Asia is the world’s largest continent and it can be overwhelming trying to decide where to take a beach holiday! After all, it has everything from the best (and cheapest) places to surf in the world, jaw-droppingly beautiful white sand beaches lined with palm trees, to legendary party beaches.
To make planning your trip a little easier, we’ll take a look at the best beach destinations in Asia. They’re split into a range of different categories, so you can choose the beach best suited to your travel style. Let’s check them out!
Best Beach Destinations in Asia
Best Beach in Asia for Surfing – Cloud 9 Beach, Siargao, Philippines
Where do you even start when it comes to surfing beaches in Asia? Well, the Philippines is a good shout, since it offers some of the world’s cheapest surf lessons. San Juan La Union is close to Manila, but push the boat out and head for Siargao Island. Cloud 9 is the name of the most famous wave in the Philippines, and that’s what you’ll be surfing on just off the town of General Luna. Siargao Island is not only wonderful for surfing but scuba diving and snorkelling too, thanks to being surrounded by coral reefs and sandbars.
Best Beach in Asia for Stand up paddle boarding – Kuta Beach, Bali, Indonesia
Looking to try something a little less intense than surfing? Maybe stand up paddle boarding is the sport for you. The fastest growing water sport in the world, it’s an excellent work out for your core. And it’ll improve your balance and flexibility! However, when you see people practising on Kuta Beach it looks like they’re at complete peace. Kuta is a great place to start, as there are a whole load of surf and SUP schools here and it’s easy to get hold of equipment. However, once you’ve mastered the basics, you could head out to the quieter Gili Islands and enjoy some SUPing there!
Best Beach in Asia for honeymooners – Kandolhu Island Beach, Maldives
When thinking of honeymoon destinations in Asia, the Maldives has to be right up there. The secluded chain of islands bobbing in the middle of the Indian Ocean is famed for its white sands, emerald waters, and lavish resorts. Kanolhu Island Beach is where to go if you’re really treating you and your new partner. It’s expensive, but you won’t be thinking about your bank balance as your snorkelling in the warm waters or taking a long romantic walk on the beach.
Best Beach in Asia for partying – Haad Rin, Koh Phangan, Thailand
A complete change of scenery now – and boy is it hard to choose the best party beach in Thailand, let alone Asia. Haad Rin on Koh Phangan just edges it, thanks to its legendary full moon parties. The beach can attract as many as 30,000 partygoers in its monthly slot as a nightclub, and it’s a right of passage for most backpackers. If you’re not visiting during the legendary full moon party, there’s no shortage of bars and nightclubs around Haad Rin.
Most beautiful Beach in Asia – Railay Beach, Krabi, Thailand
The polar opposite of Haad Rin in so many ways, Railay Beach in Krabi is the quintessential Thai Beach. Think longtail boats, huge limestone karst formations, and white sand beaches. Dense jungle cuts off Railay from mainland Krabi, so the only way to get here is by boat. It’s worth the trip though, and there’s something for all budgets. Whether you’re looking for a backpacker beach hut or a luxury five-star resort, you won’t be disappointed!
Best Beach in Asia for Scuba Diving – Pink Beach, Komodo National Park, Indonesia
While Komodo is known mostly for the dragon of the same name, this Indonesian national park has many more strings to its bow. There are more than 50 scuba diving sites on the island and you can expect to see everything including tropical fish, sharks, turtles, and even the blue ringed octopus living off the coral reefs here. It doesn’t matter too much where you choose to scuba dive in Indonesia, but check out Pink Beach on Komodo for a truly special experience. Broken coral has washed up onto the beach for millennia, with the microorganisms changing the colour of the sand to its pink-tinged hue.
Best Beach in Asia for Snorkelling, Cape Maeda, Okinawa, Japan
While scuba diving is a great way to engage with marine life, it’s not for everyone. But how can you still see what lurks beneath the waves without having to go through the complicated process of getting certified? That’s easy – snorkelling! And in Asia, there are few places better for that than Okinawa’s Cape Maeda. Swim into the blue cave and be dazzled by the sun’s rays coming from above, as well as the turtles, sharks and rays beneath you. A magical experience!
Best Beach in Asia for Kite Surfing – Mui Ne Beach, Vietnam
Last but not least is one of the most popular and wildest beaches in Vietnam: Mui Ne. Once a small fishing village, it’s safe to say that tourism has definitely changed the picturesque town. As well as its huge sand dunes, Mui Ne is known for its kitesurfing and windsurfing scenes. The low rainfall and consistent wind means that year-round, you can enjoy water sports just 4 hours from Ho Chi Minh City.
