The premier luxury beach destination on the West Coast of Peninsula Malaysia, Langkawi is an archipelago of 99 islands surrounded by turquoise seawater, with picturesque beaches, waterfalls, wildlife parks, duty-free shopping, night markets, fabulous resorts, and even a golf course. Beach-lazing, snorkelling, yacht-sailing, food-hunting, island-hopping, jungle-trekking or sight-seeing, whatever your fancy, Langkawi is sure to satisfy and amaze you.

A small L-shaped island in southern Thailand’s Satun Province near the Thailand-Malaysia border, Koh Lipe is the next popular vacation spot besides Phuket, Koh Pha Ngan and Koh Samui. Three white-sand beaches await you here: the 1km long Pattaya Beach; Sunrise Beach that borders a wide shallow bay with a nearby village; and peaceful, laid-back Sunset Beach with bamboo-and-thatch built restaurants and bars. Snorkelling and scuba diving are the main activities here, with gorgeous coral reefs and 25% of the world’s tropical fish species. Never dived before? No worries! The many dive centres here are more than eager to teach you. You can also go sea kayaking and sailing, or take a hike through the lush tropical greenery; then have a soothing Thai massage after your adventures.

Lesser known to tourists, Koh Chang off the Gulf of Thailand near the Thailand-Cambodia border, is a flawless beauty of white-sand beaches, azure-coloured sea and lush tropical jungle. The island remains mostly untouched, filled with waterfalls, river estuaries and wildlife. But of course, the pristine beaches are the main draw. For a younger, exuberant vibe, head over to Lonely Beach – a backpackers’ haven that’s ironically never lonely. Want a quieter spot? Hang out at Klong Koi Beach near Bang Bao village in the south – a harbour area with few houses, a quaint market and local restaurants. If you’re looking for a breezy, relaxing vacation, Koh Chang is the place to be.

Located on the Bay of Bengal coastline in Rakhine State of western Myanmar, Ngapali is a stunning 7km long beach with cool cerulean waters, lined by palm trees and traditional fishing villages. The sunset here is postcard perfection, the seafood exceptionally fresh and delicious, the jungle lush green, and the friendly locals always have a smile for you. Rent a bike and explore the area, take a boat tour with a local fisherman, hop on a hot air balloon, check out the special stupa on a rock at the beach, or enjoy a panoramic sea-view at the hilltop Tilawkasayambhu Buddha statue. The best part? Ngapali Beach is never flooded with tourists!

Formerly a base for the exiled emperor Gia Long, Phu Quoc off the south-eastern Vietnamese coast is the largest of 21 islands in the district of the same name. Idyllic and serene, with miles of white sand and warm, blue waters, as well as coral reefs and dockside night markets. Sao Beach and Long Beach are the highlights here, boasting beautiful sunset views and luxuriant resorts. You can also ride a boat over to the uninhabited islets, discover the local cuisine, and explore the tropical national park with wetlands, waterfalls and a mountainous landscape of 99 peaks. No matter your travel budget, Phu Quoc will accommodate you and has plenty to offer.

Needless to say, no beach list is complete without Bali. But never mind frenetic Kuta, get your sand, sun and sea at these amazing spots instead: Crystal Bay on Nusa Penida Island, an hour’s speedboat ride from Bali, with emerald-blue waters, sloping palm trees and a hilly backdrop, virtually untouched. Jimbaran, an extensive curved bay in southern Bali, great for long walks and romantic sunset dinners. Mushroom Bay, a calm and sheltered bay ideal for swimming, about 30 minutes by boat from Sanur. Nusa Dua, a tranquil gated area of 5-star resorts with gardens and glorious pearly-white sands, perfect for honeymoons and family holidays. Padangbai, lined with fishing boats and surrounded by scenic mountains. Seminyak, classy and sophisticated, best for sunset cocktails.