Aching for the sound of crashing waves, the salty smell of the sea, and the feeling of the tropical sun kissing your skin? Well, Southeast Asia has some of the best remedies for your beach cravings. Check out our list of the top five surfers' Southeast Asian paradise destinations.
1. Bai Dai Beach, Nha Trang (Vietnam)
This beautiful waterside destination of Nha Trang is often top choice for vacationers from around the globe. Not only is it home to a strand of booming nightclubs and bars, but it's also home to several picturesque white sand beaches.
However, move some kilometres south, and you'll find yourself in the tranquil Bai Dai Beach. This undeveloped surfers' hideaway features the longest beach in the country, offering surfing spots suitable for every level.
2. Cloud 9, Siargao Island (Philippines)
While Siargao is home to a number of excellent surfing spots, one in particular has managed to earn global recognition: Cloud 9. The home of an annual surfing competition, the Siargao Cup, this beach is probably not one for beginners.
Featuring thick hollow tubes and consistent high waves, this is sure to be a surfer's playground. In addition, the beach itself is home to a beautiful emerald green cliff on one side, perfect for watching the dazzling sunset over the clear water.
3. Kuta Beach, Bali (Indonesia)
Bali itself has already earned the title of one of the world's most famous beach destinations. One of the reasons for this is definitely set in its possession of some of the best surfing spots. With its white sand beaches and crystal blue oceans, it truly is surfer's paradise.
While Bali is home to several beaches, most of which holding premier surfing spots, Kuta Beach in particular stands out for its diversity and accessibility. With waves ranging from beginner to expert, all in one stretch of beach, it's easy to see why surfers from around the globe flock to this premier surfing location.
4. Koh Russei, Sihanoukville (Cambodia)
The picturesque beaches of Bamboo Island, with their fresh ocean air and soothing sounds, are some of Cambodia's hidden natural wonders. Aside from a few simple bungalows for visitors, this beautiful surfing location remains in its natural, underdeveloped state.
Despite its recognition as a premier surfing destination, there are no board rentals here. However, its proximity to the mainland makes it easy to access after renting a board. The months of June through October come highly recommended as the beach features some tasty monsoon swells.
5. Kata Beach, Phuket Beach (Thailand)
Though Thailand is known more for its rich culture and booming nightlife, a few hidden gems in Phuket Beach cater to the innermost desires of surfers around the world. Of the country's few surfing spots, Kata comes as the most highly recommended.
With smooth white sands, clear waters, and awesome swells, this beach has grown to be one of the country's most popular. From May through October, Kata delivers some of the best swells in the world, even hosting The Phuket Surfing Contest, its own international surfing competition.
