With the new year approaching rapidly, I am sure we are all planning the trips we want to take. After these two wild years, these trips are probably focused on relaxing as much as possible. There is no better place to relax than the beach, or even better, a beach resort. Not only do beach resorts have incredible accommodations, but most have private beach access, gorgeous pools, and delicious dining experiences. Today, we are going to provide a list of the top 16 best beach resorts in South East Asia.
Bo Phut Resort & Spa (Koh Samui, Thailand)
Koh Samui at sunset – perfect for the gram!
Koh Samui is one of Thailand’s most famous tropical islands, known for its combination of superb beaches and acres of indigenous rainforests.
The Bo Phut Resort is located on Bo Phut beach and is surrounded by greenery, giving you much more beach to enjoy. Not only do you get to relax by the ocean, but the on-site restaurants also have live traditional entertainment where they play “Khim,” a Thai music instrument.
It’s a great way to have fun on the beach while exploring the more traditional parts of Thailand.
Mia Resort Nha Trang (Nha Trang, Vietnam)
This contemporary beach resort is named after the Vietnamese word for sugarcane, which emphasizes its green approach to hospitality.
Located next to the East Sea, you not only get some of the best views in all of Vietnam but are surrounded by lush gardens providing peak privacy. If you want to enjoy more than just the gorgeous beach, no worries!
Mia Resort has its own activities team to help you plan your day, whether it be exploring the ancient ruins of Nha Trang or going snorkeling.
Ko Yao Island Resort (Ko Yao, Thailand)
This remote island is surrounded by private beaches, rain forests, and uninhabited islands allowing experiences that may not be possible in more crowded spaces. Each villa in the resort faces the beach, so every guest can take in the breathtaking views of the crystal-clear water of Ko Yao.
What makes Ko Yao Island Resort stand out amongst other resorts, is their unique experiences. Some of the experiences they provide are: floating breakfast served in your private pool, muay Thai classes, rock climbing, and cooking classes.
It’s a fantastic place for those who want to try something a little different.
Samanea Beach Resort & Spa (Kep, Cambodia)
Built from the ruins of a seaside cottage, this eco-friendly beach resort prides itself on its use of local materials and Cambodian traditional style.
At Samanea Beach Resort, you will find traditional stylings sourced locally and made only from regional materials. You can have a wonderful time relaxing at the beachside while knowing that you aren’t increasing your carbon footprint.
The resort also includes an eco-cruise and a countryside tour to show you the beautiful nature that exists in Cambodia.
The Oberoi Beach Resort Bali (Seminyak, Indonesia)
Bali is known for its beach resorts, and there is a reason why. The Oberoi Beach Resort has some of the most incredible beach views and garden views, creating a harmonious feel during your stay here.
When you want to try something outside of the beach, this resort showcases traditional dance performances at its amphitheater.
If that doesn’t catch your attention, Oberoi Beach Resort also includes experiences such as adventure cycling, bird interactions, and surf lessons.
Crusoe Cabins Casobe (Batangas, Philippines)
These gorgeous cabins are one of the top beach resorts in Batangas, Philippines for a reason. Each cabin is spaced apart and includes a small kitchen, dining area, and a veranda. The Crusoe Cabins include numerous lovely features like a waterpark, restaurants, and cafes.
But the reason this was voted as one of the best beach resorts, is its proximity to the beach. Right outside the cabin, is a cool and quiet beach, with deep blue waves ready to be enjoyed.
Berjaya Langkawi Resort (Kedah, Malaysia)
Located by lush tropical rainforest, this resort is just steps away from the crystal clear waters of the Andaman Sea. Staying here is really an all-in-one experience.
You have the beautiful beach, the rainforest, towering waterfalls, and nearby night markets to explore! Berjaya Langkawi Resort is the perfect destination for thrill-seekers as it provides zipline tours that take you on 12 zip lines throughout the rainforest, where you get to see some of the grandest waterfalls in Malaysia.
Ayodya Resort Bali (Nusa Dua, Indonesia)
With its stunning views of the Indian Ocean, Ayodya Resort is a wonderful resort to stay in when visiting Indonesia. With its numerous cultural events, you get to enjoy the relaxation of the beach, but also explore the wonders of Indonesian culture without going out too far.
One of the most interesting events they hold is the “Fisherman’s Feast.” Here they bring fish in from the local fish market and create delicious, traditional Indonesian foods right on the beach for you! What’s better than enjoying fresh fish next to the ocean?
On top of that, Bali is the perfect spot for an Indonesian island cruise adventure as many great diving expeditions to underwater havens such as Komodo depart from there.
El Nido Resorts, Miniloc Island (Palawan Island, Philippines)
Palawan Island is most known for its scenic landscapes and biodiversity, known as the “last ecological frontier of the Philippines.” Here you will find bright blue waters, immaculate beaches, and indigenous flower varieties everywhere.
El Nido resorts provide guests with native-designed villas furnished with local Filipino materials, giving it a natural, almost rustic, vibe. During your stay here, I encourage you to take a dive in the resort’s reef and swim with the local jackfish and marine life.
It will definitely be a memorable experience!
Read next: Best beaches in Coron, Palawan Island
My Beach Resort (Phuket, Thailand)
With its breathtaking views and unforgettable sunsets, My Beach Resort in Phuket is the place to go. This resort is located on a less-crowded beach in Phuket, so you get to enjoy more of this beautiful beachfront to yourself.
Close to the resort is the famous Khao Khad viewpoint, a view tower where you can take in all the wonderful scenery of Phuket. If you want to explore a bit more of the city itself, Old Phuket is only 15 minutes away by car, so you can get the best of both worlds at My Beach Resort.
The Ocean Villas (Da Nang, Vietnam)
Featuring luxury villas, suites, and world-famous golf courses, this resort is a sanctuary of comfort that looks out on the sparkling blue East Sea.
Not only is the Ocean Villas Resort located on the most scenic beaches of Vietnam, but it is also close to many historical sites like Hoi An Ancient Town, My Son Sanctuary, and Hue Complex of Monuments.
Take the time to relax at the beach, then go explore the wonderful culture and history of Da Nang!
Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort & Spa (Cebu, Philippines)
Shangri-La Mactan is a luxury beachfront resort in Cebu, perfect for a honeymoon or spending time with your family in their elegant and spacious rooms. Not only do they offer free airport transfer and car park, but your children will enjoy free buffet meals and a free entrance to the kid’s playground.
There are many landmarks close to the resort but most of the guests are spending their holiday inside since it gives you a tropical island feel.
The Datai Langkawi (Kedah, Malaysia)
One of the best things about this resort is its eco-diversity, combining lush rainforests and pristine white-sand beaches.
Datai Bay, where Datai Langkawi is located, was voted as one of the top 10 beaches worldwide by National Geographic. While lying on the sand, you can enjoy the view of the 10 million-year-old forest surrounding the resort.
As if this wasn’t enough, the award-winning Els Club golf course is a five-minute drive from the resort, providing fun for all golfing fans.
Moonlight Resort (Koh Rong Samloem, Cambodia)
This Cambodian beach resort has some of the most unique buildings on this list. Each villa is dome-shaped with a round skylight, making your night one that is under the stars.
When you wake up from your star-filled night, you can take an open-air shower with the sounds of nature filling your ears. While you relax on the beach, you can enjoy exquisite drinks and foods brought out to you by the kind staff.
When you want to have a bit more fun, you can experience the nearby fisherman’s villages, snorkeling into glowing plankton, or go diving.
COMO Uma Canggu (Bali, Indonesia)
On Bali’s southern coast, you can find this wonderful resort that lies on soft volcanic sand and rolling waves. With its laid-back vibes, you can finally release that stress and tension you’ve been feeling from these past two years of lockdown.
COMO Uma Canggu also offers cultural experiences like archery lessons, rafting on Ayung River, a monastery walk, and a scenic helicopter adventure among many other things to do for all kinds of tastes!
Read next: Things to do in Canggu, Bali
Coast Boracay (Boracay, Philippines)
Not only is Coast Boracay a great destination for relaxation, but it’s also one of the most Instagrammable locations on this list!
Each accent piece in the resort is handmade by local designers and weavers, creating a modern, yet traditional, fusion. Its staunch white buildings contrast against the blue sky, creating that beachy vibe you just don’t want to leave.
With an array of live music, restaurants, and a variety of shops, there are a plethora of things to enjoy in this picturesque resort.
Hopefully one of these incredible beach resorts piqued your interest and you’re booking a room right now!
Which Southeast Asian beach destination is your favorite, and which do you feel we missed in our list?
Let us know via aworldtotravel @ gmail . com, and we might just write part two.
Bon voyage!
–
Catalin Geangos is a travel blogger who mainly focuses on nightlife, pub crawls, and party experiences while traveling in Southeast Asia. He moved from Romania to the UK 6 years ago and since then he has traveled to over 30 countries.
