Famous for turquoise waters teeming with exotic marine life, endless stretches of beautiful beaches, hidden lagoons, and swoon-worthy island sunsets, Southeast Asia is a tropical paradise seeker’s dream destination. Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, and Singapore lure with incredible landscape and culture infused in their beach experiences—and coconuts galore, too.
From secluded coves and family-friendly sea swimming to watersport opportunities and lively atmospheres, there’s a stretch of sand for every kind of beachgoer in Southeast Asia.
These are some of the best beaches in Southeast Asia just waiting to be discovered.
Nai Harn Beach, Thailand
Nai Harn Beach, Thailand
A sweep of white sand at the southern tip of Phuket, Nai Harn Beach is peaceful and perfect for splashing around in the aquamarine shallows. The beach is framed by forested hills and backed by casuarina trees, behind which is a lake and a Buddhist temple, Wat Nai Harn. You can visit the temple, but make sure to dress respectfully.
Locals and expatriates love this beach because of its tranquility; some of the other beaches on Phuket are much livelier, with more of a party scene.
Nonetheless, you’ll find plenty of places near the beach for authentic Thai food when you need to get out of the midday sun, as well as beach massages in the shade of the trees. There are umbrellas and lounge chairs to rent and even outdoor gym equipment by the lake.
Kamala Beach, Thailand
Kamala Beach, Thailand
Kamala Beach lies across a forested headland from Phuket’s busy Patong Beach on the west coast. It’s a long strip of sugary sand with turquoise water and a laid-back feel. A couple of upscale beach clubs and restaurants are located at the northern end.
Otherwise, the beach is lined with villas and apartments, with no shortage of hawker stalls and toes-in-the-sand restaurants where you can get sizzling fresh Thai food. You can rent umbrellas and lounge chairs, too.
There’s good snorkeling at the northern end of the beach, while local operators will offer parasailing trips for a bird’s-eye view.
Colorful long-tail boats bob in the water at the southern end of the beach. A ride in one of these can be a fun way to explore the coastline and check out a couple of neighboring beaches.
Pantai Cenang, Malaysia
Pantai Cenang, Malaysia
The long, sandy stretch of Pantai Cenang lies on the west coast of Langkawi island, a paradise of white sand and blue-green water, with palm trees providing shade.
Unsurprisingly, this is one of the most popular beaches on the island, lined with cafés and restaurants. All kinds of water sports are available, and you’ll find umbrellas and lounge chairs to rent.
Close to the beach, there’s good shopping, including two duty-free malls, as well as assorted day spas.
There are some things to do in Langkawi away from the sand, too. Underwater World Langkawi is one of Malaysia’s most impressive aquariums, housing everything from sharks to penguins, as well as a rainforest exhibit with monkeys.
Or you could visit the Rice Museum, an open-air attraction that teaches visitors all about rice cultivation. You can tour the paddy fields and admire the creatures that congregate here, which range from egrets and herons to water buffalo.
Tanjung Rhu Beach, Malaysia
Tanjung Rhu Beach, Malaysia
Tanjung Rhu Beach lies at the northern tip of Langkawi. This is an especially scenic part of the island, with tall, forested cliffs on either side of the beach and casuarina trees providing shade.
Jungly islands are dotted in the bay, making for gorgeous views; you can ask a local boatman to take you out for a visit. Or at low tide, you can walk across to Pulau Chabang, one of the islands. Just be careful not to get stranded.
The water here is shallow and clear for swimming, while kayaks can be rented for exploring. But there are no facilities, and a part of the beach is occupied by two luxury resorts. To find places to eat, you’d have to head for the southern section of Tanjung Rhu, over the headland.
Tanjung Rhu is part of Langkawi’s Kilim Geoforest Park, a vast area of mangroves, karst formations, rivers, caves, and walking trails. So when you need a break from sunbathing, take time to explore the park. Take a boat ride through the mangroves to learn about wildlife and look for eagles and bats.
Palawan Beach, Singapore
Palawan Beach, Singapore
Palawan Beach, two curves of pale sand, is part of Sentosa Island, Singapore’s playground. A day here is a great opportunity to enjoy some Singaporean beach time combined with some of the attractions of Sentosa. Palawan is also the most family-friendly of Sentosa’s beaches, so pick this one if you’re traveling with kids.
There are various beach clubs here where you can rent lounge chairs and enjoy the facilities. Kids will enjoy crossing the rope bridge to a tiny islet that has the claim to fame of being the southernmost point of continental Asia.
If you’re feeling peckish, head to the Palawan Food Trucks. These ten colorful trucks sell everything from tacos to steamed bao buns with roast meat and Aussie-style fish and chips.
Lovina Beach, Indonesia
Lovina Beach, Indonesia
Lovina Beach lies on Bali’s north coast and is unusual in that it’s composed of black volcanic sand. The sea is usually calm here. Lovina itself, where fishing boats are hauled up on the sand, is a sleepy, laid-back place, making this one of the best beaches in Bali for families.
You’ll find plenty of low-key restaurants and cafés in town, including some on the beach, shaded by trees. Unsurprisingly, seafood is a specialty here.
There’s a thriving population of bottlenose and spinner dolphins here. As you can tell from the dolphin statue that stands in the town, they have become an emblem of Lovina.
You can join a dolphin-watching tour that includes a chance to get in the water and swim, should the dolphins approach you, which is a magical experience. There are trips out to Lovina Reef, too, for snorkelers, who will love the clear water and dazzling corals.
Tanjung Aan Beach, Indonesia
Tanjung Aan Beach, Indonesia
Tanjung Aan, on the southern shore of tranquil Lombok, is a breathtaking sight: a bay in an almost perfect horseshoe shape, fringed with two curves of soft, white sand. Waves break over the rocks at either end and coconut palms drape over the sand, casting shadows.
Life here is very low key, which is part of the charm. Check out Warung Turtle for traditional Indonesian snacks including rice and noodle dishes, spring rolls, and cold beer. If you buy food here, you can use their lounge chairs.
Pose on the makeshift wooden swing for your Instagram feed, the turquoise sea shimmering behind you. You can enjoy great views, too, from Bukit Antara, the rocks that divide the two halves of the horseshoe.
Khao Kalok Beach, Thailand
Khao Kalok Beach in Pran Buri, Thailand
Approximately three hours from the bustling city of Bangkok, you’ll find a peaceful beachside escape at Khao Kalok Beach in Pak Nam Pran. This quiet beach has chairs for rent, as well as large trees that provide ample shade.
White sand and a mountain backdrop make for gorgeous scenery, and if you’re feeling ambitious, a 20-minute trek up the neighboring mountain provides fantastic views of the area. The nearby Khao Kolok Temple is also worth a visit before or after your dip in the warm sea, and you can sample some local treats from the food carts at the beach if you’re in need of some refreshments.
An Bang Beach, Vietnam
An Bang Beach in Hoi An, Vietnam
One of the best things to do in Vietnam is visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site and bike-friendly city of Hoi An for the trifecta of history, culture, and beachside bliss. Just 10 minutes outside of the historic city center and reachable by bicycle, the area of Cam An is host to An Bang Beach.
Restaurants offering local cuisine line this beautiful beach with outdoor seating in the sea breeze and lounge chairs available for rent to help achieve ultimate relaxation. Swimming and paddleboarding are popular activities at this lively Vietnamese beach, bringing the experience full circle.
Bophut Beach, Thailand
Bophut Beach in Ko Samui, Thailand
With numerous idyllic islands, Thailand is a dream destination for beach lovers everywhere. In the southeastern group of the country’s islands, Koh Samui is surrounded by white sand beaches and palm trees.
At Fisherman’s Village, situated just behind the beach, you’ll find shops selling some of the best Thailand souvenirs, along with restaurants and bars. Sign up for SCUBA lessons or join a guided group tour to one of the well-known dive sites like Koh Tao Island, Sail Rock, or Ang Thong Marine Park.
Nusa Dua Beach, Indonesia
Nusa Dua Beach in Bali, Indonesia
Indonesia is well known for having some of the best beaches in Southeast Asia, and a diverse group at that. On the island of Bali, you’ll find a multitude of blue-green shades of sea, a laid-back atmosphere, and friendly people.
A top spot on the southern coast, Nusa Dua is a gorgeous stretch of sand with amenities for visitors with two iconic Balinese temples on either side. Gaze at the shimmering water from a local warung (cafe) after a day of lounging and swimming, and get your fill of Balinese cuisine. During your visit, head to nearby Water Blow, one of the island’s most interesting natural attractions.
Read: Best Places to Visit in Asia
Lang Co Beach, Vietnam
Lang Co Beach in Hue, Vietnam
Located between the historical cities of Hue and Hoi An, Lang Co Beach offers a beach experience away from the crowds with some fun photo opportunities. This Central Vietnam gem offers an inviting lagoon perfect for a dip in the calm waters.
The waves on the opposite side of the lagoon encourage bodysurfing or just some light-hearted wave hopping. Fuel up on local fare at one of the restaurants after a full day of beach activities.
Siloso Beach, Singapore
Siloso Beach, Singapore
Singapore is a vibrant cosmopolitan city with modern architecture and amenities that stretch all the way to the sand. Lively Soloso Beach is perched on Sentosa Island and connected to the city by road and accessible by public transport.
This Singapore beach has no shortage of adrenaline-pumping adventures to enjoy, like ziplining, bungee jumping, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Visit one of the resident spas or hop on the cable car for a spectacular view of the sandy playground below. Restaurants and themed bars abound along the boardwalk, with seemingly endless refreshments available.
Lamai Beach, Thailand
Lamai Beach in Ko Samui, Thailand
Perched on Koh Samui’s southeastern coast, Lamai Beach manages to combine everything we love about going to the beach in one location. This beach is popular without being crowded, and the natural rock formations to the south add to the already beautiful backdrop.
Jet-ski rentals are an option for an adrenaline-inducing whip around the Gulf of Thailand, and swimming is perfect for families with younger children. Delicious authentic Thai food is abundant at the seaside restaurants and watering holes nearby.
Canggu Beach, Indonesia
Canggu Beach in Bali, Indonesia
Canggu Beach is a surfer’s paradise, making it one of the best beaches in Bali. Laid-back vibes and plenty of cafes make Canggu an ideal destination on the western side of the island. Grab a healthy snack at a local cafe and head to the beach to hang ten yourself, or just watch the surfers in the ocean.
My Khe Beach, Vietnam
My Khe Beach in Da Nang, Vietnam
My Khe Beach is a paradise located just 10 minutes outside the coastal city center of Da Nang. The 20-mile stretch of sand is perfect for a beach stroll to the relaxing soundtrack of ocean waves. Sunbeds are available for rental, and you can find restaurants and bars nearby.
Read: Best Places to Visit in Vietnam
Choeng Mon Beach, Thailand
Choeng Mon Beach in Ko Samui, Thailand
Calm, shallow water is a big draw for families with young children at this Koh Samui beach on the northern portion of the island. The protected bay makes for small waves and leisurely swimming.
Amenities are bountiful with food options like fresh fruit and seafood, drinks, and lounge chair rentals along the white sand cove. For an extra level of relaxation, you can even book a massage. If tranquil is what you’re after, Choeng Mon Beach is the ideal destination.
Celebrity Millennium
With an expansive selection of ports available, you can choose any of these spectacular beaches to visit on one of Celebrity’s cruises to Southeast Asia. Visit our website and book your next tropical vacation today.
