Top Beaches in Asia

The Asian continent is teeming with several beach destinations, and many of them are truly gorgeous, and, believe or not, untouched by commercialism. The following entries are the regions, towns or islands primarily known for their stunning beaches. Find out more of them here in this gallery!

Bali is one of Asia’s popular tourist destinations, especially for the Westerners. This island in Indonesia is rich in beautiful beaches that range from the black sand beaches on the north and western coasts to the white sand beaches on the southern shorelines. Many of the beaches are guarded by high cliffs. The most popular beaches in Bali include Kuta, Nusa Dua, Sanur, Uluwatu, Padang Padang, Bingin and Dreamland.

Situated at the mouth of the Krabi River and a 783-kilometer drive away from the capital Bangkok, this town has beaches which are considered some of the best in the world. A lot of them are undeveloped but they have been receiving an influx of tourists, and fortunately, many of them are protected by the government like national parks.

Among the most famous Krabi beaches are Tham Phra Nang, Railay Beach, Koh Nong island, and Ao Nang.

The only oceanic island in Malaysia is probably one of the best dive sites in the world. It’s healthy, sumptuous and stunning coral reefs are the home to several reef sharks, sea turtles, and colorful fish. Divers can even swim along large schools of fish, especially at the Barracuda Point. Many go to Sipadan chiefly to dive and snorkel, although the island also offers great white sand beaches.

Jeju Island South Korea

You’d be surprised that South Korea has a lot of nice beaches and an ardent beach culture. Many South Koreans from the temperate mainland go to Jeju Island for its subtropical vegetation, gorgeous sandy beaches, and unique volcanic landscape. Jung-mun is probably the most famous beach on Jeju Island (or possibly the whole South Korea), followed by Hyeop-Jae Beach, Iho Beach, Pyeoseon Beach, and Hwa-Sun Beach.

The awe-inspiring limestone cliffs, enchanting lagoons, gorgeous diving sites, not to mention amazing beaches make Palawan a beach combers and island-hoppers paradise. The municipality of El Nido has beautiful white-sand beaches. It is also a gateway to the Bacuit archipelago, known for its karst cliff islands. Other popular spots are Coron Bay, Honda Bay, and the Puerto Princesa Subterranean National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Similan Islands Thailand

This protected national park is an archipelago consisting of 11 little islands off Andaman Sea’s west coast. Its lush and healthy marine life with coral reefs in different shapes and forms and colorful tropical fish can be seen from its crystal clear waters. Not surprisingly, Similan Islands is a diver’s and snorkeler’s paradise.

MacLeod Island is located in the Mergui Archipelago off the mainland Myanmar (formerly Burma). The island is still untouched by major human activity, leaving its natural and serene beauty still intact. The island’s sole resort, the Myanmar Andaman Resort, is an eco-lodge resort facing the pristine white sand beaches and blue waters.

Cambodia’s biggest island off the coast of Sihanoukville is an unspoiled natural beauty. This picturesque island boasts about 40 kilometers of white sand beaches and stunning blue waters. However, there’s a new development on the island, so you should take advantage of it before everyone else does!

The Cat Ba Island is the home of the Cat Ba National Park, a beautiful and diverse national park. It is also home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Halong Bay. The island’s rather bustling town attracts a lot of tourists, but away from the town, you will find a more serene part of the island, with spellbinding golden beaches and lush forests.

This little island in the province of Aklan, central Philippines is famous for its exceptionally pure and powdery white-sand beaches and azure waters. While Boracay is thought as a very touristy island with local celebrity sightings and a sizzling nightlife, the island has retained some of its natural beauty. The White Beach is Boracay’s longest and most famous beach, as well as the most commercial. You can find everything there, from bars to diving and water sports.

The southernmost province in Thailand boasts lush forests, clear blue waters, and dramatic karst formations. It is also easily accessible to tourists, which partly explains why Phuket is one of the world’s most famous beaches. The Patong Beach is the island’s largest town and busiest beach; lots of avid beach-goers from many parts of the world flock there. But if you want to get away from Patong’s frenetic pace, you can find a piece of serenity and solitude at the more remote and laid-back beaches in the north.

For those who are looking for the simpler aspects of beach-going, somewhere in the Andaman Islands finds a perfect place for you. The Havelock Islands is a laid-back but gorgeous island which offers a more peaceful and relaxing nook for every jaded tourist. There’s little commercial activity there which guarantees every big beach bum an authentic beach experience.

Known as Aka, this island in the Kerama Islands, Okinawa Prefecture has a nice subtropical climate and spotless, gorgeous white sand beaches. It is popular among domestic tourists from Okinawa and mainland Japan who want to get away from the temperate cold. The island still manages to retain its natural beauty intact even in peak season.

Aka-Jima is still a relatively unknown beach destination outside Japan. Foreign tourists should really check it out and experience its pristine beauty, rich tropical marine life, ages-old Japanese culture, and friendly locals.

Goa boasts some of the world’s unbelievably picturesque beaches. This former Portuguese colony offers something for everyone. Mandrem Beach is a favorite among couples and honeymooners, Agonda is for relaxation and solitude, Baga is for sizzling beach parties and nightlife as well as abundant and delicious seafood, and Anjuna Beach for the more hip crowd and lovers of Indian music and culture.