Summer is coming in hot, which means one thing – beach time. If you're heading to Asia and need some inspiration for where to get your tan on, then a new list by World's 50 Best Beaches is just for you.
The World's 50 Beaches team, its judges and Beach Ambassadors have had the enviable job of racking up hours of sun, sand, and sea time on some of the most idyllic golden stretches in the world. They voted for their favourites based on this first-hand experience, resulting in the Best Beaches in the World, 2025 list.
Of the 50 beaches worldwide, eight beaches in Asia were tipped for being among the best. And if you like frolicking in seclusion, then you'll love the best beach in Asia (and second-best in the world): Entalula Beach in the Philippines. Located in Palawan, this paradise is shaded by towering, limestone cliffs, forming a backdrop to calm, turquoise waters ideal for swimming and snorkelling. Because it can only be reached by boat, it's less frequented by tourists – but perhaps not for long. To get here, hop on a private transfer or group tour from El Nido Town or Corong Corong Beach.
It's hard to find a Thai island that's not overrun with tourists, but Koh Kood still flies under the radar. It's home to the third-best beach in the world, Bang Bao Beach, which the World's 50 Beaches team calls "quiet and pristine". Take a leisurely swim in clear, shallow waters, pick through the jungle fringing the beach, or stroll along the wooden pier to observe daily life in the small fishing village. It's a bit of an effort to get here – you'll have to take a plane or bus from Bangkok to Trat before hopping on a boat – but it's well worth it.
Next on the list is a personal favourite of ours: Pink Beach in Indonesia's Komodo National Park, which you can reach via Labuan Bajo mainland. As it's name suggests, the sand on this beach is an appealing blush pink, caused by the mixture of white sand and red coral fragments. The water here is strikingly clear and calm, and there are beach shacks on the sand selling light meals and beverages. Most people visit Pink Beach as part of a day tour to Padar Island, Komodo Island (to see the famed Komodo dragons), and Manta Point.
The rest of the list includes a mix of hidden gems (Pulau Palambak, Goyambokka Beach) and tourist hotspots (Freedom Beach, Bon Bon Beach). Check out why they're worthy of your next beach vacation at World's 50 Beaches.
The best beaches in the world 2025 – Asia's ranking:
- Entalula Beach, Philippines (#2)
- Bang Bao Beach, Thailand (#3)
- Pink Beach, Indonesia (#13)
- Pulau Palambak, Indonesia (#27)
- Freedom Beach, Thailand (#28)
- Bon Bon Beach, Philippines (#38)
- Goyambokka Beach, Sri Lanka (#40)
- Kuramathi Sand Bank, Maldives (#49)
ICYMI: The best places to hike in Asia, according to Time Out
Plus: The charming Southeast Asian capital city that's one of the world's best for culture right now
Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Asia newsletter for the best travel inspiration straight to your inbox.