10 of the best beaches in Vietnam

When you think of swaying palms, white-sand beaches and turquoise waters in Southeast Asia, Vietnam might not be the first country that comes to mind. But maybe it should.

Among its myriad other natural wonders, the country’s 3400km of coast hides more than its fair share of resplendent beaches – not to mention a handful of tropical, coral-ringed islands bobbing off shore. Whether you’re looking for a stretch of sand adjacent to one of the country’s buzzing cities, a spot suitable for families or a quiet cove to escape the crowds, our list of the best beaches in Vietnam has you covered.

1. Nha Trang, Southeast Coast

Best city beach

Forming a magnificent sweeping arc, Nha Trang’s 6km-long golden-sand beach is the city’s trump card. Sections are roped off and designated for safe swimming (where you won’t be bothered by watercrafts or boats); two popular lounging spots are the Sailing Club and Louisiane Brewhouse. If you prefer tanning alone, head south toward the airport to avoid the majority of the crowds.

Consider setting out on one of the many reasonably priced island-hopping tours offered along the beach, which include lunch and snorkeling. The beaches north of Nha Trang, around Ninh Van Bay, are also worthy of a day trip.

Planning tip: Full-day boat trips out to the islands are good value, but expect to join a very full boat. For a more relaxed experience, check out Rainbow Divers that runs daily snorkeling and diving tours.

2. Mui Ne, Southeast Coast

Best beach for kitesurfing

Mui Ne was once the jewel of Vietnam’s beach resorts, yet in recent years, harsh tides have eroded much of its golden beach, while overdevelopment has eroded much of its charm. Even so, there are still some nice sections of sand tucked away here, ideal (in season) for those who like to party at night and snooze on chaise lounges during the day. Kitesurfing is also a huge draw: there are several excellent schools and world-class wind conditions between late October and April.

Planning tip: The Mui Ne Kitesurfing School teaches kitesurfing, traditional surfing and stand up paddle boarding using IKO-certified instructors.

3. Phu Quoc, Mekong Delta

Best beach for island hopping

Fringed with white-sand beaches and with large tracts of the interior still cloaked in dense tropical jungle, Phu Quoc has rapidly morphed from a sleepy island backwater to a must-visit beach escape for sun-seeking tourists. With its picture-perfect white sand and mineral-water-clear sea, Sao Beach is probably the pick of the lot – yet if you venture off alone and you might find a section of sand all to yourself.

Island-hopping tours visit the islands off of Phu Quoc’s southern coast or its lesser-visited northern coast. You can also catch the reasonably priced, 8km-long cable car from the An Thoi Station on the island’s far south to Hon Thom Island and enjoy panoramic views of these alluring islands during the ride.

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Planning tip: Stay in Duong Dong town if you plan on exploring Phu Quoc. For all-around entertainment, choose Grand World in the north or Sunset Town in the south, while accommodation options along the east coast include floating bungalows.

4. My Khe, Central Vietnam

Best beach for people-watching

My Khe is fast becoming Danang’s easternmost suburb. In the early morning and evening, the beach fills up with city folk doing tai chi. Tourists emerge during peak suntanning hours; locals prefer the evening, when fishers still cast off from the sands in their coracle boats. The water can have a dangerous undertow, especially in winter, so abide by the swimming signs and lifeguard instructions.

Planning tip: For the active traveller, My Khe is a haven for watersports. Paddle out on an SUP, surf the waves or ride a jet ski.

5. Ho Coc, Southeast Coast

Best beach near HCMC

With golden sands, clear waters and a journey time from Ho Chi Minh City of just 2 hours and 30 minutes, this beach – which stretches for almost 10km north of Ho Tram – makes a tempting place to stop.

Planning tip: Ho Coc is getting increasingly busy with visitors from HCMC, especially on weekends, but on weekdays, it still remains peaceful.

6. An Bang, Central Vietnam

Best beach near Hoi An

Just 3km north of Hoi An, An Bang is one of Vietnam’s most happening and enjoyable beaches, with a wonderful stretch of fine sand (with less of the serious erosion evident at Cua Dai) and an expansive view of the sea interrupted only by the distant Cham Islands.

Planning tip: Staying at the beach and visiting Hoi An on day trips is a good strategy for a relaxing visit to the area.

7. Con Son, Con Dao Islands

Best beach for sheer natural beauty

Isolated from the mainland, the Con Dao islands are one of Vietnam’s star attractions. For decades a site where political prisoners and undesirables were detained, they now draw visitors with their striking natural beauty. The largest of the chain of 15 islands and islets, Con Son is ringed with lovely beaches, coral reefs and scenic bays, and remains partially covered in tropical forests. Just an hour’s flight from Ho Chi Minh City (or a longer ferry ride from several southern cities), Con Son remains relatively undeveloped, and is more popular with local Vietnamese as a historic site rather than a beach destination – all the more reason to get there soon.

Planning tip: Book flights and ferries well in advance if you're planning to visit during weekends or public holidays.

8. Cat Ba, Northern Vietnam

Best beach for an off-season visit

Rugged, craggy and jungle-clad Cat Ba is the largest island in Halong Bay and a stop-off for some of the many tourist boat trips around the UNESCO-listed region. To that end, the island can get very busy, somewhat shattering the serenity. Yet if you visit during the quieter months, you’ll find beaches that are up there with the best in Vietnam. The three beaches of Cat Co Cove, a 10-minute walk southeast from Cat Ba Town, are perhaps the pick of the bunch.

Planning tip: In summer hotels raise their prices, and transfers from Hanoi can be chaotic and frustrating. October and November – when Cat Ba sees its best weather – are ideal times to visit.

9. Doc Let, Southeast Coast

Best beach for white sand and shallow waters

Stretching for 18km, the chalk-white sands and shallow turquoise waters of Doc Let ensure its place among Vietnam’s best beaches. Unfortunately, the world has caught on – and in recent years, developers have moved in big time, attracting busloads of tourists on tours from Nha Trang.

Planning tip: Keep heading north along the coast for more-secluded spots, including Bai Bau and Bai Xep. The Ninh Thuy Fishing Village to the south is worth a visit for its colorful alleyways and simple local places to eat.

10. My Khe Beach, Southeast Coast

Best beach for families

Not to be confused with Danang’s beach of the same name, this My Khe is located a short distance from Quang Ngai in central Vietnam, and boasts a superb beach with fine white sand and good swimming. It stretches for kilometers along a thin, casuarina-lined spit of sand, separated from the mainland by Song Kinh Giang, a body of water just inland from the beach. The shoreline’s profile has a gentle shelf, making it great (and safe) for children.

Planning tip: If you avoid holidays and weekends you’ll have a good chance of having the pretty stretch largely to yourself.