Krabi, Thailand
The southern Thai island of Krabi is famed for its craggy limestone cliffs, a network of mangrove forests, scattering of islets and postcard-perfect shores.
Kicking off the list is Railay Beach, a laid-back spot framed by dramatic karsts and accessible only by long-tail boat. Here, you can simply chill under palm trees, snorkel, or for the more adventurous, attempt rock-climbing.
Also on the Railay Peninsula is the equally gorgeous Phra Nang Beach, which is known for its fine sand, and a shrine dedicated to Phra Nang, the goddess of seafarers.
Situated between Railay Beach and the buzzing Ao Nang Beach with its beachfront restaurants and bars is the slightly off-the-beaten-path Tonsai Beach, a serene sanctuary to unwind.
On Tonsai Beach, you can spend your days kayaking and rock-climbing without a care in the world, and more importantly, without the crowds.
Krabi is also the jumping-off point for exploring the Andaman islands, with the stunning Phi Phi archipelago only an hour and 45 minutes away via speedboat. Here, you can spend a day snorkelling, diving and even shark-watching.
Also nearby is the island of Koh Hong, home to a pristine lagoon and unspoiled beaches.
Bali, Indonesia
With so many gorgeous beaches to choose from, the Island of the Gods is the place to get your dose of Vitamin Sea.
First up is Kuta Beach, which is strategically located close to myriad shopping, dining and entertainment options, and a great spot to watch the sun go down with a frosty Bintang in hand. Kuta is also a water sports hub with banana boating and parasailing on the roster of activities.
Seminyak, meanwhile, presents a sandy sweep dotted with classy restaurants and Bali’s top beachfront venues like KU DE TA and Potato Head Beach Club.
If a leisurely jaunt is what you’re looking for, there’s Echo Beach in Canggu, one of the region’s top surfing spots where you’ll be rewarded with awesome swells from May to September.
On Bali’s southeastern coast is Sanur Beach, a 5-kilometre stretch that still retains a village vibe despite the big name hotels lining the beachfront. It’s also the gateway to the incredibly scenic Nusa Penida, an island dotted with spellbinding beaches.
For a family-friendly playground where pristine golden sands meet calm waters, head to Nusa Dua. Also worth a stop is Jimbaran, where you can savour fresh catch for dinner, served up by the many barbeque restaurants along the beach.
Danang, Vietnam
With a 30-kilometre coastline, it goes without saying that this central Vietnamese city is the site of some gorgeous beaches and equally splendid luxury seaside resorts.
Just 6 kilometres from the city centre is the golden sands of My Khe Beach, a beautiful place for sunbathing, surfing and jet-skiing.
And if you’re hungry after all that activity, seafood restaurants offering the catch of the day are just steps away.
A little farther south, close to Danang’s famed Marble Mountains is Non Nuoc Beach, which has similar golden shores but calmer waters. This picturesque area, with its ancient pagodas and sacred caves, is a great option if you want to add in some sightseeing to your itinerary.
Highly recommended as well is a trip to the Son Tra Peninsula, where you’ll be spoilt for choice with stunning crystalline beaches and turquoise waters, like Tien Sa Beach.
Langkawi, Malaysia
Malaysia’s fabled island, Langkawi has a number of sun-drenched beaches that are great for perfecting tans, picnicking and adventure pursuits.
The island’s more secluded sandy shores – like the gorgeous crescent of Datai Bay, casuarina-fringed Tanjung Rhu and the mysteriously-named Sandy Skulls Beach – are top on the list for sun-seekers.
But if you prefer a little more action while working on that tan, make a beeline for vibrant Cenang Beach and you can try everything from banana boating to sunset parasailing.
When you’re done, unwind with a refreshing beer or mocktail at beachside joints like Hidden Langkawi and Yellow Beach Cafe.
You can also ramp it up with an eco-conscious jet ski adventure around the islands. A typical two-hour island-hopping tour includes visits to the wildlife sanctuaries of Singa Besar and Beras Basah, where you can swim among fish in crystal clear waters.
Also recommended is a half-day trip to Pulau Dayang Bunting, the site of a serene freshwater lake that’s great for kayaking or a swim. Local legend goes that a dip in the lake can make a childless woman fertile.
According to airasia.com
