
The secret is out – the best beaches in Asia are here! For families looking to branch out from the popular island escapes in Southeast Asia and around the region, this guide is for you! The Little Steps team has put together a list of islands to visit that are family-friendly and offer a unique experience for all ages. What’s more, we have included information on how to get there, tips when traveling with kids, and of course, the best places to stay. Journey to these off-the-beaten-path wonders – we promise a good time! Check out our updated guide to the best 20 secret beach holidays and destinations for families in Southeast Asia.
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Only 90 minutes away by plane from Bali and habitat to the famous Komodo Dragons, Flores is a world away from the bustle of the island of Gods. Great for those looking for a quiet and peaceful holiday on an island with deserted white-sand beaches, curious but friendly locals, surreal volcanic lakes, and picturesque sunsets. Full Family-friendly guide to Flores here!
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Visiting Redang is ideal for those with active tykes who are competent swimmers. Regarded as one of the top vacation destinations in Malaysia, the island is open for tourism from March until October. You can book your trip as soon as early March, but not much before that, as many resorts on the island are still closed. April to July are the ideal months to visit for the best weather conditions. Activities favored by kids include snorkeling, visiting a turtle sanctuary, and playing at the beach. Check out our full guide to Pulau Redang With Kids here!
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Bohol is known for coral reef snorkeling and cool geological formations, notably the Chocolate Hills. There are so many activities on land and water in Bohol for families! Go snorkeling with the fish or diving with the sharks, say hello to the world's smallest primate, or take a family SUP journey to a waterfall. Happy exploring! Click here for the full guide to Bohol With Kids.
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White sand beaches, Pho fests, and plenty of off-the-beaten-track explorations for kids of all ages… this island paradise off the coast of Vietnam offers families a unique beach escape without too much hassle… hooray! Traditionally a fishing village known for pepper plantations, incredible seafood spreads, and unspoiled beaches, Phu Quoc is Southeast Asia’s secret island escape, complete with jungle, beaches, and mountains.
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For those heading to Myanmar, this beach destination is popular with families. Most of the accommodation is right on the beach! Snorkel to Pearl Island, go fishing, hire bicycles, and sip on coconuts - this place is relaxing with just the right amount of activity. Be sure to enjoy all the rockin' seafood on the beach - an experience in itself.
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Kep is a coastal province in Southern Cambodia just a short drive away from Phnom Penh. Once a French colonial resort town, Kep is scattered with crumbling villas along the coastline. Don't let it fool you; developers have been moving in and renovating these villas into trendy cool resorts that families love! Kids will enjoy splashing in calm waters, exploring the crab market and pepper farm, and exploring nearby caves.
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Easy to access via car, train, or bus from Ho Chi Minh, Mui Ne is a unique beach holiday for families as it offers both sand dunes and surf! Take the kids to the Red and White Sand Dunes to experience sand surfing or sliding, visit the fish market, take a walk down the fairy stream, and give kite surfing a go with a family lesson.
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Just a short 1-hour away from bustling Bangkok is the secluded island paradise of Koh Kood, where unspoiled beaches await. For luxe, visit Soneva Kiri’s 27 super-luxe villas that hug verdant hills overlooking a white sand beach. The eco-resort boasts a Six Senses spa and wellness programs, an organic farm supplying the delish hotel restaurants, and educational activities galore for wee ones, including cooking classes, mini-meditation, and diving. There are other options too - in all budgets here!
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A trio of laid-back islands, the Gilis are dotted with cafes, simple beach-side accommodations, and seafood restaurants for a fraction of what you’d pay in Bali. The largest island, Gili Trawangan, has the most diversity in terms of hotels and restaurants. Plus, it’s a good place for your family to learn how to dive (but it is a party island). Gili Air is a nice alternative and also a great dive island - check out family-friendly Scallawags. Island hop with your mini adventurers to neighboring Gili Meno for its white sandy beaches and Gili Air to soak in the relaxed, divine ambiance.
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Pulau Tioman, located on the east coast of peninsular Malaysia and surrounded by numerous coral reefs, is a popular scuba diving spot. It has tropical weather, clear crystal water, and great white sandy beaches. If your family is looking for a relaxing holiday packed full of diving and snorkeling - this is your spot! It's almost a year-round location to visit except during the monsoon season from November to February due to high water currents.
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For those seeking a Bali holiday without the crowds - head to Menjangan! While it can be a trek to get to via car, it is well worth the effort. It's gorgeous, it's tropical, and it's family fabulous. The Menjangan is a perfect mix of safari meets forest meets beach meets scuba haven. Prepare to see deer roaming near your villa, large lizards, white sand beaches, and blue-blue water. Kids will enjoy horseback riding, snorkeling, trekking, biking, and so much more.
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Pristine beaches, fresh seafood, and barefoot resort living await you and your loved ones on Rawa Island – an island paradise just a short car or bus ride away from Singapore. Once there, you’ll be immersed in the castaway experience with numerous resorts geared towards family activities. Depending on the price point, you can get a simple bungalow on the beach or a luxurious villa to bask in the sun as well as partake in the many water sports, including kayaking, snorkeling, diving, and fishing.
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Macleod Island is home to Myanmar Andaman Resort, a private island retreat located in Myanmar’s Mergui Archipelago (including 800 mostly uninhabited islands). With twenty-two bungalows facing the island’s bay and surrounding pristine white sand beaches, Myanmar Andaman Resort offers families a luxury stay with plenty of fam-friendly activities - diving, snorkeling, island hopping tours, sea kayaking, hiking the island’s peak, swimming, and more.
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Fancy a luxurious private island - here you go! Song Saa Private Island offers 24 spacious luxury villas, each featuring a private pool and spectacular island and ocean views. Each villa was constructed from recycled and reclaimed timber and decorated with re-purposed items and local materials in keeping with their philosophy of sustainability. The resort loves kids and offers custom experiences for any age, from Robinson-Crusoe style picnics on the beach, hikes down rainforest paths, sand castle making on hidden beaches, or splashing the night water full of bioluminescent plankton. This is pure luxury for kids big and small - enjoy!
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Both Siem Reap and Phnom Penh airports are serviced by multiple international flights daily:
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Some term this local as the surfing capital of Asia! This paradise island offers serious surfers the Cloud 9 (also a fun area to watch the serious surfers!). There are some fantastic places on the island to stay from luxury to less. Other activities here include boating, snorkeling, fishing, golf, scuba diving, kite surfing, and more. This is a great option for active teens to explore lots of activities and with private beaches and unique stay options - there is plenty for the little ones to enjoy too. Want to go luxe? Check into the Nay Palad Island Hideaway (formally known as DEDON resort).
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The largest of the islands in Vietnam's Halong Bay, Cat Ba Island is becoming more and more popular with off-the-beaten-track travelers and is a great spot for those looking for R&R before heading to Halong Bay. Nearly half of the island is a protected National Park, and there are plenty of activities here for the adventurous type. Most of the accommodation here is budget-friendly making it a nice alternative for families looking for a cheaper holiday option. Catba Island Resort & Spa offers family suites and 2 outdoor pools (including a kid's splash pad and kiddie pool). Kids will enjoy trying to spot the Cat Ba langur, which is endemic to Cat Ba Island and is one of the most endangered primates in the world, and visit Hospital Cave (which was an underground cave used for soldiers during the American Vietnam War).
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What a find! For those looking to visit Palawan with the kids - head to Sangat Island! This rustic stay offers some of the best scuba diving in the area, with loads of wreck dives just out your back door. Kids will enjoy playing on the beach, kayaking, exploring the island, and boating to secluded islands as a family. Choose from Beachfront Cottages, Beachside Chalets, Hillside Cottages, family-friendly Bungalow Suite units, Hilltop Chalets, and their largest stay, the tri-level, two-bedroom Lambingan Villa with its own private, white sand beachfront. BTW - the food is great too, and they can blend up fresh fruit/veggies if you are coming with a baby. Score!
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Fly from Manila to Busuanga Airport in Palawan. The resort can then organize your boat to the island.
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Grab a group (adults + kids) and stay on your own private island. This family-friendly wonder is fully staffed, food is included, and kids love it! Explore the beach, go kayaking, enjoy a board game, or jump off the natural diving board into the gorgeous pool. They will even arrange fireworks for your group. Wow!
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A small island off the south-eastern coast of Sabah in Malaysia, this hub of marine life is a diving and snorkeling haven (on par with Galápagos). Families can stay in Mabul and enjoy diving and snorkeling in Sipadan and other islands around. If your family is all about marine life, this area of Asia is a must as it's one of the best! Kids will also enjoy kayaking and island hopping. Life is good.
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Got kids? Little Steps Asia gives you the scoop on all the things to do and see with babies, toddlers, and kids in Hong Kong, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Bali, Jakarta, Macau, and beyond. From family-friendly hotels, kids and baby shops, the best schools and after school activities, pregnancy tips and meet-ups and more – we have you sorted.
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