Why Vietnam is a paradise for beach lovers
With its entire east coast stretching over 2,000 miles (3,000 km) facing the South China Sea, Vietnam is a beach lover’s paradise. From the tropical palm-fringed beaches of the south, to the limestone karst islets of Halong Bay - there are plenty of places to lay your towel.
Each beach has its own ambience and can be suitable for snorkelling, diving, or swimming. We know planning that dream trip can be stressful, so Emmie Harrison-West has done the hard work for you by hand-picking Vietnam’s must-see beaches. Dive in!
Hoi An
From the bustling streets of vibrant Hội An it’s an easy 3-mile (4-km) bicycle ride (or a quick taxi trip) to the coast. The first beach you reach is Cua Dai - with its powdery white sands, it’s clear to see why this is one of Vietnam’s five UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Grab a cocktail on its peaceful shores at sunset to wind down after a day in the city.
For a larger beach, venture a bit further north to An Bang with its tranquil vibe and relatively unspoiled tree-lined sands. Both beaches offer excellent restaurants with freshly caught seafood from the bay, and spectacular views of the Cham Islands.
Halong Bay
With over a thousand islands clustered in Halong Bay, it’s tricky to know where to start. The tiny islet of Ti Top - famous for the incredible panoramic views from its summit - should be top of your must-see list. It’s a hike of 400 steps to the top, but well worth it. Treat yourself and relax afterwards by taking a dip in the gentle shores of the island’s crescent-shaped beach. If you still have energy to burn, go kayaking among the famous limestone karst formations.
South of Ho Chi Minh City
Between Phú Quốc and Ho Chi Minh City there are many excellent beaches to dip your sandy toes into, but their proximity to the city has sadly led to overdevelopment. A wonderful exception is the isolated beach of Hồ Cốc, where unspoiled golden sand dunes reach inland from a long beach, studded with boulders. The best time to enjoy the peace and quiet is on a weekday, just don’t forget to pack your costume for a relaxing swim.
Phu Quoc Island
Lying in the Gulf of Thailand, Phú Quốc island has some of the most spectacular waters of coastal Vietnam. This secret paradise island boasts around 20 unspoilt beaches to peruse at your pleasure.
Be sure to grab your goggles as the crystal clear waters and white sand beaches make it ideal for snorkeling, scuba diving, and kayaking. The best spots for diving are on the southeast coast of the island. Don’t miss Star Beach (Bai Sao) near the southern tip of the island on the sheltered east coast. The glittering surf is unbelievably clear, and the curved beach stretches for miles.
Mui Ne Beach
Located in Phan Thiet, four hours drive from Ho Chi Minh city, is the prominent coastal town of Mũi Né. Don’t let the thought of overcrowding put you off though, the beach is picture perfect, awash with colourful fishing boats and kites.
The alluring beach is perfect for those seeking adrenaline-fuelled activites with plenty of different water sports on offer. Or, for a more peaceful experience, visit in March or April when the beach is silent.
That’s not all, where else can you experience desert-like landscapes while next to the sea? Mũi Né’s bright red and white sand dunes are astounding. Join in with the locals and grab a large piece of cardboard to go sand-surfing. See you at the bottom!
Lang Co Beach
Nestled at the foot of Hải Vân mountain is the stunning Lăng Cô beach. Its tropical monsoon climate means it gets a fair amount of wind chill throughout the year, but temperatures still reach 30C in peak season (June/July)
The bay boasts a beautiful coral reef, perfect for diving and snorkelling, but we recommend pulling up a chair and watching the sun set over the grass-covered mountains on the horizon.
Top 5 diving spots
Phú Quốc
The best sites to enjoy the crystalline waters are on the southeast coast.
Hon Ko
A small island south of Phú Quốc and home to a breathtaking coral reef.
Nha Trang
Many of the city’s beaches offer good scuba diving courses and boast many dive sites.
Cham Islands
Off the coast of Hoi An, these islands are teeming with coral and tropical fish.
Côn Đảo Archipelago
These islands off the southern coast have perfectly pristine waters to stick your nose into.
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