Top 10 Best Tourist Beaches in Vietnam
Vietnam boasts over 3,000 kilometers of coastline with spectacular beaches ranging from bustling resort towns to secluded tropical paradises. This guide covers the 10 best beach destinations in Vietnam with detailed information to help you plan your perfect beach getaway.
✓ Best time to visit: February to April (dry season)
✓ Water temperatures: 26-30°C year-round
✓ Most developed beach: Nha Trang
✓ Most secluded beach: Bai Xep
✓ Best for families: Danang
✓ Best for diving: Con Dao
1. My Khe Beach, Danang
Famous as "China Beach" during the Vietnam War, My Khe is now one of Vietnam's most developed beach destinations with luxury resorts and excellent amenities.
Key Features:
- 20km stretch of fine white sand
- Gentle waves perfect for swimming
- Numerous water sports available (jet skiing, parasailing)
- Excellent seafood restaurants along the beach
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Best For | Families, couples, water sports |
| Accessibility | Easy (10 min drive from Danang airport) |
| Accommodation | Luxury resorts to budget hotels |
| Nearby Attractions | Marble Mountains, Hoi An Ancient Town |
2. An Bang Beach, Hoi An
This charming beach near the UNESCO-listed Hoi An Ancient Town offers a perfect mix of culture and relaxation.
Key Features:
- Less commercialized than other beaches
- Authentic fishing village atmosphere
- Excellent beachfront cafes and bars
- Beautiful sunset views
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Best For | Culturally-minded travelers, couples |
| Accessibility | Easy (15 min bike ride from Hoi An) |
| Accommodation | Beach bungalows and boutique hotels |
| Nearby Attractions | Hoi An Ancient Town, Tra Que Vegetable Village |
3. Nha Trang Beach
Vietnam's most famous beach resort city offers a lively atmosphere with excellent diving and nightlife.
Key Features:
- 6km crescent-shaped beach
- Vibrant coral reefs for diving and snorkeling
- Thalassotherapy centers and mud baths
- Lively nightlife and dining scene
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Best For | Nightlife, diving, young travelers |
| Accessibility | Very easy (city beach with international airport) |
| Accommodation | All ranges from hostels to 5-star resorts |
| Nearby Attractions | Vinpearl Island, Po Nagar Cham Towers |
4. Phu Quoc Island Beaches
Vietnam's largest island offers dozens of pristine beaches with crystal-clear waters and tropical forests.
Top Beaches on Phu Quoc:
| Beach Name | Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Long Beach (Bai Truong) | 20km white sand, sunset views | Resorts, dining |
| Sao Beach | Powdery white sand, turquoise water | Swimming, photography |
| Ong Lang Beach | Secluded, rocky coves | Privacy, nature |
Island Highlights:
- Pepper plantations and fish sauce factories
- Excellent snorkeling at An Thoi Archipelago
- Phu Quoc National Park with hiking trails
5. Con Dao Islands
This remote archipelago offers unspoiled natural beauty and Vietnam's best diving spots.
Key Features:
- Protected marine park with diverse marine life
- Historical sites from French colonial era
- Sea turtle nesting sites (May-October)
- Luxury eco-resorts available
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Best For | Diving, eco-tourism, history buffs |
| Accessibility | Moderate (flight from HCMC or ferry) |
| Accommodation | Limited but high-quality options |
| Must-Do Activity | Snorkeling at Bay Canh Island |
6. Mui Ne Beach
Known as Vietnam's kite surfing capital, Mui Ne offers consistent winds and dramatic sand dunes.
Key Features:
- 15km long beach with steady winds
- Red and white sand dunes nearby
- Affordable beachfront accommodations
- Fresh seafood markets
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Best For | Kite surfing, budget travelers |
| Accessibility | Easy (bus from HCMC or flight to Phan Thiet) |
| Accommodation | Mostly mid-range resorts |
| Best Time | November-March (windy season) |
7. Lang Co Beach
This tranquil beach offers stunning views of the Truong Son Mountains and a peaceful atmosphere.
Key Features:
- 10km of undeveloped shoreline
- Clear lagoon perfect for swimming
- Authentic local seafood restaurants
- Golf course with ocean views
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Best For | Peaceful getaway, nature lovers |
| Accessibility | Moderate (1.5hr from Danang or Hue) |
| Accommodation | Few luxury resorts available |
| Nearby Attractions | Bach Ma National Park, Hai Van Pass |
8. Doc Let Beach
An excellent alternative to crowded Nha Trang, offering pristine white sands and clear waters.
Key Features:
- 18km of undeveloped coastline
- Fine white sand that's cool underfoot
- Very few foreign tourists
- Excellent value beachfront bungalows
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Best For | Budget travelers, authentic experience |
| Accessibility | Moderate (1.5hr drive from Nha Trang) |
| Accommodation | Simple beach bungalows |
| Nearby Attractions | Hon Khoi Salt Fields, Diep Son Island |
9. Bai Xep Beach
A hidden gem that offers an authentic Vietnamese fishing village experience.
Key Features:
- Small crescent-shaped bay
- Working fishing village atmosphere
- Few small boutique resorts
- Excellent fresh seafood
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Best For | Off-the-beaten-path travelers |
| Accessibility | Challenging (remote location) |
| Accommodation | Limited boutique options |
| Nearby Attractions | Quy Nhon city, Ky Co Beach |
10. Ho Coc Beach
A peaceful alternative to nearby Vung Tau, with golden sands and pine tree-lined shores.
Key Features:
- 10km of quiet shoreline
- Unique pine tree backdrop
- Several new luxury resorts
- Good for beachcombing
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Best For | Weekend getaway from HCMC |
| Accessibility | Moderate (2.5hr drive from HCMC) |
| Accommodation | Range from budget to luxury |
| Nearby Attractions | Binh Chau Hot Springs, Minh Dam Mountain |
Vietnam Beach Comparison Guide
| Beach | Region | Best For | Development Level | Accessibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| My Khe (Danang) | Central | Families, luxury | High | Very Easy |
| An Bang (Hoi An) | Central | Culture, couples | Medium | Easy |
| Nha Trang | South Central | Nightlife, diving | High | Very Easy |
| Phu Quoc | Southwest | Diverse options | Varies | Moderate |
| Con Dao | Southeast | Diving, eco-tourism | Low | Difficult |
| Mui Ne | Southeast | Kite surfing | Medium | Easy |
| Lang Co | Central | Nature, peace | Low | Moderate |
| Doc Let | South Central | Budget, local | Low | Moderate |
| Bai Xep | Central | Authentic experience | Very Low | Difficult |
| Ho Coc | Southeast | Weekend escape | Medium | Moderate |
Best Time to Visit Vietnam's Beaches
Vietnam's long coastline means weather patterns vary significantly by region:
| Region | Best Months | Weather Conditions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| North (Halong Bay) | April-Jun, Sep-Nov | Warm, occasional rain | Colder winter months (Dec-Mar) |
| Central (Danang to Nha Trang) | Jan-Aug | Dry and sunny | Rainy season Sep-Dec |
| South (Phu Quoc to Mui Ne) | Nov-Apr | Dry and warm | Rainy season May-Oct |
Essential Vietnam Beach Travel Tips
Health & Safety:
- Use reef-safe sunscreen to protect Vietnam's coral ecosystems
- Be cautious of strong currents, especially during monsoon season
- Drink bottled water and avoid ice in remote areas
- Secure valuables when swimming (many hotels offer safe boxes)
Cultural Considerations:
- Vietnamese often swim fully clothed - don't be surprised
- Topless sunbathing is frowned upon
- Bargain politely at beachside markets (start at 50% of asking price)
- Learn basic Vietnamese phrases - locals appreciate the effort
Transportation:
- Domestic flights connect major beach destinations
- Overnight trains run along the coast (good for Danang/Nha Trang)
- Renting motorbikes is popular but requires international license
- Use Grab (Asian Uber) for taxis in cities
Final Thoughts
Vietnam offers an incredible diversity of beach experiences, from the luxury resorts of Danang to the untouched beauty of Con Dao. Whether you're looking for water sports, cultural immersion, or simply a perfect stretch of sand to relax on, Vietnam's coastline delivers unforgettable experiences.
The best beach for you depends on your travel style and priorities. For first-time visitors, combining Danang/Hoi An with Phu Quoc offers a great introduction to Vietnam's coastal beauty. Adventurous travelers shouldn't miss the remote islands of Con Dao, while those seeking nightlife will love Nha Trang's energetic scene.
No matter which beaches you choose, Vietnam's warm waters, friendly locals, and stunning natural beauty promise an amazing beach vacation.