As summer begins to draw to a close, some of us may find that we aren’t ready yet to put away our beach towels and let go of sun-kissed days on beautiful white-sand beaches. Among the hundreds of thousands of beaches in the world, one region has a remarkable number of seaside paradises—Southeast Asia. After taking a look at some of the most spectacular beaches found there, it’s easy to understand how the region has emerged as one of the world’s most popular destinations.
Malaysia and Thailand lead the region in terms of annual visitors, followed by Vietnam, Indonesia, the Philippines, Cambodia, and Laos. All these countries have an enviable combination of appeals that help explain why they fascinate so many travelers. In terms of cultural tourism, these countries have remarkably varied histories and even languages while their architectural wonders including ancient palaces and temples inspire generations of travelers. And Southeast Asia’s natural beauty is also a draw with its verdant and green landscapes hugged by an almost uncountable number of beaches. The Philippines alone is home to more than 7,600 islands; some have beaches lined with resorts while on others you may find yourself alone with only the local seabirds as company. Whether by providing some much-needed R&R, thrilling adventure, or total immersion in wildlife, the diverse shorelines across Southeast Asia do their part in drawing in millions of travelers each year.
Tonsai Beach, Krabi, Thailand
Thailand is home to some of Southeast Asia’s most beautiful beaches, and Tonsai Beach earns its place at or near the top of many lists of the country’s most stunning ones. To get there, most visitors drive about a half-hour from the town of Krabi to Ao Nang. That’s where the road ends, and from there you’ll have to continue to Tonsai Beach by boat or on foot following the Monkey Trail. Ringed by towering karst mountains, Tonsai feels like—and is—a small remote village with only a handful of guesthouses and small shops. If you get bored with relaxing on the sand and swimming, opportunities to go rock climbing are just a few steps from the sand.
Coral Bay, Perhentian Kecil, Malaysia
Pulau Perhentian Kecil (in English, Little Perhentian Island) is located off the northeast coast of Malaysia, next to its sister Pulau Perhentian Besar (Big Perhentian Island). For centuries, the Perhentian Islands were mostly visited by traders traveling between Thailand and Malaysia. That historical fact explains their name—perhentian means “resting place” in Malay. Long popular with backpackers, Perhentian Kecil is home to some of Malaysia’s most beautiful beaches. Coral Bay, on the west coast, is a stretch of white sand and crystal clear water, and a quieter alternative to the bustling Long Beach on the island’s east coast.
The coral reefs that surround both islands, as well as two shipwrecks, make the Perhentians one of the best places in Malaysia to go snorkeling and diving. Several excellent dive sites are located off of Coral Bay. In addition to sea turtles and clownfish, you can also spot black-tip reef sharks here.
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