Head to Southeast Asia, and you’ll meet welcoming locals, taste diverse culinary delights, and have access to some of the world’s best swim spots.
The region is home to countless stunning beaches, coral reefs and turquoise ocean waters. But it’s not just the beaches of Southeast Asia that offer spectacular swimming opportunities.
Dramatic tiny islands, beautiful lakes and even hotel swimming pools inspire awe in this amazing part of the world. When you want to take a dip while travelling around Southeast Asia, check out these top swim spots.
Leela Beach, Koh Phangan, Thailand
Thailand is widely known in the travel community for its sprawling, white sand beaches and crystal clear waters. Head to any island, and you won’t struggle to find a multitude of truly spectacular snorkelling adventures on offer.
If you’re more interested in swimming in pristine waters wearing nothing but your birthday suit, visit Leela Beach on Koh Phangan – Thailand’s premier beach destination for those who want to perfect their ‘all-over’ tan.
Fancy a wild party after a daytime swim? Plan your trip to Koh Phangan in time for the Full Moon Party.
Ha Long Bay, Quang Ninh Province, Vietnam
Southeast Asia definitely has a lot of beautiful swimming destinations to choose from. However, not many of them are also UNESCO world heritage sites. Stop by Ha Long Bay and you’ll immediately understand why the UN decided to protect this special site. Its stunning limestone islands, capped with lush, untouched woodland plunge steeply into crystal-clear ocean the temperature of bath water.
Whether your sport is rock climbing, scuba diving, kayaking or simply floating about in the blue water, you simply can’t miss the chance to do it here - one of the most stunning swim spots in the world.
Coral Beach, Koh Ta Kiev, Cambodia
Coral beach doesn’t have the miles of white sand, cocktail bars, sun loungers and tourists that other beaches boast about. Instead it has something far more compelling - a sense of seclusion and adventure.
This unique spot is a private area with only a small, sandy bays pressed right up against the rainforest. There’s a hostel built into the forest that sits almost on top of the water, with direct access to the sea at all hours. Spend your mornings relaxing in a hammock before setting off with a snorkel in the afternoon to explore some of the beach’s marine life and hidden secrets.
Koh Ta Kiev is also where you’ll find the famous ‘elephant rock’ so make sure you look out for that when you're there!
Kuang Si Falls, Luang Prabang, Laos
The three-tier stone-rigged falls of Kuang Si are the largest of their kind in Laos. A visit to Kuang Si is worth it for the majestic waterfall displays alone, but its swim spots are the cherry on top. You’ll certainly work up a sweat while following the walkways in this unspoilt nature haven. When you need to cool off, dive into the turquoise blue pools beneath the falls.
For more exciting ways to explore the beautiful beaches and pools of Asia, take a look at our trips in the region. These picturesque locations are waiting to be explored!
