Top 5 Beaches in Vietnam

Escape to a tropical paradise like no other, where calm waves lap up the soft sands underneath your feet.

Whether you dream of relaxing in the glowing sun or gazing out towards breathtaking views of secluded coves surrounded by crystal-clear water, our holidays to Vietnam promise pure peace and tranquillity.

Vietnam beaches have more of an authentic vibe than their more popular southeast Asian neighbours. Spanning over 2000 miles of natural beauty, the coastline passes through three separate microclimates, providing beautiful weather no matter what time of year you visit – the perfect beach break destination.

Our Vietnam Travel Specialist, Nicola Brereton shares her top five beaches in Vietnam.

Honourable Mentions

• My Khe Beach, Danang
• Vung Tau Beach, Vung Tau
• Ho Tram Beach, Ho Tram
• Phan Thiet Beach, Phan Thiet
• Dat Doc Beach, Con Dao

1. Best Beach on Phu Quoc Island

Off the south coast of Vietnam, discover the country's largest island: Phu Quoc.

I loved spending time on these stunning shores, taking in the spectacular sunsets with cocktail in hand. As you're away from the mainland, you truly feel isolated, almost like you're a castaway far from home!

The best Phu Quoc beaches are Long Beach, Cua Can Beach, Ong Lang Beach and Sao Beach.

Long Beach

Long Beach is the island's longest beach, stretching over 20 kilometres with palm trees lining the golden sand. When you're unwinding, you face directly to the west, where the sun descends beyond the distant horizon. Find an area to yourself and enjoy some quiet time, listening to the soothing sounds of the sea.

Cua Can Beach

Cua Can Beach is a place of raw, pristine beauty. Despite investment in tourism, it's retained its wild serenity and still provides an area to get away from the hustle and bustle of the country's city life.

Ong Lang Beach

Perhaps the most beautiful beach in Phu Quoc is Ong Lang Beach. During the dry season, you can head out to sea and go swimming to immerse yourself in the cool waters before returning to top up your tan.

My Choice – Sao Beach

However, the best beach on Phu Quoc Island is Sao Beach. Also known as Star Beach, or Starfish Beach, Sao Beach is a great spot for snorkelling among coral reef and marine life. When you set foot on its powdery sand, you'll be in awe of the starfish population claiming it as their own! It's a phenomenal sight.

"Phu Quoc is one of the best beach destinations in Vietnam. The ideal time to experience its excellent scuba diving and luxurious beach resorts is between December and March, when the weather is most settled. You can enjoy sunbathing or visiting attractions such as the incredible VinWonders."

2. Best Beach in Halong Bay

Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994, Halong Bay is brimming with ethereal landscapes.

Although it's mostly known for its gorgeous limestone islands, Halong Bay also has a wide range of sandy beaches which make most of the unforgettable backdrop. I adore the views you get here; they're amazing!

The best beaches are Ba Trai Dao Beach, Tuan Chau Beach and Ngoc Vung Beach and Ti Top Beach

Ba Trai Dao Beach

On the outskirts of Cat Ba Island Archipelago sits Ba Trai Dao Beach. It's one of my favourite Halong Bay beaches as its waters are so crystal-clear that you can sometimes see all the way to the sea bottom.

Tuan Chau Beach

Everything about Tuan Chau Beach is remarkable. Its sands are the purest of whites and waters the most vibrant blues. You can take a fishing boat out and spend time reeling in fresh catches, watching the daily life take place in the distant fishing villages. There's also camping and sightseeing activities back on land.

Ngoc Vung Beach

Ngoc Vung Beach is a place of unspoiled beauty. This stretch of beach, known locally as 'Gem Island', is kept perfectly pristine all year round, so you can enjoy your sunbathing and swimming in utter tranquillity. Additionally, there's chance for you to cycle around the island and take in your idyllic surroundings.

My Choice – Ti Top Beach

Ti Top Beach is my pick for the best beach in Halong Bay. It's fringed by the towering mountains that take centre stage in the middle of the island while also offering fabulous views across the bay.

"Discover why else Halong Bay is among some of the best places to visit in Vietnam."

3. Best Beach Near Hoi An

With its tropical climates and gorgeous backdrops, Hoi An is one of the best beach cities in Vietnam.

Not only that, but it also boasts gentle waves and white sands across ten kilometres of sun-soaked shores. The colourful coastal city even features some of my most favourite beaches in the entire country.

The best Hoi An beaches are An Bang, Cua Dai, Cham Islands and Six Senses Ninh Van Bay.

An Bang Beach

An Bang Beach is a place of true indulgence. Many people flock here to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, gazing out towards the East Vietnam Sea and losing themselves in the magic of the horizon. Seek your own inner peace while here and let the serenity of the surroundings wash over you.

Cua Dai Beach

Calm waters and lush palm trees make Cua Dai Beach a dreamlike spot for your Vietnam beach holiday. There are plenty of watersports to get involved with too, including scuba diving and kayaking.

Cham Islands Beaches

Cham Islands' stunning beaches are lesser-known, mini paradises lined with coconut palms and home to coral reefs where you can snorkel. Its rich ecosystems have earned it UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status.

My Choice – Six Senses Ninh Van Bay Beach

Set on the best beach near Hoi An, Six Senses Ninh Van Bay is the perfect spot to chill with a cocktail and good book or experience the many activities on offer. You can reach the horseshoe-shaped beach via a short car ride from the ancient town and enjoy an afternoon picnic or refreshing sundowner cocktails.

"These Vietnam beaches are simply breathtaking. While exploring the exhilarating Hai Van Pass between Danang and Hue, Hoi An is perfectly placed for a midway stopover. Make your way to the beaches and take a moment to unwind, absorbing the beauty of the Vietnamese landscapes."

4. Best Beach in Nha Trang

On the southern coast is Nha Trang, one of the most popular beach destinations in Vietnam.

Discover lively resorts with some of the best seafood dining in the world. However, it’s the beaches that make this a firm favourite for locals and tourists alike. I could happily spend the rest of my life here!

The best Nha Trang beaches are Doc Let Beach, Hon Chong Beach, Tran Phu Beach and Son Dung Beach.

Doc Let Beach

Doc Let is a lovely beach in south Vietnam. Palms follow the curvature of the smooth sands all the way around on one side and turquoise water laps up the shores on the other, creating a tropical utopia.

Hon Chong Beach

Hon Chong's natural landscapes are phenomenal. Groups of boulders stack upon one another, forming a striking visual with the imposing Angel Mountain as a backdrop. Aside from relaxing on the sands, you can enjoy the many delicious seafood dining options in the area, with half a dozen stalls lining the beach.

Tran Phu Beach

One of the best beaches in southern Vietnam, Tran Phu covers six kilometres of the coast close to the city centre, which is home to luxury beachfront resorts, souvenir shops, museums and seafood restaurants. Explore the waters on a surfboarding session or find a nice spot to meditate in the glowing sun.

My Choice – Son Dung Beach

The best beach in Nha Trang for me, though, would be Son Dung. A hidden haven where the green mountains meet the emerald sea, this stretch of beach is ideal for a day trip of complete R&R.

"Nha Trang is a land of beautiful white-sand beaches, perfect for a long-haul February getaway."

5. Best Beach Around Mui Ne

Leave the hustle and bustle of Saigon behind for the best beaches in Mui Ne.

I love its long, golden stretches of sand and turquoise sea, both of which exude a distinct coastal vibe. Cruise along the Mui Ne coastline on a luxury boat trip – a great way to immerse yourself in Vietnam.

The best Mui Ne beaches are Mui Ne Beach, Bai Rang Beach, Hon Rom Beach and Ong Dia Beach.

Ong Dia Beach

Whether it's swimming, kite surfing or simply sunbathing, Ong Dia has everything you need for a wonderful beach break in Vietnam. Look around you; the rugged rock formations scattered across the golden sands light up in the tropical sun, the azure waters softly crashing into them, leaving small crustaceans behind.

Bai Rang Beach

Watch as the blue waters of this untouched beach soak up the sands underneath your feet. At Bai Rang, near Mui Ne, you can seek both thrilling adventures and peaceful relaxation during the ultimate getaway.

Hon Rom Beach

Seeing the sun set on the horizon at Hon Rom Beach is a sight you'll never forget. Walk along the calm waters on the coast on one side before exploring the mesmerising red sand dunes on the other.

My Choice – Mui Ne Beach

Renowned for its vibrant fishing community, Mui Ne Beach is a charming area where you can see local fisherman practice their techniques or savour an abundance of fresh seafood. There are also plenty of watersports too, from windsurfing to kitesurfing, feeling the gentle breeze blowing through your hair.

"Mui Ne is one of the best Vietnam beach towns, not only thanks to its own gorgeous beach, but also its vicinity to other sun-soaked shores. Be sure to visit in the dry season, November to April, when the weather's at its best, so you can bask in the glorious sun all day, every day throughout your adventure."

Discover the Best Beaches in Vietnam with Inspiring Travel

Whisk yourself off to the beautiful Vietnamese coast by speaking with our travel experts. They can add these Vietnam beaches to your tailor-made itinerary, creating the dream escape you've always desired.