The Best Beaches in Asia

Located in Thailand on the Andaman Sea, tranquil Koh Lanta is the perfect example of a quiet island: lots of romantic privacy, yet not too isolated or without modern conveniences and choices for places to eat. Long, soft-sand beaches provide plenty of room for everyone and pleasant bungalows replace the typical high-rise resorts found in neighboring Phuket.

Koh Lanta practically shuts down in late April -- you can still visit, but don't expect to find many other travelers. Some agree that the 'green season' or off-season is the best time to have the beach to yourself!

• Use this Koh Lanta travel guide.
• Learn the best time to visit and what to expect from Koh Lanta weather.
• Learn exactly how to get to Koh Lanta regardless of the season.

Goa, located in the southwest, is the smallest and wealthiest state in India. Once famous as a retreat for hippies in search of cheap drugs, Goa has grown in sophistication. Anjuna Beach is perhaps all that remains of the hippie legacy; backpackers seem to prefer Arambol or Palolem these days.

Goa is home to many beaches ranging from clean and quiet strips where hammocks sway, to places where trance techno can be heard thumping on the beach throughout the afternoon.

• Choose which of the beaches in Goa is right for you.
• Prefer to steer clear of Goa? Read about the best beaches in India.

Of Indonesia's more than 17,000 islands, Bali is certainly the most popular. The beaches of South Bali are wide, clean, and busy. Australians and Europeans flock to Bali for the great atmosphere.

Kuta Beach is the epicenter of Bali's beach scene; bleary-eyed sun worshipers lay scattered, hoping to sweat out the effects of last night's party. In addition to socializing in the sand, Kuta is the perfect place to paddle out on a surfboard for the first time.

Legian and Seminyak Beaches are nearby alternatives for an older crowd. Sanur Beach -- one of the best beaches on the island -- was the site of Bali's first luxury hotel constructed in 1966; development has been rampant since.

• Try something new! Read about learning to surf in Bali.
• Tired of tanning? Find other exciting things to do in Bali.

Although part of the mainland, Railay feels more like an island. Mountains isolate the small isthmus; boat is the only way in or out. A lack of cars and sputtering motorbikes boost Railay's tranquil appeal.

Backpackers prefer the cheaper accommodation in Tonsai Bay and East Railay, while higher-budget travelers prefer the boutique hotels in West Railay. All travelers unanimously enjoy the fine, white sand on the west side of Railay where life stops each evening for a brilliant sunset.

Rock climbers from all over the world stream to Railay for the world-class climbing and technical bouldering right on the beach.

• Get vertical; read about climbing in Krabi, Thailand.
• Take advantage of these other top 10 beaches in Thailand.

Powdery sand, clear water, postcard sunsets -- describing tiny Boracay Island in the Philippines without using tourism clichés is impossible. The island is the epitome of Southeast Asian paradise.

Only one kilometer wide at its narrowest spot, Boracay is far more chilled out than Bali or Phuket. A peaceful vibe does not mean boring; Boracay is teeming with water sports, activities, and hedonistic nightlife.

White Beach gets most of the attention in Boracay, while Bulabog Beach on the other side of the island is a favorite for surfing and kiteboarding.

• Get some exercise! Read about awesome activities in Boracay.
• Learn essential information by reading these Boracay travel basics.

The booming, coastal city of Nha Trang was the first and last port of entry for many American soldiers during the Vietnam War. Today, the wide stretch of coarse sand is the perfect place to relax and take a break from the arduous north-south road through Vietnam.

Nha Trang has grown from a rough-and-tumble place for soldiers on leave to forget about the war into a family-oriented beach destination. Despite being a large city, tourists have to dig deep to find nightlife. Instead, Nha Trang is more suited for sunset picnics and pleasant beach strolls.

• Read about nearby Vinpearl Land -- an entertainment complex for families.
• Don't be a sucker; read about these common scams in Vietnam.