Islands and Beaches in Southeast Asia
The serene beaches of Southeast Asia are its biggest draw for many, and the scope for finding secluded spots is endless. Thai, Philippine and Indonesian beaches are firm favorites on the tourist circuit, but there are plenty of other choices.
The Philippine beach resort of Boracay is regularly voted as one of the world’s best beach destinations, while Thailand’s Phuket and Malaysia’s Langkawi also get a lot of attention for their first-class facilities that include luxury accommodation and dining.
Boracay, Philippines: Other beaches find it hard to compete with Boracay’s pristine, white sands and crystal clear, warm waters. Complementing the unbeatable bathing conditions are deluxe hotels and a lively nightlife.
Koh Samui, Thailand: This friendly Thai island appeals to all kinds of visitors with its expansive Chaweng Beach, abundant water sports, large discos, plentiful bars and fine dining. Quieter beaches can be found away from Chaweng.
Kuta beach – Bali, Indonesia: A favorite among Australians to Bali, Kuta attracts travelers with its pretty beach, water sports and energetic nightlife. Kuta is the main beach resort on the island and has the best selection of accommodation.
Phuket, Thailand: Phuket attracts more holiday makers than any other Southeast Asian island. The west side features the busy Patong, while farther along the coast are the more exclusive Karon and Kata beaches.
Tanjung Rhu - Langkawi, Malaysia: The beach at Tanjung Rhu ranks as the best stretch of sand on the popular Malaysian holiday island of Langkawi. The absence of jet-skis and the abundance of shady spots make this beach a firm favorite.
China beach, Vietnam: This 18-mile (30-km) long beach was once used as a landing site for US soldiers during the Vietnam War, but today is a busy tourist spot, especially among surfers.
Tioman Island, Malaysia: A quiet choice ideal for beach lovers who want a tranquil spot to bathe, Tioman Island featured in the 1958 hit South Pacific. Today it’s popular with scuba divers for its lively reefs and with walkers for its dense jungle in the interior.
Koh Chang, Thailand: Protected as a national marine park, Koh Chang is best known as being an eco-friendly island that is yet to see the high-rise developments found on other islands in Thailand.
Phi Phi, Thailand: After featuring in the blockbuster movie, The Beach, the Phi Phi islands rose to fame and are today visited by hordes of travelers who come to enjoy the quality snorkeling and beaches.
Mui Ne beach - Phan Thiet, Vietnam: The addition of a golf course and boutique hotels has seen Mui Ne jump from being a traditional Vietnamese seaside resort to one of Asia’s most up and coming beach destinations.
Lombok, Indonesia: A less visited alternative to neighboring Bali, Lombok offers secluded spots, private resorts and white sand beaches to rival those found elsewhere in the region.
Koh Phangan, Thailand: The popular party island of Koh Phangan is best known for its monthly Full Moon party, when the island is swamped with backpackers who come to enjoy all-night revelry at the beach, clubs and bars of Had Rin.
Ngapali beach, Burma: Few travelers make the trip to Burma’s beach resort of Ngapali, but the sands here are equally as good as those in neighboring Thailand. The resort lacks the crowds of other regional beaches and provides quality seafood eateries and hotels.
Palawan, Philippines: The natural habitat of El Nido in the north of the island is a draw here, as are the beautiful beaches that line the coast of this charming Philippine island.
Bohol, Philippines: Boasting the scenic Chocolate Hills and the pretty Panglao Beach, Bohol in the Central Visayas appeals to all types of visitors. The tourist beaches and resorts here offer good value for money.
Bali, Indonesia: A regional favorite, Bali’s Kuta Beach has been luring visitors with its white sands and energetic nightlife for decades. However, this culturally unique island has some secluded spots at the less frenetic Sanur Beach.
Langkawi, Malaysia: Malaysia’s top holiday island has varied attraction including not only beaches, but wildlife sanctuaries, a cable car and traditional fishing villages. The beach resorts get busy here in season.
Sokha beach, Cambodia: Sihanoukville’s premier stretch of sand, Sokha, is becoming a regular stop on Cambodia’s tourist trail. The town itself is lacking in appeal, but the sandy beach and its resorts make a trip here worthwhile.
Sulawesi, Indonesia: The remote island of Sulawesi is part of the Sundra islands, located between the Maluku islands and Borneo. The quiet beaches here are idyllic and a great getaway from some of the region’s busier resorts.
Koh Lipe, Thailand: As part of Thailand’s Koh Tarutao National Marine Park, Koh Lipe has a wealth of underwater life waiting to be explored. The beaches here are superb, as are the striking sunsets.