10 Best Beaches In Vietnam To Add To Your Itinerary

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Vietnam’s coastline stretches over 3,400km, offering a diverse range of beautiful beaches and tropical islands, despite not being as renowned for picturesque beaches as its Southeast Asian neighbors.

Whether you’re searching for a beach close to a vibrant city, a family-friendly spot, or a secluded cove to get away from it all, here are our top picks for the best beaches in Vietnam, each offering its unique charm and beauty.

An Bang

An Bang Beach, situated a mere 3km north of the ancient town of Hoi An, stands out as one of Vietnam’s most vibrant and enjoyable beach destinations. The beach features a vast expanse of fine, soft sand and a wide horizon, offering a picturesque view with the distant Cham Islands adding to the scenic beauty. Unlike Cua Dai, An Bang suffers less from erosion, maintaining its natural allure. Many visitors choose to stay directly on An Bang Beach, taking advantage of the serene environment for relaxation, and venture into Hoi An for day trips, exploring the town’s rich history and culinary delights. This approach allows for a balanced experience of both cultural immersion and beachside leisure.

Phu Quoc

Phu Quoc Island, a jewel in the Gulf of Thailand, has evolved from a sleepy island backwater to a premier beach destination for both Western expatriates and sun-loving tourists. The island is fringed with white-sand beaches, while large portions of its interior are still enveloped in dense, untouched tropical jungle, offering a true escape into nature. Sao Beach is arguably the island’s highlight, with its powdery white sand and crystal-clear waters reminiscent of a tropical paradise. Beyond Sao Beach, Phu Quoc offers secluded spots for those willing to explore, providing a sense of discovery and privacy. The island also features island-hopping tours and an 8km-long cable car ride from An Thoi Station to Hon Thom Island, offering breathtaking panoramic views and a unique perspective of the island’s beauty.

Nha Trang

Nha Trang’s beach, with its 6km-long stretch of golden sand, forms a stunning arc that is the centerpiece of this coastal city. The beach is meticulously managed, with designated swimming areas that are free from the disturbance of jet skis and boats, ensuring a peaceful and safe swimming experience. For those seeking a more exclusive spot, the areas south towards the airport offer quieter stretches of beach. Additionally, Nha Trang is known for its vibrant nightlife and luxurious resorts, making it a perfect blend of relaxation and entertainment. The city also serves as a gateway to the beautiful beaches north of Nha Trang, such as those around Ninh Van Bay, which are ideal for day trips and offer a more secluded beach experience.

Con Son

The Con Dao islands, with their haunting history as a penal colony, have transformed into one of Vietnam’s most captivating destinations, thanks to their outstanding natural beauty. Con Son, the largest island in the archipelago, is surrounded by stunning beaches, coral reefs, and picturesque bays, with large areas still covered in lush tropical forests. Despite its dark past, Con Son has become a beacon for eco-tourists and those seeking a beach experience away from the crowds. The island’s relative underdevelopment compared to other beach destinations in Vietnam ensures that its natural beauty remains preserved. Visitors can reach Con Son via a short flight from Ho Chi Minh City, making it an accessible yet remote paradise.

Mui Ne

Once celebrated as the crown jewel among Vietnam’s beach resorts, Mui Ne has faced challenges from natural erosion and rapid development. Despite these setbacks, the beach retains pockets of beauty, with some areas still offering the golden sands and tranquil waters that once made it famous. Mui Ne is particularly renowned for its kitesurfing scene, attracting enthusiasts from around the world with its excellent wind conditions and reputable kitesurfing schools. The sport’s popularity peaks between late October and April, drawing a lively crowd. The recent completion of the Dau Giay-Phan Thiet highway has significantly reduced travel time from Ho Chi Minh City to Mui Ne, making it more accessible for weekend getaways.

Doc Let

Doc Let beach, with its 18km stretch of powdery white sands and shallow, turquoise waters, is rightfully considered one of Vietnam’s most picturesque beaches. However, the recent influx of development and tourism has begun to alter its once pristine landscape. Despite this, Doc Let remains a must-visit for beach lovers, offering stretches of sand that feel worlds away from the hustle and bustle of Vietnam’s cities. For those seeking solitude, the coast north of Doc Let hides more secluded beaches, promising quiet and relaxation away from the crowds.

Ho Coc

A mere two and a half hours’ drive from Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Coc is an easily accessible beach destination that doesn’t skimp on natural beauty. The beach stretches for almost 10km north of Ho Tram, boasting golden sands and clear waters. While Ho Coc is becoming increasingly popular among Saigon’s residents, especially on weekends, it retains a peaceful atmosphere on weekdays, making it an ideal spot for those looking to escape the city’s noise.

My Khe (Danang)

My Khe Beach is rapidly becoming an integral part of Danang’s urban landscape. In the mornings and evenings, the beach comes alive with locals practicing t’ai chi, creating a vibrant community atmosphere. During the day, tourists flock to the beach for sunbathing, while the evenings see a return of the local population. Despite its popularity, My Khe maintains a sense of tranquility, with local fishermen continuing their daily routines amidst the backdrop of modern tourism. The beach’s waters can be treacherous, particularly in winter, but the presence of Nui Son Tra provides a natural barrier, ensuring safer swimming conditions.

Cat Ba

Cat Ba Island, the largest in Halong Bay, is known for its rugged terrain, dense jungles, and serene beaches. While the island can become crowded with tourists, especially during peak season, its beaches remain among the best in Vietnam, particularly during the quieter months. A short walk from Cat Ba Town, the three beaches of Cat Co Cove offer secluded sands and clear waters, perfect for those looking to unwind in a natural setting.

My Khe Beach (Quảng Ngãi)

Not to be confused with the beach of the same name in Danang, My Khe in Quảng Ngãi is a pristine beach destination, boasting fine white sand and excellent swimming conditions. The beach extends for kilometers, offering a tranquil escape for visitors. Its gentle slope makes it particularly suitable for families with children. Avoiding holidays and weekends can provide an almost private beach experience, highlighting the natural beauty and peacefulness of Vietnam’s coastline.

Why Choosing Vietnam for Its Beaches

Vietnam’s coastline stretches over 3,000 kilometers, offering an incredibly diverse array of beaches that cater to every preference, from secluded coves to bustling beachfront. What sets Vietnam apart as a beach destination is the sheer beauty of its beaches and the unique experiences each location offers. Vietnam’s beaches are renowned for their stunning landscapes, warm waters, and cultural richness, making them more than just places to sunbathe and swim. The country’s rich history, delicious cuisine, and the warmth of its people add layers of depth to any beach holiday, providing travelers with a holistic experience that combines relaxation, adventure, and cultural immersion.

Vietnam’s beaches offer the perfect balance between tranquility and excitement. For those seeking relaxation, the soft sands and gentle waves of beaches like Bai Sao on Phu Quoc Island or the serene shores of Con Dao provide a peaceful retreat from the world. Meanwhile, adventure seekers can find plenty of thrills, from kite surfing in Mui Ne to scuba diving around the Hon Mun Island near Nha Trang. The diversity of activities available ensures that every visitor can tailor their beach experience to their interests, whether they’re looking to unwind or get their heart racing.

Seasonal Variations and Best Times to Visit

Vietnam’s extensive coastline means that the country experiences a diverse climate, significantly influencing the best times to visit its various beaches. Understanding the seasonal variations across different regions can help travelers plan their beach vacations to enjoy the best weather conditions.

Northern Vietnam Beaches

In Northern Vietnam, including areas around Hanoi and Ha Long Bay, the beach season peaks from May to August, when the weather is warm and sunny, making it ideal for swimming and sunbathing. However, this period can also be quite hot, with temperatures often rising above 30°C (86°F). The winter months, from November to January, are cooler and less suitable for typical beach activities.

Central Vietnam Beaches

Central Vietnam, home to popular beach destinations like Da Nang, Hoi An, and Nha Trang, experiences its prime beach weather from January to August. This period avoids the heavy rains and typhoons that can occur from September to December. The best months within this period are from February to May, when temperatures are moderate, and rainfall is minimal, offering perfect conditions for beach activities and water sports.

Southern Vietnam Beaches

The Southern part of Vietnam, including Phu Quoc Island and Vung Tau, benefits from a relatively stable climate, making it a year-round destination. However, the dry season from November to April is considered the ideal time to visit. During these months, the weather is sunny with clear skies and minimal rainfall, perfect for exploring the beaches and enjoying the sea. The wet season, from May to October, sees higher humidity and frequent showers, though they are usually short-lived and can provide a refreshing break from the heat.

The Best Time for Specific Activities

• Snorkeling and Diving: The best visibility for underwater activities is during the dry season, especially from February to May, when the waters are calmest.
• Surfing: For surfing enthusiasts, the beaches of Mui Ne and Da Nang offer the best conditions from October to April, when the winds are strong, creating ideal waves.
• Cultural Festivals: Those interested in experiencing Vietnam’s vibrant festivals should plan their visit around specific events, such as the Tet Nguyen Dan (Lunar New Year) in January or February, though it’s important to book accommodations well in advance during these popular times.

Is Ha Long Bay One Of The Best Beaches in Vietnam?

Ha Long Bay is considered a natural wonder, and it’s also a Unesco site, so many people wonder if it’s a place where to swim, and it’s considered one of the best beaches in Vietnam. In fairness, we swam in Ha Long Bay and Cat Ba Bay, which is a bit more secluded than Ha Long, and it wasn’t a great experience.

Despite showing Ha Long as a paradise with emerald waters, the water was not as emerald and clean as we expected and we saw quite a few dead fishes on the surface and also plastic and dirt in many areas. Clearly, the background is astonishing, but I wouldn’t consider it a paradise for swimmers. Instead, it’s a nice place where to kayak and enjoy the landscape.

In the area, Cat Ba Beach is 100% recommended because it’s secluded and it’s the island’s beach, but swimming in the bay is not something I recommend.

Discover The Best Beaches in Vietnam

Vietnam’s beaches offer an unparalleled blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and a wide range of accommodations that cater to every traveler’s needs.

Whether you’re drawn to the luxury and comfort of high-end resorts in Da Nang, Nha Trang, and Phu Quoc Island, seeking the affordability and charm of guesthouses and hostels in coastal towns, or looking for a more authentic experience in locally-owned accommodations, Vietnam’s coastline has something special to offer.

The key to an unforgettable beach holiday lies in selecting the right accommodation that aligns with your preferences, budget, and the type of experiences you wish to have. By doing thorough research, booking in advance, and choosing places that contribute to the sustainability and well-being of local communities, you can ensure a memorable and responsible journey.

Vietnam’s beaches not only promise relaxation and adventure but also an opportunity to connect with the local culture and environment in a meaningful way. So, pack your bags and set off for a Vietnamese beach adventure that you will cherish for years to come.

Check these customized Vietnam itineraries to make sure you add a visit to the best beaches in Vietnam to your schedule:

• 5 Days In Vietnam: 5 Curated Itinerary Ideas For All Travellers
• 10-Day Itinerary In Vietnam: Nature, Culture & Amazing Food
• The Best Day Trips From Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
• Explore Ho Chi Minh: A Complete Itinerary And Guide
• The Best Hanoi Itinerary And How To Spend 3 Days In Hanoi
• Vietnam And Cambodia Itinerary For A Transformative Journey
• Backpacking In Vietnam: Route And Advice For First-Timers

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