Banana Beach in Thailand's popular resort island Phuket was named the most beautiful in Asia this year as part of Tripadvisor's 2026 Travelers' Choice Awards: Best of the Best Destinations.
Located on Koh Hey near Phuket, the beach is renowned for its white sand, crystal-clear water, and snorkeling.
It is just a 15-minute boat ride from Phuket and offers activities such as snorkeling, diving, and parasailing.
The most ideal time to visit the beach is between November and April, when the waters are typically calm.
Photo by Tripadvisor
Kelingking Beach in Indonesia, famous for its breathtaking cliff formations, powdery white sand, and blue-green waters, ranked second.
From above, the cliffs encircling Kelingking Beach resemble the spine of a massive animal or a roaring dinosaur.
Surrounding the area near the "Dinosaur's Backbone" is a cluster of restaurants serving traditional local fare. Popular dishes include fresh seafood and shrimp fried rice, typically accompanied by crispy prawn crackers.
Photo by Trinh Nam Thai
Located on Havelock Island in India, Radhanagar Beach ranked third.
It is famed for its powdery white sand, crystal-clear turquoise waters and unspoiled natural setting.
According to Tripadvisor, it is a perfect spot for sunbathing, swimming and taking in spectacular sunset views.
"Lined by lush, green trees, Radhanagar Beach is so peaceful, you might feel like you're at a private beach. Its vibrant blue-green water is home to lots of sea life, and it's a great spot to swim, sunbathe, and catch stunning sunset views," Tripadvisor wrote.
Photo by Tripadvisor
Located in Canacona in India's South Goa, Palolem Beach ranked fourth.
The beach is known for its calm, shallow waters, soft white sand and swaying palm trees. Widely regarded as one of Goa's most scenic and tranquil beaches, it offers an ideal setting for swimming and leisurely dolphin-spotting boat trips.
As the sun sets, the beach takes on a different energy, with a laid-back yet lively nightlife scene that includes its signature "silent discos," where music is enjoyed through headphones under the stars, Tripadvisor wrote.
Photo by Tripadvisor
Located on Sri Lanka's southern coast, in Mirissa, about 150 km from Colombo, Mirissa Beach came in fifth.
It is a well-known coastal destination known for its golden sands, coconut-lined shoreline, and relaxed tropical atmosphere.
The area is especially popular for surfing and vibrant yet laid-back nightlife, while its waters are among the best in the country for marine encounters.
Between October and May, it becomes a prime location for whale watching, along with snorkeling opportunities to see sea turtles.
Photo by Tripadvisor
Located on Boracay Island in the Philippines, White Beach claimed the sixth place.
Famous for its roughly 4-kilometre stretch of powdery white sand and clear turquoise waters, it is one of Southeast Asia's most popular tropical destinations, offering a mix of water sports, beachfront dining, and a lively nightlife scene.
The beach is traditionally divided into three main areas each catering to different travel styles, from upscale resorts to more budget-friendly stays and local experiences.
Photo by Tripadvisor
Located on Sri Lanka's southwest coast in Bentota, about 65 km south of Colombo, Bentota Beach ranked seventh.
The beach is known for its relatively uncrowded setting and relaxed coastal atmosphere.
Fringed with palm trees and washed by clear, calm waters, the beach is a popular destination for both leisure and adventure.
Visitors come for water sports such as jet-skiing and windsurfing, as well as scenic river excursions along the nearby Bentota Ganga.
The area is also home to a range of upscale beach resorts, making it a well-established hub for seaside relaxation in Sri Lanka.
Photo by Tripadvisor
Located in Thailand's Krabi Province, Railay Beach ranked 8th.
Known for its dramatic cliffs and secluded atmosphere, the beach is accessible only by longtail boat due to the towering rock formations that cut it off from the mainland.
The area is famous for its soft white sand, emerald-green waters, and some of the world's best rock climbing routes set against sheer karst walls.
With no roads or cars, Railay maintains a distinctly laid-back, almost island-like pace despite being part of the mainland coast.
Photo by Tripadvisor
Nusa Dua Beach, on the southeastern tip of Indonesia's Bali, about 30-40 minutes from Bali Airport, ranked 9th.
Renowned for its manicured, serene, white-sand coastline, it features calm, shallow, turquoise waters ideal for swimming and family-friendly activities, protected by a reef.
The area is dominated by high-end, 5-star resorts, offering a luxurious, well-kept environment.
Photo by Tripadvisor
Cenang Beach on Malaysia's Langkawi Island finished the top 10.
The beach features a long stretch of white sand, crystal-clear water, and a lively atmosphere.
Known for water sports, duty-free shopping, and extensive nightlife, it is highly suitable for tourists, families, and beach lovers.
The 2026 Travelers' Choice Best of the Best Destinations are calculated based on the quality and quantity of reviews, specific to each award subcategory, for accommodations, restaurants, and things to do in destinations from travelers globally on Tripadvisor between Oct. 1, 2024 through Sept. 30, 2025.
The awards highlight travelers' favorite destinations, helping people plan unforgettable trips and discover the world's best experiences.
Photo by Tripadvisor
