark beauty on both land and sea and is best known for the conservation of pristine natural habitats, including that of El Nido on the northern tip of the island.
Bohol, Philippines
Bohol is a beautiful island in the Central Visayas region of the Philippines archipelago, popular with tourists for its beaches, resorts and unique landscapes. The aptly named Chocolate Hills are the island’s biggest draw, while Panglao Beach is also big.
Bali, Indonesia
Harbouring the likes of Kuta and Sanur beaches, Bali is one of the bastions of the beach in the region and particularly popular with Australians. Kuta beach is the main attraction with its great surf and nightlife, while laid back Sanur is also worth a look.
Langkawi, Malaysia
Located on the Andaman side of peninsular Malaysia, Langkawi is the country’s most popular holiday island, complete with busy beach resorts and ancient fishing villages. Tanjung Rhu beach is the island’s most attractive.
Sokha Beach, Cambodia
Sokha Beach can be found in Cambodia’s up and coming tourist destination of Sihanouk Ville. Although the main town is somewhat brash, Sokha Beach is delightful and backed by some fine resorts.
Sulawesi, Indonesia
Sulawesi is located between Borneo and the Maluku Islands and is one of attractive beaches and nature reserves.
Koh Lipe, Thailand
Located in the gorgeous Koh Tarutao National Marine Park, in the depths of southern Thailand, Koh Lipe is the most divine island of the group with some fabulous beaches, shallow crystal clear water and beautiful sunsets.
