Contents
- Beaches of Vietnam — Coastal Cities and Islands
- Best Beaches in Nha Trang, Central Vietnam
- Best Beaches in Danang, Central Vietnam
- Best Beaches in Hue, Central Vietnam
- Best Beaches in Hoi An, Central Vietnam
- Best Beaches in Phan Thiet – Mui Ne, Central Vietnam
- Vung Tau and Other Beaches near Ho Chi Minh City, Southern Vietnam
- Best Beaches on Phu Quoc Island, Southern Vietnam
- Best Beaches in Halong Bay, Northern Vietnam
Vietnam, with 3 260 km of shimmering coast, boasts an endless number of tantalizing tropical beaches for your next vacation. In line with ongoing tourism development, Vietnam and its alluring beaches are gaining international popularity.
The sea of Vietnam is strategically part of the maritime network between the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Additionally, there are rich resources and potentials in terms of petroleum and energy production, seafood harvesting, maritime trade, and shipping.
Beaches of Vietnam — Coastal Cities and Islands
Vietnam has a total of 26 coastal cities which take up 42% of the landmass and 45% of the population. Besides over 4000 islands, bountiful curves in the coastline form bodies of water like bays and gulfs. The best beaches of Vietnam span across the country, each with an ideal time to visit in the year.
Some beaches are popular for, but not limited to, eco-tours, water sports, surfing, scuba diving, fishing, cruising, and fresh seafood. Due to cultural norms, and to the best of our knowledge, there’s no actual nude beach in Vietnam.
View the best beaches in Vietnam
Best Beaches in Nha Trang, Central Vietnam
Nha Trang, often referred to as Vietnam’s Riviera, has some of the most idyllic beaches in the country. It has numerous beaches with various activities, ideal for a vacation during any season.
Nha Trang is the number one snorkeling and scuba diving destination on our list. Laid-back fishing tours and onboard seafood BBQ can also include some casual snorkeling and beach drop-bys. The more luxurious yacht cruises can further include visiting sea villages.
Discover the Best Things to do in Nha Trang
Beaches on the Coast of Nha Trang
Central Beach is one of the main public beaches of Nha Trang. It’s easily accessible from the city, especially if you stay in the top seaside hotels around. There are public facilities available at a small fee.
Doc Let Beach (bãi biển Dốc Lết) is a quieter and wide choice around 4 km from Central Beach. You can easily get here on the public bus.
South Beach, managed by Paragon Hotel, has an artificial water break which makes it a good choice for children’s safety.
Nhu Tien Beach (bãi biển Nhũ Tiên) is a well-managed private beach with an entrance fee. However, the ticket includes a free shuttle to downtown and you can rent kayaks or jet skis here.
Check out the Best Beach Hotels in Nha Trang
Offshore Beaches on the Islands of Nha Trang
Tam Island (Hòn Tằm) and Bai Tranh Beach (Bãi Tranh) on Mieu Island (Hòn Miễu) are great for water sports. They are both close to the mainland and good for paragliding, kite surfing, and more.
Hon Tre (Hòn Tre) or Bamboo Island has Vinpearl Land — one of the biggest amusement parks in Nha Trang. The all-inclusive ticket to the park includes a cable ride over the ocean from the city. You can also just ride the cable here and relax at the cove beach.
Orchid Island (đảo Hoa Lan) has gardens filled with more than just orchid flowers and petting animals. By the beach, you can do some water sports like parasailing, kayaking, jet-skiing, or camp for the night. The same terminal from the city also departs to Monkey Island.
Monkey Island (đảo Khỉ) has a nice turquoise beach if you don’t mind some monkey business. Besides a floating waterpark, you can also rent kayaks or scuba diving gear. There are other recreations on the island like monkey shows and go-karting. Tours can include both islands and even snorkeling and scuba diving in between.
Swallow Island (đảo Yến) is famous for its white sandbar and crystal clear blue double beach. However, it’s protected and managed by Khánh Hoà Salanganes Nest Company and you can only get here on a tour.
Snorkeling and Scuba Diving in the Beaches of Hon Mun Island
Hon Mun Island (hòn Mun) is the first Vietnamese marine reserve housing a well-preserved reef and many species of fish. This makes it an ideal spot for scuba diving and snorkeling, especially from April to August.
On the island, Moray Beach is a divers’ favorite with excellent visibility and an average depth of 18 m. Mama Hanh Beach is a nearby shallower dive site with a large sandy area for Open Water courses.
Common sightings around Hon Mun Island include moray eels and species of nudibranch. Professional dive schools can take you on a boat further to islands and islets nearby.
More about Scuba Diving and Snorkeling in Nha Trang
Best Beaches in Danang, Central Vietnam
Danang is arguably the most relaxing tourist beach town in Vietnam with various things to do. Additionally, it’s the number one surfing destination on our list with stretches of unspoiled beaches.
Discover the Best Things to do in Danang
Having Fun at My Khe Beach
My Khe Beach (bãi biển Mỹ Khê) is the main public beach which stretches 3 km on the Danang foreshore. It’s the most illustrious with broad white sands, shady peach palms, and thatched parasols. If you’re interested in staying in the neighborhood, the Haian Beach Hotel and Spa is a very nice choice.
To the South of My Khe Beach is the Dana Beach Complex for everything water sports. In addition, there are many resorts around Danang that offer water sports activities. A popular beach among the resorts is Non Nuoc Beach (bãi biển Non Nước).
Surfing at Pham Van Dong Beach
Danang surfing season is from September to March. Upward from My Khe Beach is Pham Van Dong Beach (bãi biển Phạm Văn Đồng) with the Danang Surf School.
With ISA-certified instructors, they provide surfing and standup paddleboard lessons at different levels. The coast from My Khe to Pham Van Dong Beach is ideal for both beginners and experienced surfers.
Sunset by the Beach near Son Tra Peninsula
Son Tra Peninsula is great for a day of sightseeing, especially at the Linh Ung Pagoda (Chùa Linh Ứng). However, its South Beach (bãi Nam) is also good for swimming, snorkeling, and some watersports. There are fishing and diving tours which visit or depart from here as well.
On the opposite side of the peninsula is the Tien Sa Beach (bãi biển Tiên Sa) with a minimal entrance fee. It’s an ideal spot to watch the sunset over the sea at the end of the day.
Best Beaches in Hue, Central Vietnam
People usually visit Hue for its rich historic legacy but the natural scenery is not to be missed. The white sandy beaches of Hue are nice places to cool off, especially during the summer. Besides, the best swimming season is from April to September so it works out well.
Discover the Best Things to do in Hue
Thuan An, Canh Duong, and Ham Rong Beaches of Hue
Thuan An Beach (bãi biển Thuận An) is the nearest beach, only 15 km from the center of Hue. The grassy parks along the shoreline add to the nice walk on the beach. The strategic location is also home to a number of great hotels and resorts in Hue.
Canh Duong Beach (bãi biển Cảnh Dương) is not too far from downtown in the direction of Danang. It’s a lively beach adored by the young generations with beach sports, beach camping, and campfire BBQ.
Ham Rong Beach (bãi biển Hàm Rồng) is close to Canh Duong Beach but it has a completely different vibe. It’s one of the few beaches in Vietnam that hasn’t been modernized. With untouched scenery, it’s partially surrounded by a mountain and the seaside rocks are covered in green moss.
A Scenic Trip to Lang Co Beach on Hai Van Pass
Lang Co Beach (bãi biển Lăng Cô) is a popular scenic stop between Danang and historic Hue. The public areas of Lang Co Beach are nice for swimming and they have seasonal jet ski rentals. Whether you’re going by yourself or on tour, it’s a must to include Hai Van Pass (đèo Hải Vân).
Best Beaches in Hoi An, Central Vietnam
Hoi An usually attracts people to its Old Town aesthetic but its beaches also make for a nice day out. Besides swimming, sunbathing, and watersports, you can do some easy diving and surfing.
Discover the Best Things to do in Hoi An
Local’s Favorite An Bang Beach
An Bang Beach (bãi biển An Bàng) is the main public beach of Hoi An with good facilities. Besides deck chairs and parasols, there are parasails and jet skis for rent. Surf conditions are suitable for kids’ classes. The area is also nice to stay with good hotels, resorts, and expat restaurants to choose from.
Check out the Best Hotels near An Bang Beach of Hoi An
Scuba Diving and Snorkeling at the Cham Islands
Cham Islands (Cù lao Chàm) are a small cluster of islets with pristine beaches just offshore Hoi An. Hon Lao Island (Hòn Lao) is the main hub which gathers idyllic beaches for swimming, sunbathing, fishing, and even sea walking.
However, you’ll need to set out further to get to the best scuba diving and snorkeling spots in Hoi An. They include islands of Hon Tai (Hòn Tai), Hon Mo (Hòn Mồ), and Hon Nhan (Hòn Nhàn).
Best Beaches in Phan Thiet – Mui Ne, Central Vietnam
Phan Thiet (Phan Thiết) is a tropical beach city in Central Vietnam on a rapid rise to international fame. Mui Ne (Mũi Né) is a popular cape with the best attractions in the city. The beaches of Phan Thiet – Mui Ne are fast becoming a surfers’ paradise.
The best time to surf in Phan Thiet – Mui Ne is around October when the surf is clear and consistently good. You can find surf schools here that teach windsurfing, surfboarding, and especially kitesurfing.
Along Phan Thiet Beach to Mui Ne Beach, there’s an array of hotels and resorts including the Coco Beach Resort. On the other hand, local homestays are an intimate and affordable choice.
Discover the Best Things to do in Phan Thiet – Mui Ne
Beaches on the Hidden Phu Quy Island
Phu Quy Island (đảo Phú Quý) is a gem under the radar accessible from Phan Thiet Terminal. The beaches of Phu Quy Island have such clear waters, you can put on swimming goggles and see corals below.
Also, the natural miniature sea pools are great for photos and simply relaxing. Additionally, the island is an amazing place to try some exotic seafood.
Vung Tau and Other Beaches near Ho Chi Minh City, Southern Vietnam
Vung Tau city (thành phố Vũng Tàu), with its modern beaches, is an awesome getaway from Ho Chi Minh City. You can easily get to Vung Tau on a travel coach or better yet, a hydrofoil from Saigon.
The Back Beach (bãi Sau) is a go-to for some swimming, splashing, and also easy surfing. The area is where you’ll get the best scenery in Vung Tau with a breezy coastline to scenic viewpoints. It also has hotels and restaurants of different price ranges.
The Front Beach (bãi Trước) is not so much for swimming as it is a gathering hub of people. Visiting French colonial structures and religious buildings can make for a nice day out. The area also has more modern facilities, especially for tourism purposes.
Retreat to Ho Tram Beach
Ho Tram (Hồ Tràm) has a tranquil beach and high-end resort retreats not far from Vung Tau. The go-to luxurious choice is the Grand Ho Tram Resort & Casino but there are budget options as well.
Untouched Beaches of Con Dao Island
Con Dao Island (Côn Đảo) is an excellent retreat with rugged beaches for nice long walks and dips in the sea. Conveniently, most of the beaches have public and rental facilities, including for snorkeling. You can catch a boat to Con Dao from the Vung Tau’s harbor, or take a plane from Saigon.
Best Beaches on Phu Quoc Island, Southern Vietnam
Phu Quoc Island (Phú Quốc) and its idyllic beaches are ideal for a vacation from November to April. With gifts from the sea, Phu Quoc has so much to offer to its visitors. The island is easily accessible thanks to its international airport.
Discover the Best Things to do in Phu Quoc
Sao Beach, Long Beach, and Other Beaches Await
Sao Beach (bãi Sao) is one of the most lively places on Phu Quoc Island. People come here to take Instagram photos on the leaning coconut tree beach swing. You can also ride jet skis here. Long Beach (bãi Trường) is another energetic area with the Sunset Sanato Beach Club.
On the other hand, there are other beaches just as beautiful but quite less crowded. They include Ganh Dau Beach (mũi Gành Dầu), Cua Can Beach (bãi Cửa Cạn), and another Long Beach (bãi Dài).
You can often see many starfish at some of the beaches. However, you should avoid picking them up and harming the sea life.
Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, and More in An Thoi Archipelago
The boat terminal in Phu Quoc branches out to islands within An Thoi Archipelago (Quần đảo An Thới). Popular islands include Hon Thom Island (Hòn Thơm), May Rut Island (Hòn Mây Rút), Fingernail Island (Hòn Móng Tay). Fun activities include reef diving, sea fishing, feasting on the freshest seafood, and visiting pearl farms.
Hon Thom Island Theme Park
Hon Thom Island (Hòn Thơm) or Pineapple Island is technically a theme park in the sea. You can ride the world’s longest sea cable here from Phu Quoc Island.
The all-inclusive ticket also covers the electric car ride, the floating inflatable bounce house, and other facilities at the beach. However, water sports like paragliding and jet-skiing cost extra.
Best Beaches in Halong Bay, Northern Vietnam
Halong Bay (vịnh Hạ Long) is a world-renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its emerald beaches and karst formations. The best seasons for having fun in Halong Bay are April to June and September to November. You can get here from Hanoi on tour, or by travel coach, but there are currently no direct flights.
Discover the Best Things to do in Halong Bay
Busy Bai Chay Seaside Area
Bai Chay (Bãi Cháy) is the main seaside area and gateway to attractions in Halong Bay. You can book tours, cruises, and public ferries to the islands from here. Besides nice public beaches, Bai Chay also has the Sun World Halong Complex with all sorts of recreational activities.
Lively Tuan Chau Island
Tuan Chau Island (Tuần Châu) is popular thanks to its white sandy beaches and recreation at Tuan Chau Park. Water sports you can enjoy here include kayaking, canoeing, water skiing, and jet skiing.
Tuan Chau Island is also where Halong Bay tours usually start. Additionally, you can book a seaplane to view the entire bay from above and it lands at Titov Island. There’s a nice beach with water sports on this island as well.
Beaches on Cat Ba Island
Cat Ba Island (đảo Cát Bà) is a nice middle ground where you can book Halong Bay tours for cheap. It’s also a less busy alternative with turquoise Cat Co Beaches (bãi Cát Cò) surrounded by mountains. Interestingly, you just might catch the mesmerizing phenomenon of bioluminescent plankton after twilight on Cat Co 2 if lucky.
