Top 3 Hoi An Beaches That Look Straight Out of a Dream!

Hoi An, the lovely city in the center of Vietnam, is not all about its pretty old town; sitting not too far away are even more beautiful sights, amazing beaches that will surely leave a lasting memory. Leave the noisy, busy streets behind to find the wild and peaceful spirit by the seaside. Hoi An Beaches, with their pristine waters and fine sands, are perfect for soaking away from the hustle and bustle of life.

Cua Dai – The Must-Visit Beach in Hoi An

Only about 5 kilometers from the center of Hoi An, Cua Dai Beach is considered one of the most famous tourist destinations in this town. This is where three rivers, Thu Bon, Truong Giang, and De Vong, meet and flow into the South China Sea. It is really refreshing for visitors from the first moment, with its long stretch of pristine white sand and lines of green coconut trees, under which visitors can feel cool.

How Do You Get to Cua Dai Beach?

Getting from Hoi An Old Town to Cua Dai Beach is another story altogether! Here are some assorted options:

Motorbikes are an easy-to-handle option, as they are mostly used by people wishing to travel from one location to another. Easy acquisition is the rule; simply rent from hotels or guesthouses around town or from one of the innumerable places offering rentals at very low rates of VND 100,000 to 150,000 a day.

Bus line 1 runs between Hoi An Bus Station and Cua Dai, costing about VND 20,000 in either direction. A budget option, but one that can take longer.

If you are in a group or have a lot of luggage, taxis are an easier way to travel. A taxi from downtown Hoi An to Cua Dai will cost you approximately VND 70,000 to 100,000.

Cycling can be fun, especially for those who enjoy a bit of exercise on the way while exploring the beauty in between. Some locations all over the city provide rental bikes at a price of about VND 50,000 a day. Cycling should also be considered.

What Can You Do at Cua Dai Beach?

• Swimming and Sunbathing – The pristine white sand beach and shallow waters are just perfect for swimming and soaking up the sun.

• Walking and Taking Photos – Watch the water transform from its emerald green color by day to a brilliant turquoise blue at sunset. Visit photogenic sites under the coconut trees along the beach.
• Water Fun – Sailing, kayaking, beach volleyball, beach soccer, and team building.
• Fishing – The beach is at the intersection of three rivers, with a wide variety of rare fish. Fishing rods are available for rent here.

Top Local Restaurants to Try

Cua Dai Beach is not only a pleasant destination but also offers an opportunity to relish a variety of delicious seafood and special dishes from Quang Nam. Here's a perfect guide for you to choose among them. So below is a list of the most traveler-rated restaurants:

Bao Han Restaurant

• Address: 17 Cua Dai, Hoi An
• Specialties: Seafood, noodles, and dumplings. Fresh seafood is quite cheap, as it is located right next to the local market.

A Roi Seafood Restaurant

• Address: 167 Au Co, Cua Dai, Hoi An
• Specialties: The oldest seafood restaurant, famous for live seafood tanks and a wide range of fresh dishes.

Chiên Kitchen Restaurant & Bar

Address: 23 Lac Long Quan, Cua Dai, Hoi An
Specialties: Banh xeo, fried spring rolls, grilled squid, and seafood fried rice. The restaurant offers a very lively atmosphere right on the sand.

>>> For more details about Hoi An, check out our latest article here!

An Bang: A Quiet Part of Hoi An's Seaside Tourism

This place is found within the Cam An district of Hoi An. An Bang Beach is indeed a paradise for water lovers. It gives off soothing and calm beauty, right across from the hubbub and excitement of Cua Dai Beach.

How to Reach An Bang Beach?

In order to reach An Bang Beach from Hoi An Central, visitors can use a bicycle, motorbike, or car. The trip is quite a distance, but very easy and not too strenuous at all. Those wanting to rent a motorcycle to start riding to An Bang Beach can find vast numbers of rental stores in the center of Hoi An. Rentals typically cost somewhere between 100,000 and 150,000 dong per day. However, biking or riding a motorbike to the beach could be dangerous if you are not familiar with its terrain and the surrounding traffic in this area.

Activities You Shouldn't Miss

An Bang Beach is a superb sunset and sunrise spot, where the warm tones of the sun blend into the gold orange. It is at 5 a.m. for the first light and at 6 p.m. for the last rays of a setting sun.

Top Beach Activities

In addition to swimming, visitors can go surfing, canoeing, paragliding, or relax on sun loungers enjoying the sun and refreshments.

Tra Que Vegetable Village

A 10-minute walk from the beach, Tra Que Village offers quality fresh vegetables. Meals are varied and affordable, costing around VND 100,000 per person.

Must-Visit Local Restaurants

• An Bang Beach Village Restaurant

Address: To 6B An Bang, Cam An, Hoi An, Quang Nam
Specialties: Seafood, Asian and Vietnamese cuisine. Known for its fresh fish dishes, scallops and red snapper.

• The DeckHouse at An Bang Beach

Address: Far left of An Bang Beach, Cam An District, Hoi An
Specialties: Bar, Seafood, International Cuisine. Offers a variety of seafood dishes and international flavors.

• Shore Club An Bang Beach

Address: Far left of An Bang Beach, Cam An District, Hoi An
Specialties: Bar, Seafood, International Cuisine. Offers a variety of seafood dishes and international flavors.

Cham Island, Vietnam's Leading Beach Destination

Locally known as Chiem Bat Lao, Cham Island is an archipelago around 15 square kilometers in area, with over 2,950 inhabitants. Located 15 km east of the mainland, it comes under the town of Hoi An in Quang Nam province. The largest in the series of islands, Cu Lao Cham, is mostly surrounded by eight other small islets arranged in an arc. The region's wild nature provides space for a richly endowed local ecosystem.

Formerly a deserted island, since 2009, it has been recognized as a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO, allowing it to develop tourism. Cu Lao Cham, due to its wild and beautiful nature, has emerged as one of the best tourist attractions in Vietnam.

How to Get Around Cham Island?

With a distance of 15 km from the mainland, Cu Lao Cham Island is accessible via two major means of transport.

• Canoe: Best for adventure seekers, the boat ride takes about 20 minutes, but it has an expensive fare (400,000 VND/adult, 200,000 VND/child).

• Wooden Boat: For slower yet peaceful rides, it's the cheapest (150,000 VND/Vietnamese, 200,000 VND/foreigner) but heavy on the stomach. You may also take your scooter for an added 50,000 VND.

Things to Do and See on the Island

• Marvel at the sunrise or sunset against the spectacular background of Eo Gio.

• Learn the history and spirituality of the Hai Tang Buddhist temple, which was built more than a century ago.
• Purchase fresh seafood and handmade souvenirs from Tan Hiep Market.
• Lie on the beach, go snorkeling, and learn about the history of this archaeological site at Bai Ong.
• Fishing: Get on a local fishing boat for a real experience.
• Underwater Walking: Walk along the seabed, admiring coral reefs without having to use complicated diving equipment.

• Snorkeling: Here, observers can witness the teeming marine life around the coral reefs.

Culinary Delights of Cu Lao Cham

Some of the most well-known specialties from Cu Lao Cham include:

• Fresh Seafood: Being surrounded by marine resources, one can relish freshly prepared fish, crustaceans, and mollusks.
• Oc vu nang: A local delicacy, this shellfish is frequently grilled or steamed.

• Muc mot nang: A tasty and common sundried squid snack.
• Rau rung: Wild vegetables, picked from the island forests, give local cuisine a unique touch.

Visit the island's restaurants to find these, as well as other local specialties. Locals should be able to help point you to the best eateries.

Best Time to Visit the Beaches in Hoi An

The ideal time to bask on the beaches of Hoi An is the period between February and July during the dry season.

• February to April: Ceteris paribus, temperatures range from 25 to 30 degrees with minimal rainfall. Expect perfect sunshine and the sea without worrying about rain.
• May to July: Days are longer and very sunny during these months, with temperatures rising above 35 degrees. This is the peak tourist season, so expect busy beaches!

It is best to stay away from the wet season months, starting from August to January, as it rains heavily during that time, disrupting all your beach activities. Typhoons are also possible in this region during October and November.

Top Tips for a Successful Visit

Packing: Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, swimsuit, beach towel, comfortable shoes, mosquito repellent, seasickness medication, and a camera or phone to capture memorable moments 

During the visit:

Cu Lao Cham:

• Buy your boat/canoe tickets in advance to avoid stock shortages.
• Respect environmental protection rules, do not litter.
• Bring snacks and water as prices on the island may be higher.

Cua Dai and An Bang:

• Be careful when swimming, pay attention to warning signs.
• Avoid going to the beach at midday when the sun is strong.
• Rent a bike to explore the surrounding area.

Conclusion

There are some magnificent beaches to visit outside of this serene old town, each offering its own charm. From the untamed beauty of Cu Lao Cham to the serenity of An Bang and Cua Dai's bustling tourist life, every sea lover can find their favorite beach in Hoi An. Come and create unforgettable memories at these heavenly beaches; you will not regret it!