Sugary sands and emerald coasts might not spring to mind when you think of Vietnam, but with more than 3,000km (1,865 mi) of coastline, there’s no shortage of beautiful Vietnamese beaches. When you’re not stuffing yourself with street food, grab a towel and head for the water. From a UNESCO Heritage site to coral-fringed islands, here are our picks for the best beaches in Vietnam.
1. Hạ Long Bay
Hạ Long Bay is the sparkling emerald gem of Vietnam’s coastline. Day and overnight cruises putter around the UNESCO World Heritage-listed craggy limestone cliffs and stop to let you kayak or swim off an abandoned sliver of sand. Hạ Long Bay has too many beaches to count, and many are considered among the most beautiful beaches near Hanoi. But don’t worry, your local guide will take you to the best ones.
2. Cát Bà Island
You may recognize Cát Bà Island’s limestone peaks from Kong: Skull Island, and this spot is a less-crowded alternative to Hạ Long Bay. Known for having some of the best beaches near Hanoi, Cát Bà Island has dozens to choose from, both big and small. However, travellers gravitate towards the three Cat Co Beaches for a relaxing seaside setup with lounge chairs and umbrellas. If you’re feeling more adventurous, make your way to Moody Beach by swimming or kayaking.
3. Cua Dai
Mere kilometres from Hội An’s ancient old town are some of the best beaches in Vietnam. Cua Dai beach is an ideal place to spend the day swimming and sipping on fresh coconuts and coconut coffees. Rent a lounge chair and umbrella for the day from the dozens of beach clubs, cafes, and restaurants along the coast.
4. Quy Nhon
A favourite for domestic travellers, Quy Nhon is known for its seafood and sand. Its ancient Cham culture, fishing villages, and relatively off-the-radar status for foreign visitors make it a peaceful seaside escape. Home to a number of fantastic resorts and emerald lagoons dotted with fishing boats, Quy Nhon makes for a true Vietnamese beach vacation.
5. Mũi Né
Swaying palms line the white sands around Mũi Né, and the red sand dunes located inland are another big draw at this famous southern Vietnam resort town. Back on the Vietnam coastline, Mũi Né’s shores are sprinkled with basket boats and plenty of places to lay down your towel. An ideal weekend getaway from Ho Chi Minh City, Mũi Né has strong winds that make it a countrywide favourite for surfing, parasailing, and kitesurfing.
6. Nha Trang
Arguably the most well-known of Vietnam’s beach destinations, Nha Trang has long been a go-to for European travellers. Spanning roughly 7km (4.3 mi), this stretch of Vietnam coastline has an endless variety of bars, resorts, restaurants, and cafes to rotate between. Have a go at an array of watersports, from jet skiing to paragliding. But if you don’t want to budge from your lounge chair, it’s easy to find beachside service to hand-deliver fresh spring rolls and cans of Huda beer.
7. Phú Quốc
Vietnam’s beloved beach destination is the island of Phú Quốc. Its international airport welcomes travellers from all over the region looking for a weekend by the water. Historically known for its fish sauce, seafood, and black pepper, the island has since been transformed into a resort hideaway. Its emerald bays with boutique hotels on the beach and sprawling five-star resorts are the perfect place to kick back before or after your Vietnam trip.
8. Da Nang
The largest city in central Vietnam has come alive in the last decade as a hub for digital nomads, surfers, and the country’s growing tech industry. But more notable is Da Nang’s sparkling sandy stretch called My Khe Beach. More infrastructure has been added to support the city’s beach culture, and walkways, food trucks, and pop-up bar areas line the beach, making it easy to spend the entire day by the water.
9. Hồ Cốc
A few hours away from Ho Chi Minh City takes you to Hồ Cốc, one of southern Vietnam’s best beaches, which spans roughly 10km (6.2 mi). Tourism in Hồ Cốc hasn’t quite taken off yet, giving it a far-flung feel. But as more and more Saigonese start to catch wind, resorts are popping up to cater to seafood-loving beachgoers looking for a break from city life.
10. Chàm Islands
Off the coast of Hội An, the Chàm Islands make the perfect day trip from the ancient city. Famous for snorkelling and scuba diving, the main island of Hòn Lao has untouched beaches. If you head to Bãi Ong and Bãi Xếp beaches, you’ll likely be the only swimmer there. Afterwards, sit down for a fresh seafood lunch with your feet in the sand, looking out over one of Vietnam’s best beaches.
