Everyone deserves a little beach holiday luxury and the enchanting shorelines of Asia offer exactly that.

The paradise stretches of Thailand, the Maldives, Malaysia, Bali and Vietnam are what dreams are made of. They provide perfect settings to restore your inner peace with moments of serene relaxation, or enrich and invigorate through exhilarating water sports. Palm-fringed sands, secluded coves and castaway island beauty can all be enjoyed. So too can lively beach destinations offering fun and activities, or lined with enticing bars and inviting restaurants. You’ll find coastal havens ideal for families, couples, friends and solo travellers, with exceptional hotels and resorts just steps away from soft sands. Let’s take a closer look at Asia’s top beach holiday destinations and help you decide where the best place is for your once-in-a-lifetime escape.

Search our Thailand, Maldives, Malaysia, Bali and Vietnam hotels

Thailand

Known as ‘The Land of Smiles’, Thailand is the perfect destination to discover your beach holiday happy place. Soft sands and crystal-clear waters make Phuket’s Bang Tao Beach a heavenly spot for sun worshipers and water sports fun, with an array of sublime hotels and resorts nearby. Movie fans might prefer to experience the big screen appeal of Krabi’s Railay Beach, which featured in blockbusters such as The Beach and The Hangover Part II. The immaculate white sands of Maya Bay, on Phi Phi Island, also played a part in The Beach, while a wild time awaits on Monkey Beach, also on Phi Phi Island, where you’ll be greeted by the resident primates. If shoreside bars and laid back hours are more to your liking, you’re sure to be wowed by the beauty and wonder of Koh Samui’s Chaweng Beach.

The Maldives

The beaches of the Maldives have to be experienced to be believed. Even then, you may have to pinch yourself to make sure you’re not dreaming. Soft white sands, gently swaying palm trees and shimmering turquoise waters greet every visitor to this Indian Ocean island nation. Here, the opportunity to enjoy the ultimate luxury beach holiday awaits, with private oceanfront havens allowing you to wake every day to the wonders of paradise. Spectacular ocean vistas and awe-inspiring sunrises and sunsets will take your breath away, while you’ll spend hours on end lazing on the sands. Maldives beach holidays also provide the chance to enjoy an assortment of water sports, with stand-up paddleboarding, jet skiing, windsurfing and kayaking among the activities to enjoy. Fishing trips, sailing, speedboat rides and catamaran cruises allow you to experience life on the waves, while you can explore mesmeric coral gardens during scuba diving or snorkelling adventures.

Bali

Bali beach holidays offer a taste of the exotic that will have you yearning to return again and again. This intensely beautiful Indonesian island has a spot on the sand to suit all, whether you’re seeking safe and shallow waters for children or sun-kissed seclusion, perfect for a romantic escape as a couple. Swimming, diving and a variety of water sports also await, as well as options for lively beach days or peace and tranquillity. If you’re visiting Bali as a family, Sanur Beach is a stunning laid-back haven, while Nusa Dua is another wonderful choice for relaxing days on the sand. Echo Beach is the choice of any surfers heading to the island, the shores of Seminyak and Kuta are ideal party destinations and Pandawa Beach boasts flawless beauty and clear waters.

Malaysia

Brimming with tropical delights, Malaysia is an excellent destination for a beach holiday. The island of Langkawi is a sensational choice for a luxury escape, with the shores of Pantai Tanjung Rhu, Pantai Kok or Burau Baya offering peace and tranquillity, while water sports action awaits at Pentai Cenang and Pantai Tengah. In Penang, the coastal sanctuaries of Batu Ferringhi and Tanjung Bungah provide a heavenly taste of beachfront living. Alternatively, you can seek serenity at Miami Beach or take a boat to Mas Beach or Kerachut Beach, in the Teluk Bahang area, to unwind away from the crowds. Sabah, in northern Borneo, also has its share of spellbinding beaches. Witness enchanting sunsets at Tanjung Aru or unwind atop the white sands of Pantai Dalit. If it’s pure tranquillity you crave, the private island of Pangkor Laut offers blissful hours on pristine white shores.

Vietnam

Still not settled on your next beach holiday destination? Maybe the majestic coastal expanses of Vietnam are exactly what you’re looking for. The sandy shores here are truly phenomenal, with breathtaking Non Nuoc Beach, in Danang, even considered one of the best in the world. Also in Danang, is the 20-mile My Khe Beach, while further down the coast, in Hoi An, you’ll find palm-fringed An Bang Beach, an idyllic spot to enjoy spectacular sunsets. Dazzling white sands, glistening waters and colourful coral reefs await at Hon Chong Beach, in Nha Trang, a heaven for relaxation, scuba diving and snorkelling. The resort of Mui Ne, close to Phan Thiet, also has plenty to offer, with calm waters ideal for swimming, diving and sailing, and soft sands to relax on. Bewitching sunsets and sunrises add to the appeal and make it a delightful spot for couples.

“Choosing the perfect destination for your dream beach escape is no easy task, but you can’t go wrong with any of the Asia holiday havens on our list.

“The paradise shores of the Maldives offer beauty beyond belief and luxury beachfront living, while movie fans may be drawn to the scene-stealing sandy expanses of Thailand.

“Options for family fun, water sports thrills, romantic seclusion and beach parties await in Bali, or you can discover the breathtaking exotic beauty that awaits along the coasts of Malaysia.

“Vietnam is another destination not to be discounted, serving up stunning sands and much more besides.”

The Pavilions Phuket

Phuket, Thailand

Enter a tropical paradise with sensational views of Thailand’s famous white-sand beaches and azure seas at The Pavilions Phuket. With private and spacious villas and suites, this is the perfect place for couples. Revitalise your body in the state-of-the-art spa and fitness facilities before experiencing a taste of culinary genius at one of the on-site restaurants where traditional dishes are served with a modern flare. Elevate your experience by going all-inclusive and receiving extra treats during your stay.

Check out The Pavilions Phuket

Rayavadee

Krabi, Thailand

Offering 94 two-storey pavilions and 7 luxurious villas to choose from, the Rayavadee hotel invites couples and families to experience the splendour of Krabi, Thailand. Bordering the Marine National Park, you’ll be surrounded by lush gardens and coconut groves, while the warm sand of Phra Nang Beach is just steps away. Enjoy the relaxing spa, shop in the on-site boutique and choose from 4 spectacular dining options. Boat trips and excursions allow you to venture out and explore neighbouring islands.

Check out the Rayavadee

Merusaka Nusa Dua

Bali

Find Nirvana at the jaw-dropping Meruska Nusa Dua resort in captivating Bali. Conveniently located on the shores of the palm-lined Mengiat Beach, you can relax for hours under the sun in paradise. Dip into the refreshing 3-tier swimming pool on the complex or the beach pool. Children are most welcome here, with a special kids club providing constant entertainment. Head-to-toe pampering in the spa will leave you feeling refreshed from traditional Hindu therapies.

Check out Merusaka Nusa Dua

The Westin Langkawi Resort & Spa

Langkawi, Malaysia

For family holidays and romantic escapes, the Westin Langkawi Resort & Spa in Malaysia is the destination of dreams. Elegantly decorated guestrooms and premium villas provide a comfortable space to relax from your fun-filled itinerary. Try your hand at the water sports on offer on the adjacent private beach, explore the flourishing landscape where you’ll find secret waterfalls and choose from 4 rejuvenating swimming pools. A selection of buffet and a la carte dining makes evenings easy and delicious.

Check out The Westin Langkawi Resort & Spa

The Sarojin - Khao Lak Resort

Khao Lak, Thailand

Blissful days can be spent at The Sarojin - Khao Lak Resort in Thailand. Specialising in romantic retreats and honeymoons, you’ll be awed by the idyllic atmosphere and luxurious surroundings. High-class restaurants provide mouth-watering cuisines. Private dining, a sunken jacuzzi and couples spa treatments allow you to truly enjoy time with your partner. Just a stone throw away is the 11 km Coconut Beach to feel sand between your toes and the Similan Islands which are waiting to be explored.

Check out The Sarojin - Khao Lak Resort

Melati Beach Resort & Spa

Koh Samui, Thailand

A top 5-star hotel in Koh Samui, Thailand, is the Melati Beach Resort and Spa. Soothing rooms provide comfort after soaking up the glorious sunshine. Wade on the shore of Thurston Bay, exclusive only to the Melati. A 15-minute walk away is Chaweng Beach, known for its vibrant nightlife. Refined dining is on offer, with the Kan Sak Thong restaurant being the most distinguished. Enjoy authentic Samui flavours beside a beautiful waterfall.

Check out Melati Beach Resort & Spa