Celebrate Songkran at some of the best beaches around the world
Marking the starting of summer season, the Thai New Year also known as Songkran Festival is soon to arrive. To get yourself ready for this long festive holiday, Booking.com, the global leader in connecting travellers with the widest choice of incredible places to stay, reveals some of the most popular sandy beaches around the world. So if you want to hit the beach this summer, be it to explore, or soak up the sun, look no further than these beautiful places to stay.
1. Venice Beach, Los Angeles, USA
The iconic Venice Beach attracts visitors with its quirky charm and character, famous boardwalk and beautiful stretches of sand. The ocean front walk is full of fairground attractions, great eateries and street performers. While in town, make sure to also take a trip to Muscle Beach to catch gymnasts and fitness buffs working out.
Just four minutes’ walk from the beach and 10 minutes’ walk from Venice Boardwalk is the Boutique 444 Venice Beach self-catering apartments. It’s the perfect location to explore the area, close to Venice’s many restaurants and bars, and it even has a garden and snack bar – although let’s face it, you’ll be spending most of the time on the beach.
2. Karon Beach, Phuket, Thailand
Located on the west coast of Phuket Island, this sandy stretch is a favourite destination for holiday makers on the beautiful and lively island. Boasting excellent snorkelling opportunities, the beach is surrounded by a choice of dining and shopping options - and for party people, nightlife can be found at the far end of the beach. Karon Beach is endorsed for beach walks, relaxation, restaurants and hot weather by Booking.com travellers. Top nationalities visiting from outside Thailand include China, Russia and the UK.
Karon Beach Walk Villa is only a five minutes walk from the soft white sands of the beach and the perfect way to experience Phuket in luxury. Relax in the private pool or the comforts and modern amenities of your own private villa or get out and about and enjoy the local restaurants, bars and shops, all within two minutes of this stunning property.
3. Porto-Vecchio, France
Set in mesmerising Corsica, Porto-Vecchio has the best of both worlds with a stunning historic old town and history to uncover, set alongside a fashionable modern marina. As well as the white sands lapped by turquoise water, the port town offers plenty to do with places to eat and explore in this charming spot - if you can be enticed away from the beach. With top visitors including the Italians, Swiss and the Germans, the area is recommended by Booking.com travellers for scenery, beaches for kids and the old town.
In the heart of the breathtaking Santa Giulia Bay and a mere four minutes walk from the beach, the Costa Nera residences, set in gorgeous gardens, offer high end accommodation with private studios and apartments. Perfectly situated for the beach, these contemporary apartments are perfect to relax after a sunny day on the beach.
4. Nanwan, Taiwan
Located in Kenting National Park, this stretch of coast offers breathtaking scenery and 600 meters of soft white powdery sand. The spectacular beach is also perfect for water sport enthusiasts with great surfing, snorkelling and scuba diving. Travellers have endorsed it for nature, scenery, beach walks and water sports. The top nationalities visiting are from China, Hong Kong and Macau.
Found in the heart of Nawan of of Hengchun Township, Meet You Nan Wan B&B is a great base for your beach getaway. With sea views available from all the rooms you can continue to take in the breathtaking views of the spectacular coastline even when back in your room.
5. San Teodoro, Sardinia, Italy
This glamourous town is awash with elegant beach bars and clubs, making it a popular holiday destination on the northeast coast of Sardinia. Boasting impressive beaches with pristine white sands and translucent turquoise waters, it’s perfect for everyone. For those who can be tempted away from sunbathing there is plenty of activities including sailing, scuba diva and horse trekking. Booking.com travellers rate it for food, sunbathing and restaurants. The top countries visiting are Thailand, China and the UK.
Set higher up in the hills and surrounded by a pretty garden and terrace, at B&B Li Muntigeddi you can soak up the magnificent views of the sea. Enjoy the sweet Italian breakfast which is served daily in the garden or make the most of the views on the sun terrace with the barbeque facilities.
6. Sanya, China
Nicknamed the ‘Hawaii of China’, the golden shores of Sanya is a popular destination for holiday makers. Top nationalities visiting from outside of China are from Russia, Hong Kong and Germany. The region is made up of three zones including a bustling city centre and stretches of exquisite beaches including the exclusive Yalong Bay lined with luxurious resorts. Booking.com travellers have endorsed it for relaxation, seafood, warm weather and beach walks.
Get ready to unwind at the luxurious Banyan Tree Sanya with beautiful 5-star private villas with its own restaurants and private pool right on the beach. The well designed villas come with an outdoor terrace with ocean or garden views and guests can occupy themselves with on-site billiards, table tennis, a relaxing massage or chill out in the tea house.
7. Boracay, Philippines
At only 4.5 miles long, Boracay is a postcard perfect stretch of sand white beaches lined with luxury seafront resorts. It’s a secluded getaway perfect for travellers seeking idyllic beaches, picture perfect sunsets and friendly islander locals. Travellers have endorsed this piece of paradise for beaches, beach walks, water sports and friendly people. Top nationalities visiting include China, South Korea and Saudi Arabia.
Surrounded by a lush hillside overlooking the turquoise ocean, Shangri-La’s Boracay Resort and Spa provides a luxurious and secluded hideaway. Boasting a private beachfront, two stunning outdoor pools and spacious guest rooms, travellers are sure to experience the true meaning of Shangri-La. The villas and suites add a touch of first class with a butler service and either a private pool or hot tub. Whether you are seeking adrenaline or tranquillity this resort can cater for all, with a selection of spa treatments or a range of water-sport activities from kayaking, deep sea diving to even a romantic sunset cruise.