Asia's Top 50+ Beaches

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If any continent could lay claim to having the best beaches on the planet then that might well be Asia. This is the place where the archetypal tropical paradise was virtually defined. Picture white sands, swaying palm trees and crystal clear turquoise water, with or without surf, this is what the best beaches in Asia have on tap.

Southeast Asia tends to dominate the pecking order with long-established heavyweights such as Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia never failing to deliver tropical bliss. Add in some great local food, often served right on the beach and that's a hard act to top.

Whilst there are still no shortage of hidden gems, even in places like Phuket and Krabi, the more adventurous beach-lover may want to head a little off the well-trodden path. People are only just discovering that countries such as the Philippines and Vietnam actually have some of the best beaches in the world.

The Indian Ocean is something of an island paradise with any number of remote and not so remote archipelagos. Most notable are the Maldives with some of the most beautiful beaches in Asia and possibly the clearest waters and whitest sand in the world. Add to this some coral reefs with perfect waves and great diving, and you have perfection.

Finally, the beaches of India and Sri Lanka should not be overlooked. Goa is particularly popular, offering visitors a chance to relax in the sun and enjoy the many beach-side restaurants and bars. The beaches of Kerala are also stunning, with their white sand and turquoise waters.

  • Koh Kradan // Thailand

    Koh Kradan

    Thailand is well known for its beautiful beaches and to some extent this has meant that many of the most amazing beaches are now over-crowded and heavily commercialised. However, you don't have to go to far off the beaten track to still find a pristine gem and the island of Koh Kradan is home to just such a beach.This stunning… read more »

  • El Nido // Philippines

    El Nido
    © softlight69 / 123RF

    El Nido is an unspoilt tropical paradise often referred to as the Philippines' last frontier. Situated towards the northern tip of Palawan island El Nido is much more than just a single beach. In fact it comprises around 50 beaches set among a series of small islands, towering marble cliffs, lush tropical vegetation, ancient caves and enchanting lagoons.

    As if… read more »

  • Railay Beach // Thailand

    Railay Beach
    © PancakeTom

    Railay is a narrow peninsula that is cut off from the surrounding area by high limestone cliffs. Whilst these cliffs are very popular with climbers it means that Railay is only accessible only by a short boat ride from Ao Nang or Krabi. This should be seen as a blessing as it has protected the resort from the tourist frenzy… read more »

  • Kelingking Beach // Indonesia

    Kelingking Beach

    If the beaches of Bali aren't quite stunning enough for you then hop on a boat and make the short trip over to the island of Nusa Penida, you won't be disappointed. Although it's a tough call, in terms of sheer wow factor, Kelingking Beach is possibly the best on the little island. The competition is pretty stiff with spots… read more »

  • White Beach // Philippines

    White Beach
    © Angelo Juan Ramos / CC BY

    They call it White beach for a reason - several kilometers of brilliant white sand to contrast with the swaying palms behind and the turquoise ocean in front.

    Now, many people will say that Boracay has been somewhat spoiled by too much tourism. Whilst there is no arguing that it is probably the most popular tourist destination in the Philippines, I… read more »

  • Freedom Beach // Thailand

    Freedom Beach
    BlueEyeTea

    Freedom Beach is one of the most beautiful with a 300m crescent of soft white sand and clear blue water backed by lush green mountains. Located on the west coast of Phuket, you can reach this private beach by longtail boat from Patong which lies just to the south. You can also take a strenuous hike down the cliffs path… read more »

  • Radhanagar Beach // India

    Radhanagar Beach
    © Bishnu Sarangi

    Radhanagar Beach also takes the alternative name of Beach No 7. Its white sands, which gently slope into the waters of the Bay of Bengal to a backdrop of verdant forest, are regularly voted one of the best in Asia and the world.

    Radhanagar Beach lies on the western side of Swaraj Dweep, which is still often known by its… read more »

  • Laem Had Beach // Thailand

    Laem Had Beach
    © pierricklemaret

    Koh Yao Yai Island sits in the sparkling blue waters of the Andaman Sea. The name translates as "big long island" - but this is only comparison to the other islands of the Phang Nga Bay archipelago. Largely undeveloped, i.e. not blighted by mass tourism, this island has a number of idyllic beaches that could be straight out of Robinson… read more »

  • Ao Tanote Bay // Thailand

    Ao Tanote Bay

    While just a couple of hundred metres in length, the beach at Ao Tanote Bay on the Thai island of Koh Tao still manages to make for an exquisite escape. Combining sun, soft sand and warm shallows, coconut palms edge the plant-covered hills providing a quintessential tropical backdrop.

    The fact it is a short walk from the nearest roads makes the… read more »

  • Palawan Beach // Singapore

    Palawan Beach
    © Arulonline

    Palawan Beach is one of several long and broad sand beaches located on the southwest side of Sentosa Island, a short drive or cable car ride from downtown Singapore. It is generally considered the most child and family-friendly.

    It is named after Palawan Island. Connected to Palawan beach by a chain-link suspension bridge, the island is said to be the southernmost… read more »

  • Tanjung Aan Beach // Indonesia

    Tanjung Aan Beach
    Suryanata budi

    With a wide arc of sparkling white sand and brilliant turquoise waters, Tanjung Aan beach certainly checks all the boxes. Set in a wide, horseshoe shaped bay it is also one of the more sheltered beaches on Lombok's exposed south coast. That said there are still some waves for surfing in the middle of the bay, and these are ideal… read more »

  • Beit Yanai // Israel

    Beit Yanai
    © yoni leibtag Pikiwiki Israel / CC BY

    Beit Yanai ("House of Yanai") is a small settlement and community of farmers with a population around 450. Formed in 1933 by settlers from Poland and Lithuania, this settlement is in the Sharon plain in central Israel. Known for its beach of the same name, this coast ranks among the best in Israel thanks to its long and wide stretches… read more »

  • Varkala Beach // India

    Varkala Beach
    © Navaneeth Krishnan S / CC BY

    Set in the south of Kerala Varkala Beach is a truly beautiful spot. From the long stretch of cliff there are views out over the Arabian Sea and the beach below. This stretch fine white sand is outlined in coconut trees and bamboo huts giving it a totally tropical feel. Whilst there are plenty of hotels, restaurants, and shops nearby… read more »

  • Querim Beach // India

    Querim Beach
    © Jo Kent / CC BY

    Querim Beach, often referred to as Keri Beach, is the northernmost beach in Goa. As such it has something of a remote feel to it and never gets busy like nearby Arambol Beach to the south. Querim Beach is a place you can enjoy relaxing walks on the beach, sunbathe, go surfing and watching the sunset. This is the… read more »

  • Akajima Beach // Japan

    Akajima Beach
    © JordyMeow / CC BY

    Akajima, pronounced Akashima, is an island forming part of the Kerama Islands group in Japan's Okinawa Prefecture. Nicknamed "Aka", this is a popular holiday destination from both Okinawa and the mainland. Situated roughly midway between the northern tip of Taiwan and mainland Japan's southern-most point, Aka enjoys a near tropical climate. It has a permanent population of just over 300… read more »