Asia's Top 50+ Beaches

  • Ya Nui Beach // Thailand

    Ya Nui Beach
    © sergwsq

    Ya Nui Beach is a compact but pretty cove beneath Phromthep Viewpoint. Tranquil and relaxing, it has golden sands which are often scattered with seashells washed ashore by the turquoise waves. At the centre of the beach is a large rock just offshore and views to Koh Kaeo Noi Island.

    Swimming is generally safe all year round at Ya Nui,… read more »

  • Ao Yon Beach // Thailand

    Ao Yon Beach
    © Sunantam

    Ao Yon Beach is near Cape Panwa in Phuket. It is actually two coves divided by a rocky headland. Park your car on the road and walk down one of the paths to the beach – you will come to the larger Ao Yon Beach first.

    The leaning coconut palms offer shade along the narrow white sandy beach and there's… read more »

  • Rawai Beach // Thailand

    Rawai Beach
    Colm Britton

    Gateway to the scenic offshore islands, Rawai Beach is at the southern tip of Phuket between Chalong Bay and Promthep Cape, incidentally the best viewpoint on the island.

    Rawai Beach is a peaceful haven compared with other beaches in the area, although it is a working beach with a pier. There are no sunbed rentals or jet skis so bring… read more »

  • Kamala Beach // Thailand

    Kamala Beach
    David Johnson

    Located right next to Patong, but a world apart when it comes to ambience, Kamala Beach is laid back, less crowded and generally frequented with couples, retirees and expats. Of course, it has the same gorgeous soft sand and shimmering waters as it's better known neighbour but it is more enjoyable with less commotion.

    Kamala Beach is accessible from a… read more »

  • Paradise Beach // Thailand

    Paradise Beach
    Roma Neus

    The name Paradise Beach could apply to many beaches in Thailand, but it is appropriately assigned to a small cove 4 km west of Patong at the end of the road. Tucked away and not easy to find, it consists of two idyllic sandy coves each with soft sand, clear blue waters and leaning coconut palms. What more could… read more »

  • Patong Beach // Thailand

    Patong Beach
    Valeria Bolotova

    Located on the southwest coast of Phuket Island, Patong Beach is by far the busiest and most popular beach in Phuket, especially loved by partygoers and youngsters in search of a good time. The curving 3km long sandy beach is lined with numerous shops and services and is bold and vibrant.

    Unless you arrive early there's nowhere to park your… read more »

  • Nai Yang Beach // Thailand

    Nai Yang Beach
    Andy Mitchell

    Popular with locals, Nai Yang Beach is the closest beach to Phuket International Airport, located just south of Mai Khao Beach. It's a good place to mingle, join in a game of volleyball or just relax and people-watch. The vast stretch of white sand and shallow turquoise waters are stunningly scenic, backed by waving casuarina trees and relatively little… read more »

  • Naminoue Beach // Japan

    Naminoue Beach
    663highland

    Amongst the many dazzling white sand beaches dotted throughout the clear turquoise waters of this archipelago Naminoue Beach is one of our favourites, but not for the usual reasons. It does have nice soft sand, and the water is that same emerald-blue you find throughout Okinawa, but we like it for its quirkiness and its convenience.

    Naminoue Beach is located in… read more »

  • Minna Island Beach // Japan

    Minna Island Beach
    Snap55

    Situated just 15 minutes boat ride from Okinawa's main island is the tiny coral fringed island of Minna. Sometimes referred to as the "Croissant Island" owing to its distinctive crescent shape, Minna is known for its beautiful white sand beach and the exceptionally clear blue water. Combined with a backdrop of greenery and you could be mistaken for thinking you… read more »

  • Amanohashidate // Japan

    Amanohashidate
    Amaro-k

    A 3.5-kilometre sandbar stretching south across the Asoumi Sea from the town of Miyazu, Amanohashidate's beaches are located around 100 km northwest of Kyoto on Japan's main island of Honshu.

    Just a few metres wide in places, it comprises one of the Three Views of Japan, which have been celebrated since 1643. Part of the Tango-Amanohashidate-Ōeyama Quasi-National Park, its length is… read more »

  • Cua Dai Beach // Vietnam

    Cua Dai Beach
    © Tri Le

    Cua Dai Beach boasts three kilometres (2 miles) of fine white sand. At just ten minutes by road from Hoi An, it is the nearest beach to this ancient city, making it a great destination on which to relax in between sightseeing tours.

    Despite its proximity to Hoi An, Cua Dai Beach comes close to… read more »

  • Lăng Cô // Vietnam

    Lăng Cô
    © Ruoudevn

    Located in central Vietnam, Lăng Cô Beach is a stunning sweep of sand set around a small village. It was a favourite of the country's now-lost royal family. The beach is within an hour of the airports at both Hue and Da Nang, and is also close to several of Vietnam's UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Its lushly-forest mountains tumble down… read more »

  • Nha Trang City Beach // Vietnam

    Nha Trang City Beach
    Aleksandr Zykov

    As its name suggests, Nha Trang City Beach is easily reached on foot from anywhere within the city of Nha Trang. In fact, it's one of the only true city beaches in all of Vietnam, despite 3,200 kilometres of coastline.

    Nha Trang City Beach itself stretches for six kilometres, meaning there's plenty of space to lie on the sands during even… read more »

  • My Khe Beach // Vietnam

    My Khe Beach
    Christophe95

    East facing My Khe Beach runs for around nine kilometres (6 miles), and is wide too, with an average width of 60 metres. Its white sands are just a short bus ride from Da Nang, while My Khe Beach is also reachable from Hoi An without too much time or fuss.

    A favourite with the top beach lists of international magazines,… read more »

  • An Bang // Vietnam

    An Bang
    Sam Sherratt

    Relatively untouched by development, unlike many of the beaches around Hoi An, An Bang Beach has a chill vibe even with its plethora of amenities, which includes shops, ATMs, and even pharmacies.

    Though it doesn't seem possible given its four-kilometre (3-mile) length, An Bang Beach can get busy with local families towards evening and on the weekends, when locals can outnumbers… read more »