Let’s face it — navigating Asia can be overwhelming.
My ‘not in Kansas anymore’ moment was when I first set foot in Bangkok, where the sights, sounds, aromas, and indistinguishable language immediately consumed me.
Bangkok was my first Asian city, and it was a challenging 24 hours before getting settled in.
Now imagine you’ve been dreaming of Asia’s otherworldly beaches, but don’t know where to start.
Places like Bali may come to mind, but we have the perfect alternative and more thanks to Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights).
Their team of travel experts just revealed a hefty list of Asia’s must visits. Since it’s likely you’ve been craving sun, sand, and vibrant culture all winter, we at Travel Off Path plucked their top 4 beach destinations — a couple you may know, and others are ready to wow you.
Okinawa: The ‘Hawaii Of Japan’ 🇯🇵
Exploring Tokyo is one of the few exceptions where a major city may be just as enticing as the beach, but Japan’s paradise island of Okinawa has become one of the country’s trendiest destinations.
No place will ever amount to Tokyo’s popularity, but Okinawa is undoubtedly Japan’s top beach getaway.
Known as the ‘Hawaii of Japan’, you won’t find luaus or get lei’d stepping off your flight, but the gorgeous beaches, swaying palms, lush greenery, and inviting locals are all shared qualities.
And even though Okinawa is just now getting its due, you won’t stand out like a sore thumb lie you might imagine.
Americans have long been familiar with Okinawa as it’s a major U.S. military base, so you’ll feel more at home here than any other under-the-radar destination.
According to Going, these are 3 major appeals for visiting:
- Weather: 82°F on average
- Estimated daily budget: $90 to $140
- Top attractions: Snorkeling, beaches, Ryukyu sites
Phuket: Thailand’s Famous Beach Getaway Lives Up To The Hype 🇹🇭
The White Lotus put Asia’s islands on a pedestal, especially Koh Samui, but the good news is that trend has subsided.
News broke in 2025 next season will be filmed in France, so set jetters will surely give icons like Phuket a break, opening a few slots to enjoy more bliss.
If there’s one beach destination that tends to top travelers’ bucket lists, it’s here for a variety of reasons.
Whether it be to bear witness to towering limestone karsts and pristine waters, or to partake in the island’s renowned party scene come sundown, there’s no shortage of enticements to visit.
But it’s not just party vibes and gleaming white sand — it’s traditional Thai culture too, with buzzing markets and astounding temples.
According to Going, these are 3 major appeals for visiting:
- Weather: 88°F on average
- Estimated daily budget: $60 to $100
- Top attractions: Phi Phi Islands, Patong, beaches
Langkawi: Malaysia’s Answer To Growing Crowds Elsewhere 🇲🇾
In case you missed it, one of the most surprising topics we covered last year was the fact that Malaysia is now more popular than Thailand.
It’s true, Malaysia is Asia’s new tourism powerhouse, giving the usual names such as Hong Kong, Japan, and Thailand a run for their money — literally.
Malaysia won’t bust your budget no matter where you decide to explore, whether it be the bustling capital Kuala Lumpur, digital nomad haven Panang, or up-and-coming Langkawi Island.
While it’s a hard sell to say Langwaki may offer better views than aforementioned Phuket, a ride on the cable car might change your mind.
This sleepy, yet gorgeous, beach locale is a true gem that has yet to be ruined by mainstream travelers.
Even the most seasoned of globetrotters likely couldn’t point out this place — and that’s the appeal, besides its stunning wildlife, seemingly untouched shores, and postcard waterfalls.
According to Going, these are 3 major appeals for visiting:
- Weather: 86°F on average
- Estimated daily budget: $45 to $80
- Top attractions: Beaches, cable car, beaches
Nusa Penida: Bali’s Best Alternative 🇮🇩
As promised, we saved the best for last in our minds.
Bali has seen mixed reviews over the last few years, whether it’s unbearable traffic, rising prices, or a lack of authenticity with everyone and their mother trying to tick off Bali from their bucket list.
Nusa Penida is one of Asia’s best beaches, most travelers don’t know about.
It feels like Bali before Eat, Pray Love.
Lying just off Bali’s coast, Nusa Penida boasts wilder scenery and a more idyllic setting than the island’s busy hotspots.
With beautiful waterfalls, virgin coastline, unexplored sea caves, and far less chaos than Bali is seeing nowadays, you’ll likely find you enjoy this lesser-known island more so than its more famous neighbor.
According to Going, these are 3 major appeals for visiting:
- Weather: 84°F on average
- Estimated daily budget: $50 to $90
- Top attractions: Broken Beach and Kelingking Beach
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