Travel Photos of 19 Southeast Asia’s Most Beautiful Beaches

Dreaming of a picturesque, tropical getaway but seeking somewhere a little more exotic than Hawaii or the Caribbean? Then, explore further afield in Southeast Asia! The region of Southeast Asia has an excellent reputation for beautiful beaches, with pristine white sands, crystal-clean sea waters, tropical palm trees and stunning sunrises and sunsets. Some, dotting with awarding-winning restaurants and bars, also ensure you a vibrant nightlife.

Looking to know all the sandy options in Southeast Asia? Obviously, there are far too many to list them all. Here, our article will center on the most beautiful beaches in the region.

1. Olhuveli – Maldives

Photo: Rachel Beer, sleepychinchilla, MBoy68, sophmattgunner

Combining with stretches of powdery sandy beach and luxury, modern facilities, Olhuveli was deemed to be the best beach in 2001, 2002 and 2003. This is a truly breathtaking place where paradise seekers can escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

2. Patong Beach – Thailand

Photo: williamcho, darranlow, Evergreen forest

Long recognized as one of the world’s top 10 diving sites, Patong Beach is the most popular beach resort on Phuket Island. Along with stunning seascape, the Patong also boasts a wide variety of activities and exciting nightlife.

3. Kuta Beach – Indonesia

Photo: Fadil Basymeleh, vectorkalkulus, nadi0

One of the most beautiful beaches in Indonesia and even the whole Asia, the Kuta Beach is definitely a favorite spot for those who love immersing into the calm water under the tropical heat. With white, sun-drenched bed of sands, it is a wonderful place to enjoy the sunbath and swimming.

4. Koh Kradan – Thailand

Photo: leket, Syeefa Jay, awws

A truly tropical paradise island, Ko Kradan is home to beautiful white-sand beaches, pristine coral reefs and crystal clear water. It is definitely the most spectacular of all the islands off the coast of Trang.

5. Chaweng Beach – Thailand

Photo: royster00, soma-samui

Ko Samui’s Chaweng Beach remains the most beautiful on the island, with bungalows set in the trees beyond the sand. From award-winning restaurants to sophisticated cocktail bars, you can also spend an unforgettable night at the beach.

6. Pantai Cenang – Malaysia

Photo: Xiaozhuli, saitomo, Amani Hasan, Noeluap

Pantai Cenang, the most developed west-coast beach in Malaysia, is much popular with both locals and foreigners. Its shores are a splendid combination of white sands, crystalline turquoise-blue waters and verdant palms.

7. Boracay Beach – Philippines

Photo: Wikipedia, bginch88, roxj, lhongchou, ppborla, Clonny

Situated about 315 km south of Manila, Boracay’s beach has become #1 tourist destination of the Philippines. Shaped like a dumb-bell, the beach is dominated by sparking sand that makes up the world’s beautiful White Sands Beach. With powder-fine sand and modern facilities, the beach caters to every need and budget.

8. Mui Ne Beach – Phan Thiet, Vietna

Photo: marfis75, nhi.dang, CA RO, thalling55, n0r

A few hours from Ho Chi Minh City, Mui Ne Beach is a popular tropical beach. Along the dazzling white sands of the beach, you can find some great boutique resorts. Also, don’t forget to savor the seafood there.

9. Jimbaran Beach – Indonesia

Photo: suvarn

Nestled on the picturesque Bali Island, this beach is notable for its gorgeous sunsets and the aboriginal fisherman lifestyle. The seafood restaurants and luxury hotels at the beach are also worth a visit.

10. Lonely Beach – Koh Chang, Thailand

Photo: Christoph Rieger, 1ieve, kara_vanmalssen

Locally called Had Tha Nam, this 1-kilometre-long beach was once a deserted and secluded sandy beach known among backpackers as Lonely Beach. The best place for swimming and other beach activities lies in the northern part of the beach.

11. Mai Khao Beach – Phuket, Thailand

Photo: Dennis Wong, Anantara Journeys, gadgetdan

Situated on the northwest coast of Phuket, this 11-kilometre-long, straight beach is the longest beach on the island, with only one resort dotting its shores. You can take a walk with your dear along the beach without seeing anyone at all.

12. Sanur Beach – Indonesia

Photo: JoshS@y, Chieee, veeighty8, calflier001

One of the Bali’s first beach resorts, Sanur Beach is a great choice for laidback lovers who seek peace and natural beauty. While enjoying unparalleled sunrises, guests can admire the panorama of the southern coast of Bali Island.

13. Tanjung Rhu – Langkawi, Malaysia

Photo: khairilfz, I’m George, cucumber, kazuh

A wide, beautiful and empty beach at the north of the Langkawi! With soft sands, the beach boasts cooling shady spots for rest and sparking deep-blue waters for good swimming.

14. Senggigi Beach, Lombok, Indonesia

Photo: ehamberg, Eternal Vagabond, Fadil Basymeleh

Senggigi, the prime beach resort on the island of Lombok, is an ideal vacation destination. You are invited to enjoy white sands, extraordinary coastal views and lively beach resort atmosphere. Adding more fun, a wide expanse of water activities like diving, snorkeling and surfing is out there.

15. Pra Nang Beach

Photo: Goianobe, geddert, Tooley, Brendan Heywood

Set against limestone cliffs, Par Nang is a busy beach of coastal essentials: soft sands, sparkling sea, tiny island just offshore and coral reef. It’s a paradise where colorful birds sing, tropical plants daily gains luxuriance, sun brims, breeze rustle and souls rest.

16. Otres Beach

Photo: Uschi & Horst Pix, diego hernandez

Less crowded than the rest of Sihanoukville beaches, Otres Beach is south of this resort town. Motorbikes are often used to travel over the Queen Hill and get down to Otres. A gorgeous stretch of sands is revealed once you are on the beach. A “savage” beauty is right in front of you.

17. The Beas Island – Maldives

Photo: Matso

Beas Island was elected the Best Beach in 2001, 2002 and 2006. It has a beautiful two-kilometer-long white beach, which is furnished with modern and comfortable facilities.

18. Puerto Princesa – Palawan

Photo: Salim, Tuquetu, Chewy Chua, ididj0emama, gezelle

Home to the famous Subterranean Underground Park, the Puerto Princesa is nominated as one of the new seven wonders of the world. In addition to its white sand beaches, underwater life is also splendid out there.

19. Craydon – Thailand

One of the most beautiful islands in Trang, Craydon is surrounded by clean and blue sea where you can see beautiful fish and coral. Along the coastline are white sandy beaches with beautiful views.