Top 10 Beaches in Southeast Asia
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VOICE OVER: Rebecca Brayton
WRITTEN BY: Spencer Sher
Let the travel inspiration begin! Welcome to MojoTravels, and today we'll be counting down our picks for the Top 10 Beaches in Southeast Asia.
For this list, we'll be taking a look at the most stunning, beautiful, relaxing and exciting beaches in all of SouthEast Asia.
For this list, we'll be taking a look at the most stunning, beautiful, relaxing and exciting beaches in all of SouthEast Asia.
Top 10 Beaches in Southeast Asia
Let the travel inspiration begin! Welcome to MojoTravels, and today we’ll be counting down our picks for the Top 10 Beaches in Southeast Asia.
For this list, we’ll be taking a look at the most stunning, beautiful, relaxing and exciting beaches in all of SouthEast Asia.
#10: Pattaya Beach
Koh Lipe, Thailand
Located in the south of Thailand, Koh Lipe is a tiny island with a handful of fantastic beaches. The largest and most popular is Pattaya Beach. During the day it’s the perfect place to throw down a towel or grab a beach chair and simply relax. The views are spectacular and there’s never a bar or restaurant too far away. As day turns to night Pattaya Beach truly comes alive, boasting some of the best nightlife on the island. Indulge in one of the islands famous cocktail bowls while taking in a beachside fire show. Catch some sleep and do it all over again the following day!
#9: Otres Beach
Sihanoukville, Cambodia
Cambodia’s beaches have long lived in the reputational shadow of those of its western Thai neighbor, but thanks to places like this, that’s starting to change. Otres Beach is not only a never-ending stretch of white sand and blue waters, it’s also the go-to area for backpackers in search of good food, cheap accommodation and a vibrant nightlife. The sheer length of this beach means that you’ll never have to fight for a spot in the sun. Local hawkers spend their days walking up and down offering everything from coconuts to beer, so if your goal is to see how long you can go without getting up you’ll be just fine.
#8: Nacpan Beach
El Nido, Philippines
Hands down the most beautiful beach in the area (and country) packed with great beaches), Nacpan Beach is a must-visit for anyone and everyone planning a trip to the Philippines. Located on El Nido’s northern coastline, Nacpan Beach offers visitors a breathtaking view of the surrounding landscape, which includes mountains, palm trees and endless vistas of crystal blue ocean water. The water is ideal for snorkeling and scuba diving and the sand is duvet-soft. Seriously, what more could you want from a destination beach?
#7: Phra Nang Beach
Railay, Thailand
Southern Thailand is considered one of the most idyllic places on earth and Phra Nang Beach in Railay is a big reason why. Surrounded by picturesque limestone mountains, lush green jungles filled with frolicking monkeys and enough white sand and clear waters to last a lifetime, Phra Nang offers visitors nothing but pure, sun-soaked bliss. We won’t lie, this is one of the most popular beaches in the entire country and a day trip there will undoubtedly result in you jostling for position with other travelers, but guess what? It’s worth it. Seriously, check out those views!
#6: Alona Beach
Panglao Island, Philippines
This little slice of paradise offers visitors an endless array of things to do and see while simultaneously catering to those who wish to do nothing at all! Again, Alona Beach has it all; immaculate white sand, turquoise waters ideal for snorkeling and scuba diving, exceptional nightlife and a slew of fantastic restaurants. Fresh seafood is always on the menu and cheap beer can be found around every corner. While the beach itself is pretty small (a 15 minute walk from one end to the other), you’ll be having too much fun to notice!
#5: Mui Ne Beach
Bình Thuan, Vietnam
When most people picture Vietnam they probably don’t image massive sand dunes, scenic beaches and excellent surf. But thankfully, Mui Ne Beach on the country’s southern coast is slowly changing the public’s perception of what Vietnam also looks like! Home to some of the best kite-surfing (and regular surfing) in all of Asia, Mui Ne has become the go-to place for tourists looking to get up close and personal with the waves of the South China Sea. Of course there’s still plenty to do if you aren’t a water sports enthusiast. The area boasts 5 star resorts, top-notch restaurants and ATV tours of the sand dunes.
#4: White Beach
Boracay, Philippines
Unsurprisingly, we’re heading back to the Philippines. This has long been one of the most popular beaches in all of Southeast Asia, and for good reason. Boracay may be small, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in beauty. The island’s main draw is indeed this almost fairytale-beautiful beach. Mind you, there is certainly no shortage of bars, restaurants, spas and other amenities dotting its shores, and tourists can hire boats to take them out to sea so that they may explore the underwater world of this tropical paradise. At night White Beach turns into party central, with fire shows and live music replacing volleyball games and tanning.
#3: Ta Pho Beach
Koh Kood, Thailand
What kind of list would this be if Thailand only made one appearance? So for your beachy enjoyment we offer up Ta Pho Beach, one of the most scenic and secluded spots that the country has to offer. Here you’ll find the typical white sand beaches and crystal clear waters that many of our other entries have to offer, but with a much smaller influx of yearly tourists. Leave the hustle and bustle of big cities behind and kick back with a coconut in one hand and a plate of pad Thai in the other while taking in the incomparable southern Thailand sunsets.
#2: Tanjung Rhu Beach
Langkawi, Malaysia
One of the most underrated countries in Southeast Asia, Malaysia is slowly making a name for itself as a top-notch tourist destination; and part of the reason why is places like this. Tanjung Rhu may not be as well-known as some of Malaysia’s other beaches but that should definitely not deter tourists from checking it out. The surrounding area’s majorly scenic views perfectly complement the small stretch of sugary white beach that is Tanjung Rhu. Once again, sit back, relax and leave the stress of the modern world behind in a tranquil getaway.
#1: Seminyak Beach
Bali, Indonesia
Bali is justly world-famous for its natural beauty and its robust tourism industry. It has dozens of wonderful beaches and resorts, including both isolated nature sanctuaries and party-oriented spots like Kuta, and it’s hard to choose just one. Seminyak Beach does stand out as a marvelous expanse of sand, very popular with advanced surfers because of its stellar waves and tricky currents. It’s a majestic slice of sandy heaven , and is surrounded by a flourishing upscale ex-pat-oriented community loaded with cafes, galleries and restaurants. This one is not to be missed.
Let the travel inspiration begin! Welcome to MojoTravels, and today we’ll be counting down our picks for the Top 10 Beaches in Southeast Asia.
For this list, we’ll be taking a look at the most stunning, beautiful, relaxing and exciting beaches in all of SouthEast Asia.
#10: Pattaya Beach
Koh Lipe, Thailand
Located in the south of Thailand, Koh Lipe is a tiny island with a handful of fantastic beaches. The largest and most popular is Pattaya Beach. During the day it’s the perfect place to throw down a towel or grab a beach chair and simply relax. The views are spectacular and there’s never a bar or restaurant too far away. As day turns to night Pattaya Beach truly comes alive, boasting some of the best nightlife on the island. Indulge in one of the islands famous cocktail bowls while taking in a beachside fire show. Catch some sleep and do it all over again the following day!
#9: Otres Beach
Sihanoukville, Cambodia
Cambodia’s beaches have long lived in the reputational shadow of those of its western Thai neighbor, but thanks to places like this, that’s starting to change. Otres Beach is not only a never-ending stretch of white sand and blue waters, it’s also the go-to area for backpackers in search of good food, cheap accommodation and a vibrant nightlife. The sheer length of this beach means that you’ll never have to fight for a spot in the sun. Local hawkers spend their days walking up and down offering everything from coconuts to beer, so if your goal is to see how long you can go without getting up you’ll be just fine.
#8: Nacpan Beach
El Nido, Philippines
Hands down the most beautiful beach in the area (and country) packed with great beaches), Nacpan Beach is a must-visit for anyone and everyone planning a trip to the Philippines. Located on El Nido’s northern coastline, Nacpan Beach offers visitors a breathtaking view of the surrounding landscape, which includes mountains, palm trees and endless vistas of crystal blue ocean water. The water is ideal for snorkeling and scuba diving and the sand is duvet-soft. Seriously, what more could you want from a destination beach?
#7: Phra Nang Beach
Railay, Thailand
Southern Thailand is considered one of the most idyllic places on earth and Phra Nang Beach in Railay is a big reason why. Surrounded by picturesque limestone mountains, lush green jungles filled with frolicking monkeys and enough white sand and clear waters to last a lifetime, Phra Nang offers visitors nothing but pure, sun-soaked bliss. We won’t lie, this is one of the most popular beaches in the entire country and a day trip there will undoubtedly result in you jostling for position with other travelers, but guess what? It’s worth it. Seriously, check out those views!
#6: Alona Beach
Panglao Island, Philippines
This little slice of paradise offers visitors an endless array of things to do and see while simultaneously catering to those who wish to do nothing at all! Again, Alona Beach has it all; immaculate white sand, turquoise waters ideal for snorkeling and scuba diving, exceptional nightlife and a slew of fantastic restaurants. Fresh seafood is always on the menu and cheap beer can be found around every corner. While the beach itself is pretty small (a 15 minute walk from one end to the other), you’ll be having too much fun to notice!
#5: Mui Ne Beach
Bình Thuan, Vietnam
When most people picture Vietnam they probably don’t image massive sand dunes, scenic beaches and excellent surf. But thankfully, Mui Ne Beach on the country’s southern coast is slowly changing the public’s perception of what Vietnam also looks like! Home to some of the best kite-surfing (and regular surfing) in all of Asia, Mui Ne has become the go-to place for tourists looking to get up close and personal with the waves of the South China Sea. Of course there’s still plenty to do if you aren’t a water sports enthusiast. The area boasts 5 star resorts, top-notch restaurants and ATV tours of the sand dunes.
#4: White Beach
Boracay, Philippines
Unsurprisingly, we’re heading back to the Philippines. This has long been one of the most popular beaches in all of Southeast Asia, and for good reason. Boracay may be small, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in beauty. The island’s main draw is indeed this almost fairytale-beautiful beach. Mind you, there is certainly no shortage of bars, restaurants, spas and other amenities dotting its shores, and tourists can hire boats to take them out to sea so that they may explore the underwater world of this tropical paradise. At night White Beach turns into party central, with fire shows and live music replacing volleyball games and tanning.
#3: Ta Pho Beach
Koh Kood, Thailand
What kind of list would this be if Thailand only made one appearance? So for your beachy enjoyment we offer up Ta Pho Beach, one of the most scenic and secluded spots that the country has to offer. Here you’ll find the typical white sand beaches and crystal clear waters that many of our other entries have to offer, but with a much smaller influx of yearly tourists. Leave the hustle and bustle of big cities behind and kick back with a coconut in one hand and a plate of pad Thai in the other while taking in the incomparable southern Thailand sunsets.
#2: Tanjung Rhu Beach
Langkawi, Malaysia
One of the most underrated countries in Southeast Asia, Malaysia is slowly making a name for itself as a top-notch tourist destination; and part of the reason why is places like this. Tanjung Rhu may not be as well-known as some of Malaysia’s other beaches but that should definitely not deter tourists from checking it out. The surrounding area’s majorly scenic views perfectly complement the small stretch of sugary white beach that is Tanjung Rhu. Once again, sit back, relax and leave the stress of the modern world behind in a tranquil getaway.
#1: Seminyak Beach
Bali, Indonesia
Bali is justly world-famous for its natural beauty and its robust tourism industry. It has dozens of wonderful beaches and resorts, including both isolated nature sanctuaries and party-oriented spots like Kuta, and it’s hard to choose just one. Seminyak Beach does stand out as a marvelous expanse of sand, very popular with advanced surfers because of its stellar waves and tricky currents. It’s a majestic slice of sandy heaven , and is surrounded by a flourishing upscale ex-pat-oriented community loaded with cafes, galleries and restaurants. This one is not to be missed.
