Summer is fast approaching. And when it’s summertime, everyone wants to spend the day at the beach, and Asia is one with famous tropical beaches. In case you are planning a summer getaway, here are some of the best beach vacation destinations you can consider. We have provided options from cheapest to luxurious resorts in Asia so you can choose whichever fits your budget.
Packing Tips For Your Beach Getaway
Packing in advance indeed comes with great benefits as it allows you to have ample time to double-check everything and make sure you won’t miss or leave anything important. When you are properly packed, it lets you enjoy and have a smooth, worry-free trip. So for your upcoming beach trip, here are some packing tips to help you prepare better and make the most out of your getaway.
- The size of your luggage would most likely depend on the length of your vacation. But packing light would be best as it will be easier for you when transferring flights or moving from one location to another. Pack fewer clothes and do your laundry during your travel.
- Make a list of the things you need to bring. Then go over the list again to edit and make sure that you don’t miss anything or bring something that’s not important.
- Bring light clothes. You won’t really need too many layers since it’s going to be hot. You can just bring one jacket or sweatshirt to use during flights or at night when you want to stroll at the beach.
- Pack double-purpose clothes or garments just like pants that can convert to shorts.
- Don’t forget to bring your sunscreen and other things that will protect you from the sun, just like sunglasses and a hat.
- Bring a beach towel that you can sit on when you are at the beach.
- A first aid kit is very important no matter where you go. Don’t forget to pack your first aid travel kit and replenish the medicines you might need.
- Bring a beach bag to put your essentials when going to the beach. A waterproof bag would be helpful so your belongings, especially your gadgets, are safe in the bag.
- Bring portable speakers and a book to have something to do as you soak yourself under the sun.
- Lessen the gadgets you need to bring. If you have two mobile phones, just bring one. If you have a laptop and a tab, just choose and bring one, not unless you really have two. But don’t forget your camera and GoPro.
Asia’s Best Budget-Friendly Beach Vacation Destinations
The best beach vacation destinations don’t have to be expensive. You can go on a budget and still enjoy and have the best trip. You can search for budget-friendly hostels, B&Bs, and Inns that are good for two in less than 50USD. This already comes with breakfast and free Wi-Fi.
Siargao Island, Philippines
The Philippines is a tropical country known for its breathtaking and pristine beaches. Here, you can find an island shaped like a teardrop known to be the country’s surfing capital, the Siargao Island.
What You Shouldn’t Miss:
- Experience surfing in Siargao’s famous Cloud 9.
- Book a boat for island hopping on Guyam, Daku, and Naked Island.
- Dive in the Sugba Lagoon.
- Take a day trip to Sohoton Cove National Park.
- Experience the Siargao Nightlife.
Traveler’s Advice
If you are coming from outside the Philippines, the best time to visit is around March to May, which is the country’s summer season. Luckily, this is also the best time to fly and get good deals on airlines, as this is their off-peak season. When you visit Siargao, Check out the Bamboo Garden Bar And Lodging and Romantic Beach Villas if you are looking for an affordable place to stay. Depending on the season, you can get an air-conditioned room for less than 50USD. You can even book at Wayfarers Cloud 9 for 10USD a night which is perfect for backpackers. It’s also easy to book a tour for sightseeing and island hopping. You have choices of booking tours with groups or private tours, which would cost less than 50USD per person. For food, try to eat at Mama’s Grill for affordable meals and experience tasting something local.
>> Protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. Always apply sunscreen before going outside.
Boracay Island, Philippines
Boracay is another beach gem in the Philippines. It is comprised of 17 beaches divided into stations. Station 0 and 1 are where you can find exclusive resorts and luxury beaches. Station 2 is like the center and crowded area as it’s where you can mostly find the nightlife, the D’Mall, and D’Talipapa that’s lined with souvenir shops and restaurants. Station 2 is where mid-range beaches are situated, but you can still find budgeted accommodations here. Station 3 is where you can surely find very affordable accommodation perfect for budgeted travelers and backpackers.
What You Shouldn’t Miss:
- Shop and dine at D’Mall and D’Talipapa.
- Experience Helmet Diving.
- Try parasailing, banana boat rides, and other extreme activities.
- Go island-hopping on Magic Island, Crocodile Island, and Crystal Cove Beach.
- Sunbathing, Spa Massage, and just relax by the beach.
Traveler’s Advice
From Philippines’ capital city, Manila, book an economy flight to Kalibo or Caticlan. Ticket fare costs about 40USD – 60USD depending on the airline and date of travel and will take about an hour. If you book ahead, you might be able to catch airline promos and book as low as one dollar ticket fare. From Kalibo, you will need to take a bus trip for almost two hours to reach Boracay. But if you proceed in Caticlan, it will only take a 15 to 20 minutes ferry ride to Boracay shore.
Fat Jimmy’s Resort is one of the most affordable resorts in station 2. Although you have to take a 6-minute walk to the beach, it’s great as it’s accessible to D’Mall and most restaurants and shops on the island. Another is La Carmela De Boracay. It’s a 3-start beachfront resort in station 2 that usually has rooms on promo, giving you easy access to the White beach. It’s affordable as you can get a room for two for less than 50USD.
Boracay is packed with a lot of water activities you can try. Boracay Aquanaut is just one of the most recommended as it lets you walk on the seabed of White beach and interact with marine life. The best thing is you don’t need to be an experienced diver to do this. You will have a helmet and air hose and a guide to bring you down underwater and up.
Gili Islands, Bali Indonesia
Gili islands is consist of three tiny ones named Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air. Gili Trawangan is known as the party island with its boho vibe. Gili Meno is more of a relaxed location. If you need to relax and just want to enjoy the calmness of the ocean, then this is the best island to stay on. Gili Air is where you can find a balance out of the three islands. It has parties, activities, and a chill ambiance.
What You Shouldn’t Miss:
- Take a photo at the ocean swings found throughout the coast of Gilis.
- Experience mouthwatering delicacies by visiting Trawangan Night Market.
- Hike on Trawangan Hill.
- Check out the scenic view of Gili Meno Salt Lake.
- Party at the Jiggy Boat.
Traveler’s Advice
A famous budget-friendly resort in Gili Islands that most travelers recommend is the Gili Palms Resort. At 25USD, you get to enjoy an air-conditioned room with cable tv, minibar, refrigerator, a safe, a private balcony with a pool view. The resort also offers massages, activities such as snorkeling, diving, mini-golf, table tennis, and they have bike rental so you can explore the island on your own. Aside from this, there are other affordable hotels or resorts below 50USD that you can find on the island. If you are looking for adventure, get some water activities such as snorkeling or diving. You can also go on walking tours and cruises and grab some cheap eats at Trawangan Night Market.
Asia’s Best Mid-Range Beach Vacation Destinations In Asia
The average-priced best beach vacation destinations are an upgrade from the budgeted destinations we’ve mentioned above. Ranging from 60USD to 100USD a night for two persons and comes with great amenities and room features.
Phuket, Thailand
Known as the Pearl of the Andaman Sea, Phuket is famous for its clear turquoise-colored water and white sand beaches. It’s a perfect tropical destination for travelers who wants to relax and enjoy the beach. The best way to get there is to book a flight for about 25USD to 50USD coming from Bangkok, depending on the airline. Phuket can be expensive. In fact, it’s the most expensive part of Thailand for tourists. But don’t lose hope as we can find averaged priced hotels and resorts so you can experience the beauty of Phuket.
What You Shouldn’t Miss:
- Shop at Phuket’s Weekend Night Market.
- Visit Phuket Old Town.
- Island hop on Phuket’s surrounding islands.
- Dive and explore the beauty under the clear waters of the Andaman Sea.
- Pamper yourself and get a traditional Thai massage by the beach.
Traveler’s Advice
Avista Grande Phuket Karin – MGallery is a highly recommended mid-priced resort by those who have visited Phuket. It’s located in Karon Beach and also comes with a scenic view of nearby mountains. Room prices start from 81USD to a luxury amount of 200USD for their suite. If you plan ahead, you can search and score great deals on accommodations. For 70USD to 100USD, you can take a day tour to explore and enjoy Phi Phi Island, or you can join group tours to visit Phuket Elephant Sanctuary.
Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam
Phu Quoc Island is where you can find Long Beach, which is mainly famous to tourists. But there’s more to this destination than just Long Beach. From Ho Chi Min City, the capital of Vietnam, the best way to reach Phu Quoc is by air travel. It will only take an hour flight, and airfare ticket ranges from 30USD to 100USD depending on the airline.
What You Shouldn’t Miss:
- Try Vietnam’s delicacies and exotic food at Dinh Cau Night Markets.
- Visit Ham Ninh Village to get a glimpse of fisherman’s daily routine.
- Visit Dinh Cau Rock or Cau temple, where most local fishermen go to pray before fishing.
- If you love museums, check out Phu Quoc Prison.
- Explore other nearby islands such as Long Beach, Ong Lang Beach, and Bai Sao.
Traveler’s Advice
Dusit Princess Moonrise Beach Resort is one of the highly recommended destinations in Phu Quoc. In less the 100USD, you get to enjoy a family-friendly place with great amenities such as the gym within their resort, beach access, indoor play area for kids, room mini bar, fast internet, and many more. Sunset Beach Resort & Spa is also another resort that can get you a great place to stay for less than 100 USD. You can have options of having a room with a pool view, mountain view, or beach view. You can then book tour packages that include activities such as island hopping, riding the cable car, city tour, and more. These tour prices range from 30USD to 130USD per person, depending on the package inclusion.
Asia’s Best Luxurious Beach Vacation Destinations
If you are capable and looking for a destination where you can really pamper yourself, here are some luxurious best beach vacation destinations we recommend.
Koh Rong Archipelago, Cambodia
Koh Rong is the second biggest island in Cambodia and comes with breathtaking beach resorts. Whether you come from Siem Reap or Phom Penh, the options for you to get into the island are by taking a bus, a private taxi, or book a flight to Sihanoukville with the lowest airfare price of 200USD. From Sihanoukville, take a ferry to cross and reach Koh Rong.
What You Shouldn’t Miss:
- Ride ziplines and or do Ropewalks in High Point Adventure Park.
- Watch the exotic birds and other animals at the Jungle Zoo.
- Swim with bioluminescent plankton at night.
- If you want something extreme, try Blob Jump.
- Go to Sok San Beach, which is the famous location of Survivor’s 32nd series.
Traveler’s Advice
Song Saa Private Island Resort is one of the luxury destinations in Cambodia. A perfect place if you want a more exclusive place away from touristy beaches in the country. A place for retreat and meditation, and you get to do other fun activities as well, such as diving, exploring the island safari, and more. They also offer personal training for a fitness program, private yoga, spa, and in-villa movie experience. The Royal Sands Koh Rong is another luxury location that’s 2.4 miles away from the center of the island, with rooms ranging from 500USD – 2000 USD.
Maldives
The Maldives’ beaches are known to be a luxury destinations. It’s usually described as exceedingly expensive, especially during its peak season that falls between December and March. The resorts come with the clearest water and finest white sand. It’s a perfect destination if you want to experience luxury and pampering at its best.
What You Shouldn’t Miss:
- Explore Male, the capital city of Maldives.
- Watch Boduberu, which is a show performed by Maldivian locals.
- Do water activities and explore underwater by diving and snorkeling.
- Go on a dolphin cruise.
- Try the local Maldivian Submarine.
Traveler’s Advice
Soneva Jani is the most expensive resort you can go to in Maldives, with its smallest room ranging from 3,000USD to 5,000USD. Also, you need to take a 45 minutes flight from Male to reach the island. Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa is another traveler’s choice destination. With room ranging from 1000USD to 7000USD. If the two mentioned are just too much for your budget, you can also find accommodations that range from 150USD to 200USD. Snorkeling and diving are some of the most recommended activities other than just chilling by the beach as Maldives’ underwater world is remarkably amazing.
To Wrap It Up
So there go our top choices for the best beach vacation destinations. If you are a budget traveler and want to visit luxurious destinations, it’s not impossible. Plan your trip in advance and layout your itinerary. Planning ahead helps you get good deals and gives you time to save money as well.
What’s Next?
Beach getaway is always relaxing and a great way to escape our busy city life. Learn more about the best beach vacation destinations here!