1. Kem Beach – Phu Quoc, Vietnam
Kem Beach has earned global recognition as one of the best beaches in Southeast Asia. Curving in a graceful crescent, the beach is defined by its powdery white sand as smooth as cream and crystal-clear turquoise waters. Its natural beauty is both breathtaking and unspoiled, creating a rare sense of serenity. Adding to this natural beauty is a collection of world-class properties, including JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay with its iconic Bill Bensley design, New World Phu Quoc Resort with family-focused villas, and Premier Residences Phu Quoc Emerald Bay offering modern beachfront apartments. Together, they create a seamless harmony where nature’s splendor meets international luxury, making Kem Beach a true highlight among the best beaches in Southeast Asia.
The serene charm makes Kem Beach a jewel of Phu Quoc (Photo: Collected)
2. Sao Beach – Phu Quoc, Vietnam
Sao Beach is one of Phu Quoc’s most photographed coastlines, celebrated for its powdery white sand that stretches for nearly seven kilometers. The calm, shallow turquoise waters make it ideal for swimming and a favorite spot for families with children. Coconut palms line the beach, creating postcard-perfect scenery that has made Sao Beach a symbol of Phu Quoc tourism. During peak season, international travelers flock here to bask under the tropical sun or sip fresh coconut water at rustic beach bars. Unlike some beaches that have been heavily commercialized, Sao Beach manages to balance accessibility with natural charm. Its iconic beauty and inviting atmosphere ensure its place among the best beaches in Southeast Asia, particularly for those seeking a vibrant yet authentic island experience.
Sao Beach features long white sand and shallow turquoise water (Photo: Collected)
3. Ong Doi Cape – Phu Quoc, Vietnam
Ong Doi Cape is a unique destination located at the southernmost point of Phu Quoc, known as the only place in Vietnam where visitors can witness both sunrise and sunset from the same spot. This remarkable feature, combined with rocky headlands, secluded coves, and stretches of soft sand, makes Ong Doi Cape unlike any other beach on the island. The cape is home to Premier Village Phu Quoc Resort, designed as a collection of villas cascading down two hillsides, each with panoramic ocean views. The harmony of rugged nature and refined design gives Ong Doi Cape a rare exclusivity. For travelers looking beyond the ordinary, its one-of-a-kind setting firmly secures Ong Doi Cape a position among the best beaches in Southeast Asia.
Ong Doi Cape is unique for views of both sunrise and sunset (Photo: Collected)
4. My Khe Beach – Da Nang, Vietnam
Running for roughly six kilometers along Da Nang’s eastern shoreline, My Khe Beach is defined by golden sand, gentle surf and warm, swimmable water most of the year. Its biggest strength is balance: urban convenience—resorts, seafood eateries and easy airport access—meets a clean, open beach that works for sunrise jogs, relaxed swims and beginner-friendly surf. In 2024, TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best ranked My Khe #6 in Asia, underscoring its consistent appeal with global travelers. Several international outlets have also spotlighted the beach in recent years, cementing its reputation as one of the best beaches in Southeast Asia for a city-and-sea combo.
My Khe Beach with golden sand and gentle surf (Photo: Collected)
5. My An Beach – Da Nang, Vietnam
South of My Khe, My An Beach offers a quieter stretch with fine, clean sand and typically calm water. Fronting the beachfront in My An Ward, Premier Village Danang Resort anchors the area with villa accommodation, direct beach access and family-friendly facilities. The combination of a tidy, relaxed beach and full-service stays makes My An an easy recommendation for those who want comfort without crowds. Early mornings are ideal for swimming and shoreline walks; late afternoons bring a soft, golden light without heavy crowds. Compared with busier sections of Da Nang’s coast, My An feels more residential and resort-focused, with tidy facilities and direct beachfront access. For visitors who prefer a low-key setting while staying close to great dining and the airport, My An is a practical pick among the best beaches in Southeast Asia.
My An Beach with a calm and relax scenery (Photo: Collected)
6. Ha Long Bay – Quang Ninh, Vietnam
A UNESCO World Heritage site famed for thousands of limestone karsts rising from emerald waters, Ha Long Bay also shelters small sandy beaches—such as Titov—where travelers can swim and sunbathe amid dramatic scenery. Most visitors explore by day or overnight cruise, then stop at select coves for beach time and viewpoints. The bay’s appeal is twofold: world-class heritage and quiet pockets of sand embedded in a spectacular seascape. On shore, Sun World Ha Long Complex adds a full day of activities: the Queen Cable Car linking Bai Chay to Ba Deo Hill, the hilltop Sun Wheel for panoramic views, plus Dragon Park and Typhoon Water Park. This pairing—heritage seascape offshore, modern attractions onshore—gives Ha Long a rare breadth of experiences and secures its place among the best beaches in Southeast Asia.
The charm of the world heritage Ha Long Bay (Photo: Collected)
7. Cat Ba Island – Hai Phong, Vietnam
Cat Ba Island anchors the southern gateway of Lan Ha Bay, offering accessible sandy strands at Cat Co 1–3 and viewpoints over a maze of karst islets. Beyond the beach, Cat Ba National Park adds hiking and wildlife to a coastal itinerary, while nearby fishing villages provide a local lens on island life. The island forms part of the UNESCO-listed Ha Long Bay – Cat Ba Archipelago, which recognizes both its scenic beauty and ecological value.
Getting here is now smoother thanks to Sun World Cat Ba Cable Car: the Cat Hai – Phu Long three-wire line shortens transfer time and holds a Guinness record for its 214.8-m cable pillar. From the Phu Long terminal, visitors continue to central Cat Ba for beaches, viewpoints and seafood. For travelers who want beaches plus soft adventure—boat trips through hidden coves, short treks, sunset lookouts—Cat Ba delivers a rounded experience within the best beaches in Southeast Asia conversation.
Cat Co beaches with calm water and karst views. (Photo: Collected)
8. White Beach – Boracay, Philippines
White Beach is the emblem of Boracay: a four-kilometer ribbon of talcum-soft sand and clear, shallow water ideal for swimming. The beach is divided into Sections 1–3, each with its own vibe—from quieter stretches perfect for sunset walks to livelier fronts with cafés and bars. Daytime brings paddleboarding and sailing on gentle seas; evenings shift to lantern-lit dinners on the sand. Despite its popularity, regular beach cleanups and visitor management keep the shoreline inviting. For travelers who want convenience, atmosphere, and classic tropical scenery in one place, White Beach remains a benchmark among the best beaches in Southeast Asia.
Powder-white sand and calm aquamarine water on Boracay’s White Beach (Photo: Collected)
9. Nacpan Beach – Palawan, Philippines
About 45 minutes from El Nido, Nacpan Beach is a four-kilometer arc backed by coconut groves and small local cafés. The sand is fine and golden, the water clear, and the vibe unhurried—making it a favorite for travelers who want space to breathe. At the northern end, the twin-beach viewpoint (toward Calitang) gives a sweeping look over two bays. Facilities are modest by design, which helps Nacpan keep its low-key charm. Come for an easy swim, a slow lunch under the palms, and an unspoiled setting that consistently earns Nacpan a place among the best beaches in Southeast Asia for laid-back days.
A long golden shoreline at Nacpan (Photo: Collected)
10. Pink Beach – Komodo, Indonesia
Pink Beach on Komodo Island is famous for its rose-tinted sand—created when tiny red coral fragments mix with white grains. Add crystalline water and healthy fringing reefs, and you have one of the region’s most photogenic shorelines. Snorkel a few fin-kicks from the beach to meet reef fish and soft corals; visibility is often excellent. The beach sits inside Komodo National Park, so conditions are protected and visitor behavior is regulated for conservation. Its rare coloration and easy snorkeling make Pink Beach a standout entry in any list of the best beaches in Southeast Asia, especially for travelers who love unique natural phenomena.
Pink-hued sand meets clear blue water at Komodo’s Pink Beach (Photo: Collected)
11. Nusa Dua – Bali, Indonesia
Sheltered on Bali’s southern tip, Nusa Dua offers a wide, clean strand with calm, shallow water—ideal for families and relaxed swimmers. A paved beachfront promenade links a row of five-star resorts, spas, and cafés, so you can move easily between beach time and amenities. Early mornings are serene for walks and safe swims; afternoons bring gentle breezes and long stretches of shade. Nearby sights like Waterblow and cultural shows add variety without leaving the resort zone. For travelers seeking polished comfort with a classic seaside setting, Nusa Dua remains a reliable choice among the best beaches in Southeast Asia.
A calm lagoon and broad sandy strand at Nusa Dua (Photo: Collected)
12. Railay Beach – Krabi, Thailand
Accessible only by boat, Railay sits on a peninsula walled by dramatic limestone cliffs. The beaches—West Railay and Phra Nang—offer soft sand and clear, swimmable water, while the cliffs create a spectacular amphitheater for photos and rock climbing. Long-tail boats come and go, but the vibe stays unhurried, with small beachfront eateries and low-rise stays tucked into the greenery. Daylight hours are for swimming, kayaking, or short walks to viewpoints; evenings bring quiet sunsets over the Andaman. Railay’s mix of scenery and simplicity earns it a perennial spot among the best beaches in Southeast Asia.
Limestone cliffs framing soft sand and clear water at Railay (Photo: Collected)
13. Maya Bay – Phi Phi Islands, Thailand
Encircled by 100-meter cliffs, Maya Bay has become an icon of tropical scenery. The water is a luminous turquoise, the sand pale and fine, and the setting feels naturally enclosed—like a giant, open-air lagoon. To protect fragile corals and seagrass, access is managed and rules can change seasonally; check current guidelines before visiting. Even with limits, the experience remains striking: arrive early for softer light and fewer boats, or visit as part of a day trip pairing nearby coves. Its cinematic beauty secures Maya Bay’s place among the best beaches in Southeast Asia.
Maya Bay’s turquoise water enclosed by sheer limestone walls. (Photo: Collected)
14. Ngapali Beach – Rakhine, Myanmar
Ngapali is a seven-kilometer bay of pale sand lined with palms and small fishing boats—quiet, low-rise, and refreshingly slow. Mornings see gentle waves and clear water for easy swims; afternoons invite coastal bike rides and simple seafood lunches at family-run eateries. Resorts remain discreet, so the beach feels open and uncrowded even in peak months. Travelers who value space, soft light, and local flavor often return here precisely because it isn’t overdeveloped. For an unhurried escape with classic tropical scenery, Ngapali belongs among the best beaches in Southeast Asia.
A long palm-lined shoreline with calm, swimmable water at Ngapali. (Photo: Collected)
15. Perhentian Islands – Terengganu, Malaysia
Split between Perhentian Besar and Perhentian Kecil, these islands offer powdery beaches and some of mainland Southeast Asia’s easiest reef access straight from shore. Snorkel over coral gardens to spot parrotfish, clownfish, and sea turtles; visibility is often excellent in calm weather. On land, short jungle paths link coves and viewpoints, while nights stay quiet aside from the sound of waves. The overall feel is back-to-basics island time—simple, beautiful, and focused on the sea. For accessible snorkeling and clear shallows, the Perhentians are a natural fit among the best beaches in Southeast Asia.
Clear shallows and coral gardens just off the beach in the Perhentians. (Photo: Collected)
