Asia's Top 50+ Beaches

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.

Bekal Beach // India

© Soman / CC BY

Bekal Beach is located on Kerala's Malabar coastline on the shores of the Arabian Sea. This area is a popular destination in India because of its natural scenic beauty and hospitality. Besides the the picturesque, tropical beach , there is a substantial historic fort on the southern headland. The fort is nearly 300 years old, and it offers commanding views… read more »
Marari Beach // India

© Mahendra M / CC BY

The long straight ribbon of sand that forms Marari Beach is backed by palms and slopes gently into Kerala's Arabian Sea waters. While just 11 km from Alleppey (Alappuzha), it is little known. Busiest on weekends and holidays, it remains largely undeveloped. As a result, its facilities are limited, although both sun loungers and umbrellas can be rented here.
The… read more »
Puthenthope Beach // India

© Bentojustin / CC BY

The reddish sands of Puthenthope Beach are uncrowded and known for their tranquillity. A small hamlet and a couple of high-end resorts cluster around this beach, which is situated between two man-made hills.
The nearby coconut groves make for a wonderful place to swing gently in a hammock while enjoying the refreshing breeze that comes off the ocean.
read more »
Ashvem Beach // India

© David Jones / CC BY

Ashvem Beach sits to the north of Goa's Chapora River. Despite its long stretch of golden sand washed by attractive waters, Ashvem Beach isn't as popular as other parts of the Goa coastline, perhaps because it lacks the water sports facilities of beaches further south. It makes Ashvem Beach a fine destination for those beachgoers looking for a more relaxed… read more »
Bogmalo Beach // India

This white sandy beach lies about four kilometres from Dabolim Airport in South Goa.
Bogmalo Beach is a family-friendly, ideal and unspoilt spot for some tranquility and barefoot strolls along the shore. It's situated in a small bay and there's around two kilometres of shoreline to sprawl out by.
Lifeguards are on duty most of the time too, so feel free to… read more »
Tonsai Beach, Ao Nanag // Thailand

WIL

Located on the mainland next to the little Tonsai resort, beautiful Tonsai Beach is a small sandy bay at the foot of steep tree-covered cliffs.
The best way to access it is by longtail boat from Ao Nang Pier costing 100 baht (about US$3). At low tide it is possible to walk to Tonsai Beach from neighbouring Railay Beach… read more »
Nopparat Thara Beach // Thailand

kallerna

Located about 18 km north of the ever-popular Krabi Town and next to the much busier Ao Nang, Nopparat Thara Beach is within the 387 km² Hat Nopparat Thara – Koh Phi Phi National Park.
This relatively serene, unspoilt beach has almost 4 km of soft white sand lined by local casuarina trees. You can easily find a shady… read more »
Ao Sane Beach // Thailand

© Thomas Tangelder

If you're looking for a small sandy spot in Phuket, look no further than Ao Sane, a quiet 200m long cove tucked away and reasonably uncrowded. It is not easy to find, hence it remains something of a hidden gem.
Although the cove is visible from the road and from Nai Harn Beach, it is only accessible by driving through… read more »
Sunset Beach // Japan

Calvin Ge

Sunset beach is situated next to the Mihama American Village, a shopping centre and entertainment complex about 40 minutes north of Naha. This artificial beach has a fairly urban backdrop including the high-rise Beach Tower Okinawa hotel. Perhaps the most notable feature though is the giant ferris wheel that looms over the American Village.
There are plenty of facilities at the… read more »
Katsurahama Beach // Japan

© äº¬æµœã«ã‘ / CC BY

Katsurahama Beach is a popular destination, located around 30 minutes from the city of Kochi on the island of Shikoku. This pretty stretch of sand is backed by a promenade and the trees of Katsurahama Park. Towards the western end the beach curves round to a small headland which is home to a shrine.
Whilst it is fine to sit on… read more »
Seven Commandos Beach // Philippines

Allan Ascaño

Located in El Nido, Seven Commandos Beach has beautiful white sands, turquoise waters, and dramatic limestone cliffs. Fringed with coconut palms this is the archeytpal tropical Southeast Asian beach.
Before continuing, it is worth explaining the name, as I know you are probably wondering! They say that the name comes from World War II, when seven commandos were stranded here. There… read more »
Corong Corong Beach // Philippines

© Galeja

Corong Corong Beach is located in the El Nido area and is home to some of the stunning scenery that Palawan Island has become known for. The prefect sandy beach is fringed with tall coconut palm trees and limestone rock formations tower above the crystal clear water at the northern end.
The beach at Corong Corong is generally not as… read more »
Tokashiku Beach // Japan

© Snap55 / CC BY

Tokashiku beach is a beautiful white sand beach on the island of Tokashiki, one of the Kerama Islands about 32 km (20 miles) west of Okinawa island. The crystal clear waters off the beach here are regarded as one of the best places to spot sea turtles, which along with many species of tropical fish inhabit the bay here.
Besides the turtles, the snorkelling… read more »
Dor HaBonim // Israel

© Lehava Beitshean

Those in the know describe HaBonim Beach - "Generation of Builders" - as the most beautiful in all Israel. It is part of the HaBonim Nature Reserve, where the wind and waves have sculpted rocky inlets and hills alongside this rugged stretch of coast. These provide fabulous walks of discovery, stunning views and amazing photographic opportunities. You will find lots… read more »
Gordon Beach // Israel

Dennis Jarvis

The name Tel Aviv means "hill of spring", but this modern city started out as a new neighbourhood called Ahuzat Bayit in 1910. Situated just north of the ancient port city of Jaffa, Tel Aviv soon assumed the distinction of being the main commercial hub of Israel. Moreover, it became a hotshot tourist destination too. The residents of Jerusalem make… read more »