Boasting some 2,000 miles of coastline plus a handful of renowned island destinations, Vietnam naturally has no shortage of beautiful beaches, where you can chill out after having the exploration tour of culture and history in the big cities.
To help you have a guideline of the stunning beaches in Vietnam, we’ve put together a list of notable destinations from the shores of the UNESCO-designated Ha Long Bay to the rolling dunes of Mui Ne and the island getaways of Con Dao and Phu Quoc. Here are the best beaches to enjoy Vietnam’s surf, sun, and sand.
Ha Long Bay
Halong Bay’s beaches are an incredible draw to the area. Besides the magnificent limestone karsts making Halong Bay amazing, the stunning beaches also attract tourists coming here. Halong Bay has literally thousands of islands and islets which mean thousands of beaches, varying from tiny and desolate to big and busy. Here are the best beaches in Halong that you can find out:
Tuan Chau Beach
Tuan Chau Beach is actually a man-made beach in Halong Bay on Tuan Chau Island. The beach itself is charming and well-equipped for many beach activities such as jet-skiing, canoeing and fishing.
Ngoc Vung Beach
Ngoc Vung Beach is located on the south of Ngoc Vung Island. This is an unspoiled piece of heaven in Halong Bay. The beach is pristine, with clean white sands and clear waters.
Minh Chau Beach
Minh Chau Beach located on Quan Lan Island, is a perfect beach in every way – the sand is white, the sea is clear and the wind blows cooly in the humid heat of summer. Some visitors opt to camp on the beach overnight, which can be a magical experience.
Ba Trai Dao Beach
Ba Trai Dao Beach is in the cove of Ba Trai Dao Island, where it sits sheltered from the elements. The beach is sandy and never very busies – the perfect place to relax while visiting Halong Bay.
Titop Beach
Titop Beach is a wonderful option for visitors to Halong Bay as it is conveniently located on Titop Island – a popular cruise stop.
Hong Van Beach
Hong Van Beach at Co To Island is an ideal destination for visitors looking to partake in fun beach and water activities.
Quan Lan Beach
Quan Lan Beach is on Quan Lan Island in Bai Tu Long Bay. This heavenly beach stretches for miles along the Coast of Quan Lan Island.
Da Nang
A one-time French colonial port on the central coast, Vietnam’s third-largest city is also home to some of the country’s best beaches. And it’s got a little something for everyone, from the bustling beaches located a short drive from city to the more secluded spots for those keen on adventure.
Fans of water sports can visit My Khe Beach, the closest beach to the city center and a world-renowned favorite for surfing, snorkeling, and jet-skiing. Meanwhile, those who prefer some privacy can hop on a motorbike to the untouched Tien Sa Beach on the north side of the Son Tra Peninsula.
Hoi An
Dating back to the 15th century, Hoi An is a tourist-loved city in Central Vietnam, whose well-preserved architecture speaks to its history as a trading port influenced by the French, Chinese, and Japanese. Nearby, find ancient ruins of the Islamic Champa kingdom that once occupied the region. There are some amazing beaches after checking in Hoi An such as:
Cua Dai Beach
Cua Dai Beach is a beautiful beach with fine sand and palm trees, but unfortunately affected by serious erosion. Although erosion has been established since 2004, the situation has gained momentum in recent years. Because of this there are fewer tourists and because the beach is also very long, you can always find a piece of beach for yourself.
An Bang Beach
An Bang Beach is one of the few parts of the beach in Hoi An that is relatively unaffected by development. Some of the most popular activities on An Bang Beach are swimming and paddle boarding. Due to a lack of wind, you will not see any kite surfing and parasailing here.
Cham Island
Cham Island has beautiful tropical beaches, with soft white sand, clear water and palm trees. The islands are a popular diving destination in Vietnam.
Nha Trang
This south-central city long boasted some of the world’s most beautiful beaches, though tourism and development have made quite a dent in its landscape in recent years. Still, there remain a number of pristine, well-kept beaches and islands that are worth a visit if you find yourself in the area. At the city’s main beach, called Nha Trang Beach or City Beach, you’ll find that iconic view of the bay, along with a decently-sized crowd during peak hours. For more secluded options, check out the beaches on the nearby cluster of islands, including Hon Lon and Hon Tre, which is home to the gaudy but popular resort Vinpearl.
Mui Ne
A hop-skip from the hustle and bustle of Saigon, the area commonly referred to as Mui Ne (though it includes portions of Ham Tien ward and Phan Thiet city) is renowned for its coastline as well as a number of other natural wonders. A small fishing town with beaches to rival those on this list, Mui Ne is differentiated by a majestic, nearby expanse of desert known as the White Sand Dunes and Red Sand Dunes, which are popular for sand-surfing and even hot-air balloon rides. The best-known beach portion of the Mui Ne area, however, is actually located a quick 15-minute trip away in the Ham Tien ward, which is also home to the surreal Suoi Tien, or “Fairy Stream,” known for its hardened sand embankments and waterfall.
Con Dao
Con Dao Island is a great destination for beach experience, mostly due to its quieter presence than other popular beaches in Vietnam. This is an island that is part of an archipelago off the southern region of the country. As the island is separated from the mainland, it is not overcrowded with tourists. The clear, blue water is perfect for swimming and water sports. There are coral reefs ideal for a snorkeling or diving excursion. Watching the green sea turtles at the nearby turtle sanctuary is one of the most popular things to do at the beach besides soak in the Asian sun.
Phu Quoc
Nestled in the Gulf of Thailand a stone’s throw from Cambodia, Phu Quoc is Vietnam’s largest and westernmost island. While over half of the teardrop-shaped island comprises Phu Quoc National Park, a dense tropical jungle draped around scenic mountains, its many beaches remain the main attraction. Most notable of these are Khem Beach (or “Cream Beach”), recognized as one of the world’s best beaches, and Sao Beach, both sitting in on the southern end of the island and offering palm trees, white sand, and stunning views.
