The Best Beaches in Vietnam from North to Center and South

Vietnam is famous for its cultural wonders; Buddhist pagodas, Churches, delicious dishes, rice paddies, and warm locals that make the country very interesting. People who are tired from rural settings can get the thrill and excitement in the country’s urban spots, while its natural wonders are a solace from the busy life in bustling cities.

But, Vietnam has its fair share of pristine beaches, too. If you are a beach enthusiast, pack your beach wear, because we’re about to inspire you with you some of the most beautiful beaches in Vietnam! We’re already excited, and if you feel the same, definitely read on and discover the best beaches in Vietnam.

Beaches in Northern Vietnam

Northern Vietnam is home to some of the country’s most frequented destinations, such as Hanoi, the country’s capital. These regions are also best known for its rice terraces and other fascinating landscapes.

Ha Long Bay Beaches

Ha Long, (literally means “Descending Dragon”), is located in the Quang Ninh Province. It has earned its UNESCO World Heritage Site title thanks to its limestone karst formations of many shapes and sizes.

These are a product of hundreds of millions of years of natural environmental activities, which today is a thing of fascination for casual travellers, nature trippers, and photography enthusiasts.

In addition to its stunning sights, there are several beaches in Ha Long Bay that you can explore, so if you love experiencing as much of a destination as you can experience with your limited time, Ha Long is a great place to start!

• Beaches: Bai Chay, Tuan Chau, Long Hai, Beach Paradise Bay
• Hotel Cost: $4
• Best time to go: the weather is cooler between February and April, as well as October and December
• Activities: boating, cruise ships, spelunking, diving, cycling, and island hopping

What can you wear on the beach in Vietnam? Find out in this guide!

Cat Ba Beaches

Cat Ba is an archipelago just south of Halong Bay. It has 367 islands, so there’s a lot of island-hopping to do here.

It is also home to Cat Ba Island, the largest and most famous island in the archipelago. Cat Ba Island boasts of its biodiversity and is also home to the two species of the endangered Cat Ba langurs, a type of Asian Monkey, making it an extra-special spot for people who love seeing wild animals.

Cat Ba’s beaches, though expensive, are in pristine condition, which makes them an ideal place for beach lovers. If you’re a nightlife seeker, Cat Ba isn’t the best place where you’d want to be in, because the area is meant for communing with nature, though there are a few bars located in the town proper.

• Beaches: Cat Co 1, Bai Tam Cat Co 2, Tung Thu, Dao Khi, Cat Ba Sandy Beach Resort
• Hotel Cost: $28
• Best time to go: touristy between April and November; you can get the best deals between September and November
• Activities: kayaking, scuba diving, cruising, hiking, and rock climbing

ALSO READ: Best Hikes in Vietnam

Beaches in Central Vietnam

The home of the famous Hai Van Pass, Son Doong Cave, and the famed My Son Sanctuary, Central Vietnam is just as fascinating as its northern parts.

In terms of the best beaches in Vietnam, the central parts have several to offer tourists who are seeking beaches with crystal clear waters and fine powdery sands. We think that you shouldn’t miss the opportunity of visiting the following beach spots:

Da Nang Beaches

Da Nang is the 5th most populous city in the country and also the largest city in Central Vietnam. Being a coastal city, it is known for its sandy and pristine beaches, and you can also get affordable servings of seafood from several restaurants in the area.

Still, there are also luxury restaurants that serve sumptuous meals for people with expensive tastes.

Whether you’re on a budget, a mid-ranger, or are looking for the most luxurious experience, there’s something for you in Da Nang.

• Beaches: My Khe, Non Nuoc, Xuan Thieu, Tien Sa, Son Tra
• Hotel Cost: $22 – accommodations in Da Nang
• Best time to go: the best time to visit Da Nang is between February and May
• Activities: mountain climbing, golfing, snorkelling, bicycling, surfing – best things to do in Da Nang
• Best ways to get to Da Nang

ALSO READ: Best things to do in Da Nang and Best accommodations in Da Nang

Hoi An Beaches

Formerly known as the city of Fai Fo or the old city, Hoi An is one of the many places in Vietnam that hold a UNESCO World Heritage Site title because of its well-preserved Southeast Asian trading port that dates back to the 15th century. It is also home to the famous Japanese Bridge.

But Hoi An has its share of the best beaches in Vietnam, too, even if beaches aren’t Hoi An’s most famous features. Its most popular beach is An Bang, which also is the most touristy, while Charm Island is famous for tourists looking to parasail the Vietnamese waters. There are also plenty of bars and restos near its beaches because beach and nightlife often are a good combination.

• Beaches: An bang, Soul Beach, Hidden Beach, Cua Dai, Hoi An Beach
• Hotel Cost: $46 – accommodations to stay in Hoi An
• Best time to go: the least frequency of rainfalls is between February and April
• Activities: jet-skiing, snorkelling, scuba diving, parasailing – activities to do in Hoi An
• How to get to Hoi An

ALSO READ: Where to stay in Hoi An and What to do in Hoi An

Beaches in Southern Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh, Mui Ne, Mekong Delta. These are some of the tourist destinations that make Southern Vietnam famous. Whether you’d like to be with nature or feel like exploring a concrete jungle, Southern Vietnam has many things in store for you.

The same could be said if you’re looking for a place with sand and salty water where you can bathe in sunlight or see the magnificence of a sunrise or a sunset; that’s a poetic way of talking about the beach, of course.

Here are some of the best beaches in Vietnam’s southern region:

Quy Nhon Beaches

Quy Nhon is the capital city of Binh Dinh province and one of the major commercial sites in Vietnam. While an urbanized spot, it is also situated near the South China Sea, making it an excellent destination for beach-loving travellers.

It is home to some of the best beaches in Vietnam. If fine sands, blue waters, and breath-taking views are some of your personal prerequisites, this city isn’t going to disappoint you.

• Beaches: Nhon Hai, Queen’s Beach, Hon Kho, Bai Xep, Ky Co
• Hotel cost: $35
• Best time to go: between June and August
• Activities: snorkelling, boating, speed boating, bicycling, rock pools, trekking

Nha Trang Beaches

The capital of Khanh Hoa, and one of the most popular destinations in Vietnam for a reason; from historical places to natural wonders, not to mention the vibrant local culture, which makes millions of tourists visit this city every year.

One of the features that Nha Trang boasts of is its otherworldly beaches with sceneries that will leave you awe-inspired.

• Beaches: Hon Chon, Tran Pu, Dai Lanh, Nha Trang Downtown Beach, Nhu Tien, Jungle Beach
• Hotel cost: $20 – Where to stay in Nha Trang
• Best time to go: between February and May is the ideal period to visit Nha Trang – how to get to Nha Trang
• Activities: boating, cruising, speed boating, parasailing, paragliding, surfing, snorkelling – fun things to do in Nha Trang. Also, two temples in Nha Trang make our list of best temples in Vietnam.

Cam Ranh Beaches

Cam Ranh is a city located at the heart of the Khanh Hoa, very near Nha Trang. It is best known for its underdeveloped coasts, which is a breath of fresh air from highly commercialized beaches.

Several of its beaches are blessed with fine sands, azure waters, and gorgeous views which will leave each and every visitor in awe. And because most of the beaches here are underdeveloped, you can expect a clean, trash-free environment.

Most of the resorts around this area are on the pricier side but worth every penny.

• Beaches: Chuong Beach, Beach Bodhi, Beach House Old, Bai Con, Riviera Beach Resort and Spa
• Hotel cost: $60
• Best time to go: between March and September 
• Activities: surfing, diving, snorkelling, cruising, speed boating

Mui Ne and Phan Thiet Beaches

Mui Ne is known for its sand dunes, white dunes, and fish market. It is also home to the mystical Fairy Stream and its fascinating limestone formations.

Aside from all these wonders, Mui Ne is one of the best places to find the best beaches in Vietnam. The winds in its beaches are stable enough for water sports that require wind power, such as parasailing and kitesurfing. Also, you shouldn’t miss the magical sunset or sunrise in these parts.

• Beaches: Mui Ne Beach, Bai Da Ong Dia, Surf Beach, Phan Thiet Beach
• Hotel cost: $30 – Where to stay in Mui Ne
• Best time to go: for water activities, the best time to go to Mui Ne is between November and March because these months are its windiest – how to get to Mui Ne by bus, train, motorbike, plane
• Activities: parasailing, kitesurfing, sailing, snorkelling, biking, seafood – Top things to do in Mui Ne

Vung Tau

What was once a French colonial town is now a tourist haven. Vung Tau is known for its extensive sandy beaches, and some of its well-known ones are the Front Beach and Back Beach. The town also has several activities for visitors to enjoy, such as hiking, golfing, and a myriad of water activities.

• Beaches: Front Beach, Back Beach, Bai Dua, Vung Tau Beach, Doi Nhai
• Hotel cost: $20 – Resorts, hotels, and hostels in Vung Tau
• Best time to go: between December and March because of the lower temperatures – how to get to Vung Tau from HCMC
• Activities: surfing, hiking the Duc Me Bai Dau (Shrine, Station of Cross), seafood, street food

Phu Quoc Beaches

Vietnam’s biggest island, Phu Quoc, has gained the attention of beach lovers from all across the globe because of its 19 beautiful and unspoiled beaches. There are also several islands to explore nearby, such as the Hon Xuong Island, which is also known as the Robinson Crusoe Island.

Most of Phu Quoc island’s 19 beaches are still in pristine condition. If you want to see the process of making dried anchovies, you should definitely head to the Dat Do Beach. Each and every beach on this island has its own unique beauty.

• Beaches: Sao, Duong Dong Town, Dat Do, Dai, Starfish Beach, Mango Bay
• Hotel Cost: $76 – here are our recommended places to stay in Phu Quoc
• Best time to go: October and May – how to get to Phu Quoc island
• Activities: Phu Quoc Attractions – parasailing, jet-skiing, kitesurfing, windsurfing, scuba diving, and kayaking

These are some of the best beaches in Vietnam waiting for you to visit. And there’s a lot more for you to discover, still. So, pack your things in your suitcase and get ready for your Vietnamese beach excursion.