Do you know that Vietnam is one of the most wonderful countries in the world which is available in also mountainous and beaches? Vietnam beaches are also brilliant and some of them are also well known as the best beach paradise by Forbes. In this travel guide, Indochina Voyages will guide you through the best beaches in Vietnam as well as a complete travel guide for beach breaks. Are you ready?
What do you know about Vietnam Beaches?
With a long coastline of 3400km, the beaches extend from the north (Tonkin Gulf) to the south (Thailand Gulf). However, due to over-tourism and lack of sustainable travel planning, some beaches in Vietnam are touristy and littered with trash. Needless to say, there are still many beautiful beaches in Vietnam. These beaches are either local beaches not popular with tourists, or decent travel sites that the authorities put much effort into keeping clean.
Besides, there are many things you should know before going to Vietnam Beaches:
Safety for Swimming
Yes, it is generally safe to swim in Vietnam’s beaches. Local authorities are vigilant and will issue alerts if any dangers arise. However, it’s important to be cautious of undertows, as strong currents can occur unexpectedly.
Best Time to Beach Hop in Vietnam
The best time to visit the beaches in Vietnam varies due to the country’s diverse weather patterns. Here are some key considerations:
Holiday Seasons
Expect the largest crowds during holiday seasons, which can significantly increase hotel and transportation prices. It’s advisable to avoid traveling during the summer months (June to August) and around major holidays such as:
- Lunar New Year
- Reunification Day (April 30)
- International Workers’ Day (May 1)
- Independence Day (September 2)
Since the Lunar New Year date changes yearly, check the lunar calendar to avoid overlaps with celebrations, which typically occur from the 29th to the 5th of the lunar new year.
Weather Patterns
Vietnam experiences two distinct weather systems:
- Northern Vietnam: Four seasons (spring, summer, fall, winter)
- Southern Vietnam: Dry and rainy seasons
Winter in Vietnam is mild, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C, making it an enjoyable time for Western visitors to swim. The rainy season in the south runs from April to October, bringing potential storms. It’s crucial to check the weather before traveling during this period. In summary, Vietnam’s beaches offer an inviting escape, but timing and seasonal considerations are key to maximizing your experience.
Which part of Vietnam has the best beaches?
Beach areas in the south towards Thailand’s gulf tend to be more beautiful than in the north. Vietnam southern beaches are beautifully emerald while most northern beaches are rather dull. Central Vietnam undoubtedly boasts the country’s most spectacular beaches.
From Da Nang to Nha Trang, this stretch of coastline features pristine white sand, crystal-clear waters, and dramatic mountain backdrops. The region benefits from a perfect combination of natural beauty and developed infrastructure, making it accessible while maintaining its charm.
For the ultimate beach-hopping experience in Central Vietnam, consider this route:
- Start in Da Nang (My Khe Beach) – 3 days
- Head to Hoi An (An Bang Beach) – 2-3 days
- Continue to Quy Nhon (Ky Co and Bai Xep beaches) – 2-3 days
- Finish in Nha Trang – 2-3 days
What can you expect at Vietnamese beaches?
- Fresh seafood at affordable prices
- Beach chairs and umbrellas for rent
- Local vendors selling drinks and snacks
- Water sports activities at developed beaches
- Stunning sunrise views (east coast location)
- The mix of locals and tourists, especially early morning and sunset
What are best beaches in Vietnam?
From secluded bays to bustling coastal hotspots, here are Vietnam’s most stunning beaches that offer unique experiences for every type of traveler.
1. Coto (Quang Ninh)
- Location: Quang Ninh Province, Northern Vietnam
- Suitable for: Nature lovers, photography enthusiasts, off-the-beaten-path travelers
- Best time to visit: April and May, or October and September
- Budget: $30-80/day (accommodation: $20-50, meals: $10-30)
Coto is a beautiful seascape located in the Gulf of Tonkin, where the world wonder – Halong Bay is. It has three beaches: Hong Van, Van Chay, Love beach. Hong Van beach is the most beautiful with the emerald water, unlike many northern beaches. Both Van Chay and Love beach is huge. Thus, even though it may get frenzy at the weekend, you can still find a cozy space for yourself. All three are clean, pretty with more presence of locals than travelers.
Travel tip: Rent a motorbike to explore all three beaches in one day. Early morning visits to Hong Van Beach offer the best photo opportunities.
2. Ba Trai Dao Beaches (Three Peaches Beach)
- Location: Lan Ha Bay, Cat Ba Archipelago
- Suitable for: Luxury travelers, couples, photography enthusiasts
- Best time to visit: March-April, September-October
- Budget: $100-200/day (including cruise accommodation)
These three crescent-shaped beaches, only accessible by boat, are hidden gems in Lan Ha Bay. The name comes from their resemblance to peaches floating on water. Crystal clear waters and white sand are framed by dramatic limestone cliffs.
Travel tip: Book an overnight cruise that includes stops at these beaches – the afternoon hours typically have fewer tourist boats.
3. Titop Island
- Location: Ha Long Bay, Quang Ninh Province
- Suitable for: Active travelers, photographers, history buffs
- Best time to visit: October-December
- Budget: $80-150/day (including cruise costs)
Named after Russian cosmonaut Gherman Titov, this small island features a crescent-shaped beach with panoramic views of Ha Long Bay. The beach combines swimming opportunities with cultural significance.
Travel tip: Climb the 427 steps to the summit before hitting the beach – the morning climb offers cooler temperatures and better photos.
4. My Khe Beach
- Location: Da Nang City, Central Vietnam
- Suitable for: Families, surfers, urban beach lovers
- Best time to visit: February-August
- Budget: $40-120/day (accommodation: $25-80, meals: $15-40)
Named by American soldiers during the war as “China Beach,” My Khe is a stunning 30km stretch of white sand. The beach offers perfect conditions for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing, with modern amenities and a bustling restaurant scene. The backdrop of the Marble Mountains adds to its picturesque setting.
Travel tip: Visit early morning (5-7am) to join locals in their morning exercise routines and enjoy the cleanest sand and calmest waters.
5. An Bang (Hoi An)
- Location: Hoi An, Central Vietnam
- Suitable for: Culture enthusiasts, foodies, families
- Best time to visit: February-August
- Budget: $35-100/day (accommodation: $20-70, meals: $15-30)
An Bang beach is only 20 minutes drive from Hoi An town, which makes it a good fix for who wants to escape the hustling and spend all day chill in nature. In 2017, It’s ranked top 25 most beautiful beaches on the continent by TripAdvisor.
There are lots of food and drinks available on the beach. In fact, many travelers think the beach has many good bars. Besides, there are several beach games for active beach lovers: from paragliding to jetskiing. You can also laze about in a beautiful shack watching the blue sky and listening to the breezing sound of the sea.
Travel tip: Rent a bicycle from Hoi An to reach the beach – it’s a scenic ride through rice paddies and local villages.
6. Non Nuoc beach (Da Nang)
- Location: Da Nang, Central Vietnam
- Suitable for: Foodies, families, beach lover
- Best time to visit: February-August
- Budget: $35-100/day (accommodation: $20-70, meals: $15-30)
Non Nuoc beach is in Da Nang. The charming city is well-loved for its friendly people and lively neighbors. The place is not so far from two world heritage sites: Hoi An Ancient Town and My Son Sanctuary. Thus, it can be a great choice to include in your central Vietnam trip.
Non-Nuoc beach lies at the foot of Marble Mountains, which makes it even more poetic. The sand is white and smooth, and the waves are not so intense. This is also an ideal location for family travelers as you can easily participate in fun activities such as beach volleyball or fishing. There are local restaurants nearby where fresh seafood is aplenty and cheap.
>> Maybe you’ll need for Da Nang beach tour: Da Nang Luxury Beach Vacation 4 Days
7. Ky Co beach (Quy Nhon)
- Location: Quy Nhon, Binh Dinh Province
- Suitable for: Adventure seekers, photographers, nature lovers
- Best time to visit: March to May
- Budget: $40-100/day (accommodation: $25-60, meals: $15-40)
Quy Nhon tourism has just been developed for a couple of years, so many parts of it are still unspoiled. The city has a sublime shoreline that can offer pristine beach experiences. Ky Co beach is one of the many amazing beaches in this coastal city.
Ky Co beach has unique oval shoreline which is surrounded by craggy cliffs and various rocks in peculiar shapes. The water is transparently turquoise. Blending with the stretching white sand, it creates an inherently beautiful ombre color. Besides doing a classic beach chill, travelers can also find oysters and sea cucumbers in the rocks to have freshly grilled seafood afterward.
**Note: The only minus of the beach is that it costs about 11 US dollars for the entrance fees.
Travel tip: Visit early in the day to avoid afternoon winds, and consider booking a combination tour that includes nearby Eo Gio (Windy Pass).
8. Bai Xep (Quy Nhon)
- Location: Quy Nhon, Binh Dinh Province
- Suitable for: Backpackers, local culture enthusiasts, peace seekers
- Best time to visit: March-September
- Budget: $25-70/day (accommodation: $15-40, meals: $10-30)
Bai Xep is another gorgeous beach in Quy Nhon that can awe any beach lover. The beach is located in a tranquil, remote fishing village, which makes it an ideal escape from the crowd and an authentic local experience in Vietnam.
You can wander in the jungle, go fishing, or simply watch the daily life of local fishermen on the boat. The beach overlooks some small islands. You can easily discover a carpet of white sands for yourself, and watch the stunning island view in the sunset for a calming solitary moment on the beach.
Travel tip: Stay in one of the local homestays to experience authentic fishing village life and enjoy fresh seafood caught daily.
9. Bai Nhat Beach (Con Dao)
- Location: Con Dao Islands, Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province
- Suitable for: History enthusiasts, luxury travelers, wildlife lovers
- Best time to visit: Year-round (best: February-July)
- Budget: $70-200/day (accommodation: $40-150, meals: $30-50)
Bai Nhat beach is located on Con Son island, Con Dao archipelago. The island is widely known for the notorious Con Dao prison – where Vietnamese war criminals were kept during the war. It is fairly remote with a humble number of inhabitants and litter-free streets.
Bai Nhat Beach is only 6km from the town center. The beach is one of the most primitive beaches in Vietnam, and probably in Southeast Asia too. A sunny day in Bai Nhat beach under towering palm tree stretching on the clean white sand sounds perfect already. As the islands are protected from several passes in central Vietnam, it is barely affected by storms. Therefore, you can swim in Bai Nhat beach all year round.
Travel tip: Combine beach time with visiting the historic Con Dao prison for a meaningful historical perspective.
10. Nha Trang Beaches
- Location: Nha Trang City, Khanh Hoa Province
- Suitable for: City lovers, water sports enthusiasts, party-goers
- Best time to visit: February-October
- Budget: $45-150/day (accommodation: $30-100, meals: $15-50)
Nha Trang’s main beach stretches 6km along the city, offering a perfect urban beach experience. The area is famous for its clear waters, water sports activities, and vibrant nightlife. Island-hopping tours to nearby beaches provide excellent snorkeling opportunities.
Besides, you also can visit marvelous beaches in Nha Trang for off-beat experiences. Here are some suggestions for you:
Son Dung Beach:
- Location: About a two-hour drive from Nha Trang city.
- Atmosphere: Slow-paced and local, offering a break from typical tourist crowds.
- Local Life: Features rustic shrimp farming houses and activities of local fishermen, especially in the early morning.
- Experience: Enjoy peaceful sunrises and a refreshing ambiance, immersing yourself in the local lifestyle.
Dai Lanh Beach:
- Distance: Approximately 80 km from Nha Trang city center.
- Setting: Nestled under beefwood trees, providing a serene retreat with soothing sea sounds.
- Water Levels: Notably shallow; even several meters from the shore, the water remains at waist level.
- Swimming: Safe for swimming year-round, similar to Con Dao, making it an accessible beach destination.
Travel tip: Head to the less crowded beaches north of the city, like Doc Let or Bai Dai, for a more relaxed experience.
11. Phu Quoc Beaches
- Location: Phu Quoc Island, Kien Giang Province
- Suitable for: Luxury travelers, families, beach resort lovers
- Best time to visit: November-April
- Budget: $50-200/day (accommodation: $30-150, meals: $20-50)
Phu Quoc boasts several stunning beaches, with Sao Beach and Long Beach being the most famous. The island combines modern resorts with traditional fishing villages, offering both luxury and authentic experiences.
Travel tip: Visit the night market for amazing seafood and take a boat trip to the An Thoi archipelago for snorkeling.
>> Read more: Calling from Beach: How to get to Phu Quoc from Cambodia?
12. Mui Ne Beach
- Location: Phan Thiet, Binh Thuan Province
- Suitable for: Kitesurfers, photographers, couples
- Best time to visit: November-April
- Budget: $40-120/day (accommodation: $25-80, meals: $15-40)
Famous for its excellent kitesurfing conditions, Mui Ne combines beach activities with unique landscapes including red and white sand dunes. The area offers a mix of luxury resorts and budget-friendly options.
Travel tip: Visit the sand dunes at sunrise or sunset for the best photos, and try kitesurfing between November and March when winds are most reliable.
12. Doc Let
- Location: Khanh Hoa Province
- Suitable for: Peace seekers, budget travelers, local culture enthusiasts
- Best time to visit: March-September
- Budget: $30-80/day (accommodation: $20-50, meals: $10-30)
This 18km stretch of white sand offers a more peaceful alternative to nearby Nha Trang. The shallow, turquoise waters and swaying palm trees create a postcard-perfect setting.
Travel tip: Stay in the northern section of the beach for a quieter experience away from day-trippers.
Extra Travel Tips for Beach Lovers
Vietnam’s coastline offers an incredible diversity of beach experiences, from the limestone-studded bays of the north to the pristine white sands of the central coast and the tropical islands of the south. For the best beach experience:
- Plan your visit according to the regional weather patterns
- Consider combining beach time with nearby cultural attractions
- Book accommodation in advance during peak seasons
- Respect local customs and environment
- Try local seafood specialties at beachside restaurants
- Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid intense sun
- Pack reef-safe sunscreen to protect marine life
>> Maybe you will fall in love with our beach tours:
To sum up, you can consider our above recommendations for the best beaches in Vietnam. Plan your Vietnam tours now, then kick off your flip-flops and get ready to sunbathe on these amazing beaches!
FAQs
Are beaches better in Thailand or Vietnam?
Both countries offer exceptional beach experiences, but they differ in character. Thai beaches are generally more developed with established tourism infrastructure. Vietnamese beaches often feel more authentic and less commercialized, with better value for money. While Thailand’s beaches might be more famous, Vietnam’s beaches offer equally beautiful scenery with fewer crowds and a stronger local culture presence.
Does North or South Vietnam have better beaches?
Central and South Vietnam generally have better beaches than the North. The southern regions benefit from:
- Clearer, turquoise waters
- More consistent weather patterns
- Better-developed beach facilities
- Longer swimming seasons
- More accessible locations
However, northern beaches like those in Co To and Ha Long Bay offer unique experiences with dramatic limestone backdrops that you won’t find elsewhere.
Whether you’re seeking a luxurious resort experience in Phu Quoc, the urban beach vibe of Da Nang, or the untouched beauty of Con Dao, Vietnam’s beaches cater to every type of traveler. The key to an unforgettable beach holiday in Vietnam is choosing the right destination based on your travel style, the season, and what you want to experience.
Remember that some of the most memorable experiences often come from the less famous beaches, where you can still find that perfect balance of natural beauty and local charm that makes Vietnam’s coastline so special.
Thuy Dang – From Indochina Voyages Team
