Best Vietnam Beaches

Best Vietnam Beaches

Vietnam boasts an impressive number of sun-soaked beaches from north to south. From private Vietnam beaches on lush islands to the famous fine sand beach accessible by the Unesco Heritage site, you`ll find it easy to find a tropical paradise of your own. 
To help you plan your trip, we've compiled a guide to the top beach destinations in Vietnam. From the incredible Ha Long Bay to the sandy dunes of Mui Ne and the idyllic islands of Con Dao and Phu Quoc, these are the must-visit spots for sea, sun, and sand.
 

Photo: Tea Nguyen

Doc Let Beach, Nha Trang

With approximately 11 miles of chalk-white beaches and turquoise waters, Doc Let is an ideal getaway just an hour away from Nha Trang. The northern part of the picturesque bay is popular among tourists and home to most of the beach resorts and hotels. The central area has sections of pristine shores, but there is also a busy port nearby. Finally, Jungle Beach, the southernmost part of Doc Let, is a beloved spot among backpackers and is surrounded by fishing villages. It's worth noting that Doc Let is not as developed as Nha Trang, with mostly family-owned shops providing food, kayak rentals, and accommodations. The closest city to Doc Let is Ninh Hoa.

How to get to Doc Let Beach

Located in Ninh Hoa town, Khanh Hoa province, about 49 kilometers to the north of Nha Trang city, lies a 6-kilometer-long shoreline beach.
The best way to get to Doc Let beach is to take a private car or motorbike. Buses are available but not convenient. 

What to do in Doc Let beach

Apart from the basic beach experience, you can hop on some of these activities to fill your day: visit Ninh Thuy fishing village, learn about the Salt making work at Hon Khoi community or explore Hon Heo peninsula. 


Photo: Daren Nurris

Phu Quoc island beaches

When it comes to a place to spend your Vietnam Holiday with beaches, a national park, and amazing marine life, Phu Quoc island should be named. It is surrounded by white-sand beaches and lush tropical forests. There are numerous sun-drenched beaches to make your days occupied in Phu Quoc. 
Sao Beach stands out as the most spectacular beach, with its pristine white sand and crystal-clear waters. However, exploring the island on your own might lead you to discover hidden sections of sand where you can have a peaceful and secluded beach experience all to yourself.

How to get to Phu Quoc Island

There are several ways to reach Phu Quoc. You can either fly directly from Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi city. 
Another option is to take a bus from Ho Chi Minh City to Rach Gia and then catch a ferry to Phu Quoc, or opt for a bus ride from Ho Chi Minh City to Ha Tien followed by a ferry to Phu Quoc.

Best things to do in Phu Quoc

The beaches are simply magnificent here but it is not all about Phu Quoc. For a true sense of the island, embark on a boat from An Thoi harbor to navigate through Phu Quoc waterways. En route, stop for snorkeling, free diving, and swimming by one of the most secluded beaches. If you fancy in-land activities, Phu Quoc has plenty of historical sites and an amazing national park to walk. 
Related article: Best Vietnam National Parks.


Photo: Hung Tran

Ho Coc Beach

Situated in a scenic bay north of Ho Tram hamlet in the Ba Ria-Vung Tau province, this beach boasts a backdrop of lush forests and sand dunes. While there are a few hotels and resorts along the way, the area remains largely undiscovered by tourists and offers a tranquil setting, with plenty of local seafood shacks and beach chairs for rent.
This trending destination has gained its reputation for a beach that is accessible from Ho Chi Minh city. 

How to get to Ho Coc Beach

We recommend you rent a private car with a driver which allows you to enjoy Ho Coc in your most comfortable way. 
For public transportation, you can take a coach to Ba Ria town, followed by another bus that goes to Binh Chau. Once you arrive at Bung Rieng, you can take a taxi for approximately 6 kilometers to reach Ho Coc beach.

What to enjoy near Ho Coc beach

Looking for something more than just a beach in Ho Coc, we suggest: Binh Chau hot spring and Phuoc Buu nature reserve. For on-water time, there is a possibility to hire a boat for a fishing trip. 


Photo: Karl Hedin

Mui Ne Beach

Located just a short distance from the bustling city of Saigon, the Mui Ne area (which encompasses portions of Ham Tien ward and Phan Thiet city) is renowned for its stunning coastline and numerous natural wonders. In addition to its beautiful beaches, Mui Ne is known for its nearby majestic desert, the White Sand Dunes and Red Sand Dunes, where visitors can go sand-surfing or even take a hot-air balloon ride. The best-known beach in the Mui Ne area is located just a quick 15-minute trip away in the Ham Tien ward and is home to the surreal Suoi Tien, or "Fairy Stream," with its unique hardened sand embankments and waterfall.

How to travel to Mui Ne Beach

The most common way to get to Mui Ne beach is to take an overnight bus from Mien Dong bus station. It takes about 5 hours drive and the bus frequency is high. 
To capture the landscape by the coastal line, you can start driving from Cat Lai ferry and passes through Long Thanh, Ba Ria town, Ho Tram, Loc An, and finally Phan Thiet, covering a total distance of around 230 km.
Alternatively, you can take the train SPT1/SPT4 from Saigon Station to Phan Thiet city then connect with a short taxi ride to Mui Ne.
For those coming from Hanoi, you can either fly to Ho Chi Minh City and travel to Phan Thiet, or fly to Cam Ranh, Nha Trang and take a bus to Mui Ne, which is nearly 200 km away.

What are the tourist attractions in Mui Ne?

Mui Ne boasts a number of tourist attractions that differ from one to another. To plan your trip to Mui Ne, make sure you include these sites in your itinerary: Red Sand Dunes, White Lake, Fairy Stream, Poshanu Cham tower and Ke Ga lighthouse. 


Photo: Marienviol

An Bang Beach, Hoi An

An Bang, located just 3km north of Hoi An, is one of Vietnam's liveliest and most delightful beaches. With its pristine stretch of fine sand, expansive horizon, and less severe erosion than nearby Cua Dai, An Bang offers a perfect seaside experience. You`ll also be rewarded with a view of the Cham Islands on a clear day. 
An Bang is really worth spending a day. It has a wide range of restaurants and other services. 

How to get to An Bang beach

The very first way to see An Bang is to take a flight to Da Nang international airport. From here, it takes about 30 minutes by car to arrive at An Bang beach by car.
From Hoi An town, you can take a bike ride for 20 minutes or a short taxi journey. 

Suggestion to spend a day in An Bang beach

The destination is really scenic. There is no shortage of good bars, and restaurants to chill out. To make your day a little more active, take time and head to some of the less-visited villages near An Bang. One of the most adventurous things to delve into is the Basket boat tour. For a nice shot of the sunset, take a kayak tour in Thu Bon river. 
Recommended Reading: Vietnam Travel Itinerary


Photo: Arnaud Samie

Con Dao island

Con Dao is arguably the last tropical paradise without tourists in Vietnam. The area is actually an archipelago consisting of 16 islands situated along Vietnam's southern coast. Once infamous for its brutal French prisons, Con Dao is now recognized for its coral reefs, diverse marine life, and soft sandy beaches. 
Need some name for beach hopping in Con Dao? Go for Dam Trau, Cua Can or Dat Tham beach. If you are keen on a private place for your own romance or simply love to see a beach that is not visible on a tourism map, do not hesitate to book a boat tour. 
Another tropical paradise without tourists in Asia? see Mergui Archipelago in Myanmar

How to get to Con Dao island?

Some people choose to adventure by boat which is pretty long, there are flights from Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi to Con Son island. The flights may not be daily and there are some different airlines that offer flights on this route including Vietnam Airlines, Bamboo airlines. It is advisable to check the flight schedule regularly. 

Top Things to do in Con Dao islands?

It is no surprise that the very first thing you should do in Con Dao island is admire its waterways. 
For eco-friendly trip, come to see Con Dao turtles and uncover the wonders of Con Dao marine life. If you are after culture, see Con Dao prison and local traditional villages.


Photo: Jamie Mai

Ly Son Island

Ly Son Island, situated off the central coast of Vietnam, is a hidden gem that's yet to be discovered by many tourists. The two main islands, Dao Lon and Dao Be, are home to stunning geological formations, over 50 temples and shrines, and world-famous garlic and seafood. While there aren't as many palm trees and beach resorts, the acclaimed To Vo arch offers a breathtaking view of clear blue waters and fossil reefs. Most of Dao Lon is taken up by garlic farms, which emanate a strong aroma, but the tiny Dao Be, also known as An Binh, is a 15-minute ferry ride away and offers a chance to swim and marvel at the underwater views of seaweed fields and colorful reefs.
See also: Secret beaches in Asia.


Photo: unsplash.com

My Khe Beach

Amongst the best Vietnam Beaches, My Khe is more well-known among local tourists than foreign travelers. It is a part of the Gold Coast that stretches all the way to the renowned An Bang and Cua Dai beaches in Hoi An.
The beach boasts a lengthy strip of fine sand, crystal clear, and rock-free waters that are free of pollution. Visitors can lounge on sun beds shaded by coconut palms and enjoy the sea breeze at the many beachfront restaurants and bars. Additionally, during sunny hours, water sports such as surfing and stand-up paddle boarding are available to entertain visitors.

Cat Co Beach, Cat Ba Island

Cat Ba, the largest island in Halong Bay, is a wild and mountainous destination covered in dense jungle. As a regular stop on tourist boat trips around the Unesco-listed region, it can get crowded, but during quieter times, its beaches offer a serene retreat that rivals the best in Vietnam.
Among them, the three beaches of Cat Co Cove stand out, just a short ten-minute walk southeast of Cat Ba Town. With their soft sand and clear waters, they are a must-visit for beach lovers.
Related article: Top things to do in Hanoi


Photo: Marina Lobato

Halong Bay

Imagine some 1600 islands jutting out of the emerald waters in Tonkin Bay. It is defined as one of the most striking destinations that you should delve into in Halong Bay. While the sparkling city of Halong has Bai Chay beach and Tuan Chau beach which are very accessible for a short drive, there are so many small beaches to hang out between the picture-perfect islands. 
The best way to reach these islands is either by taking a private boat or joining a Halong Bay tour for 2 to 3 days. Certainly, you`ll be offered chances to do other water sports like kayaking or paddling. 

How to get to Halong Bay?

There are many ways to travel to Halong Bay but the fattest option is to take a van/ comfortable car from Hanoi capital. It takes about 3 hours. This type of tourist can be booked in almost all the Hanoi accommodations from guest houses to luxury hotels.
Think about something extraordinary? a helicopter flight is not only fast but also provides a stunning panorama of Halong islands. 

What to do in Halong Bay?

You may find so many results for what you can benefit from a trip to Halong Bay. From cruising to mountain climb, from kayaking through the floating caves to unearthing the hidden beaches, Halong Bay will not disappoint you. 
Get the complete guide to Halong bay at Top Things to do in Halong Bay
 

Vietnam Beaches Travel Guide

Here are some of the most related questions about Vietnam Beaches we have received.

What is the best time to go to Beaches in Vietnam?

You can absolutely go to beaches in Vietnam all year round. The reason is the weather is different from north to south Vietnam. While the north has four seasons, the south witnesses tropical weather with the 6-month monsoon.
In wintertime from November to April, you can surely walk along the sandy beaches in the south where the sun shines until 6 or 7 pm. 
During the summer, you can head to north or central Vietnam where beaches are open for a swim and other water sports. 
Read also: Cambodia Beaches.

What is the most famous beach in Vietnam?

Since Vietnam has so many beaches, it is hard to define what is the best Vietnam beach. However, to name some prominent beach destinations by the region, then you should consider this:
- Good beach in north Vietnam: Cat Co beach - Cat Ba island
- Good beaches in central Vietnam: Da Nang, Nha Trang beaches
- Good Vietnam Beaches in South Vietnam: Phu Quoc islands and Mui Ne beach.
- Best beaches that are less touristic: Con Dao islands. 

Top Vietnam Beaches for party

In general, you may not find beaches that live overnight in Vietnam. It does not mean it lacks places to hang out. Mui Ne and Phu Quoc are considered exciting beaches to party at. 

What should I bring for a beach holiday in Vietnam?

Sun cream, glasses, and flip-flops are recommended for any beach time in Myanmar. Do not worry if you forget any of these items since Vietnam has so many shops to purchase whatever you need. 
When you bring kids to a Vietnam beach, you can also buy toys at a very good price instead of carrying them from home. 

Where to surf in Vietnam?

Danang and Mui Ne are the two best spots to surf in Vietnam. There are strong waves to challenge your skills. 
Make sure you come at the right time when the waves are good. 

What is the best beach for a honeymoon in Vietnam?

Celebrate romance on a Vietnam beach, it is not difficult. Besides the fact that beaches like Phu Quoc or Con Dao offer spectacular sunsets, many hotels and beachfront resorts provide a romantic package to lure their visitors. 

Is it expensive to travel to Vietnam?

Vietnam is a destination that brings good value for your money. You can find a good hotel for $40/ night and eat a delicious world-class bowl of noodles for only $2. 
It is said that You get what you pay in Vietnam. Hotels and travel services are available at different prices and of different quality. Whether you are seeking a budget holiday or a high-end vacation, you`ll find something in Vietnam. 

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