This Stunning Beach Is One Of The Best In Asia, According To Travelers

When it comes to which beaches are the best in Asia, the competition is pretty fierce. This is especially true in the continent's vast southeast, where there is no shortage of white sand, idyllic islands, azure waters, and colorful coral reefs. From an ultimate tropical paradise in the Philippines to the "Seychelles of Indonesia," the beaches of Southeast Asia are a sun-lover's haven, and it's no surprise the region draws over 100 million visitors each year in search of tropical bliss.

Perhaps nowhere is more synonymous with stunning Southeast Asian beaches than Thailand, and this especially goes for its shores along the Andaman Sea. And if you head to the famed island of Phuket and jump on a boat to the nearby island of Ko He, you will find one gem that earned Tripadvisor's Travelers' Choice Award for Asia's best stretch of sand in 2025: Banana Beach.

This slice of island heaven offers the kind of sun-kissed wonder that you'd expect from that corner of the world. Visitors can lounge on sun beds over the soft sand between dips in the crystal-clear water or take part in an array of recreation including snorkeling, kayaking, parasailing, and more. There are also plenty of food and drinks available, along with massages.

While there are myriad beaches to choose from in the Phuket area, Banana Beach stands out because it strikes a perfect balance. It offers the picture-perfect serenity of sand, sea, and palm trees swaying in the breeze alongside activities that will open your eyes and get your blood pumping. Given this, it's no wonder so many travelers rave about the place, as seen in one five-star Tripadvisor review: "The whole experience is so worth it. The kayaking in the clear waters, snorkeling and the food. A little bit of adventure and alot [sic] of relaxation!" Another visitor confirmed this, saying, "Comparing vacation boat and beach tours, this was my match in heaven. Just one trip, one beach, one heaven-cast location. ... If you [have] just ONE beach to get away from it all, this ONE is the tour to book. Koh Hey Banana Beach."

Snorkeling is arguably the must-do activity on Banana Beach. The crystalline waters are home to thriving coral reefs where you are guaranteed to see a multichromatic array of tropical fish and — if you're lucky — sea turtles, rays, or moray eels. For animal life above the surface of the water, keep your eyes open for geese, as well as hornbills.

Banana Beach is just a 15-minute speedboat ride from Phuket, which means most visitors come on a day trip (these excursions usually also offer snorkeling gear and a buffet lunch). It's also possible to stay overnight on Ko He, though the options are limited. Your best bet is Coral Island Resort, which features 64 air-conditioned bungalows tucked among the palm trees next to the beach.

Most accommodations are in nearby Phuket, including The Nai Harn. This five-star resort is known for its cliffside rooms overlooking a pristine beach and blue waters, along with curated culinary experiences. The Veranda Resort Phuket, Autograph Collection, offers comfort combined with top-shelf elegance, while the beautiful and affordable Namphung Phuket Boutique Resort sits just a few blocks from Phuket's Rawai Beach and its bustling seafood market.

Phuket is home to an international airport. From there, it's about an hour to Rawai Beach via taxi, where you can easily catch a boat to Ko He Island. For more dreamy beaches in and around Phuket, check out this slice of uncrowded paradise.