5 Summer Beach Destinations in Asia

5 Summer Beach Destinations in Asia
Boracay, Koh Lanta, Gaya Island, Candolim and Da Nang

Yes that's right. We're all about the summer beach holidays this week. After checking out Club Med's Great Summer Sale 2012, we took a look at five Asian beach destinations this summer for anyone looking to escape the unforgiving urban heat.

1. Boracay, Philippines

Located about 300 kilometres south from the main city of Manila, Boracay is renowned for its white sandy beaches and two distinct seasons of weather. Embellished with sea activities and luxurious hotels, Boracay is one Asian beach destination not to be missed by any traveller looking to have a good time without compromising in any aspect during the trip.

Be sure to visit during the dry season and you'll be guaranteed with nothing but cool winds, pristine waters and picture-perfect sunsets.

For more information, check out our Travel Diary: Things to do in Boracay.

2. Koh Lanta, Krabi

While we're sure most of you have been to Phi Phi Island and Krabi, how many of you have actually heard of Koh Lanta to begin with? This quaint little island just next to Krabi is definitely your next Asian beach destination if you're looking for a quiet escape with a loved one.

With resorts providing individual villas perched atop a cliff and overlooking the Andaman Sea, your stay throughout is already looking promising.

For more information, check out our Travel Diary: Things to do in Koh Lanta.

3. Da Nang, Vietnam

A personal favourite, the charm that is Da Nang is probably due to its French presence, left behind from 62 years of French ruling. And with big international hotel brands such as InterContinental opening its doors there, you can be rest assured that this is one beach to look out for in the near future.

Danang city itself is already bustling with development, being one of the largest cities in the country. And if we could have it our way, we'd suggest you to visit this beach before commercialisation takes over.

4. Gaya Island, Kota Kinabalu

As we're big fans of promoting luxury travel as well as ecotourism at the same time, Gaya Island is the next on our list as one of the five Asian beach destinations. Located just off the capital of Sabah, Kota Kinabalu, Gaya Island itself is the largest of five islands that make up the Tunku Abdul Rahman National Marine Park.

Efforts to protect marine life is strong within the island itself, especially in Gaya Eco Resort, where they have their very own on-site Marine Ecology Research Centre to educate visitors on marine ecology, with focus on propagating the endangered Giant Clams as well as restoring natural coral reefs.

5. Candolim, Goa

Definitely not one that is on the top of mind when the topic of Asian beach destinations is on the table, Candolim beach located in Goa, India, might just surpise you with its laid-backness. It's also Goa's most popular beach resort area, best known for nothing but visitors looking to get a tan and well, do basically nothing.

While you're there, do visit the "River Princess", the bulk carrier that runs aground some 100 metres offshore.

For more information, check out our Travel Diary: Things to do in Goa.

Head over to LifestyleAsia.com for the full read on the Summer Beach Destinations in Asia. You might also want to check out our travel diaries on things to do in Osaka and Beijing.