Discover the lesser-known beaches in Southeast Asia
Immerse yourself in tranquil and beautiful destinations, trading crowded tourist spots for serenity. Each destination on our list offers a relaxed holiday experience, perfect for those seeking lesser-known areas. Explore Southeast Asia's hidden gems with our selection of the region's top 7 underrated beaches. 🌊
7 Underrated Beaches in Southeast Asia
- Koh Kood, Thailand
- Pulau Kapas, Malaysia
- Lombok Island, Indonesia
- White Beach, Philippines
- Koh Mai Phai, Thailand
- Koh Thmei, Cambodia
- Sabtang Island, Philippines
1. Koh Kood, Thailand
Koh Kood offers the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure for an unforgettable holiday experience. Visit Koh Kood for nice views, bays and beaches.
Things to do in Koh Kood, Thailand:
🏖️ Popular beaches worth visiting: Klong Chao Beach, Ao Tapao Beach and Khlong Hin Beach
📷 Other popular places to visit: Khlong Chao Waterfall and Huang Nam Keaw Waterfall
🤿 Activities to enjoy while at Koh Kood: Snorkeling, scuba diving and jungle trekking
How to get from Bangkok to Koh Kood:
Nearest international airport: Fly into Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK)
- Cost-Effective Option: Take a bus from Bangkok Bus Terminal to Trat Bus Terminal [Duration: 4h30min], then approximately 30 minutes by car to Laem Sok Pier.
- Fastest Route: Fly from BKK to Trat Airport (TDX) [Duration: 1hr], then approximately 50 minutes by car to Laem Sok Pier.
- After reaching Trat, board a ferry from Laem Sok Pier to Koh Kood and enjoy a scenic 90-minute journey.
2. Pulau Kapas, Malaysia
For adventurers seeking an immersive experience with nature, Pulau Kapas is the ideal destination.
Things to do in Pulau Kapas Island, Malaysia:
🚶 Activities to enjoy while at Pulau Kapas: Do a jungle trek to discover the rich biodiversity of flora and fauna in Malaysia
🌅 Other popular activities to do: Admiring the beautiful panoramic views of the island
🍴 Sample traditional Malay cuisine: Nasi Lemak, Satay Skewers, and Fish Laprik
How to get to Pulau Kapas:
Nearest international airport: Fly into Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL)
- Fastest Route: Transit from KUL to Sultan Mahmud Airport (TGG) in Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia [Duration: 1hr]
- Travel to Marang Jetty by private transportation or by taxi and then catch a boat to Pulau Kapas
3. Lombok Island, Indonesia
Escape the tourist crowds and immerse yourself in the relaxing atmosphere of Lombok Island. With fewer visitors than the famous Bali, Lombok offers stunning beaches and an excellent surfing experience.
Things to do in Lombok Island, Indonesia:
🏄 Activity to enjoy while at Selong Belanak Beach: This beach is perfect for beginner surfers. Local instructors create a fun environment, ensuring travellers enjoy their first surfing experiences
🌋 Other activities to enjoy while at Lombok Island: Embark on a trekking adventure at Rinjani Volcano for stunning panoramic views
How to get to Lombok Island:
Nearest international airport: Fly into Lombok International Airport (LOP), which provides convenient access for visitors
4. White Beach, Philippines
Boracay's White Beach in the Philippines is known for its beauty and pure relaxation.
Things to do in White Beach, Philippines:
🧘♀️ Activities to enjoy while at White Beach: Visitors can savor spa treatments and enjoy tranquil beachfront accommodations, which offer outdoor yoga sessions
👉 Tip: Visit White Beach in the mornings or at night, allowing you to immerse yourself in tranquility
🍹 Other activities to do: Enjoy the nightlife! Savor beachfront drinks with ocean views at White Beach. Enjoy cocktails, live music, and fire dancers on the sand.
How to get to White Beach:
- Nearest international airport: Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) in Manila then transit to Caticlan Airport (MPH) or Kalibo International Airport (KLO)
- Fastest option to get to White Beach Then, take a boat to Boracay Island, where White Beach is situated
5. Koh Mai Phai, Thailand
Bamboo Island is the perfect place to lay back and relax.
Things to do in Koh Mai Phai, Thailand:
🌳 Why is Bamboo Island worth visiting?: Bamboo Island is known for its stunning natural beauty, with an abundance of Bamboo and Casuarina trees adding to its charm
🤿 Other activities to do while at Bamboo Island: Snorkeling and scuba diving
How to get to Koh Mai Phai:
- Nearest international airport: Phuket International Airport (HKT)
- How to get to Koh Mai Phai: From Phuket International Airport, travellers can easily arrange transportation to a nearby pier in Phuket and then take a boat or ferry to reach Bamboo Island
6. Koh Thmei, Cambodia
Visiting Koh Thmei is a must for everyone who wants to explore the jungle, a quiet place full of nature.
Things to do in Koh Thmei, Cambodia
🎒 Activities to do while at Koh Thmei: This hidden-gem is ideal for travellers who want to camp next to the crystal-clear waters, where they can swim in the day and watch the stars at night
🛶 Other activities to do while at Koh Thmei: Boat tours, kayaking and bird watching
How to get to Koh Thmei:
- Nearest international airport: Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH) in Cambodia
- Fastest way to get to Koh Thmei: Transfer to Sihanoukville through ground transportation and then take a ferry to Koh Thmei
7. Sabtang Island, Philippines
Get ready to be captivated by the stunning scenery of Sabtang Island. This beautiful destination has natural beauty that will leave you in awe.
Things to do in Sabtang Island, Philippines:
🌊 Beaches that are worth visiting: Morong Beach and Nakabuang Beach
🌄 Things to do while at Sabtang Island: Explore the beautiful panoramic views of hills and cliffs meeting the sea
👉 Other activities to do: Experience the vibrant cultural heritage of the Ivatan people
How to get to Sabtang Island:
- Nearest international airport: Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL)
- How to get to Sabtang Island To reach Sabtang Island, fly to Basco in Batanes Province from Manila. Then, take a short ride to Ivana Port and board a traditional boat to Sabtang Island
🏖️ You deserve a nice peaceful beach retreat. Let these lesser-known coastal paradises inspire your next unforgettable getaway. What are you waiting for? Compare our awesome flight deals to Asia and book your next beach vacation on BudgetAir Canada!