Best Beaches in Vietnam by Regions: From North to South

Vietnam, a premier Southeast Asian destination, features 3000 kilometers of stunning coastline filled with idyllic beaches and islands. From the captivating bays of the Gulf of Tonkin in the North, including the renowned Halong Bay, to the picturesque beaches of the Gulf of Thailand in the South, such as Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam offers ideal getaways for memorable holidays. Be it relaxing on sun-kissed sands, swimming in turquoise waters, or exploring unique flora and fauna, Vietnam's best beaches in North, Central, and South regions promise to fulfill all your beach dreams.

Written by Nhu PHAM (local expert)Updated on 29-07-2024

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1. The Best Beaches in North Vietnam

There are very few actual beaches in North Vietnam for beach pleasures except for the enchanting Halong Bay, which, under this generic name, includes the magnificent bays of Lan Ha, Bai Tu Long, and Cat Ba Island. The North of Vietnam experiences four seasons, including a cold and humid winter, so plan your beach break in this region only in the summer from May to September.

Located 50 km east of Hai Phong city center, with its 367 islands and islets classified as a biological reserve by UNESCO, Cat Ba is a haven for travelers seeking relaxation during their stay in North Vietnam. Nicknamed the "pearl of the Gulf of Tonkin," the island is an ideal place to rejuvenate before or after an unforgettable cruise in Halong Bay.

You can enjoy several small beaches around the island, including its three main ones: Cat Co 1, 2, and 3. The sublime beaches of Cat Ba nestle on the island's eastern coast, offering breathtaking panoramas. The crystal-clear waters, soft sand, and imposing mountains in the background transport you instantly to a dream world. Every moment spent on these beaches is a true delight for the senses.

>>> Learn more about: Cat Ba Island and its must-see activities  

But the island is not limited to its paradisiacal beaches. It also houses a magnificent national park where you can explore exceptional flora and fauna during beautiful hikes. Traversing the lush forest and reaching the summits rewards you with spectacular views of the surrounding landscapes. Whether you seek to relax on fine sand, refresh in crystal-clear waters, or reconnect with nature, Cat Ba Island is a must-visit haven during your trip to Vietnam.

2. The Best Beaches in Central Vietnam

2.1. Lang Co (Hue)

With fine white sand, an arc-shaped coastline, and crystal-clear waters, the beaches of Lang Co are among the most renowned beach destinations in Central Vietnam. The World Bays Club ranks them among the world's most beautiful bays, like Mont Saint-Michel.

Lang Co is located at the foot of the Hai Van Pass (Hai Van Pass) – a sort of climatic boundary between the North and South of the country. On Vietnam's most spectacular coastal road between Hue and Da Nang, it is a perfect stopover within a large natural ensemble comprising Bach Ma National Park, the Elephant Spring, and Lap An Lagoon.

>>> 🌊 Vietnam Beach Holidays! 🏖️ Relax on stunning shores and explore vibrant coastal cities.

From Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) or Hanoi, you must first reach the former imperial capital of Hue. Lang Co is easily accessible by train, car, or bus, also from Da Nang. From the Central Metropolis, you can admire the road winding through rugged mountains surrounded by lush tropical jungle to the Hai Van Pass.

>>>> Read more: 

• Hue Train Tours proffer Breathtaking Views of Lang Co Bay - Da Nang
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You can stay in Lang Co for just one night in beautiful adjacent resorts, such as Banyan Tree or Laguna Lang Co. For the ultimate relaxation, visit during the dry season, between May and September.

2.2 Da Nang

Intimately linked to the history of the French presence during the Indochina period, Da Nang was called Tourane during this colonial period. You truly feel transported during a trip to Vietnam, thanks to its surrounding nature – with often breathtaking views – and its cultural heritage. The major city of the Center is easily reachable by plane from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City.

>>> Read more about this city here: Da Nang: 7 questions before visiting

Located in a long coastal line comprising several beautiful beaches, sometimes wild, sometimes romantic, or even spectacular. There's My Khe, for example, one of Asia's most beautiful, or Non Nuoc and Nam O. White and soft sand, transparent waters reflecting a dream decor, and the verdant Son Tra peninsula in the distance complete the picture. For resort fans, those on Thanh An Beach have everything for pleasant nights. The proximity of the village and bars and restaurants are among its appreciable assets.

After a few hours of sunny relaxation, you can stroll along Song Han, the picturesque river flowing through the city center of Da Nang. You can admire some of Vietnam's most beautiful bridges in Da Nang, such as the one rising above the hills of Ba Na Hills, further away. This "Golden Bridge," supported by two giant mossy hands, has become one of Vietnam's most iconic bridges.

The central metropolis also houses the Cham Museum, a must-visit. It exhibits "the" collection of sculptures and art from the Champa Kingdom. April-September is the best time to visit this destination and enjoy these luxury hotels overlooking the beautiful beaches.

2.3. Hoi An

About thirty kilometers south of Da Nang, Hoi An has always been a must-visit tourist site in Vietnam. This ancient port attracts travelers with its historic district, peaceful countryside, and beautiful beaches further east. These are not as extensive and splendid as in Da Nang, but their intimacy gives them a certain charm.

Cua Dai is particularly appreciated by lounging lovers. After suffering erosion a few years ago, it has experienced a kind of renaissance with the reappearance of its fine sand shoreline. Several luxury hotels - such as Victoria Hoi An, Palm Garden, and Hoi An Boutique – have direct access to it. An Bang Beach, right next door, has retained its authenticity.

Cua Dai and An Bang are accessible from the old port district. Free shuttles make it easy to reach them from the hotels. It is recommended to stay there between April and September.

>>> Vietnam in 2 Weeks! 🏝️ Discover cultural gems and unwind on beautiful beaches. 🌅🌺

Cham Island (Cu Lao Cham)

2h30 from Cua Dai port by boat is Cham Island (Cu Lao Cham), recognized by UNESCO as a world biosphere reserve. This destination is especially for scuba diving or snorkeling enthusiasts. It is an archipelago also home to small fishing villages such as Bai Lang and Bai Huong and magnificent beaches that are worth the detour.

Nature or culture lovers can find many other attractions in Hoi An. Cycling through its peaceful surrounding countryside is a must, as is a day trip to explore the ruins of the ancient Cham sanctuary.

3. The Best Beaches in Central South Vietnam

3.1. Dream Beaches in Quy Nhon

The beaches of Quy Nhon, in Binh Dinh province, north of Nha Trang, are real escapes off the beaten path. For example, Ky Co Beach is in the middle of the mountains with azure blue water like the most beautiful beaches in Vietnam, whose transparency and calm current allow swimmers to see small fish and shrimp evolve in their natural habitat among the reefs.

Finally, Eo Gio Beach, accessed by following a white barrier path, is pleasant because a little fresh wind, which gave it the name "cape of wind," invites you to picnic or camp in the middle of this blue bay. The beaches of Quy Nhon are beautiful all year round, but the best time to visit Quy Nhon is from January to June.

3.2. Paradisiacal Beaches in Nha Trang

The Nha Trang region is one of the most beautiful, appreciated for its paradisiacal beaches and its sumptuous bays dotted with virgin islands such as Van Phong Bay and Ninh Van Bay, considered one of the 20 most beautiful bays in the world.

To the north of Nha Trang, the Dam Mon Peninsula nestles between ochre rock hills. A destination off the beaten path where you can enjoy its warm golden sand and crystal-clear waters in complete tranquility.

Located in Van Phong Bay, at the end of the Dam Mon Peninsula, Whale Island is a true natural gem where you can enjoy beach pleasures in the simplicity of a bamboo bungalow right by the water. It's one of the best diving and snorkeling spots in Vietnam!

Between Whale Island and Nha Trang is Doc Let Peninsula, offering vast stretches of beach to relax and enjoy fresh seafood. Several waterfront accommodations welcome you for a detox stay.

The best time for a beach stay in Nha Trang is from March to October. It is among the top of the most beautiful beaches in Vietnam, and for this reason, it is also the most frequented. However, it is possible to stay in beautiful quiet places outside the city, such as Mia Resort, Six Senses Ninh Van Bay, or An Lam Retreat. Nha Trang has its own international airport, Cam Ranh. You can easily take a direct flight from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City.

>> Best of South Vietnam in 7 Days! 🏖️ Explore sandy beaches and bustling cities. 🌊🍹

3.3. Mui Ne Beach (Phan Thiet)

Located more than 200 km from Ho Chi Minh City, the paradisiacal beaches and sand dunes of Mui Ne are very popular for kitesurfing and windsurfing on the one hand and its desert on the other. Its graceful waves are a perfect playground for Point Break joys or simply practicing surfing. Its orange sand dunes contrast radically with the typically known landscapes of Vietnam's wild jungles. It is an exceptional destination that showcases the magic of nature.

You can visit Mui Ne all year round, but the weather is pleasant during the dry season, especially between November and March. To reach this beach site, opt for a private car or bus, a five-hour drive from Ho Chi Minh City. From the nearest airport, Cam Ranh, the car journey can take nearly four hours. The construction of Phan Thiet airport should be completed in 2025, making access to Mui Ne easier from Vietnam's major cities.

4. The Best Beaches in South Vietnam

4.1 Con Dao Archipelago

If you want to escape the beaten path, mass tourism, or even the slightest presence of vacationers, you must go to the Con Dao archipelago, which is a true Martinique in the middle of the Eastern Sea. One hour by plane from Ho Chi Minh City, you will land on a small airfield that strangely resembles the one at the foot of the sea on Saint-Martin Island.

Con Dao is a real gem that has nothing to envy its big sister Phu Quoc and is well on its way to being a beautiful alternative, particularly with Bay Canh Island (Turtle Island), where you can see turtles evolving in their natural habitat. March to late September is the best time to visit Con Dao.

>>>>> For more information, please read: Con Dao Island Travel Guide

4.2 Phu Quoc Island

Located in the Gulf of Thailand, in the extreme southwest of Vietnam (off Cambodia), Phu Quoc is the largest and among the most beautiful islands in the country. It is known as the "pearl" of Vietnamese tourism due to its extensive national park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It also features immaculate beaches with sublime emerald-green waters; those of Khem, Dai, and Sao are among the most captivating.

>>>> Discover: 7 Useful Phu Quoc Island Travel Tips For First-Time Visitors!

Phu Quoc also offers an attractive base for numerous cultural activities. Discovering pearl oyster farms, fish sauce factories, and pepper plantations – or tropical and exotic myrtaceae – leaves visitors with unforgettable memories. History enthusiasts will not miss visiting the remnants of Phu Quoc Prison, which recall emotional events from the war or colonial past.

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Other more adventurous and sporty activities attract flora and fauna enthusiasts to Phu Quoc. They can practice jet-skiing, water skiing, snorkeling, and scuba diving.

The dry period from October to the end of April is the best time for an island stay. Several means of transport are available to get to Phu Quoc: by plane from Ho Chi Minh City, Can Tho, Hanoi, and Hai Phong; by fast boat from Rach Gia (Mekong Delta) and Ha Tien (Kien Giang).

>>>> Explore: Best Time to Visit Vietnam: The Ultimate Weather Guide

Our Final Words

From the Gulf of Tonkin to the Gulf of Thailand, Vietnam offers a multitude of dream beaches. You can relax in crystal-clear waters, savor delicious cuisine, and enjoy vibrant nightlife. Whether you are looking for relaxation or adventure, the best beaches in Vietnam are the perfect place for you. So, put on your swimsuit and get ready to live an unforgettable experience on the most spectacular beaches in Southeast Asia!

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