If there was ever a country that assaulted all the senses, it’s Vietnam. With one of the most unique cuisines in the world mixed with stunning natural scenery and rich history, Vietnam makes for one hell of a holiday destination. See old world charm in the capital Hanoi, modern Vietnamese life in Ho Chi Minh City, and everything in between along the coastline.
And while on the subject of Vietnam’s coastline, there’s more than 3,000km of it! So it’s safe to say there are some great beaches in Vietnam. Whether you want to hit the southern islands of Phu Quoc, discover hidden stretches of sand along the stunning Hai Van Pass, or take a boat trip through the karst mountains of Ha Long Bay, there’ll be a beach in Vietnam to suit your taste and travel style.
In this post, we’ll look at seven of the best beaches in Vietnam. Hopefully, it’ll make it easier for you to plan your vacation to this stunning country. Not only will we help you decide on your perfect beach, but also where to stay and what to do nearby. So, let’s jump straight in and check out Vietnam’s best beaches!
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- When to Go to Beaches in Vietnam
- Most Popular Beach in Vietnam | My Khe Beach (Da Nang)
- Best Beach for Swimming in Vietnam | Long Beach, Phu Quoc Islands
- Most Beautiful Beach in Vietnam | Ha Long Bay
- Cleanest Beach in Vietnam | An Bang Beach
- Quietest Beach in Vietnam | Con Dao Islands
- Best Hidden Beach in Vietnam | Lang Co Beach
- Best Beach for Kite Surfing in Vietnam | Mui Ne Beach
- Vietnam Packing List
- Buy Us a Coffee!
When to Go to Beaches in Vietnam
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You may not realise it from looking at a map, but Vietnam is a pretty long country. It takes more than a day to travel from Hanoi in the north to Ho Chi Minh City in the south – unless you take a plane, of course. But if you do that, you’ll miss some of the best beaches in Vietnam. With such a huge country, the climate differs throughout, meaning it’s hard to pin down the best time to visit.
The good news is that there’s no wrong time go backpacking through Vietnam. However, beach lovers tend to want sunshine, so try and avoid the tropical monsoon weather. In the north of the country, this lasts from October to April, while in the south, it’s from May to September. It’s best to work out where you want to visit and plan around that.
For travellers planning some stops at the beach while seeing the entire country, the best times to visit are autumn and spring. This is when the weather isn’t stiflingly hot and humid, and it’s not super-crowded.
Want to save money on accommodation?
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Most Popular Beach in Vietnam | My Khe Beach (Da Nang)
- Who It’s For: Seafood lovers can enjoy delicious Vietnamese cuisine while watching the sunset on these powder-white sands.
- Don’t Miss: Head into central Da Nang after a day at the beach for a show of lights, fire, and water. The Dragon Bridge comes alive at 9 pm on weekends.
Da Nang is one of the most beautiful destinations in Vietnam, and one of the easiest to get to. It’s almost slap bang in the middle of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City and boasts more than 28km of coastline. It’s a favourite of locals and tourists alike, with some sections open to the public and others belonging to high-end resorts. Walks on the beach are made even better by the soft white sand and warm waters – and the endless palm trees you can duck under for a bit of shade.
Wanna know more, check out where to stay in Da Nang for the low down on the best digs in town.
Best Airbnb: Riverfront Studio by Han Market
This studio apartment is ideal for a couple who want a romantic pad while they visit My Khe Beach. It’s got great views across the city, and lots of light gets in those floor to ceiling windows!
Best Hostel: The Memory Hostel – Danang Beach
This unique and beautiful boutique-style hostel is an open indoor green space. It’s one of the best hostels in Da Nang and is an excellent base for exploring the surrounding areas!
Best Hotel: Salmalia Boutique Hotel & Spa
If the 100 yards to My Khe Beach sounds like too far, dive into this hotel’s refreshing swimming pool instead. The staff can organise airport transfers – handy if you have an early morning flight.
Sky View Restaurant
Head up to the 20th floor for the Sky View Restaurant – Vietnamese food with a view! [image credit]
Ka Công Coffee Shop
Get yourself a coffee with condensed milk or coconut at this traditional Vietnamese cafe.
Asia Park – Sun World Ba Na Hills
Visiting with the family? You won’t want to miss this theme park; it’s Vietnam’s answer to Disneyland!
Learn to Surf
Get out and attempt to catch your first wave on a surf lesson with a friendly ex-pat.
Learn to Skateboard
Do you like boards but prefer not to get wet? Take a break from the beach for a skateboarding lesson!
Street Food Walk
Find the best places to eat in Da Nang on a street food walk with a local student.
Best Beach for Swimming in Vietnam | Long Beach, Phu Quoc Islands
- Who It’s For: If you fancy a casual swim without any fears of being swept away, staying in Phu Quoc close to Long Beach is perfect
- Don’t Miss: If you’re looking for a spot to lay down your towel, you can do a lot worse than the 19km of Phu Quoc’s Long Beach.
Long Beach is the quintessential tropical beach in Vietnam – powder white sand coupled with turquoise waters on the backdrop of tropical forest. Locals are friendly; as you’re dozing off, you might wake up to being offered fresh pineapple or a massage.
The waters on this beach are more like a lagoon, so even the most novice swimmer can paddle without fear. If you’re looking for the best beaches in Vietnam to laze in the ocean and chill on the sand, this is it!
Best Airbnb: Phu Quoc Villa
With a choice of several villas, there are lots of restaurants, bars, and things to do right at your doorstep. Free parking on the premises is a bonus for those driving or renting a scooter!
Best Hostel: 9Station Hostel Phu Quoc
With beautiful, clean furnishings, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better hostel than this in Phu Quoc. There’s a chill-out lounge and happy hour where you can easily meet other travellers!
Best Hotel: Hopapa Hotel
With its very own private beach, this is a great opportunity for a slice of seclusion on Phu Quoc Island. All rooms have access to the garden, and a daily buffet breakfast is available.
Best Bungalow: Le Forest Resort
This delightful bungalow is hidden away in a resort that boasts a pool and swim-up bar. There’s a restaurant on-site too if you don’t fancy heading into town.
Long Beach Retail and Entertainment Center
Looking for souvenirs to take home or a fancy restaurant for the evening meal? Check out this entertainment centre!
Phu Quoc Day Spa and Massage
Feel like a pamper session? Make use of treatments such as pedicures, manicures, and fresh fruit facials at this spa. [image credit]
Saigonese Eatery
Try authentic Vietnamese dishes at this traditional restaur
Try Vietnamese Food
Take a journey through the best restaurants on the island to learn about Phu Quoc’s take on Vietnamese food with a local guide.
Snorkelling
Swim, snorkel and stop for lunch at some of the best-kept secrets in and around Phu Quoc.
Cable Car and Island Tour
Get the best views of Phu Quoc and surrounding islands with this combined cable car and island tour!
Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….
These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.
Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…
Get Yours Here Read Our ReviewMost Beautiful Beach in Vietnam | Ha Long Bay
- Who It’s For: Everyone. No Vietnam itinerary is complete without a stop in Ha Long Bay.
- Don’t Miss: Surprise Cave. We won’t give away what’s in there!
Okay, you caught us out. Ha Long Bay isn’t a beach. However, the archipelago in Northern Vietnam is one of the most beautiful destinations on earth. Made up of almost 2,000 islands, the only way to properly see this place is via a boat cruise. During your cruise, you’re likely to stop off on gorgeous secluded beaches, where you’ll enjoy traditional Vietnamese cooking and perhaps swimming and snorkelling. If you can, stay in Halong Bay’s best accommodation for an unforgettable experience.
Best Airbnb: Stunning Bay View Condo
Groups of friends or family who need a base in Ha Long Bay will be delighted with this flat that can sleep up to seven guests. You can pay extra for access to the on-site gym and swimming pools.
Best Hostel: Halo Bay Homestay
Ha Long Town is a good place to stay while searching for a cruise to see the bay. This hostel will suit budget travellers or those who want to put all their cash towards their time in the bay!
Best Hotel: Halios Hotel Halong
This refined hotel is more affordable than you might think. Don’t fancy a night on a boat? Take a day cruise and come back to this place. It’s very popular with couples!
Best Boat: Deluxe Balcony on Cruise Ship
As we’ve said, the best way to see Ha Long Bay is from the water. If you don’t fall asleep above deck under the stars, a super comfy double bed awaits you.
Fighting Cocks Island
One of the best-known rock formations in Ha Long Bay looks like two chickens fighting – if you squint.
Lan Ha Bay
Go sea kayaking, rock climbing, and visit floating villages when the main bay gets busy.
Cat Ba Island
The biggest island in the Ha Long Bay archipelago, Cat Ba Island national park has epic hiking and a number of historical sites.
Go Kayaking
Take a boat ride into Lan Ha Bay and jump into your own kayak to access those hard to reach caves!
Take a Day Trip
Meet the residents of Monkey Island (bet you can’t guess what they are) on a day trip from Cat Ba Island.
Enjoy a Cruise
Spend three days cruising through the bay and get to those parts that daytrippers don’t have time to see on a 3-day cruise of one of the natural wonders of the world.
Cleanest Beach in Vietnam | An Bang Beach
- Who It’s For: Foodies will love An Bang Beach because of its proximity to Hoi An, which is one of the best places to stay in Vietnam.
- Don’t Miss: The vibrant nightlife scene.
If you’re staying in Hoi An, you’ll have two beaches nearby – Cua Dai and An Bang. While Cua Dai isn’t bad, An Bang is where you’ll want to go as it’s one of the best beaches in Vietnam. With several restaurants and bars where you can claim a deckchair on the sand (you WILL have to order), it’s great for foodies. Of course, it’s no problem to lay down your towel on a quiet spot. It’s a favourite for locals, tourists, and ex-pats, but is still low-key and relaxing. There’s also great snorkelling and swimming here too. What more could you want?!
Best Airbnb: Deluxe Double Room with Balcony
This clean and tidy room is just five minutes away from the beach. There’s lots of space and a balcony where you can enjoy views of the garden.
Best Hostel: An Bang Beach Town Homestay
Enjoy a warm welcome at this homely hostel just steps from the beach. There’s a flower garden and outdoor bamboo dining tables which are great for chilling out.
Best Hotel: The Watermark Beachside Hotel
If you want to explore the surrounding area of Hoi An as well as An Bang Beach, this hotel is a great shout. You’re welcome to use the hotel’s free bikes – the perfect way to see the area.
Best Nature Lodge: Tranquil Villa Village 2 Beds
These traditional huts are part of Hoi An farm village. It’s the perfect place to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily life and connect with the moment.
Beach Village Restaurant
Grab a bite to eat while you bury your toes in the sand at this beachfront restaurant. [image credit]
Kahuna’s Hoi An Beach Bar
One for the backpackers. This legendary hostel bar is an awesome night out – even if you don’t remember it the next day. [image credit]
Cafe Minmin Garden
Enjoy coffee or fruit juice in a relaxing garden space.
Do Yoga
Get up early for a spot of sunrise yoga. You’ll be the only ones out and the first to feel the day’s sun on your face.
Get Creative
Make your next travel journal one with a personal touch at a book-binding class.
Make Lanterns
Learn to make a traditional lantern and have an unforgettable souvenir of your time in Hoi An.
Quietest Beach in Vietnam | Con Dao Islands
- Who It’s For: The idyllic Con Dao islands offer a chance to swim, snorkel, and dive away from the crowds of tourists.
- Don’t Miss: Con Dao’s National Park. There are fantastic hiking opportunities in the jungle, and you can meet turtles on the beaches.
The Con Dao archipelago off the south coast of Vietnam isn’t the easiest to get to, and that puts a lot of travellers off. However, if you can deal with that, you’ll be rewarded with some of the quietest beaches in Vietnam. It’s great for a swim, and animal lovers should head to the turtle sanctuary. The closest beach to town is An Hai, but it’s well worth the journey to Bai Bien Dam Trau on the northeast coast.
Best Airbnb: City View Opposite Market
You’ve got a comfy king bed and a picnic table outside where you can enjoy a late-night drink with your other half at this romantic apartment!
Best Hostel: LoCo Home
Hostels are limited on Con Dao, but it’s quality over quantity here. LoCo has a number of private rooms with different themes and a pub on site. A small and super-friendly hostel!
Best Hotel: Hotel Huong Dao
With the island’s best beach within 350 yards, this is a great option. If you’d like to see more of the island, the accommodation also rents both cars and bikes!
Best Homestay: Phien Khuc Homestay
This rustic homestay has a cafe attached. Enjoy a strong coffee with or without condensed milk in the morning to set you up perfectly for exploring this paradise island!
Van Son Pagoda
A beautiful example of a Buddhist temple overlooking the sea.
Ruins of Con Dao Prison
Built in the 19th century by the French to house political prisoners, the museum has life-sized structures depicting heinous acts of torture that occurred here.
Bai Nuoc Nong
Scenic viewpoint above Bai Bien Dam Trau Beach.
Take a Day Trip
If you don’t have time to spend time on the Con Dao Islands, you can at least enjoy a day trip from the mainland.
- Who It’s For: Intrepid travellers looking for somewhere to stop after driving/biking on one of the world’s most beautiful roads.
- Don’t Miss: The twists, turns, and views of the Hai Van Pass that connects Lang Co with Da Nang.
Lang Co might not ring a bell, but the Hai Van Pass will. That’s the road that featured in Top Gear’s biking road trip and tipped travellers off to this stunning mountain road. Lang Co is an almost empty beach in Vietnam where you’ll find a few locals and not a whole lot else. Lang Co Beach offers an opportunity to see Vietnamese life at its purest in a stunning setting.
Best Airbnb: Lovely View of Beach
This cosy beachfront home is an opportunity to meet local people and see the Lang Co way of life!
Best Hostel: Lighthouse Danang Hostel
You won’t find a hostel in Lang Co, so stay in nearby Da Nang instead. It’s up to you if you want to get a scooter or take a bus to Lang Co!
Best Hotel: Hà Phuong Homestay
An inexpensive alternative in Lang Co itself is this lovely homestay. There’s private parking where you can leave your scooter or car, with access to a garden, too.
Best Resort: Angsana Sky Pool (Seaview)
This seaview apartment is one of the most luxurious resorts in the area. It’ll set you back a fair amount though!
Lang Co Bay Viewpoint
See the mountains, azure waters, and the bridge crossing over the lagoon into Lang Co town.
Elephant Springs
This swimming hole above the town is a refreshing alternative if you don’t fancy the open water of the Pacific Ocean.
Viet Pearl Seafood Restaurant
Sample the best seafood in the area with a view of Lang Co’s lagoon. [image credit]
Get Active
Find the best spots to take photos on the Hai Van Pass with a guided tour from Da Nang.
Take a Day Trip
Enjoy a day trip from Hoi An, where you’ll see the beach and Marble Mountain.
Go For A Hike
Hike in Bach Ma National Park before an evening seafood dinner on Lang C
Best Beach for Kite Surfing in Vietnam | Mui Ne Beach
- Who It’s For: Adventure seekers who want a never-ending list of adrenaline-fuelled activities.
- Don’t Miss: Seafood. Before all the visitors descended on Mui Ne, it was a humble fishing village.
One for the adrenaline seekers, Mui Ne Beach has a lot going for it. The most popular activity here is kitesurfing, but you can also enjoy swimming, surfing, and riding ATVs on Mui Ne’s dunes. Although it was originally a small fishing village, it has seen rapid development in recent years as it’s been named one of the best beaches in Vietnam by many travellers. Nevertheless, it retains its fishing roots, and you can get some sumptuous seafood here!
Best Airbnb: Private Room in Sky Guest House
One of the most affordable Airbnbs in Mui Ne, this bungalow boasts a queen bed and Wi-Fi. Oh, and a pool!
Best Hostel: Mui Ne Hills Backpackers
With two outdoor swimming pools and a bar, it’s easy to make friends and meet fellow travellers at this sociable hostel!
Best Hotel: La Marina Boutique Hotel & Spa
With bike rentals and jeep tours on offer, this hotel is a great base for all your activities in Mui Ne.
Best Bamboo Hut: Quiet Countryside Hut with Chef
For something a little different, check out this countryside bamboo hut. You’ll even get your own chef, who’ll prepare delicious Vietnamese dishes!
Sand Dunes
The White Dunes are 25 kilometres away, while the Red Dunes are closer. Watch the sunset, try sandboarding, or take out a quad bike. EPIC!
Fishing Harbour Mui Ne
Get photos of all the boats out in the bay and wait for them to return with the daily catch!
Cafe Blue Lagoon
Part of the Pandanus Resort, this is where you’ll find some of Mui Ne’s tastiest seafood.
Go Surfing
Meet a friendly local and go surfing with him on nearby Little Buddha Beach.
Indulge in the Cuisine
Take a food walk at nearby Phan Thiet.
Stay the Night
Enjoy a tour to Mui Ne from Ho Chi Minh with an overnight stay where you can get to know the area.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Vietnam
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
Vietnam Packing List
1. Security Belt with Hidden Pocket: I never hit the road without my security belt. This is a regular looking belt with a concealed pocket on the inside – you can hide up to twenty notes inside and wear it through airport scanners without it setting them off. This is hands down the best way to hide your cash.
2. Travel Water Bottle: Always travel with a water bottle – it’ll save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl geopress is a true behemoth amongst water bottles acting as a purifier AND temperature regulator – so you can enjoy a cold red bull, or a hot coffee, no matter where you are.
3. Microfibre Towel: It’s always worth packing a proper towel. Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
4. Headtorch: Every backpacker should have a head torch! A decent head torch could save your life. If you want to explore caves, unlit temples, or simply find your way to the bathroom during a blackout, a headtorch is a must. Currently, I’m using the Petzl Actik Core rechargeable headlamp – an awesome piece of kit! Because it’s USB chargeable I never have to buy earth polluting batteries.
5.Hammock: Taking a tent and pad on a road trip are not always practical but hammocks are lightweight, cheap, strong, sexy, and allow you to pitch up for the night pretty much anywhere. Right now, I’m rocking an Eno parachute hammock – it’s light, colorful and tough.
6. Toiletry Bag: I always travel with a hanging toiletry bag as it’s a super efficient way to organise your bathroom stuff. Well worth having, whether you are hanging it from a tree whilst camping, or a hook in a wall, it helps to have quick access to all your stuff.
Final Thoughts on the Best Beaches in Vietnam
We’re sure after seeing the seven best beaches in Vietnam, you’ll have found one that matches up with your travel tastes. You could be kite surfing against the backdrop of Mui Ne’s dunes, sampling the best Vietnamese cuisine at Hoi An’s Ang Bang Beach, or enjoying the mix of beach and city life in Da Nang. Whichever you choose, you won’t be disappointed.
Make sure that when you travel to Vietnam, you set aside some time to see some of the awe-inspiring attractions this country has to offer, such as the Dragon Bridge in Da Nang, Hoi An’s old town, and the Hai Van Pass.
For one of the most unique and eye-opening trips there is in Southeast Asia, make sure that Vietnam is on your bucket list. It combines world-class beaches with fascinating history, culture, and cuisine. We just know that you’re going to love it!
Buy Us a Coffee!
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Vietnam is in total lock down.
From April 2020 most visitors are not allowed to enter Vietnam.
Only approved official and diplomatic passport holders and their family members, approved essential categories of workers determined by the Government of Vietnam such as experts, investors and managers, and high-tech workers. Need to provide a negative RT-PCR (NAAT) or Antigen (quick-test) test taken 72 hours before departure. All travelers are subject to a 14-day quarantine and at a government-designated facility at their own expense. Only 7 days instead of the normal 14 days if these travelers have received full COVID-19 vaccinations. Quarantine period may be prolonged by Vietnamese authorities to more than 21 days without prior notice.
Come on, let’s be more serious with publishing.