7 Lesser-Known Beach Destinations in Asia for the Perfect Tropical Getaway
Planning to take a break from your boring routine? Beaches can offer you the perfect way to unwind and rejuvenate as you stroll the coastal areas and enjoy holidays at your own pace. Asia is home to some of the world’s most stunning coastal getaways.
From the emerald islands tucked in the Andaman Sea to white-sand shores kissed by the Arabian breeze, you can have plenty of options to choose from. Hence, you can always plan your holidays in Asia that would offer you the opportunity to sit back and enjoy the coastal views.
With Experience Travel Group can make the most of your holidays in Asia whether you crave barefoot luxury in the Maldives, crave island hopping in Thailand, or seek quiet tropical charm in places like Cambodia and Vietnam.
In this guide, we explore 5 handpicked beach holiday destinations across Asia, each offering turquoise waters, golden and white sands, and a chance to slow down and soak in something unforgettable.
Havelock Island, India
India is one of the top Asia destinations offering you a range of beaches that offer varied experiences. Havelock Island, now officially called Swaraj Dweep, is India’s tropical escape at its best. Located in the Andaman Sea, this island is known for its powdery white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and coral-rich marine life that rival Southeast Asia’s finest.
With plenty of top beaches to explore you can have a great time either relaxing or enjoying water activities. Radhanagar Beach, often listed among Asia’s top beaches, is ideal for swimming and sunsets. On the other hand, Elephant Beach offers easy access to vibrant coral reefs ideal for snorkelling. If you are looking for tranquillity, spots like Kalapathar Beach provide serene sunrise strolls along black rock-fringed shores.
Beyond the beaches, Havelock is a haven for scuba diving, sea walking, kayaking through mangroves, and nature trails lined with coconut palms. With a range of mid-range and luxury accommodations, this island can offer a complete, unforgettable beach holiday in India.
Mirissa, Sri Lanka
Located just south of India, Sri Lanka can surprise you with pristine beaches that can offer you the best experiences. Mirissa, a laid-back seaside town along Sri Lanka’s southern shoreline is a great place where you can enjoy barefoot coastal holidays. Its crescent-shaped main beach offers golden sand, gentle waves, and a perfect setting for sunbathing, swimming, or simply swinging in a hammock under coconut palms.
However, the main highlight of Mirissa is its seasonal whale watching, this is one of the best places in Asia to spot blue whales and dolphins just a few kilometres offshore. Surfing is popular here too, especially on the western end, while the eastern side remains calmer and ideal for families.
Mirissa is a great place for solo adventurers and families alike because you have the option to enjoy the holidays just the way you prefer. With excellent boutique beachfront villas and guesthouses, cafés and seaside restaurants you have a great way to relax, explore and connect with nature.
Gili Islands, Indonesia
While there is no doubt that Bali is where most people head to for beach holidays in Indonesia you can also look for places that offer a lot more. Located just off the coast of Lombok, the Gili Islands, including Gili Trawangan, Gili Air, and Gili Meno are a tropical trio that has become synonymous with Indonesia’s laid-back island life. If you are looking for something better than the popular beaches in Bali you can choose from these lesser-known islands.
These car-free islands with soft white sands, clear blue waters, and vibrant coral reefs make snorkelling and diving here truly exceptional. Gili Trawangan is the most vibrant of the lot, known for its beach bars, sunset swings, and festive nightlife. For those who prefer tranquillity can head to Gili Meno for serene seclusion and romantic escapes. Gili Air strikes a perfect balance between buzz and tranquillity, with yoga shalas, chic cafés, and peaceful beaches all within walking distance.
Similarly, you can go cycling around the island, spot sea turtles right off the shore and stay in stylish bamboo resorts, bungalows and eco-conscious accommodations. Whether you're here for diving or downtime, the Gili Islands make it easy to disconnect and just breathe.
Krabi, Thailand
Over the years, Thailand has remained one of the top destinations for beach lovers and nature enthusiasts. While Bangkok and Phuket are extremely popular destinations, Krabi is a great choice for those looking for a tropical getaway. Located on Thailand’s Andaman Coast, Krabi offers a dramatic mix of limestone cliffs, turquoise waters, and postcard-perfect beaches that feel straight out of a dream.
Its main attraction, Railay Beach, is accessible only by boat and surrounded by towering karst formations, giving it an otherworldly feel. This spot is perfect for rock climbers, kayakers, and island hoppers, with longtail boats ready to sail you off to nearby gems like Phra Nang Cave Beach and the Phi Phi Islands.
While you are here you can find a range of hotels, resorts, lively beach bars and street food stalls. So when you are here you can look out for must-try Thai dishes that can take you on a culinary ride or just put your feet up and enjoy the luxuries that these hotels and resorts have to offer. For a beach holiday that’s equal parts adventure and relaxation, Krabi is hard to beat.
Phu Quoc, Vietnam
If you are scrolling through social media feeds, you’ve surely come across various popular Vietnam destinations like Halong Bay, Hoi An and Hanoi. However, if you are thinking of beach holidays in Vietnam you should head to Phu Quoc. This is Vietnam’s largest island floating in the Gulf of Thailand offering sun-drenched beaches, warm waters, and a tranquil atmosphere that feels far removed from the mainland rush.
While you are here you can explore Long Beach, the island’s most popular stretch ideal for swimming and sunset strolls. On the other hand, Ong Lang Beach and Sao Beach offer quieter alternatives with soft white sand and calm, shallow waves. What sets Phu Quoc apart is its blend of natural beauty and gentle charm that is hard to find elsewhere. If you are looking for adventure and outdoor activities you can snorkel over coral reefs, visit pepper farms and waterfalls inland, or hop aboard a boat to explore tiny islets nearby.
The island is also known for its night markets and fresh seafood served at various seaside restaurants. Being an emerging destination in Vietnam, Phu Quoc has excellent mid-range and luxury accommodations that allow you to enjoy comfort while you relish local Vietnamese food and coffee. Overall, Phu Quoc is ideal for travellers seeking a low-key, unspoiled beach break with just the right touch of local life.
Koh Rong Sanloem, Cambodia
For those who crave an off-the-grid tropical escape, Koh Rong Sanloem delivers with its untouched beauty and laid-back pace. Located off the southern coast of Cambodia, this lesser-known island is the quieter sibling of the more popular Koh Rong, offering serene white-sand beaches, jungle-fringed bays, and crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming and snorkelling.
Saracen Bay is the island’s main stretch, where you’ll find rustic bungalows and eco-resorts nestled right on the sand. For those seeking even more seclusion, Lazy Beach and Sunset Beach on the western side of the island provide hidden coves with golden sands and stunning sunset views. The vibe here is unhurried—days are spent kayaking, paddleboarding, or simply swinging in a hammock with a good book.
There are no cars or roads on the island, and electricity is limited in many parts, adding to its off-grid charm. With minimal crowds and unspoiled scenery, Koh Rong Sanloem is a perfect choice for travellers who want to disconnect and immerse themselves in nature.
Koh Kood, Thailand
While Thailand is packed with famous islands, Koh Kood remains one of its best-kept secrets. Situated near the Cambodian border in the Gulf of Thailand, this lush island offers a peaceful retreat far removed from the party scenes of Phuket or Koh Phi Phi. Think pristine beaches, gentle waves, and dense jungle landscapes that feel like a tropical fairytale.
The island’s beaches—like Ao Tapao and Ao Noi—are long, quiet, and picture-perfect with clear waters ideal for kayaking and snorkelling. Inland, you’ll find waterfalls like Khlong Chao and ancient trees hidden in the forest, perfect for a little exploration. There’s a strong focus on sustainability here, with locally run resorts and small eco-lodges dominating the hospitality scene.
Koh Kood is ideal for couples, families, and solo travellers who want to experience Thailand’s natural beauty without the tourist crowds. Whether you’re lounging in a beachfront hammock or dining on fresh seafood under the stars, Koh Kood offers slow, soulful travel at its finest.