Beaches in Vietnam are popular places for tourists and residents who want to escape the busy city life. Apart from more than 3,000 km of soft sand and clear water, Vietnam also has numerous secluded coves and islets suitable for snorkeling, island hopping and scuba diving.
View this list of the best beaches in Vietnam. Going to some of these locations, depending on your location, can be a challenge, but the combination of a peaceful atmosphere and breathtaking views of these beaches is worth it.
- Best time to visit Vietnam’s beaches
- Finding the right beach destination in Vietnam
- 15 Most beautiful beaches in Vietnam
- FAQ about beaches in Vietnam
Best time to visit Vietnam’s beaches
Before we dive into the best beaches in Vietnam, it’s important to discuss the best time to visit these coastal paradises. Even the most beautiful beach in Vietnam isn’t worth visiting during the heavy rain months. To better understand, let’s divide Vietnam into three regions:
Best time to visit beaches in Southern Vietnam
Beach destinations include: Mui Ne, Phu Quoc, Con Dao, Vung Tau
The best time to visit the beaches in Southern Vietnam is during the dry season, from November to April. During this period, the weather is sunny and warm, perfect for beach activities. The rainy season, from May to October, can bring heavy rains and storms, making it less ideal for a beach holiday.
Best time to visit beaches in Central Vietnam
Beach destinations include: Nha Trang, Da Nang, Hoi An, Quy Nhon
The best time to visit the beaches in Central Vietnam is from February to August. During these months, you can expect sunny and dry weather, ideal for swimming and sunbathing. The rainy season in Central Vietnam lasts from September to January, with the possibility of typhoons and heavy rainfall.
Best time to visit beaches in Northern Vietnam
Beach destinations include: Cat Ba, Halong Bay
The best time to visit the beaches in Northern Vietnam is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) months. These periods offer mild and pleasant weather, perfect for beach outings. The summer months (June to August) are rainy. Winter (December to February) is less rain, but it can be cold and less suitable for beach activities.
Finding the right beach destination in Vietnam
Now that you know the best time to visit different regions, the next step is finding the right beach destination in that region. Vietnam’s main beach regions are Central Vietnam and Southern Vietnam. Northern Vietnam has fewer nice beaches and, as mentioned, the weather conditions are not ideal most of the year.
Best beach destinations in Central Vietnam
Hoi An
Hoi An is a favorite beach destination. While it may not have the most beautiful beaches in Vietnam, Hoi An is on almost everyone’s Vietnam itinerary. It is the most beautiful town in Vietnam, with many activities to do around, such as visiting temple complexes and cycling through the countryside. When you get bored of the beach or if the weather isn’t great, you have plenty of other options.
Da Nang
Da Nang is right next to Hoi An. It is a modern city with a huge beach, many restaurants, including Western-style ones, and lots of hotels offering competitive prices. You can make day trips to Hoi An, Ba Na Hills, or watch the sunset from Son Tra. It is a modern alternative to Hoi An.
Nha Trang
The city of Nha Trang is also very modern, with a stunning beach and amazing views of the surrounding islands. Although the city lacks atmosphere, making it not the most fun beach destination in Vietnam, the surrounding area has many hidden beaches and bays with accommodations ranging from homestays to luxury resorts.
Quy Nhon and Phu Yen
Quy Nhon mainly attracts Vietnamese tourists. Its beach is not as nice as those in Da Nang or Nha Trang, but the surrounding beaches of Quy Nhon are extremely beautiful. Some of these beaches have local fishing villages. South of Quy Nhon is Phu Yen province, which boasts even nicer and more remote beaches. These destinations are perfect for travelers who want to experience local life and don’t mind putting in extra effort to travel around.
Best beach destinations in Southern Vietnam
Phu Quoc
Undoubtedly the most famous beach destination in Vietnam, Phu Quoc is the largest island with countless beaches to choose from. Although it is somewhat overdeveloped, there are still hidden gems to be found. Many white sand beaches with palm trees, a relaxed atmosphere, and opportunities for boat trips, snorkeling, and diving make Phu Quoc a top choice.
Mui Ne
The beaches of Mui Ne are really nice and the best choice for those who don’t want to travel far from Ho Chi Minh City or take additional domestic flights. Besides the beaches, Mui Ne is famous for kite surfing and its huge dunes, where people drive ATVs and slide down with sleighs.
Con Dao
Con Dao is an alternative to Phu Quoc, offering fewer beaches and less tropical beauty. However, it is much less touristy, with no huge resorts, waterparks, or attractions. It provides a real off-the-beaten-track feeling. Diving here is better than in Phu Quoc, and during the right season, you can see turtles laying eggs on the beach.
Most beautiful beaches in Vietnam
Overview of the most beautiful beaches in Vietnam:
- My Khe Beach (Da Nang)
- Long Beach (Phu Quoc)
- Cay Men Beach (Nam Du)
- Tu Nham Beach (Phu Yen)
- City Beach (Nha Trang)
- Mui Ne Beach (Phan Thiet)
- Doc Let Beach (Nha Trang)
- Ky Co Beach (Quy Nhon)
- An Bang Beach (Hoi An)
- Bai Xep Beach (Cham Island)
- Bai Sao Beach (Phu Quoc)
- Dam Trau Beach (Con Dao)
- Cua Dai Beach (Hoi An)
- Lang Co Beach (Hue)
- Ong Lang Beach (Phu Quoc)
1. My Khe Beach (Da Nang)
My Khe Beach, stretching 30 kilometers along the central coast between Da Nang and Hoi An, is one of the most vibrant and well-maintained beaches in Vietnam. This wide, sandy beach is lined with palm trees and features a seafront walkway, deckchairs, beach sports, bars, and cafes. It is backed by Da Nang’s impressive skyline and numerous high-rise hotels. Known for its excellent and reliable surf, My Khe is a hub of activity and excitement. Visitors can also explore nearby attractions such as the Marble Mountains and the historic town of Hoi An.
2. Long Beach (Phu Quoc)
Long Beach, or Bai Truong, is the crown jewel of Phu Quoc Island’s beach scene, stretching over 20 kilometers along the island’s western coastline. This beach captivates with its grainy yellow sand, crystal-clear waters, and small rock formations that add to its scenic beauty. It is perfect for swimming, kayaking, and relaxing in the tranquil lagoon-like waters. Long Beach is lined with luxurious resorts, beachfront cafes, and restaurants serving fresh seafood. The sunsets here are breathtaking, making it an ideal spot for both leisurely days and romantic evenings.
3. Cay Men Beach (Nam Du)
Cay Men Beach, located on Hòn Lớn in the Nam Du Archipelago, is a stunning and secluded paradise. This white sand beach is fringed by leaning coconut palms and offers ludicrously turquoise waters ideal for swimming. The gentle surf and light sea breeze create a peaceful atmosphere, perfect for relaxation.
Low-impact wood-and-thatch huts serve fresh coconuts and seafood, enhancing the tropical experience. Camping on the beach is an affordable and memorable option, and the clear, shallow waters make for wonderful swimming. As one of the most picturesque beaches in Vietnam, Cay Men Beach is a true hidden gem.
4. Tu Nham Beach (Phu Yen)
Tu Nham Beach, located on the Xuan Thinh Peninsula between Tuy Hoa and Quy Nhon, is an extraordinary and unspoiled coastal retreat. This vast bay features kilometers of empty, sandy shores lined with casuarina trees and lapped by cool-blue seas. Although the beach has some general trash, its remote and undeveloped nature ensures tranquility and solitude.
At the northern end of the bay, the small fishing community of Vinh Hoa offers a wonderful sweep of bright sandy beach, palms, and wooded hills. With good-value accommodations available right on the beach, Tu Nham is perfect for those seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure.
5. City Beach (Nha Trang)
One of the most famous beaches in Vietnam, City Beach in Nha Trang, is vibrant with activity and stunning scenery. This pristine beach is complemented by parks and gardens along the coastal areas, offering a mix of beach walks and excursions to enjoy local flora and fauna.
The crystal-clear water is perfect for swimming, and the beach is also close to attractions like the Phu Dong Water Park and hot air balloon rides over the coastline. Resorts like the Havana Nha Trang Hotel provide beachfront lodging and exotic cuisine, and can assist in setting up popular day trips such as island-hopping, snorkeling, and diving tours to the nearby islands.
6. Mui Ne Beach (Phan Thiet)
Mui Ne Beach, located just three and a half hours from Ho Chi Minh City, is one of the most activity-filled beaches in Vietnam. Known for its recreational sports, such as kitesurfing, Mui Ne also offers local markets, scenic sand dunes, and picturesque landscapes. As a resort capital of Vietnam, it boasts a variety of luxury resorts, hotels, and private bungalows. You can experience local culture through seafood vendors, bustling morning fish markets, and serene evening sunset walks along the beach. Mui Ne Beach perfectly blends adventure with relaxation, making it a top destination.
7. Doc Let Beach (Nha Trang)
Located a few hours’ drive north of Nha Trang, Doc Let Beach is a serene getaway on a chubby peninsula with forested mountains giving way to beautiful bays, beaches, coves, and lagoons. The northeast side of the peninsula features long, white sands and calm seas, best experienced at spots like Some Days of Silence or by camping near the beach.
Further south, beyond the Hyundai shipping port, lies ‘Jungle Beach,’ known for its backpacker retreat. The peaceful Ninh Van village at the southern tip is home to luxurious resorts like Six Senses and An Lam Retreats, accessible only by private boat, offering an exclusive and tranquil experience.
8. Ky Co Beach (Quy Nhon)
Ky Co Beach, one of the most talked-about beaches in Vietnam, is a stunning wedge of white sand nestled between two giant rocky buttresses. Initially accessible only by boat, Ky Co now features a steep and scenic road that descends almost vertically to the beach. The beach lives up to its hype with jaw-dropping views from the cliffs and clear blue waters perfect for swimming. Popular with domestic tourists, the best time to visit is between 1-3 pm to avoid crowds. The southern end of the beach offers peaceful coves and caverns, with facilities like showers, changing rooms, and snack outlets ensuring a comfortable visit.
9. An Bang Beach (Hoi An)
An Bang Beach, located near the historic town of Hoi An, offers a trendy, hipster vibe with bars selling craft beer, boutique resorts, Western restaurants, cool cafes, and an expat enclave. Despite growing concerns about coastal erosion, the sand and sea here are excellent, providing a perfect spot for relaxation and recreation. Visitors can enjoy the sight of traditional basket boats used by local fishermen, adding a cultural touch to the idyllic beach experience.
An Bang is relatively unspoiled by development, making it a quiet place to relax under a thatched umbrella and soak in the stunning views of blue skies, white sand, and gentle waves. The spring and fall are ideal times to visit An Bang, outside of the summer heat and rainy season. Its proximity to central tourist areas ensures easy access to lodging, such as the Hoi An Sincerity Hotel & Spa.
10. Bai Xep Beach (Cham Island)
Bai Xep Beach on Cham Island is a hidden gem that offers an unspoiled and tranquil escape. Known for its pristine white sands and crystal-clear waters, Bai Xep is perfect for those looking to relax in a serene environment. The beach is surrounded by lush greenery and rocky cliffs, creating a picturesque setting. Visitors can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and exploring the vibrant marine life. The lack of commercial development on Cham Island ensures that Bai Xep remains a peaceful retreat, making it one of the most beautiful beaches in Vietnam for those seeking a quiet and natural beach experience.
11. Bai Sao Beach (Phu Quoc)
Bai Sao Beach, also known as Starfish Beach, is one of the most beautiful beaches in Vietnam, located on the largely undeveloped east coast of Phu Quoc Island. The beach is famous for its dazzling white sands and mesmerizing, usually calm waters.
A few beach restaurants line the shore, and in the season, there are kayaks for rent and half-day snorkeling trips by boat. Bai Sao is surrounded by mountains, providing a tranquil atmosphere that brings tourists a fresh and relaxing experience. The beach is named after the numerous starfish that can be found scattered beneath the water’s surface, making it a unique spot for swimming, snorkeling, and diving. The gin-clear turquoise water and rich marine life add to the charm of this idyllic beach destination.
12. Dam Trau Beach (Con Dao)
Dam Trau Beach on Con Dao Island is one of the most picturesque and serene beaches in Vietnam. Nestled near the Con Dao airport, this beach features soft golden sands, clear turquoise waters, and a backdrop of lush green hills. The tranquil atmosphere and unspoiled beauty make it an ideal spot for relaxation and swimming. Dam Trau Beach is also a great place for snorkeling, with vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life just offshore. The beach is relatively quiet and less frequented by tourists, providing a peaceful escape for those looking to enjoy the natural beauty of Con Dao Island.
13. Cua Dai Beach (Hoi An)
The peaceful Cua Dai Beach near Hoi An in central Vietnam is known for its unspoiled natural beauty and clear, blue waters. This UNESCO World Heritage site offers a tranquil escape with its blend of jungle and ocean environments. Despite its popularity among tourists, Cua Dai Beach never feels overcrowded. It is a favored spot for diving and water sports like kayaking, jet skiing, and banana boating. The marine life is abundant, and you can often see fishermen lifting nets in the distance. The beach is lined with elegant resorts, such as the Hoi An Beach Resort.
14. Lang Co Beach (Hue)
Voted as one of the world’s most beautiful bays in 2009, Lang Co Beach in Thua Thien Hue province is a top destination for a beach vacation in central Vietnam. Located 70 kilometers south of Hue, Lang Co Beach is renowned for its white sandy shore and cobalt-blue waters. The picturesque seascape and pleasant weather make it a favorite for beachgoers. The sunrise at Lang Co Beach is a must-see, and visitors can also enjoy fishing at Lap An Lake or riding a motorbike along the scenic Hai Van Pass, which offers panoramic views of the stunning Lang Co Bay. This beach is perfect for those seeking both relaxation and adventure.
15. Ong Lang Beach (Phu Quoc)
Ong Lang Beach, situated on the central northwest coast of Phu Quoc Island, is a series of lovely, sandy bays interspersed with black volcanic rock. This peaceful and serene beach offers clean waters, good swimming, and decent snorkeling just offshore. Backed by coconut palms and casuarina trees, Ong Lang Beach transitions to fertile red earth inland, where tropical gardens, fruit orchards, and exotic flowers thrive.
The area has developed into a thriving tourist enclave with boutique resorts, organic-produce shops, hipster cafes, smooth bars, and Western restaurants, all maintaining a low-rise and occasionally low-impact presence. Ong Lang Beach has grown in popularity but retains a low-key atmosphere, making it an attractive place for families, couples, and backpackers alike.
FAQ about beaches in Vietnam
Where are the nicest beaches in Vietnam?
The nicest beaches in Vietnam are found along the central coast, with popular destinations including Da Nang, Hoi An, and Nha Trang. In the south, the best beaches are in Mui Ne and on the islands of Phu Quoc and Con Dao.
Is Hoi An or Phu Quoc better?
The beaches of Phu Quoc are generally nicer than those in Hoi An. However, there are many more things to do in and around Hoi An. Deciding which beach destination is better depends on the time of year: visit Hoi An in the summer, and Phu Quoc in the winter or early spring for the best weather.
Which one is better, Phu Quoc or Nha Trang?
Phu Quoc offers a more laid-back island vibe compared to Nha Trang. Both have very nice beaches, but Nha Trang lacks atmosphere. Being on the mainland, Nha Trang is easier to add to your itinerary. Deciding which beach destination is better depends on the season: visit Nha Trang in the summer and Phu Quoc in the winter or early spring.
What is better, Nha Trang or Da Nang?
Nha Trang and Da Nang both have beautiful beaches, but they offer different experiences. Nha Trang is known for its vibrant beach scene and nightlife, while Da Nang offers a more relaxed atmosphere with a mix of modernity and tradition. Da Nang is also closer to cultural sites like Hoi An and the Marble Mountains.
Is Hoi An or Nha Trang better?
The beaches in Nha Trang are generally better, but Hoi An is a much nicer place to stay with a lot more things to do in the surrounding area. Hoi An offers a charming atmosphere with its ancient town, cultural experiences, and nearby attractions.
What is the best seaside town in Vietnam?
Both Nha Trang and Da Nang are considered the most popular seaside towns in Vietnam. They are both located along the central coast and offer beautiful beaches, numerous activities, and modern amenities.
Which city has the best beaches in Vietnam?
Nha Trang is often considered to have the best beaches among Vietnamese cities, offering a long stretch of sandy coast, clear waters, and a range of beach activities. Da Nang is also highly regarded for its beautiful beaches and clean, well-maintained coastline.
