Best Beaches in Asia

Asia’s Top Beaches Ranked

Asia has the world’s greatest concentration of extraordinary beaches. Here’s the definitive ranking.

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Tier 1: World’s Best

El Nido, Palawan, Philippines

The most dramatic beach scenery on earth. Hidden lagoons inside limestone karst islands, white sand, water so clear you can see 15 meters depth. The Small and Big Lagoons are extraordinary. Best time: December–May.

Koh Lipe, Thailand

Thailand’s most beautiful small island. Crystal-clear Andaman water, white sand beaches (Sunrise Beach, Sunset Beach, Pattaya Beach), excellent snorkeling. Best time: November–April.

Nungwi/Kendwa, Zanzibar

Technically East Africa but the Indian Ocean beaches here rival anything in Asia. Powder white sand, warm turquoise water, dhow sailing at sunset.

Maldives Local Islands

Unparalleled water clarity and coral, bikini beaches on local islands at fraction of resort prices. Best time: November–April.

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Tier 2: Exceptional

Haad Rin, Koh Phangan, Thailand

Famous Full Moon Party beach. The beach itself is genuinely beautiful outside party times. Best time: February–September.

Whitsundays, Australia

White Haven Beach has the world’s whitest silica sand. Not SE Asia but in the region.

Nacpan Beach, El Nido

Long, undeveloped, walkable to twin beach (Calitang). Best time: December–May.

Kata Noi, Phuket, Thailand

Phuket’s best beach — small, sheltered, excellent water clarity. Best time: November–April.

Aharen Beach, Tokashiki, Japan (Okinawa)

The finest beach in Japan’s southwestern islands. Ferry from Naha. Best time: June–September.

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Best Beaches by Country

Country	Best Beach	Water Quality	Best Time
Philippines	El Nido, Palawan	Exceptional	Dec–May
Thailand	Koh Lipe	Excellent	Nov–Apr
Maldives	Any local island	World-class	Nov–Apr
Bali	Nusa Lembongan	Good	Apr–Oct
Vietnam	Phu Quoc	Good	Nov–Apr
Japan	Tokashiki, Okinawa	Good	Jun–Sep
Sri Lanka	Unawatuna	Good	Nov–Apr
Malaysia	Perhentian Islands	Excellent	Mar–Oct

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