The Top 10 Beaches to Discover in Vietnam

While Vietnam may not boast the same fame as its Southeast Asian neighbors for palm-fringed shores and azure waters, its 3,400 kilometers of coastline conceals a wealth of stunning beaches, along with tropical islands adorned with coral just offshore. Whether you're after a vibrant beach close to bustling cities, a family-friendly spot, or a serene cove away from the hustle, here are our top recommendations for Vietnam's best beaches.

1. An Bang

Located just 3 km north of Hoi An, An Bang stands out as one of Vietnam's most vibrant and enjoyable beaches. With a beautiful stretch of fine sand and an expansive horizon—less affected by erosion than Cua Dai—the beach offers a peaceful setting interrupted only by the distant Cham Islands. Spending your days at the beach and taking day trips to Hoi An is a great way to unwind in the area.

2. Phu Quoc

Surrounded by stunning white-sand beaches and large areas of untouched tropical jungle, Phu Quoc has transformed from a quiet island retreat to a must-visit beach destination for Western expats and sun-seeking travelers. With its breathtaking white sands and crystal-clear waters, Sao Beach is likely the highlight, but if you explore, you might discover a secluded stretch of sand just for you.

Island-hopping tours explore the islands off Phu Quoc's southern coast, as well as the less-visited northern coast. Alternatively, take the reasonably priced 8 km cable car from An Thoi Station in the far south to Hon Thom Island, offering stunning panoramic views along the way.

3. Nha Trang

Boasting a stunning curve, Nha Trang's 6 km-long golden-sand beach is the city's crown jewel. Certain areas are roped off for safe swimming, ensuring you won't be disturbed by jet skis or boats. Two favored spots for lounging are the Sailing Club and Louisiane Brewhouse. If you seek solitude, head south toward the airport to escape the crowds.

There are many affordable island-hopping tours available that include lunch and snorkeling. The beaches to the north of Nha Trang, particularly around Ninh Van Bay, are also perfect for a day trip.

4. Con Son

Secluded from the mainland, the Con Dao islands are among Vietnam's top attractions. Once a place for political prisoners, they now captivate visitors with their breathtaking natural beauty. Con Son, the largest of the 15 islands and islets, is surrounded by beautiful beaches, coral reefs, and picturesque bays, while still being partially covered in tropical forests. Just an hour's flight from Ho Chi Minh City (or a longer ferry ride from various southern cities), Con Son remains relatively undeveloped and is more frequented by locals as a historic site than as a beach destination.

5. Mui Ne

Once regarded as the crown jewel of Vietnam’s beach resorts, Mui Ne has faced challenges in recent years, with harsh tides washing away sand from its once-golden beaches and overdevelopment diminishing its appeal. Nevertheless, there are still lovely sandy spots to be found, perfect for those who enjoy nightlife and relaxing on sunbeds during the day. Kite surfing is a major attraction here, with several excellent schools and ideal wind conditions from late October to April. The recent opening of the Dau Giay-Phan Thiet highway in mid-2023 has reduced travel time from Ho Chi Minh City to Mui Ne from 4.5 hours to just over two.

6. Doc Let

With its 18km stretch of chalk-white sand and shallow turquoise waters, Doc Let is undoubtedly among Vietnam's finest beaches. However, recent years have seen a surge in development, attracting large tour groups from Nha Trang. For a more tranquil experience, venture further north along the coast to discover hidden gems like Bai Bau and Bai Xep.

7. Ho Coc

Boasting golden sands and crystal-clear waters, Ho Coc is just a two-and-a-half-hour journey from Ho Chi Minh City. This beach, which extends nearly 10km north of Ho Tram, is an inviting spot to unwind. While it's becoming more popular with visitors from Saigon, weekdays still offer a tranquil escape.

8. My Khe

My Khe is quickly becoming the easternmost suburb of Danang. In the early mornings and evenings, the beach buzzes with locals practicing t’ai chi. Tourists flock here during peak sun hours, while residents prefer to visit later in the day, with fishermen still casting their lines from the sandy shores in traditional coracle boats. Although the water can have a dangerous undertow, particularly in winter, it is somewhat sheltered by the impressive Nui Son Tra.

9. Cat Ba

Rugged and covered in jungle, Cat Ba is the largest island in Halong Bay and serves as a common stop for tourist boat trips in the UNESCO-listed area. Due to its popularity, the island can get quite crowded, which diminishes its tranquility; however, if you visit during the less busy months, its beaches are among the finest in Vietnam. The three beaches at Cat Co Cove, just a ten-minute walk southeast of Cat Ba Town, are perhaps the highlights.

10. My Khe Beach

Distinct from the similarly named beach in Danang, this My Khe is located just a couple of kilometers from Quảng Ngãi in central Vietnam and features a stunning stretch of fine white sand ideal for swimming. It extends for kilometers along a narrow, casuarina-lined sand spit, separated from the mainland by the Song Kinh Giang river, which lies just inland. If you visit during weekdays or outside of holidays, you're likely to enjoy this beautiful beach mostly to yourself. The gentle slope of the shoreline makes it perfect for children.

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