Pantai Cenang - Langkawi’s main vein - is a well-developed west-coast beach offering picturesque combination of white sand, crystalline turquoise-blue waters and verdant palms. Pantai Cenang houses a wide range of local and international eateries, beachside attractions, massive duty-free shopping complexes, and luxury resorts with magnificent views of the Andaman Sea.

From the wee hours of morning until the sun sets beneath the horizon, an eclectic mix of local residents, expats, backpackers, tourists and families throng the main road to eat, drink, and shop along Pantai Cenang. For an activity-filled travel experience, check out our ten best places to visit, shop, dine, and go after the sun sets in this bustling strip.

Kuah, the main town of Langkawi, is a good starting point for visitors who travel via ferry. While clear white stretches of beaches are non-existent here, ships are ever-present in the distance and the looming mountains on the nearby islets are visible during the day. The town is well-regarded as a shopper’s haven, housing many excellent duty-free stores selling everything but the kitchen sink.

Due to its relatively large population and the number of hotels in the area, visitors can also find a good range of dining venues to choose from while places of interests that are great for picture moments can be found in Kuah. Check out our definitive guide to Kuah's best places to see, shop, eat, and enjoy a pint after the sun sets.

Regarded as the longest stretch of beach in Langkawi, Pantai Tengah is a tranquil beachside spot, shaded by lots of trees so walking along the sidewalks is not too much of a chore. Housing beachfront chalets as well as big, all-inclusive resorts, Pantai Tengah offers more than a few ways to kick back and relax.

Home to a wide array of local and international fare alongside lovely garden or beachside views, Pantai Tengah is a good place for gastronomic options while its nightlife scene is an exciting combination of dance-worthy tunes, live band performances, tantalising local and international food, and of course, a wide assortment of alcoholic drinks.

Pantai Kok is a beautiful beach locale with clean sands and clear waters but it’s the tourist attractions, as well as the relative peace and quiet, that makes this place so popular. Complemented with lush greenery and magnificent view of Gunung Mat Cincang, the beach along Pantai Kok is dominated by mostly high-end upscale resorts like the Sheraton and Tanjung Sanctuary - perfect for those who love nature or want a quiet holiday destination.

Surrounded by limestone hills and verdant jungle, Pantai Kok also houses Telaga Harbour Park, a yachting marina with a string of shops, bars and restaurants. Additionally it has several recreational attractions including trekking to the Telaga Tujuh Waterfalls as well as a thrilling cable-car ride to the top of Gunung Mat Cincang. Our top places to visit, shop, dine, and go after the sun sets promises a laidback yet interesting family-friendly vacation in Pantai Kok.

Located between Pantai Cenang and Pantai Kok, Padang Matsirat is home to the Langkawi International Airport, a handful of attractions, activities, dining venues, shopping options, and a modest nightlife scene. That being said, it’s also one of the nicer places to stay with several chalets situated on the open water and private beaches for visitors who crave absolute privacy during their vacation in Langkawi.

There are a few restaurants and attractions in the vicinity though we recommend guests to stick closer to the Pantai Cenang and Pantai Tengah stretch for a more active scene on the island. Experience the best of what Padang Matsirat has to offer by checking out our five best places to explore, where to shop, dine, and what to do after the sun sets.