For those in search of the best sandy stretches, aquamarine vistas, and titillating tropical pleasures, look no further than Southeast Asia. From the tourism titan that is Thailand to the archipelagic gem of the Philippines, this region is an encyclopaedia of enthralling beaches. Unveil your map and let’s embark on a journey to discover the bouquet of beaches peppering Southeast Asia.
Our first stopover is Railay Beach, nestled in Krabi’s region in Thailand. This majestic slice of paradise is famous for its towering limestone cliffs that guard the island-laden sea and crystal-clear waters. The sandy shores, teeming with colourful marine life, attract scores of snorkelers and divers from around the globe. Recently, Conde Nast Traveller recognized Railay in their list of “30 Most Beautiful Beaches in the World,” which also included other Southeast Asian beaches.
A speedboat away, we transit to the Phi Phi Islands’ Maya Bay. This beach gained global recognition when it served as the backdrop for the Hollywood movie “The Beach.” With shimmering waters, white sands, and a stunning bay filled with colourful coral, it’s no surprise why it has amassed a colossal following. However, due to environmental concerns caused by excessive tourist influx, the beach has been temporarily closed for rehabilitation.
In the neighbouring country of Cambodia, we find the hidden gem – the Koh Rong Island. Often overlooked by its more popular counterpart, Thailand, this pristine island possesses white sand beaches that are a dream for tranquillity lovers. Recently Lonely Planet cited Koh Rong Island among its top picks for less-crowded beach destinations.
Heading eastwards, we reach the Indonesian archipelago, where we find the ubiquitous Bali. And within Bali, you’ll find a retreat that oscillates between tranquillity and party – the Seminyak Beach. With its far-reaching sandy stretch crowded with upscale resorts and eateries, Seminyak is a veritable haven for the luxurious at heart. In fact, CNN Travel recently named Seminyak among the best Bali beaches for different types of travelers.
As we cross over to the Philippines, Siargao Island beckons us. Famed as a surfing hotspot, the Cloud 9 beach offers awe-inspiring wave breaks that thrills every surfer. But it isn’t just surfers that are captivated; Forbes featured Siargao Island as one of their “Best Places to Travel in 2020,” recognising the island’s pristine beauty, vibrant food scene, and buzzing nightlife in addition to its surfing.
Finally, we arrive at the crowned jewel, El Nido, sitting majestically in the island province of Palawan, Philippines. This archipelago of 45 islands presents a pantheon of untamed beauty with intimate coves, limestone cliffs, and crystal clear turquoise waters. In their recent article, Vogue dubbed El Nido as “The Last Frontier” and highlighted the vibrant marine life, characterising the area as a paradise for snorkelers and divers.
Undoubtedly, the beaches of Southeast Asia are a mesmerising mixture of scenic beauty, rich biodiversity, and vibrant local culture. Their allure transcends mere photographs, urging travellers to dive into their world, an experience that can often be transformative. As the world moves towards normality, these beaches stand as a testament to Southeast Asia’s resilient spirit, patiently awaiting the moment they can entice and embrace travellers once again.
Original Source: https://www.cntraveler.com/story/the-best-beaches-in-southeast-asia
