The best beaches in Vietnam

With more than 2000 miles of coastline, Vietnam is one of the cheapest places to travel for a beach holiday. It brims with secluded coves, white sands and waters fit for snorkelling. For days spent basking on sun-baked strands and evenings taking in the sunset, here are the best beaches in Vietnam.

The information in this article is inspired by the Rough Guide to Vietnam, your essential guide for visiting Vietnam.

1. Long Beach, Phu Quoc — one of the best beaches in Vietnam for swimming

Long Beach (Bai Trong), spanning the west coast of Phu Quoc Island, is a 20km stretch of largely deserted soft yellow sand and swaying coconut palms. Ideal for sunbathing, sunset watching and swimming, this beach is great for classic tropical beach views. It's undoubtedly the best Phu Quoc has to offer.

Where to stay

• Cassia Cottage - An absolutely beautiful mini-resort, whose airy rooms exude cinnamon, nutmeg and other pleasing aromas – their restaurant isn’t called The Spice House for nothing. Even the smallest rooms are nice and large, while the swimming pools are a delight.

What to do

Phu Quoc is an island paradise - swim and snorkel with fascinating marine life at three different spots.

2. Star Beach — for a more private side of Phu Quoc

The largely undeveloped east coast of Phu Quoc is less frequented than, but just as beautiful as, the more popular west. One of the best beaches in Vietnam, Star Beach (Bai Sao) has dazzling white sands and mesmerizing, usually calm waters. A few beach restaurants line the beach, and in the season there are kayaks for rent and half-day snorkelling trips by boat.

Where to stay

• Radisson Blu Resort Phu Quoc boasts a casino. Safari and golf course are less than 5 minutes away from the resort. The property is surrounded by a tropical garden as well as a terrace. During the stay, guests can make use of the included bicycles. Complimentary snorkelling and kayaking facilities are available.

• Find more accommodation options to stay on Phu Quoc Island.

What to do

This romantic tailor-made trip to Vietnam offers the ideal mix of culture (Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh City) paired with nature (Halong Bay, Mekong Delta) and ending the trip on picturesque Phu Quoc. This trip will take you through some of the best sites that Vietnam has to offer — the best beaches in Vietnam included!

3. City Beach for a beach connected to the city

Nha Trang, a delightful south-coast city, is generally recognised as one of the best beaches in Vietnam. Six kilometres of sand join the sea to the city. Rolling waves are on one side, and the other is fringed by cafes, restaurants and some unusual modern sculptures.

Watersports, day trips by boat and, of course, fresh pineapple are all readily available. However, bear in mind that the more choppy waters of November and December means that the beach loses much of its appeal during this time.

Where to stay

• Sunrise Nha Trang Beach Hotel & Spa - Enjoying a superb location towards the northern end of the beach, this elegant, rambling hotel boasts a classical colonial design. Some rooms are a little small, but move up to a suite and you’ll be drinking in the sea views from the jacuzzi on your balcony.

What to do

The freshest fish will always be the one you catch yourself - take a full-day fishing and snorkelling tour and BBQ it on the boat.

4. Hon Chong Beach for seafood and more

Just north of Nha Trang lies the secluded Hon Chong Beach. It's less refined than its central counterpart but worth the trip for the night-time views across the bay to the city centre. Cheap seafood restaurants abound at its far end. Also worth a visit is the rocky outcrop with a view over the city.

Where to stay

• Volga Nha Trang Hotel - Set in Nha Trang, 200 m from Hon Chong Beach, Volga Nha Trang Hotel offers accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a shared lounge and a terrace.

• Find more accommodation options to stay near Hon Chong Beach.

What to do

Combine your beach visit with a city tour of Nha Trang. Admire the cathedral, ancient temples, markets, and much more. Nha Trang is also famous for its buzzing nightlife. Read more about the best bars and clubs in Vietnam.

5. The secluded Doc Let Beach, Hon Khoi Peninsula

Doc Let Beach, on the splendid Hon Khoi Peninsula, is a pristine location for a day’s beach bumming. White sands and casuarinas (evergreen trees) make for a delightful, uncrowded scene. Good accommodation options are available, and even more secluded beaches can be found nearby.

Where to stay

• Paradise Resort - “his cheap, markedly serene resort (which has no TVs in the rooms or at breakfast) has a few huge rooms and some simple bungalows, plus a shady terrace overlooking the beach. Rates include three meals a day, and they provide free rental of kayaks, fishing rods and more.

6. The often deserted Ho Coc Beach, Ho Coc

A spellbinding, often deserted Ho Coc is one of the best beaches in Vietnam for those looking for a laid-back experience. The beach has clear waters and is backed by fine dunes – and the Binh Chau Hot Springs are located conveniently nearby in case sunbathing gets too much.

Where to stay

• Hồ Cốc Homestay - Offering a barbecue and views of the garden, Hồ Cốc Homestay is situated in Ho Coc. Ho Coc Beach is 5 km from the property.

What to do

Take a day trip from Ho Chi Minh City to learn about the nearby dragonfruit farms and nature reserves, before spending the afternoon sipping coconuts on the beach.

7. Dai Lanh — the best of the endless beaches of the Hon Ghom Peninsula

The Hon Ghom peninsula is coated in largely empty, endless beaches. Perhaps the best is next to Dai Lanh, a tiny fishing village at the northern end of a one-kilometre-long beach. It is hemmed between the clear, turquoise waters of the South China Sea and a mantle of green mountains.

8. The sunset of My Khe, Quang Ngai

My Khe in Quang Ngai consists of seven kilometres of powder-soft sand, backed by casuarinas (evergreen trees). It is exceptionally good for swimming. Hamlets stand along the beach, while fishing boats are sometimes moored off it, and there’s a handful of restaurants that only get busy at the weekend.

Where to stay

• Tròn Home has a garden, a terrace, a restaurant and a bar in Quang Ngai. The accommodation features a 24-hour front desk, airport transfers, room service and free WiFi throughout the property.

9. An Bang — the best beach near Hoi An

The infamous Cua Dai Beach (near Hoi An) has been heavily impacted by erosion. The result is cement sea defences and sandbags lining the beach — which many regard as an eyesore. Because of this, Cau Dai has lost its status as the go-to beach close to Hoi An. Luckily, An Bang Beach is not far away and has proved very popular with ex-pats, travellers and locals alike.

You can easily claim a bit of sand, or if you want a deckchair outside one of the restaurants that line the beach. Though, you'll be expected to buy at least a drink (in some places, they expect food). This low-key, casual stretch of beach has pleasant sand, provides good swimming and you can sip cocktails and watch spectacular sunsets over the Chám Islands just off the shore (a good diving spot).

Where to stay

• An Bang Garden Beach Homestay - Friendly and family-run, this place offers just four rooms set in a beautifully tended garden a 5min walk from the beach. All rooms have a/c and either a balcony or a little outside patio.

What to do

This tailor-made trip to Vietnam offers a unique adventure. From ancient Hanoi to imperial, romantic Hue. Coastal Hoi An with its atmospheric ruins to burgeoning Saigon or Ho Chi Minh City as it is known today. Vietnam is both an exciting and rewarding destination.

10. Binh Ba Island, Khanh Hoa

Located in Cam Ranh Bay, Binh Ba Island is about 60km away from Nha Trang. Because of its military connections, this island is restricted to tourists, so although it's unlikely the average traveller will come here, it's filled with unspoiled views and beaches, as well as excellent snorkelling.

11. Con Son Island for many of the best beaches in Vietnam

Con Son is ringed with pleasant beaches – Lo Voi and An Hai are the nearest to Con Son town, but Dam Trau to the north and Bat Dat Doc to the east are less frequented and just as nice.

Where to stay

• Con Dao Resort - With perhaps the best beach location on Con Son, this hotel has a good swimming pool, comfortable rooms and large buffet breakfasts –though it is starting to show its age. Staff can arrange boat trips and vehicle hire.

12. Ca Na for coral gazing

Numerous parked coracles (round boats) line the beach at Ca Na, with its invitingly clear water and healthy, but razor-sharp, coral. It’s easily accessible and, if wanting a little more solitude, just 2km to the south lies another good stretch of sand.

Where to stay

• Hon Co Resort - A budget resort, at least in layout, this is a surprisingly nice place for somewhere as remote as Ca Na. You can opt to stay in the regular hotel section, rather than the bungalows; the whole place is aimed at domestic tourists, and the karaoke room can get rather noisy.

What to do

With this tailor-made trip to Southern Vietnam, you will discover the charms of Southern Vietnam. From the excitement of Ho Chi Minh City to the sleepy scenic canals of the Mekong Delta with its traditional villages and floating markets, Vietnam’s deep south is one of the most appealing parts of the country.

13. Ninh Chu Beach — near busy Phan Rang

Five kilometres north of busy Phan Rang lies the pleasant, wide crescent of Ninh Chu Beach. Less popular with tourists than Mui Ne or Nha Trang, the beach still provides a quiet midweek stop, good for swimming, sunbathing and beach games in general.

Where to stay

• Saigon - Ninh Chu Hotel & Resort - At the far north end of the bay, this hotel has nicely furnished, spacious rooms with thick carpets, and its executive suites even have beach views from each bath. There’s also a big pool, tennis courts, a spa and a classy restaurant that’s easily the best place to eat for miles around and is reasonably priced to boot.

14. My Khe for spectacular food

About three kilometres south of the city of Da Nang, My Khe is a long stretch of sand popular with seafood-craving locals. This beach captivates visitors with its sun-kissed shores, gentle waves ideal for surfing, and an array of luxurious beachfront resorts that make it a coveted destination for both relaxation and adventure.

Foodies take note — Da Nang also features in our round-up of the best Vietnamese food you need to try.

Where to stay

• Sofia Boutique Hotel - This comfortable hotel on My Khe beach offers a good compromise if you want to stay by the sea without paying top dollar. Rooms are bright and well maintained, and staff go out of their way to be helpful.

What to do

Explore Da Nang at your own pace with your own private, English-speaking guide. Choose from visiting markets, pagodas, beaches or more, this day tour is customisable to fit your preferences.

15. Quy Nhon for adventurous travellers

Quy Nhon, a small seaport town, is bordered by a beach admittedly less picturesque than others along the coast, but, for this reason, almost free of foreigners. For more adventurous travellers, this is a good place to get away from tourists, something which only adds to the town’s intrigue.

Where to stay

• Haven - This Aussie-owned spot is fantastic value for money and has just five rooms, though you may not spend much time in these simple-yet-tasteful affairs – the beach is right on your doorstep, and the views are simply wonderful. There’s a decent restaurant on site, too.

16. Non Nuoc Beach for an alternative to My Khe

Non Nuoc is a dusty village, inhabited since the fifteenth century by stone carvers. Follow the paved road east from the village and you reach Non Nuoc Beach, a pleasant stretch of beach that competes for business with its northern neighbour, My Khe. A note of warning, however: there’s a powerful undertow off this coast, so riptides are particularly dangerous.

Where to stay

• Hyatt Regency - Cut off from the outside world and occupying a huge beach frontage within walking distance of the Marble Mountains, this stylish resort has spacious rooms with large balconies overlooking an enormous pool. There are several dining and eating options on-site and staff, as you’d expect, are efficient and helpful.

17. Cat Co 1, 2 & 3, Cat Ba

Three small, sandy beaches lie to the east of Cat Ba Town on the island of Cat Ba, just to the west of Ha Long Bay. Romantically named Cat Co 1, Cat Co 2 and Cat Co 3, One and Three are linked by a cliffside path that’s a joy to walk anytime, day or night, and Two is a quieter retreat.

Where to stay

• Cat Ba Green Hotel - Located in Cat Ba, 1.2 km from Cat Co 2 Beach, Cat Ba Green Hotel provides accommodation with a garden, free private parking, a shared lounge and a terrace. Featuring a bar, the 2-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a private bathroom.

• Find more accommodation options to stay in Cat Ba.

What to do

Consider taking a cruise from Hanoi to experience Cat Ba and less touristy areas in Ha Long Bay, like with this 3-day luxurious Ha Long Bay cruise.

18. Doi Duong of the unassuming Phan Thiet

The unassuming capital of Binh Thuan Province, Phan Thiet is generally of less interest to foreigners than the sands of Mui Ne just along the coast. However, the absence of tourists is a draw in itself for some.

In our opinion, this is undoubtedly one of the best beaches in Vietnam. Doi Doung is the town’s own stretch of beach and is very popular with the locals. Head around 700m northeast from the main entrance point on Nguyen That Thanh to get to the best bit.

19. Quan Lan, Bai Tu Long for a private retreat

Quan Lan is a long skinny island on the outer fringes of Ha Long Bay. Its main attractions are the empty, sandy, and relatively clean beaches lining its east coast. Few specific sights in this area mean the beaches are fairly deserted – prepare to find yourself engaging even more closely with locals than you’re used to.

What to do

Take in two of Vietnam’s most treasured spots on this tailor-made trip from Hanoi to Halong. Get your fill of culture and history in Hanoi with its wonderful museums, Old Quarter and pockets of nostalgia. Then explore enchanting caves and swim from secluded beaches in Halong Bay.

20. Ha Long Bay for spectacular glowing sights

Whilst not technically a beach, kayaking across tranquil waters and swimming amidst twinkles of phosphorescent plankton are both possible in spectacular Ha Long Bay. From November to March there can be chilly days of drizzly weather when the splendour and romance of the bay are harder to appreciate, but the gorgeous caves and beautiful scenery make up for this in the summer months.

Where to stay

• Citadines Marina Halong - Located in Ha Long, 800 m from Marina Bay Beach, Citadines Marina Halong provides accommodation with a bar and private parking. Among the facilities of this property are a restaurant, a kids' club and room service, along with free WiFi.

What to do

Discover the beauty of Ha Long Bay on a cruise with sea-facing rooms. Enjoy traditional seafood, enjoy a boat ride in Surprise Cave, a kayak in Luon Grotto, fish for squid, and a hike to Titop Island.

Although Vietnam is a very attractive beach destination, it has so much more to offer. Read our guide to the best things to do in Vietnam to see how rich this country is in attractions and culture. Or check out the Rough Guide to Vietnam.

If you prefer to plan and book your trip to Vietnam without any effort and hassle, use the expertise of our local travel experts to make sure your trip will be just like you dream it to be.

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Top image: Long Beach on Phu Quoc Island © Becker Stefan / Shutterstock