The 7 best Vietnamese beaches

Vietnam overflows with natural beauty, and its beaches are no exception.

Yet, despite being blessed with over 3,000km of shoreline, much of it developed for tourism and just as much idyllically secluded, the country isn’t considered a big beach destination like nearby Thailand.

However, that opinion is ripe for change. There’s something for every kind of seaside lover here, whether you prefer to catch a vibe on a busy city beach, or would rather spend an entire day with just the waves for company.

Want to watch the sea swallow a blazing sunset, banh mi and soda chanh in hand? Read on for our list of the 7 best beaches in Vietnam.

Sao Beach – Phú Quốc

Best All Around Beach

Not many travellers make it south of Ho Chi Minh, with Vietnam’s most populous city often bookending trips to the country alongside the capital Hanoi. However, heading off the well-trodden path delivers plenty of natural treasures, and if you traverse across the Mekong Delta, you end up at one of Vietnam’s best: Phú Quốc.

Vietnam’s largest island sits at the foot of the mainland, and is laden with gorgeous beaches. The sand is blindingly white and the water clear and calm like rippled glass, but Phú Quốc’s interior is covered in a dense den of plant life, giving everything a bit of a wild feel.

In terms of beaches on the island, Sao Beach could be considered the pick of the bunch. The shore gently stretches across the coast, rolling into a crescent, and although it’s easy to find a tranquil spot for a solo date with the seafront, you won’t be far from laid back beach bars and high quality seafood. Sao Beach is also relatively easy to access via car or motorbike.

An Bang Beach – Hội An

Best Beach to Escape the Bustle

It is almost unfair that the picturesque Hội An is also home to one of Vietnam’s most stunning beaches.

The tourist destination is known for its well-preserved Old Town and the canals that meander through the centre, but An Bang rivals both of those for charm and beauty.

The beach is easily accessible from Hoi An via taxi or bike. From there, you can enjoy the ocean view, or walk to nearby restaurants and beach bars. There’s even shelter from the blinding sun thanks to thatched huts and parasols. Snorkelers and divers will also find a kaleidoscope of marine life to take in, a real pleasure given how close the beach is to a bustling city.

Despite all of this, An Bang remains relatively quiet, proving that if you’re willing to look beyond the main attractions, you can find some real gems.

Back Beach – Vũng Tàu

Best Beach for a Local Experience:

Vũng Tàu brings in droves of Vietnamese people looking for a weekend escape from the cacophony of Ho Chi Minh. Located two hours by drive (or regularly scheduled fast ferry) from the city, it’s long been a haven for the locals, making it the ideal spot to experience a Vietnamese beach holiday.

Back Beach is one of the most popular stretches of coast in this area, unfolding over 5km of pristine shoreline. The bright blue water sparkles enticingly under the sun, but just as appealing as diving in is the prospect of lazing away on the golden sand. Activities like water sports and snorkelling are readily available, but you can also find a quiet corner and spend the day switching between your beach read and napping. There are plenty of amenities too, so no need to pack extra food and drink if you want to travel light.

If you’re looking for an authentic Vietnamese summer holiday vibe, there’s no place better.

My Khe Beach – Da Nang

Best City Beach

Port city Da Nang has long been the economic hub of central Vietnam. Yet, this growing metropolis still has some pockets of seaside to escape to, with My Khe Beach among the most appealing.

Nestled at the foot of verdant hills, My Khe slopes gently towards the crystal-clear waters that surround it. Yet, you can also see the tall buildings that mark modern cities from the shoreline. The waves caress the coast rather than slamming into it, so it’s a great place for a dip, but not if you’re looking to surf. However, there’s still a lot to do here for those who want to be more active: a glut of well-established operators deliver classic seaside activities like water sports, fishing, and scuba diving.

Ky Co Beach – Quy Nhon

Best Beach for a Getting the Instagram Snap:

Leonardo DiCaprio could have filmed The Beach at Ky Co. As news of this cove’s serene vibe, dancing turquoise waters, and postcard-perfect white sands spreads, it’s obvious more people will visit and fall in love.

Getting here can be a bit complicated as transport links aren’t quite as developed as in other regions of Vietnam. But once you’re staring out at the water, tasting the salt in the air, you’ll have no doubt it was worth the extra effort. Definitely spend some time hiking the paths that surround the beach, as they offer some astoundingly good views.

Bai Mon Beach – Phu Yen

Best Beach for Getting Away from it all

The unspoiled landscape of Phu Yen is best encapsulated by this picturesque beach. A small stretch of honey-coloured sand squeezes between two forested hills, and there’s an old lighthouse that you can visit for good measure. There is an entry fee to the beach (VND 20,000 as of the writing of this article, which is roughly USD 0.75), which goes towards maintaining its pristine nature – and ensuring the nearby reefs remain vibrant and healthy.

Bai Mon isn’t quite an isolated cove that only the hardiest explorers know about, but it is somewhat under the radar. This remoteness is aided by the fact not many travellers make it to Phu Yen, and the beach itself is quite out of the way. However, as you crest the hill that borders the beach and catch your first glimpse of the lapping sea, any annoyance about logistical issues will be swept away.

Do Son Beach – Hai Phong

Best Beach in the North

Northern Vietnam is home to plenty of unique geological treasures, so its beaches don’t often get the love they deserve. However, there are excellent seaside options in the country’s upper reaches, with Do Son Beach in Hai Phong province among the best.

Some would argue that the shorelines of Cat Ba and Ha Long are well worth visiting, and we wouldn’t dispute that. However, Do Son offers the same natural beauty while also being a little less touristic – although it is developed for visitors, having once been a French colonial beach resort.

The beach has different sections: the rocky edge where restaurants and bars can be found, the main caramel-coloured sandy section, perfect for lounging and swimming but with atmosphere, and the more rugged and quieter area, which is perfect for unwinding. Don’t forget to try the local seafood, either!