TripAdvisor®, the travel planning and booking site, today announced the winners of its Travellers’ Choice® awards for Beaches. This year, three Thai beaches were ranked amongst Asia’s top beaches, with India’s Radhanagar beach being rated as the top beach in the region by TripAdvisor reviewers.
TripAdvisor has honoured 343 beaches including the top 25 in the world and local lists for Africa, Asia, Australia, Caribbean, Central America, Europe, South America, the South Pacific, the U.K. and the U.S. Award winners were determined based on the quantity and quality of traveller reviews and ratings for beaches on TripAdvisor, gathered over a 12-month period.
“Thailand is a popular destination for travellers planning their tropical getaway, with three Thai beaches earning a spot in Asia’s list of top beaches recommended by our global community of travellers,” said Ms Janice Lee Fang, communications director for TripAdvisor, Asia Pacific. “We’ve also surfaced recommendations on where to eat, stay and find great things to do nearby these award-winning beaches to suit travellers’ preference and budget, so that they can be confident of making the most out of their beach holiday.”
To help travellers plan their next beach trip, TripAdvisor has also identified the average nightly rates for top rated hotels nearby the award winning beaches and highlighted top-rated restaurants and attractions to visit.
Top 10 Travellers’ Choice Beaches in Asia:
(Excerpts in quotes below from TripAdvisor reviewers)
1. Radhanagar Beach – Havelock Island, Andaman and Nicobar, India
A “serene and scenic” beach located away from the crowds, Radhanagar beach is well-loved for its seclusion and its cleanliness, thanks to the Andaman locals who are known for enforcing strict cleanliness guidelines for maintenance. The clean waters at Radhanagar are “proven by the abundance of fish, crabs and other wildlife present.”
The closest place to use as a base as recommended by TripAdvisor users is the main town of Havelock Island, where you can stay at the Wild Orchid hotel from US$167 per night and tuck into chicken tikka pizza at Something Different – A beachside cafe.
2. White Beach – Boracay, Panay Island, Philippines
With turquoise waters “fringed by coconut palm trees” and powdery sand, White Beach is a must-visit for travellers to Boracay. From parasailing, helmet diving and paddle boarding, the beach is full of activities for the adventurous traveller. Beachgoers can also “enjoy a drink and watch the world go by” at one of the many nearby restaurants.
Stay at Coast at US$204 per night, refuel with a Chori burger at The Sunny Side Cafe and end the day with breath-taking views of the sunset at Willy's Rock, a unique volcanic formation topped by a statue of the Virgin Mary.
3. Ngapali Beach – Ngapali, Rakhine State, Myanmar
Located on the coast of the Bay of Bengal, Ngapali beach is famous as an unspoilt paradise with reviewers saying it is “wonderfully quiet and peaceful with no jet skis or banana boats, no music or televisions in the beach shacks, just fabulous seafood and amazing sunsets.” Commercial developments are scarce and “blend harmoniously” with the surrounding nature. Travellers can get a taste of local life by visiting traditional fishing villages, going cycling in the countryside or taking a boat trip to explore nearby islands.
Stay at Thande Beach Hotel at US$115 per night, feast on a seafood platter at Pleasant View Islet Restaurant and wander through the countryside on a bike with Ngapali Concierge Myanmar.
4. Nai Harn Beach – Rawai, Phuket, Thailand
Hailed one of the best beaches at the South of Phuket, Nai Harn beach is an excellent swimming beach with its “white sand, pale blue water and no quick drop off into the deeper ocean.” Reviewers recommend
arriving early to grab a mat and an umbrella, as well as taking walks along the beach. Along the way, travellers can expect street vendors offering local barbequed snacks and tropical fruits and even a rejuvenating massage by the water.
Pamper yourself at the upscale The Nai Harn at US$273 per night and savour “one of the best tom yum goongs” at Mama Seafood.
5. Agonda Beach – Agonda, Goa, India
Considered a “gem of South Goa”, Agonda is the definition of a peaceful beachside getaway with reviewers calling it “calm and quiet” and “without the typical hustle”. Loud music is prohibited at the beach, as it is a nesting ground for sea turtles, and the nightlife is limited. Travellers can stay at the beachfront huts, available at various price points, for a “sleeping on-the-beach” experience, and for a convenient look out point for dolphin sightings.
For a step up from the beachfront huts, stay at Anantra Sea View Resort at US$95 per night, get the best views of the sunset at the nearby Rock Formations then make your way to Fatima's Corner for authentic Goan food.
6. Nacpan Beach – El Nido, Mimaropa, Philippines
Nacpan Beach is a “hidden paradise” with kilometres of soft golden sand and clear water, accessible only via a 45-minute scooter ride on an undeveloped dirt road. Travellers are rewarded with a “beautiful and sprawling” beach with lovely sand and weather, and without the usual street vendors or souvenir sellers.
After a trip to this “secret beach”, head back to the nearby town centre of El Nido for the local favourites of adobo and fruit shakes at Habibi and retreat to Cadlao Resort at US$214 per night.
7. PhraNang Cave Beach – Ao Nang, Krabi Province, Thailand
PhraNang Beach is located at the southern end of the Railay peninsula and is known for its broad strip of white sand, clear waters and massive limestone cliffs. Accessible by traditional longtail boats, visitors can climb up the Railay Viewpoint for an “amazing view of everything”. Visitors can also take a trip to the Princess Cave at the southern tip of the beach, a shrine dedicated to an ancient deity that brings harvest and fertility.
After a daytrip to PhraNang, take a boat ride back to Ao Nang city centre centre for some pineapple curry at Jungle Kitchen and stay at Ban Sainai Resort at US$121 per night.
8. Kata Noi Beach – Karon, Phuket, Thailand
Located along the south western coast of Phuket is the peaceful Kata Noi beach. Travellers love Kata Noi as it is one of the less crowded beaches in Phuket and has “white sand, clean warm waters and just enough waves to have fun”. Kata Noi is “a must” for those looking for a relaxed day in the sun and capped off by “beautiful sunset views”.
Stay at the luxurious The Shore at Katathani at US$588 per night and tuck into a plate of green Thai curry at Siam Smile Wine & Restaurant.
9. Bentota Beach – Bentota, Southern Province, Sri Lanka
“Massive waves from the Indian Ocean” makes Bentota a great beach for surfing. Water sports enthusiasts will be delighted by the wide selection water activities such as jet skiing, parasailing and banana boating while beachgoers looking to something more relaxed can chill at one of the nearby bars whilst taking in the “great long stretches of golden sand” and the “enchanting” Indian Ocean.
Stay at Centara Ceysands Resort & Spa Sri Lanka at US$242 per night, dig into mahi-mahi fish at Malli's Seafood Restaurant and discover local wildlife on a chartered boat ride of the Bentota River.
10. Non Nuoc Beach – Da Nang, Quang Nam Province, Vietnam
Non Nuoc beach is located along the coastline of Da Nang and is acknowledged as “beautiful, quiet and untouched”, and great for walks and sunbathing. Visitors can head north of the beach to witness local fishermen selling their catch in the mornings or feast on freshly caught seafood at one of the many nearby eateries. From the beach, visitors can look out for a breath taking view of a 67 metre-tall Lady Buddha statue on the Bai But mountain.
Stay at Melia Danang Resort at US$152 per night, snack on spring rolls and Vietnamese iced coffee at Laluna Bar & Restaurant and explore hidden caves and see historic hand carved Buddha marble statues with a tour of the Marble Mountains.
Top 10 Travellers’ Choice Beaches in the World:
|
Beach |
Average nightly rate for nearby hotels (US$) |
Least expensive month to go (price per night) (US$) |
|
1.Baia do Sancho |
$248 |
April |
|
2.Grace Bay |
$712 |
September |
|
3.Eagle Beach |
$399 |
October |
|
4.Playa Paraiso |
$199 |
June |
|
5.Siesta Beach |
$260 |
September |
|
6.La Concha Beach |
$220 |
January |
|
7.Playa Norte |
$275 |
September |
|
8.Radhanagar Beach |
$172 |
August |
|
9.Elafonissi Beach |
$65 |
March |
|
10.Galapagos Beach at Tortuga Bay |
$208 |
December $176 |
For the complete list of winners from the 2017 Travellers’ Choice awards for Beaches, more reviews and candid traveller photos, go to www.tripadvisor.com/TravelersChoice-Beaches. Travellers can also follow the conversation on Twitter at #TravelersChoice.
TripAdvisor is the world’s largest travel site*. Travellers can read millions of reviews and opinions and book their next trip at: www.tripadvisor.com.
Notes to editors:
1Hotel pricing is based on TripAdvisor data for February 1 through July 31, 2016, aggregated from booking partners, including online travel agencies and direct hotel suppliers.
2Least expensive months to go are based on TripAdvisor data for January 1 – December 31, 2016, aggregated from booking partners, including online travel agencies and direct hotel suppliers.
3Average city rates are based on TripAdvisor data for January 1 – December 31, 2016, aggregated from booking partners, including online travel agencies and direct hotel suppliers.
