Award-Winning & Traveler-Loved Destinations
Southeast Asia is home to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches — from dramatic limestone coastlines to peaceful island escapes. In recent years, Vietnam has emerged as one of Asia’s most exciting beach destinations, alongside well-known favorites in Cambodia, Thailand, and Indonesia.
As a Vietnam-based travel agency, ALO Travel Asia team has personally visited and inspected many of the beaches below. We don’t recommend destinations simply because they are famous, but because our travelers consistently tell us these places deliver truly memorable experiences — whether through scenery, atmosphere, or a sense of tranquility.
Below are the best beaches in Southeast Asia to visit in 2026, starting with Vietnam — our core destination — followed by Thailand, Indonesia, and Cambodia
🇻🇳 Vietnam – Southeast Asia’s Rising Beach Destination
While Thailand and Indonesia have long dominated global beach rankings, Vietnam has rapidly emerged as one of Southeast Asia’s most rewarding beach destinations in recent years. With over 3,000 km of coastline, Vietnam offers an impressive variety of beaches — from vibrant city shores to untouched islands and quiet coastal towns. Many of Vietnam’s beaches are now gaining international recognition while still retaining their authenticity.
My Khe Beach (Da Nang)
Located right in the heart of Da Nang city, well-known as best beaches in Southeast Asia, My Khe Beach stretches for several kilometers with soft sand and gentle waves. It’s one of the rare city beaches in Asia where travelers can enjoy both urban convenience and natural beauty. Clean, wide, and easily accessible, My Khe is especially beautiful at sunrise.
Things to do & local experiences:
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Swimming and bodyboarding in gentle summer waves
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Beach jogging and sunrise yoga with locals
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Surfing lessons during peak season (May–September)
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Evening seafood dining along the beach road
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Easy access to Marble Mountains and Son Tra Peninsula for short hikes
An Bang Beach (Hoi An)
Just a short drive from Hoi An Ancient Town, An Bang Beach offers a relaxed and breezy atmosphere. The beach is long and uncrowded, lined with casual cafés and boutique resorts. It’s ideal for travelers who want peaceful beach time without feeling isolated from culture and town life.
Things to do & local experiences:
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Swimming and sunbathing in a relaxed setting
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Cycling from Hoi An Old Town through rice fields to the beach
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Surfing on small waves during autumn months
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Beach cafés run by local families
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Sunset drinks followed by lantern-lit evenings in Hoi An
Con Dao Islands (Best beach in Vietnam)
Con Dao is one of Vietnam’s most untouched island destinations. Surrounded by a marine national park, the beaches here feel wild, quiet, and naturally preserved. Known for clear waters, coral reefs, and a deep sense of calm, Con Dao is perfect for travelers seeking privacy, nature, and meaningful escapes. Known as home of the best beach in Vietnam, this island is awaiting travelers to explore in 2026.
Things to do & local experiences:
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Snorkeling and diving among coral reefs
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Kayaking in quiet bays
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Forest trekking inside Con Dao National Park
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Early morning temple visits and island walks
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Swimming at nearly empty beaches
Bai Sao Beach (Phu Quoc)
Bai Sao is famous for its powdery white sand and calm, shallow turquoise waters. Located on the quieter side of Phu Quoc Island, it’s particularly suitable for swimming and relaxation. The gentle curve of the shoreline creates a postcard-perfect setting.
Things to do & local experiences:
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Easy swimming and floating in shallow waters
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Paddleboarding and kayaking
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Relaxed seafood lunches by the beach
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Island-hopping to nearby islets
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Visiting local fishing villages and pepper farms nearby
Best Time to Visit Vietnam’s Beaches
- Central Vietnam (Da Nang, Hoi An): March – August
- Southern Vietnam & Islands (Phu Quoc, Con Dao): November – April
🇹🇭 Thailand – Iconic Landscapes & World-Famous Beaches
Thailand continues to rank among the world’s top beach destinations thanks to its dramatic limestone cliffs, turquoise waters, and excellent infrastructure. Let us help you find the best beaches in Thailand to visit in 2026.
Railay Beach (Krabi) (Best beach in Thailand)
Accessible only by boat, Railay Beach feels like a secluded world surrounded by towering limestone cliffs. Compact yet incredibly scenic, it’s famous for rock climbing, kayaking, and unforgettable sunsets.
Things to do & local experiences:
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Rock climbing on limestone cliffs (all levels)
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Kayaking along the coastline
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Swimming in calm turquoise bays
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Short jungle walks to viewpoints and lagoons
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Sunset watching from beachfront bars
Phra Nang Cave Beach (Krabi)
Located near Railay, Phra Nang Cave Beach combines emerald water, fine sand, and a unique cave shrine at one end. Though smaller, it’s visually striking and often ranked among the world’s most beautiful beaches.
Things to do & local experiences:
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Snorkeling near the rocks
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Exploring the cave shrine
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Swimming in crystal-clear water
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Photography during golden hour
Koh Lipe – Sunrise & Pattaya Beach
Koh Lipe is a small island near Thailand’s southern border, known for crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life. Sunrise Beach is calm and ideal for snorkeling, while Pattaya Beach offers lively sunsets and easy access to dining and transport.
Things to do & local experiences:
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Snorkeling directly from the beach
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Island-hopping around Tarutao National Park
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Sunrise swims and sunset walks
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Local seafood dining
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Relaxed nightlife without mass tourism
Freedom Beach (Phuket)
Hidden behind hills and accessible mainly by boat or a steep path, Freedom Beach is one of Phuket’s quieter escapes. With soft sand and clear water, it offers a peaceful contrast to the island’s busier areas.
Things to do & local experiences:
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Swimming in clear, calm water
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Snorkeling near rocky edges
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Beach picnics and quiet reading
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Escaping Phuket’s busier beaches
Best Time to Visit Thailand’s Beaches
November – April
🇮🇩 Indonesia – Wild Beauty & Island Escapes
Indonesia offers some of the most visually striking beaches in the world, blending raw nature with refined hospitality and unique landscapes. Where are the best beaches in Indonesia in 2026?
Kelingking Beach (Nusa Penida) (Best beach in Indonesia)
Famous for its dramatic cliff formation resembling a dinosaur, Kelingking Beach is one of Indonesia’s most photographed destinations. Located on Nusa Penida Island, it offers breathtaking views from above, while the beach below remains wild and untouched. Did you know, Kelingking Beach ranks 2nd place on TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards – Best of the Best Beaches in 2025?
Things to do & local experiences:
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Hiking down (for fit travelers only)
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Cliff-top photography
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Exploring nearby temples
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Combining with snorkel spots like Crystal Bay
Pink Beach (Komodo Island)
Pink Beach gets its rare color from microscopic coral fragments mixed into the sand. Located within Komodo National Park, it’s known for excellent snorkeling, marine biodiversity, and extraordinary natural beauty.
Things to do & local experiences:
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Snorkeling with vibrant marine life
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Swimming in calm, clear waters
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Wildlife spotting during boat journeys
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Island cruising and sunset sailing
Nusa Dua Beach (Bali)
Nusa Dua is Bali’s most polished beach destination, offering calm waters, manicured surroundings, and high-end resorts. The long, clean shoreline is ideal for travelers seeking comfort and relaxation.
Things to do & local experiences:
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Swimming in protected waters
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Cycling along the promenade
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Water sports (jet ski, parasailing)
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Spa and wellness retreats
Gili Air & Gili Meno
The Gili Islands are car-free and known for their relaxed island atmosphere. Gili Air offers a balance of comfort and local life, while Gili Meno is quieter and more romantic. Both are famous for snorkeling, coral reefs, and sunset views.
Things to do & local experiences:
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Snorkeling with turtles
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Sunset walks around the island
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Yoga and meditation sessions
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Cycling (no motorized transport)
Best Time to Visit Indonesia’s Beaches
May – October
🇰🇭 Cambodia – Pristine & Undiscovered Shores
Cambodia remains one of Southeast Asia’s most underrated beach destinations, offering wide stretches of sand, clear waters, and minimal development — ideal for travelers who prefer slow and peaceful travel.
Long Beach (Koh Rong) (Best beach in Cambodia)
Stretching nearly 7 kilometers, Long Beach is one of Cambodia’s longest and most pristine beaches. The sand is fine and white, the water clear, and development remains limited. It’s ideal for travelers who appreciate space, silence, and uninterrupted sea views. Koh Rong is definitely the best beach in Cambodia to visit in 2026.
Things to do & local experiences:
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Long swims and beach walks
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Kayaking along the shoreline
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Stargazing at night
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Minimal-development island life
Sok San Beach (Koh Rong)
Located on the western side of Koh Rong, Sok San Beach is known for its calm waters and quiet atmosphere. Less crowded than other parts of the island, it offers a natural, laid-back environment — perfect for sunsets and slow-paced island life. Soksan is the best beach beach in Cambodia ideal for travelers who want to disconnect.
Things to do & local experiences:
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Swimming and floating
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Sunset photography
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Visiting local fishing communities
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Quiet beach days without schedules
Best Time to Visit Cambodia’s Beaches
November – April are the best months to visit the best beach in Cambodia.
🌴 How to Choose the Right Beach among the best beaches in Southeast Asia for Your Trip
The best beach holiday isn’t just about rankings — it’s about timing, atmosphere, and how the destination fits into your overall journey. Some beaches are perfect for relaxation, while others shine when combined with culture, adventure, or nature.
At ALO Travel Asia, we specialize in 100% tailor-made beach holidays, combining award-winning beaches with:
- Handpicked 3–5★ accommodations
- Carefully selected local experiences
- Seamless logistics and 24/7 on-tour support
✨ Find Your Best Beaches in Southeast Asia in 2026
Whether you’re dreaming of Vietnam’s rising beach destinations, Cambodia’s untouched shores, Thailand’s iconic coastlines, or Indonesia’s dramatic islands, Southeast Asia offers endless possibilities.
📩 Thinking about your next beach holiday?
Our travel specialists would be delighted to design a journey and finding the best beaches in Southeast Asia that perfectly match your travel style, pace, and budget. Contact us here to get your prompt support 24/7.
Written by ALO Travel Asia – Local travel specialists in Southeast Asia since 2009.