Which part of Vietnam has the best beaches? Top 7 Options To Choose
Vietnam has around 2,000 miles of coastline and several famous islands, offering plenty of stunning beaches. While exploring cities like Hanoi, with its colonial architecture, the imperial allure of Hue, and the vibrant nightlife of Saigon is tempting, it’s essential not to miss out on Vietnam’s coastal wonders.
Many cities are either right on the coast or just a short trip away, making it easy to incorporate beach time into your vacation. To assist you in planning, Ftrip compiled a guide to the top 7 best Vietnam beaches.
Top 7 Best Vietnam Beaches To Explore In 2024
Nha Trang
This city in the south-central region used to have some of the world’s most stunning beaches, but tourism and development have significantly changed its natural beauty in recent years. However, there are still several pristine Vietnam beaches and islands worth exploring if you happen to be in the area.
The main beach in the city, known as Nha Trang Beach or City Beach, offers the iconic view of the bay and tends to be quite crowded during peak times.
If you prefer more secluded options, you can visit the beaches on nearby islands like Hon Lon and Hon Tre. One of these islands, Hon Tre, is home to the popular Vinpearl Resort, although it’s known for its flashy style.
Da Nang
Located on Vietnam’s central coast, the third-largest city was once a French colonial port and boasts some of the nation’s finest beaches. It offers something for everyone, with bustling beaches just a short drive from the city and more secluded spots for adventurous souls.
Water sports enthusiasts can head to My Khe Beach, the nearest to the city center, renowned worldwide for activities like surfing, snorkeling, and jet-skiing.
For those seeking seclusion, Tien Sa Beach on the north side of the Son Tra Peninsula remains untouched and accessible by motorbike. Nearby attractions include the breathtaking Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its caves, including Son Doong, the largest cave in the world.
Ha Long Bay
If you’re in Hanoi, consider taking a day trip to Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s about a four-hour bus ride each way, but definitely worth it. While Ha Long Bay is famous for its stunning limestone formations, it also has several beautiful Vietnam beaches. Bai Chay is the most popular one, often crowded with tourists.
For a complete experience, take a boat tour to Ti Top Island, located in the middle of the bay, which has its own lovely beach. If you have more time, consider staying overnight and exploring the less crowded Ban Chan beach, known for its white sand.
Con Dao
While often referred to as a single island, Con Dao is actually a group of 16 islands located along Vietnam’s southern coast. Previously notorious for its harsh French prisons, Con Dao is now famous for its vibrant coral reefs, diverse marine species, and pristine sandy shores.
On the primary island, Con Son, visitors can choose from local homestays, budget-friendly accommodations, and a select few luxury resorts, including the renowned Six Senses Con Dao, boasting access to the stunning Dat Doc Beach.
Just north of Con Son town, secluded Lo Voi Beach offers a serene escape without any nearby hotels. Nature enthusiasts venture beyond the main island to the beaches of nearby Bay Canh island, where they can witness the annual release of baby sea turtles.
Ly Son
Tucked away in a remote spot along Vietnam’s central coast lies Ly Son Island, a hidden gem yet to be discovered by many tourists. Unlike the typical palm-fringed Vietnam beaches and luxury resorts, Ly Son boasts a landscape dotted with volcanic craters on its two main islands, Dao Lon and Dao Be.
Amidst these natural wonders, visitors will find a treasure trove of geological formations, along with more than 50 temples and shrines to explore. Renowned for its garlic and seafood, the island’s aroma is dominated by the scent of garlic farms sprawling across Dao Lon. Meanwhile, the famous To Vo arch reveals stunning vistas of crystal-clear waters and ancient fossil reefs.
For those with extra time, a short 15-minute ferry ride transports you to the quaint Dao Be, also known as An Binh. Here, you can indulge in swimming adventures along the shoreline and marvel at the vibrant marine life thriving in the seaweed fields and vibrant coral reefs below.
Mui Ne
Just a short distance away from the busy streets of Saigon lies the area known as Mui Ne, which encompasses parts of Ham Tien ward and Phan Thiet city. Mui Ne is famous for its stunning coastline and several natural attractions.
It’s a quaint fishing town with beautiful beaches, but what sets it apart is the nearby White Sand Dunes and Red Sand Dunes, where visitors can enjoy activities like sand-surfing and hot-air balloon rides.
The most popular beach area in Mui Ne is actually in the Ham Tien ward, just a quick 15-minute drive away. This area is also home to the enchanting Suoi Tien, or “Fairy Stream,” characterized by its unique sand formations and waterfall.
Doc Let
With around 11 miles of beautiful white sandy beaches and clear blue waters, Doc Let is just an hour away from Nha Trang. The northern part of the bay attracts many tourists and is where you’ll find most of the beach resorts and hotels.
In the central area, there are some pristine beach sections, but watch out for the Hyundai shipyard and the busy port. Moving south, you’ll reach Jungle Beach, a popular spot among backpackers, surrounded by fishing villages.
It’s worth noting that Doc Let isn’t as developed as Nha Trang, with mainly small family-owned shops offering food, kayak rentals, and places to stay. The closest city is Ninh Hoa.
Conclusion
In short, we cover the answer to the question: Which part of Vietnam has the best beaches?
From the tranquil beauty of Nha Trang to the idyllic charm of Con Dao, there are many stunning Vietnam beaches. Whether you seek relaxation or adventure, there’s a beach paradise waiting for you in this diverse and captivating country.
