Images adapted from: Tamu Cambodia, @you_uhee, Booking.com, Sok San Beach Resort
Nothing beats the feeling of having warm sand in between your toes, sea salt breeze blowing through your hair, and taking a dip in clear ocean waters.
To make sure you’re revitalised and ready to conquer 2019, here are 8 seaside destinations in Southeast Asia under $100 per night where you can find paradise on a budget.
Read till the end to see how you can snag one of these trips for free!
If tranquility is what you seek, pull up a beach chair at Sihanoukville and just soak up the peace and serenity. Facing clear sands and waters with a thicket of trees behind you, you are quite literally enveloped by nature.
Tamu Hotel (from $77/night) is decked out with pools on the room balconies, so you can have a dip as and when you like.
Address: Otres beach 2, Marina road, Village 6, Sangkat 4, Sihanoukville, Cambodia|
Telephone: +855 15258340 / +855 889017451
Email: info@tamucambodia.com
Website
Unlike other parts of Vietnam, the climate in Mui Ne is dry year-round, offering respite from the sticky-icky humidity we’ve accustomed to. Their epic red sand dunes stretching for miles on end will instantly give your OOTD shots a wow-factor.
As far as picturesque hotels go, the Lotus Village Resort (from $68/night) is known for its rows of poolside umbrellas, lining the infinity pool that offers crisp views of the oceanfront.
Address: 100-139D Nguyen Dinh Chieu, Ham Tien Ward, Phan Thiet City, Vietnam
Telephone: +84 62 3743868 / +84 62 3743843
Email: reception@langsenmuine.com
Website
Over at the Hoang Ngoc Resort (from $71/night), expect classy Grecian design influences like white brick, ornamental borders and sun motifs.
Address: 152 Nguyen Dinh Chieu, Ham Tien-Mui Ne, Phan Thiet, Binh Thuan, Viet Nam
Telephone: +84 252 3847 858
Email: info@hoangngoc-resort.com
Website
Adrenaline junkies will find paradise within Bantayan Island, at which a typical itinerary includes snorkeling tours, skydiving, and exploration of various forts and caves. We recommend swinging by Ogtong Cave which hides a small natural pool, and Kota Park to marvel at Spanish forts built since the 1790s.
Accommodation wise, Anika Island Resort (from $80/night) offers cosy shacks where you’ll live mere steps away from powdery white sand beaches.
Address: F. Roska Street., Okoy Santa Fe, Bantayan Island, Cebu, 6047 Philippines
Telephone: +63 32 438 9073
Email: anikaislandresort@yahoo.com
Website
Kota Beach Resort (from $57/night) is another choice option, with rustic wood-and-straw huts instead. Ideal for folks who wanna experience going back to the basics.
Address: F. Duarte Street, Poblacion, Santa Fe, Bantayan Island, Cebu, 6047 Philippines
Telephone: +63 32 438 9042
Email: reservation@kotabeachresort.com
Website
Besides scenic beaches, Rawai is Phuket’s off-the-beaten-path destination favoured by purveyors of martial arts. Pop-up training centres allow everyone – from complete beginners to seasoned masters – to practice the art of Muay Thai amidst Mother Nature.
Rest those weary muscles in a sanctuary fit for royalty at the Thai Palace Resort (from $82/night). Its grand pool is surrounded by lush greenery and features giant-rock fountains. Perfect for an Instagram photoshoot or just to channel your inner water nymph.
Address: 52/8 Moo.6 Viset Road, Rawai Beach, Muang, Phuket, 83130 Thailand
Telephone: + 66 7628 8042
Email: thaipalaceresort@hotmail.com
Website
ZoukOut fans need to get a taste of Thailand’s Full Moon Parties. Happening either before, after, or on the night of every full moon, Koh Phangan is the island on which the entire shindig first originated. Partygoers dress up in neon accessories and fluorescent body paint to stand out in the dark in celebration of yet another lunar phase.
All that raving means you’ll need a comfy space to crash. Sarikantang Resort and Spa (from $93/night) has hammocks installed outside each suite for you to recharge, rock-a-bye style.
Address: 129/3 Moo.6, Seekantang Beach, Ban Tai, Koh Phangan, Suratthani, 84280 Thailand
Telephone: + 66 (0) 77 375 055 / + 66 (0) 86 789 9541
Email: booking@sarikantang.com
Website
Also within the vicinity is Sunset Cove Resort (from $56/night), known for being constructed fully from natural wooden materials and decorated only with locally sourced handicrafts.
Address: 78/11 Moo.8, Koh Phangan, Surat Thani, 84280 Thailand
Telephone: +66 77 349 211
Email: contact@thaisunsetcove.com
Website
If you’ve ever fantasized about true-blue island life where hula dancers groove to the tune of ukuleles, the beaches at Lapu-Lapu City are your best bet. Known as a historic resort city, the vibe of the entire place is all about appreciating wildlife, indulging in fresh produce, and leaving the stress of city life behind.
Drive that relaxed lifestyle home with a stay at Vista Mar Beach Resort (from $80/night). The sophisticated architecture lets you live that carefree tai-tai life, if only for a short but oh-so-sweet number of days.
Address: Dapdap Street, Mactan Island, Cebu, Lapu-Lapu City, Philippines
Telephone: +63 32 236 0196
Website
Channel your inner Moana on Koh Rong, a perfect little island with equal amounts of sandy coves and dense jungle terrain. The population is estimated to be slightly above 1,000 people, making this the ultimate getaway when you want to steer clear of chatter.
For an undisturbed day of sun and sea, book a room at Sok San Beach Resort (from $86/night). The beach is literally your front yard!
Address: Sok San Village, Koh Rong Island, Preah Sihanouk Province, 18205 Cambodia
Telephone: +855 (0) 17 777 831 / +855 (0) 12 573 110
Email: booking@soksanbeachresort.com / info@soksanbeachresort.com
Website
If you prefer lounging amidst the greenery while still being within walking distance of the seaside, Gauguin Resort (from $56/night) has gorgeous terrace houses which elevate you right into the pinnacle of the trees.
Address: Koh Rong, Kaoh Kong, 18205 Cambodia
Telephone: +855 96 236 4567
Email: info@gauguinresort.com
Website
Quench your thirst for adventure at Koh Kood, where you can swing like Tarzan straight into a waterfall, and enjoy lunch 35ft in the air afterwards – served via zipline. The treepod dining experience is courtesy of Soneva Kiri, where you can have a private meal amidst the rainforest.
To catch your forty winks, Ko Kut Ao Phrao Beach Resort (from $76/night) offers cosy hardwood wall and flooring rooms, evoking a warm and inviting atmosphere the moment you step in.
The hotel is also known for their boardwalk netting spaces, so you can plop down and watch the fishes do their thang.
Address: 62 Moo.5, T. Ko Kut, A. Ko Kut, Trat 23000 Thailand
Telephone: +66 (0) 89-1155211
Email: info@kokut.com
Website
Click to read our Koh Kood guide.
All these stellar seaside spots prove that it’s not only possible to have a paradise vacation without breaking the bank, there are actually so many options available that you’ll be spoilt for choice. If you’re still looking for that final push before booking air tickets, here’s how you can snag some sweet travel vouchers.
NETS is having a campaign called NETS IT! where you can win the beach vacation of a lifetime. All you have to do is spend a minimum of either $20 or $50 at selected F&B merchants with NETS.
SMS a picture of your NETS receipt to 8180 1144 along with the following details:
FnB <space> Transaction Date (DDMMYY) <space> Amount Spent. E.g. FnB 151218 $88
Winners will get travel vouchers worth a whopping $2,000 that can be used for both flight and accomodations.
The last promotion month runs from 15th December 2018 to 14th January 2019, and the big draw is happening on 1st February 2019.
Apart from travel vouchers, you can also win up to $200 in the form of moneyback credited straight to your bank account. So hurry and use NETS when you shop, eat, and visit healthcare providers!
This post was brought to you by NETS.
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