Top Remote Beaches In Southeast Asia That You Simply Cannot Miss

The call of the open road and untouched natural beauty is vital for many modern travelers. If you are seeking to escape crowded destinations and discover idyllic coastlines that few others have witnessed, beaches in Southeast Asia provide an abundance of remote paradises waiting to be explored. From Indonesia to Thailand, here are some of the top remote beaches in the region that should not be overlooked.

5 Worth-visiting Hidden Beaches In Southeast Asia

Con Dao Island, Vietnam

Located about 150 kilometers off the southern coast of Vietnam, Con Dao is an archipelago consisting of 16 islands. For decades, Con Dao was isolated from much of the world due to its use as Vietnam’s most notorious prison. But in the 1990s, the prisons were shut down, and Con Dao began welcoming tourists to experience its natural beauty.

Con Dao passenger port

Con Dao’s remote location indicates that it is often overlooked by travelers in favor of more popular Vietnamese beach spots. However, this hidden gem has a unique, wild, and untouched charm unlike anywhere else. 

Its highlights

• One of the most beautiful beach here is Bai Dat Doc, a three kilometer stretch of powdery white sand lapped by calm emerald waters. Spending hours here relaxing in a hammock with a good book or watching the gentle waves roll ashore might be the top options.
• Other superb beaches include Bai Dram Trau, with its scenic limestone backdrop, and Bai Nhat with excellent swimming. No matter which beach you choose to while away the day, you’ll have it almost entirely to yourself. 
• The sea life is another highlight of Con Dao. Its surrounding waters are home to vibrant coral reefs teeming with colorful fish. Mornings snorkeling off the coast can amaze every tousit by the kaleidoscope of marine life – schools of angelfish, clownfish hiding out in anemones, graceful sea turtles gliding past.

The tranquil Bai Dat Doc Beach (Source: Collected)

How to get there

Con Dao Island can be reached by air or sea. The most convenient way to travel is by taking a domestic flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Con Dao Airport. Flights are available daily, and the journey takes approximately 45 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a ferry from Vung Tau or Can Tho to Con Dao Island. The ferry ride may take longer but offers a scenic journey across the sea.

>> Read More: Con Dao – A Completed Guide To Vietnam’s Untamed Paradise

Phu Quy Island, Vietnam

Another of Vietnam hidden gem is Phu Quy Island, an intriguing piece of land in the East Sea that has just lately begun to welcome both domestic and foreign visitors.

The untouched beauty of Phu Quy Island

Located just 120 kilometers east of Phan Thiet on the mainland, Phu Quy boasts two volcanic peaks and lush greenery that stretches as far as the eye can see. The island’s secluded location in the ocean makes it an ideal sanctuary for those seeking tranquility away from the bustle of city life.

Its highlights

There are lots of beaches where you may go snorkeling or swimming in Phu Quy Island:

• Bai Nho, a little beach in Ganh Hang, is a safe place to swim and snorkel because there aren’t many boats in the area. Imagine a crescent of white sand with waters so clean you can see the bottom, tucked between jagged rocky cliffs. 
• Another fantastic swimming location where you may spend an entire day is Trieu Duong Bay. It features a broad, lengthy expanse of white sand with Casuarina trees bordering it. Their shade is ideal for enjoying a leisurely, quiet picnic.

This little island also has several unique check-in locations for photography enthusiasts:

• Cao Cat Peak is one of the highest points on the island, rising 106 meters above sea level. The volcanic rocks have worn over time to create profound grooves with striking horizontal lines. Discover why it’s called “the Grand Canyon of Vietnam” by scaling to the summit. 

• Lang Duong Fish Pond of Lang Duong Aquarium was originally a special place for the fishermen on the island. Gradually, this place became a famous and unique symbol only Phu Quy has. Stone barriers were constructed long ago to hold in seawater, but they also trapped shrimp and small fish. Explore the ruins by strolling around the low walls and keeping an eye out for little marine life.

Lang Duong Fish Pond from a high window view (Source: Collected)

How to get there

If you are planning to visit Phu Quy Island, it’s important to know that there is no airport on the island. However, you can reach the island by taking a flight to Da Lat, Ho Chi Minh City, or Nha Trang and then taking a train or bus to Phan Thiet. From there, you can travel to the port to board a boat to the island.

The travel time is between 2.5 to 3.5 hours, depending on the type of boat, so it’s a good idea to take motion sickness medicine ahead of time if you are prone to seasickness. Once you arrive on the island, you can rent a motorbike or bicycle, or your host can arrange a taxi for you to travel around.

>> Read More: Top 8 Vietnam Beaches That Definitely Should Be On Your List

Koh Kood, Thailand

Thailand is an incredible country that should definitely be on your list of places to visit in Southeast Asia. While popular destinations like Phuket and Koh Samui are undoubtedly great options, there are also hidden gems to discover, such as Koh Kood in Trat province.

Get lost in Koh Kood’s pristine beach 

Located next to Koh Chang, Koh Kood offers stunning views of white sandy beaches and crystal-clear water that will take your breath away. Unlike other busy and crowded destinations, Koh Kood provides a peaceful and relaxing experience, perfect for anyone who wants to unwind and enjoy nature. You can lounge on the beach, take a nap in a hammock, and immerse yourself in the fresh ocean breeze and aroma.

Its highlights

• The most well-liked beach on the island is Khlong Chao Beach, which has a lengthy stretch of fine white sand and is populated with a number of resorts as well as a few cafes and restaurants. This is the ideal spot for a sundowner by the sea or a day spent reading while tanning in the sun.
• If you enjoy watching sunsets, head to Ao Tapao Beach, which is further north from Khlong Chao. Riding a motorbike will allow you to appreciate the scenic trip past a bay with wooden piers. As you admire the fantastic performance in the sky, don’t forget to bring a picnic basket and a bottle of bubbly for your Instagram moment on the rope swings that are built here.
• Tinkerbell Beach is named after the Tinkerbell Resort, which is a reasonably priced place. The beach is usually not crowded, which is a good thing, especially when compared to other popular tourist destinations in Thailand like Phuket. The water at Tinkerbell Beach is calm and perfect for swimming.

How to get there?

There are two convenient ways to visit Koh Kood from Bangkok. You can take a quick one-hour Bangkok Airways flight to Trat or opt for a six-hour drive/bus ride. Once you reach Trat, you can take a speedboat from Laem Sok Pier to Koh Kood. This way, you will have a comfortable and hassle-free journey to enjoy the beautiful island of Koh Kood.

>> See Tour: Thailand Holiday – Bangkok, Phuket & Koh Yao Yai 11 Nights

Kep, Cambodia

Kep is a charming town that was originally built to accommodate the French elite in 1908. However, during the Khmer Rouge regime in the 1970s, the town suffered immense damage, and many of the elegant colonial French villas and buildings were left in ruins. Despite this, Kep has managed to maintain its appeal and is now a popular destination for Cambodians, particularly during public holidays.

Enjoy the peaceful vibes in this beach town

Visitors can enjoy a small but picturesque stretch of beach, where families can be seen relishing freshly caught fish bought from the nearby Crab Market. The calm waters are perfect for wading or playing on the sand, making it an ideal spot for a relaxing day out. Kep’s history may have left its scars, but the town’s natural beauty and vibrant culture make it a charming destination worth exploring.

Its highlights

• Kep Beach is the main beach and a popular destination for tourists. It offers soft white sand, clear blue waters, and a tranquil environment. Enjoy the time while relaxing on the shore, sunbathe, or take a swim in the sea.
• If you’re looking for a beach vacation with a touch of adventure, Kep National Park is a great option. The park offers hiking trails that lead to scenic viewpoints overlooking the coastline. You can hike through lush greenery, spot wildlife, and enjoy breathtaking views of the ocean.
• A visit to Kep would not be complete without a trip to the famous Crab Market. Let’s experience the local culture and indulge in fresh seafood, especially the famous Kep crab. 
• Kep’s coastal location makes it an excellent destination for water sports and sailing activities. Renting a kayak or a paddleboard is a great choice to explore the coastline at your own pace.

Seafood is the must-try cuisine in Kep

How to get there?

To make your journey smoother, it is recommended with flying to Phnom Penh and then arranging a private car with a driver to Kep via your tour operator. This way, you can sit back and enjoy the ride while taking in the scenic views of Cambodia along the way.

Song Saa Island, Cambodia

Looking for an exceptional private island experience? Look no further than Song Saa Private Island. This remarkable resort offers 24 spacious luxury villas, each with a private pool and breathtaking views of the island and ocean. The villas were constructed using recycled and reclaimed timber and decorated with re-purposed items and local materials, reflecting their strong commitment to sustainability.

A private place to enjoy your summer escape (Source: Collected)

The resort offers an array of bespoke experiences for guests of all ages, ranging from Robinson-Crusoe style beach picnics to hikes through the rainforest, sandcastle building on secluded beaches, and even night swims to see the bioluminescent plankton. 

Its highlights

• You can enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters, where you can see an abundance of marine life.
• If you’re interested in learning about the local culture, then Khmer cuisine cooking classes are available where you can learn how to prepare traditional Cambodian dishes.
• You can also explore the nearby mangroves on a kayak tour, where you can enjoy the peaceful surroundings and observe the local wildlife.
• For families with children, there are nature-themed treasure hunts that are both educational and fun. 

How to get there?

If you’re planning a trip to Cambodia, it is great to know that both Siem Reap and Phnom Penh airports are well-connected to international destinations with several daily flights. From Siem Reap, you can easily reach the coast in just 45 minutes by flight, while a few hours’ drive from Phnom Penh can take you to your speedboat transfer.

>> See Tour: Cambodia’s Ancient Temples & Pristine Beach

Must-know Things When Visiting Remote Beaches In Southeast Asia

• Research transportation options in advance. Many of the most beautiful beaches are only accessible by boat or a long drive on rough roads. Make sure you have a reliable way to reach your destination.
• Pack lightly. You likely won’t have access to lots of amenities in remote areas. Bring everything you need in a small, easy-to-carry bag.
• Bring extra food. Remote beaches may not have many food options. Pack non-perishable snacks, water, and anything else you’ll need to be self-sufficient for a day or two.
• Expect basic accommodations. Don’t count on luxury resorts in remote locales. Bring a sleeping bag or be prepared for very simple guesthouses or camping.
• Consider your itinerary. Spending just a night may not be worth the effort to reach an isolated beach. Plan to stay 2-3 nights minimum to make the most of your trip.
• Watch the weather and tides. Monsoons or high tides could cut you off from getting back. Check conditions and have backup plans in case the weather changes your schedule.

Southeast Asia is a treasure trove of remote beaches that offer a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Whether you’re seeking tranquility, adventure, or simply want to soak up the sun, these remote beaches will leave you in awe of their natural beauty.

So do not hesitate to Craft Your Beach Trip with Asia Pioneer Travel now. Our delicate travel designers will give you suggestions and guidance for your trip planning and tailor the journey according to your interests and requirements. Pack your bags, grab your sunscreen, and get ready for an unforgettable beach getaway in Southeast Asia.