7 Southeast Asian beaches among Asia's best: Tripadvisor

Banana Beach on Koh Hey (Coral Island), located at the southern tip of Phuket, claimed the No. 1 spot.

Known for its wide stretch of white sand and crystal-clear blue waters, the beach remains nearly untouched due to the absence of restaurants and commercial tourism services.

Kelingking Beach in Indonesia ranked second, famous for its dramatic cliff formations, powdery white sand, and striking blue-green waters.

From above, the cliffs surrounding Kelingking Beach resemble the spine of a giant animal or a roaring dinosaur. Nearby restaurants serve traditional Indonesian dishes, with favorites like fried rice with sea fish and shrimp, often paired with shrimp chips.

White Beach on Panay Island in the Philippines secured the fourth spot.

Stretching for four kilometers, this beach is popular for its soft white sand, turquoise waters, and breathtaking sunsets.

"It's a great place to swim and snorkel, and when you've worked up an appetite, plenty of local dining and drinking spots are just steps away," Tripadvisor noted.

White Sand Beach, a 2.6-kilometer stretch of pristine coastline on the Pak Weep Coast, just north of Khao Lak’s Pakarang Cape in Thailand, ranked seventh.

White Sand Beach in Khao Lak, Thailand. Photo courtesy of Tripadvisor

"The long beach is perfect for leisurely walks, and the warm waters make for a delightful swim," Tripadvisor recommended.

Nacpan Beach in the Philippines, a four-kilometer expanse of cream-colored sand lined with coconut trees and crystal-clear turquoise waters on Palawan Island, placed eighth.

"You can snorkel, ride the waves, or simply enjoy the stunning sunset. To extend your stay in this tropical haven, check out the nearby beach resorts," Tripadvisor suggested.

Nacpan Beach in the Philippines. Photo courtesy of Tripadvisor

Phra Nang Cave Beach in Thailand, a white-sand paradise surrounded by towering limestone cliffs on the tip of the Railay Peninsula in Krabi Province, ranked ninth.

The dramatic rock formations provide a stunning backdrop for swimming and sunbathing.

Rounding out the top 10 is Pantai Melasti, located in Bali’s Uluwatu region at the southernmost point of the Bukit Peninsula.

The beach, over one kilometer long, is backed by massive limestone cliffs.

Once a secluded hidden gem, Melasti has seen significant development to improve accessibility while preserving its natural beauty and appeal.

The 2025 Travelers' Choice Awards are based on the quality and quantity of traveler reviews submitted globally on Tripadvisor between Oct. 1, 2023, and Sept. 30, 2024. These awards celebrate destinations with the highest ratings, highlighting places that have captured the hearts of travelers worldwide.

Others in the Asia's top 10 list are Haeundae Beach of South Korea (ranking third), Radhanagar Beach of India (fifth), and Bentota Beach of Sri Lanka (sixth).

According to Tripadvisor, this year's winning beaches "promise a dreamy escape."