There are so many paradisiacal
beaches in South-East Asia that making a choice can often be
difficult. Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar, Indonesia? The choice is
huge! So here is a selection with a few of our favorite beaches
throughout South East Asia.
Phra Nang Beach, Krabi,
Thailand
Phra Nang Beach
Phra Nang Beach is located at the
southern tip of Rai Leh, a peninsula on the Andaman Coast. Framed
by stunning limestone cliffs and blessed with clear, emerald waters
and beautiful white sands, it is considered one of the most
beautiful beaches in Thailand. It is also popular with climbers who
enjoy scaling Rai Leh’s massive limestone rocks. Travelers
interested in learning how to scale these rocks will find a number
of instructors in the area willing to literally show them the
ropes. Phra Nang, which can be reached by long-tail boat from Ao
Nang, is quite popular and so can be crowded at times. Relax
on the broad strip of white sand staring at the massive cliffs that
frame each end of the beach.
Climbing in Thailand
Phu Quoc Island,
Vietnam
Phu Quoc Island
Vietnam has many beautiful beaches
and the choice is difficult, especially between the beaches in Hoi
An and Phu Quoc Island. Phu Quoc Island, in the South of
Vietnam, is easily accessible and a vital stop for any traveler who
is fond of beaches. 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. The tropical island in not only a paradise for its
beaches, but also, to enjoy the fresh seafood. It would be
unimaginable to leave Phu Quoc without having tasted seafood at
least once. For those who are athletic, it is also possible to have
a boat tour and to go snorkeling in the crystal clear waters filled
with fish. The best time to go is during the dry season – from
November to April.
Phu Quoc National Park
Sihanoukville,
Cambodia
Sihanoukville
Sihanoukville is the best place to
relax during a trip in Cambodia. It is a good destination for
families because the crystal-clear and calm water allows children
to swim safely. Surrounded by white-sand beaches and
undeveloped tropical islands, Sihanoukville is Cambodia’s most
happening beach destination. 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. Just across Sihanoukville are 2 islands, accessible in
one hour by boat. Bamboo and Koh Takiev Islands offer paradisaical
landscapes and tranquility, which makes them perfect destinations
for one or a few days, to rest with the feet in the water.
Krabi, Thailand
Krabi
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
Nha Trang,
Vietnam
Nha Trang
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.
Mui Ne, Vietnam
Mui Ne Beach
The adrenalin capital of southern
Vietnam is a perfect place for a fun filled vacation with your
family. Indulge in Kitesurfing on the coast or surf on the massive
waves over here. Mui Ne is also famous for its enormous red and
white sand dunes where you can ride an ostrich. Or if you are a
little more traditional than the usual quad bikes and dune buggies.
Also see Suoi Tien, a beautiful stream with interesting sand and
rock formations.
Sand boarding in Mui Ne
Phi Phi Islands,
Thailand
Phi Phi Islands
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.
Make friend with adorable
animals
Koh Rong,
Cambodia
Koh Rong
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.
High Point Zip-line Park
Ngapali Beach,
Myanmar
Ngapali Beach
After seeing numerous wonderful
temples and monuments in different cities of Myanmar, a few days of
rest on a beach paradise will certainly refresh everyone. Ngapali
is often quoted as the most beautiful beach in Myanmar It is a
perfect place for relaxation, located in the Bay of Bengal and
quite easy to access. It is only a 45 minute flight from Yangon and
one hour from Inle Lake. The white sand beaches with crystal clear
water and lined coconut trees are until now well preserved from
touristic development. For those who want to discover the
surroundings instead of sunbathing on the beach, the small fishing
villages and the local markets are interesting to explore by bike.
The best time to go is between November and May.
Koh Phangan,
Thailand
Koh Phangan
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. After the dreamy stay at the beach, spend time in the
amazing city of Bangkok.
Langkawi,
Malaysia
Langkawi
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.
Rice Paddies
Boracay,
Philippines
Boracay Island
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
kite-boarding and also horseback riding at the Bulabog Beach and
view the island from Mt. Luho View Deck.
Boracay Kite-boarding
El Nido,
Philippines
El Nido
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 snorkeling 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.
Bulalacao Falls
Nusa Dua Beach,
Indonesia
Nusa Dua Beach
For the sport lovers, Nusa Dua in
Indonesia is a destination of choice. They will be able to enjoy
many water sports activities such as: jet-ski, para-sailing, banana
boat, surfing... Nusa Dua Beach is 40 km south of Denpasar, the
provincial capital of Bali. For travelers on holiday in Indonesia
and who want to try some water sports on a beautiful beach with
clear blue water, Nusa Dua will be up to their expectations. For
the others, they can rest on a beautiful white sand beach and enjoy
fresh air.
With hundreds of beautiful beaches and
endless blue waters, there is a lot to be seen in the whole of
Southeast Asia. With new beaches being discovered every year, there
are always a new beach you can explore.