While thoughts of an epic beach vacation often have U.S. travelers conjuring up images of Caribbean locales like Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica and Aruba, the sandy shores of Southeast Asia rival even the finest of the Caribbean and Central America’s oases. Touting sparkly blue waters, soft, sandy shorelines and a tropical climate akin to the ones American travelers know and love south of the border, at first glance, vacationers to Southeast Asia might forget they’re across The Pacific save for the region’s soaring rock formations and unique geological features.
Are you willing to put in the extra miles to explore some amazing beaches beyond the Bering Strait? Here are some incredible beach destinations in Southeast Asia you won’t want to miss.
Kelingking Beach In Indonesia
Dubbed one of TripAdvisor’s “Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best” award winners for 2025, vacationers might recognize Indonesia’s Kelingking Beach for its iconic T-Rex-like shape. Located on Nusa Penida, a small island in the Indian Ocean, this picture-perfect stretch of sand is a favorite among photographers and nature lovers alike thanks to its jagged rockfaces, iridescent cerulean waters and unique appearance. While Kelingking Beach has become an extremely popular sightseeing destination in recent years, getting to the famed spot can prove to be a challenge as the island’s roads are largely gravel and the routes are windy and narrow, promising visitors a bumpy and adventurous ride along the way. However, the attraction is well-worth the thrill, and Kelingking Beach offers great views of the surrounding landscape whether travelers choose to hike the narrow stretch down to the water or delight in the sights from above.
North Point Beach Koh Lipe In Thailand
Described by some as the “Maldives of Thailand,” Koh Lipe — an island off the southwest shore of Thailand that doubles as the average sun worshipper’s paradise — is home to no shortage of swoon-worthy coastlines waiting to be lounged upon. And while many of the region’s beaches are absolutely lovely, visitors say North Point Beach is the Crème de la crème, a reputation the spot has earned on account of its soft, white sand, charming cocktail bars and prime opportunities for water activities like snorkeling, ocean kayaking and swimming. While on the pricier side when it comes to lodging options on Koh Lipe, North Point Beach is a popular choice among families and seniors looking for their own secluded slice of paradise.
White Beach In The Philippines
One of the best beaches in Southeast Asia, White Beach is Boracay’s prized jewel boasting no shortage of shops, restaurants, resorts and more for travelers to explore in between strolls along 2.5 miles of tropical seashore. Pair this with the fact White Beach has some of the most beautiful sunsets and warm, shallow waters in The Philippines, and it’s not hard to see why the tourist hotspot is deemed a “must visit” in many vacationers’ eyes. Like Kelingking Beach, White Beach was also voted one of TripAdvisor’s’ “Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best” award winners for 2025, further cementing its spot atop many people’s travel wish lists.
Long Set Beach In Cambodia
Accessible by boat, visitors to Koh Rong’s Long Set Beach will find themselves docking at the aptly named Long Set Pier, the gateway to one of Cambodia’s most fabulous shorelines. Dotted with luxurious resorts and endless photo ops, Long Set Beach is an ideal destination for vacationers seeking underwater adventures like diving and snorkeling, a luxurious stay at a beachfront property or delicious eats paired with an idyllic view of the South China Sea. Love sunsets? Long Set Beach has some of the most spectacular you can find, and when paired with a nightcap, you’re in for an unforgettable experience.
Pantai Cenang In Malaysia
Travelers who prefer a high-energy beach spot need look no further than Malaysia’s Pantai Cenang, an acclaimed attraction on Langkawi Island prominent for its vibrant atmosphere and exciting water-based activities like jet skiing, parasailing, boating and more. Always something going on, Pantai Cenang has an assortment of seaside cafes and restaurants that are worthy of a visit, while shopping is another favorite pastime among visitors.
Tran Phu Beach In Vietnam
Stretching over four miles, Tran Phu Beach is the pride and joy of Nha Trang, a lively coastal town situated in South Central Vietnam. Famous for its spotless white sand, crystal-clear waters and lush foliage, Tran Phu Beach is an ideal destination for vacationers of all varieties with activities that range from sun lounging and cocktail sipping to jet skilling, paddle boarding and beyond. The perfect choice for travelers who don’t want to choose between a natural and urban setting, Tran Phu Beach is just footsteps from the city center of Nha Trang, meaning food and fun are never far away.
About the Author
comments