6 Family-friendly Beaches in Asia

Nothing beats a family summer holiday on the beach. The kids get to build giant sandcastles while you get to sit back and delve into that paperback about actual castles.

But we all know that escaping civilisation for seclusion is never easy with the whole family in tow. When kids are involved, it becomes a military-grade operation which requires planning and foresight, and choosing the ideal beach is often based on the best nearby facilities.

With this in mind, we have picked six beaches that tick all the boxes for travellers with children. Most destinations are a short non-stop flight away, with all costing less than $5,000 return. Remember that most airlines allow children under the age of two to fly with discounted fares.

So pack the sunblock, flip-flops and bucket and spade, and ensure your next family vacation is truly a day at the beach!

Kata Beach, Phuket, Thailand

Phuket offers some of the best beaches in Asia. Kata Beach is an ideal spot for families, offering clean white sand with plenty of shade available under the palm trees. Toilets and showers are located on the beach and it has a selection of family-friendly restaurants. Flights to Phuket cost under $2,379 per adult and takes less than four hours.

Keya Beach, Fukuoka, Japan

Located on Kyushu Island, Fukuoka’s Keya Beach has shower facilities, toilets, parasol hire and parking making it a great location for families. There is also a selection of restaurants located nearby. A return direct flight to Fukuoka costs from $3,843 per adult and takes three-and-a-half hours.

Sanur Beach, Bali, Indonesia

Known for its laid-back atmosphere and calm, shallow waters, Sanur Beach is perfect for kids to swim and play in. Nearby restaurants, including the popular Cafe Batu Jimbar, offering an excellent selection of local and western food. A return flight to Bali’s Denpasar International Airport costs from $4,489 per adult and takes five hours.

China Beach, Da Nang, Vietnam

Less than two hours away by flight, Da Nang is the perfect place to visit if you want a long weekend away with the family. China Beach (also known as My Khe) is considered to be the most picturesque in Vietnam. The lifeguard-patrolled beach has designated areas offering sunbeds and umbrellas for hire. We recommend going from May to August when the sea is calmer for swimming. A return flight to Da Nang costs from $1,574 per adult.

Palawan Beach, Sentosa, Singapore

There are not many places in Singapore that aren’t catered to families. Palawan Beach certainly won’t let you down. It is patrolled throughout the day to ensure the water is safe to swim in and the beach is kept clean. The beach is also surrounded by other attractions to keep your little ones entertained, including an opportunity to swim with dolphins at the nearby Dolphin Lagoon. A return flight costs from just $1,975 and takes under four hours.

Lower Cheung Sha Beach, Hong Kong

If you don’t have time to jet away, Lower Cheung Sha Beach on Lantau Island is among Hong Kong’s best and longest beaches. It is well-equipped with changing rooms, showers, toilets, food stalls and a barbecue area. Family-friendly restaurants include the ever-popular The Stoep, which serves South African and Mediterranean cuisine. The beach has lifeguards on duty from April to October. This strip of paradise in Hong Kong is easy to reach. Just take the ferry from Central Pier 6 to Mui Wo and then hop on either bus route 1 or 2. Don’t bother waiting for a taxi, as the whole island only has 50!

If you are looking for more holiday inspiration, you can explore here. To search and compare prices for flights, hotels, car rentals and much more, visit KAYAK.com.hk or download the app at KAYAK.com.hk/mobile. 

*Data provided by KAYAK.com.hk in July 2015, average prices are per person and based on flight searches made on KAYAK.com.hk in 2015.