(TITC) – Lonely Planet has shown a list of 10 best beaches ever in Vietnam for beach lovers around the world to look at. Boasting over 3,400km of spectacular coastline and a handful of tropical, coral-ringed islands, Vietnam hides more than its fair share of resplendent beaches. Whether you are looking for a bustling city beach, a family-friendly getaway, or a quiet cove to escape the crowds, this definitive list has you covered.
1. Nha Trang – Best city beach
Forming a magnificent, sweeping 6km arc of golden sand, Nha Trang’s beachfront is the city’s ultimate trump card. Sections of the water are roped off safely for swimmers, keeping watercraft at bay. Nha Trang also offers great premium lounging experience vibes. If you prefer a quieter sunbathing session, head south toward the old airport to skip the crowds.
Planning Tip: Full-day boat trips to nearby islands offer excellent value, but they can get packed. For a more relaxed, premium experience, book daily snorkeling and diving tours.
2. Mui Ne – Best beach for kitesurfing
While harsh tides and rapid development have altered its landscape in recent years, Mui Ne still holds plenty of allure. It remains a haven for those who love to party by night and relax on chaise lounges by day. Above all, its world-class wind conditions between late October and April make it a premier global hotspot for kitesurfing.
Planning Tip: Apply a kitesurfing class for IKO-certified instruction in kitesurfing, traditional surfing, and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP).
3. Phu Quoc – Best beach for island hopping
Phu Quoc has rapidly transformed from a sleepy backwater into a must-visit tropical escape. Fringed with powdery white sands and backed by dense jungle. For a unique vantage point, you can take the breathtaking 8km-long cable car from An Thoi Station to Hon Thom Island for panoramic views of the archipelago.
Planning Tip: Stay in Duong Dong town if you want a central base for exploring. For modern entertainment hubs, head to Grand World (north) or Sunset Town (south). If you want something unique, look for the floating bungalows on the east coast.
4. My Khe (Da Nang) – Best beach for people-watching
My Khe functions as Da Nang’s vibrant easternmost playground. In the early mornings and evenings, the shore comes alive with locals practicing tai chi or fishers casting off in traditional coracle boats. Tourists dominate the peak sunbathing hours. Be aware that winter waters can have dangerous undertows, so always mind the lifeguards.
Planning Tip: If you love staying active, My Khe is a watersports paradise. You can easily rent an SUP, surf the waves, or rent a jet ski.
5. Ho Coc – Best beach near Ho Chi Minh City
Stretching for nearly 10km just north of Ho Tram, Ho Coc offers golden sands and clear waters just a 2.5-hour drive from Ho Chi Minh City. It is the perfect spot for an spontaneous road trip to escape the metropolitan hustle.
Planning Tip: Ho Coc is highly popular with weekend day-trippers from HCMC. To experience its true, peaceful serenity, plan your visit for a weekday.
6. An Bang – Best beach near Hoi An
Located just 3km north of the historic ancient town of Hoi An, An Bang is one of Vietnam’s most vibrant and enjoyable coastal stretches. It features fine sand and expansive, unobstructed sea views looking out toward the distant Cham Islands.
Planning Tip: A fantastic strategy for a relaxing vacation is to base yourself at an An Bang beach resort and take short day trips into Hoi An.
7. Con Son – Best beach for sheer natural beauty
Once an isolated island prison, the Con Dao archipelago has re-emerged as a breathtaking eco-tourism destination. Con Son, the largest island, is ringed with pristine coral reefs, scenic bays, and dense tropical forests. Because it is highly protected, it remains wonderfully undeveloped and untouched by mass commercialization.
Planning Tip: Con Son is just a 1-hour flight from HCMC or a ferry ride from southern coastal cities. Be sure to book your flights and ferries well in advance if traveling on weekends or national holidays.
8. Cat Ba – Best beach for an off-season visit
As the largest island in the UNESCO-listed Halong Bay, the rugged, jungle-clad island of Cat Ba is a major tourist hub. While summer crowds can shatter the peace, visiting during the shoulder season reveals its true magic. The three beaches of Cat Co Cove, located a short walk from Cat Ba Town, are spectacular when quiet.
Planning Tip: Visit in October and November to enjoy Cat Ba’s best weather and calmest atmosphere.
9. Doc Let – Best beach for white sand and shallow waters
Boasting 18km of chalk-white sands and shallow, bright turquoise waters, Doc Let is a visual paradise. While major tour groups from nearby Nha Trang frequently visit the main stretches, you can still find seclusion if you know where to look.
Planning Tip: Head further north along the coast to find hidden gems like Bai Bau and Bai Xep. Don’t miss the Ninh Thuy Fishing Village to the south for its vibrant alleys and authentic local eateries.
10. My Khe (Quang Ngai) – Best beach for families
Not to be confused with Da Nang’s beach of the same name, this My Khe Beach is located in Quang Ngai Province. It features kilometers of fine white sand lined with casuarina trees, separated from the mainland by the scenic Song Kinh Giang river. The shoreline shelves very gently into the sea, making it exceptionally safe for children to swim.
Planning Tip: This beach remains a hidden gem for international tourists. Avoid local public holidays and weekends, and you will likely have this entire coastal paradise to yourself.
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