Life's a beach, and in Asia there's a whole lot of good living to be had. We've researched and uncovered the top beach destinations to be found along the shores of this vast continent.
Pack your bathing suit and sunscreen—these Asia beaches are some of the most popular tourism destinations in the region, attracting visitors with their white-sand beaches, clear waters, and sizzling nightlife.
1. Canggu, Indonesia
For a glimpse of the Bali of yesteryear, before digital nomads set up shop in Ubud and revelers tore up the dance floors in Kuta, head to Canggu, a chilled-out surfer’s paradise on the southern side of the island. Although its profile is on the rise, Canggu retains much of the bohemian spirit of yesteryear. The waves are as good as they say, and there’s plenty to see and do on land, as well. Salute the sun in a restorative yoga class, grab a drink at one of the many juice bars, or check out one of the roadside warungs (small eateries) for traditional Indonesian fare.
2. Bai Dai Beach, Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam
Phu Quoc is being fashioned as the "next Phuket" and will soon be turning in a pretty profit for the Vietnamese government and resort operators. But if unspoiled charms are what you're after, there's still time for you to check out the island and find out why the government finds it bankable in the first place (the international airport won't open until next year).
3. El Nido, Philippines
The islands of El Nido are, perhaps, one of the Palawan Island’s best places to visit. El Nido town looks out to Bacuit Bay and a collection of gorgeous limestone islets (ideal for several days’ worth of island-hopping and beach bumming). There’s a lot you can do in El Nido, well worth the long jaunt to get here—kayaking at Miniloc's Big and Small Lagoons, watersports around Bacuit Bay, and hiking amidst the karst outcrops off El Nido town. At any time of the day, you can hop through El Nido town’s bustling restaurants, and cafes, and have dinner right on the beach after dark!
4. Kep, Cambodia
Skip the backpacker-saturated party town of Sihanoukville and take a trip instead to this resort town. Until the 1960s, Kep was the crown jewel of Cambodia’s coastline. These days, Kep’s star is once again on the rise as travelers wise up to its sleepy charms. Hop on a 20-minute long-tail boat ride out to Koh Tonsay, or “Rabbit Island,” which boasts a powder-sand beach with some postcard-ready views. At the end of the day, feast on Kampot pepper crab and other dishes made using the famous local crustaceans.
5. Patnem Beach, Goa, India
Most tourists know Goa for its Anjuna beach, hippie heaven of the 1960s and now tourist magnet. If the cacophony of flea markets and tourist raves are not your thing, head down to the lesser-known shores of Patnem, which is a stone's throw away from the increasingly crowded Palolem beach. Patnem may be smaller than its famous neighbor but it's also less claustrophobic, with cheaper beach hut accommodation. It's the perfect place to kick back and enjoy the sunset while congratulating yourself on ducking the Goan tourist radar.
