Vietnam Beaches

Vietnam’s impressive coastline spurs some beautiful beaches. From north to south and even around to the Gulf of Thailand there are beaches worth visiting. Whether you’re looking for a lively coastal city or a sleepy beach time you can escape to, Vietnam has it.

List + Map of Popular Beaches in Vietnam

Most of the time if you head to a popular oceanside city like Hoi An, Vung Tau or Nha Trang, you’ll quickly stumble upon some beaches. We’ll cover the best beaches closest to the most popular coastal destinations  in the country.

Featured Beaches

Coastal Cities in Vietnam

Guide to Beach Destinations in Vietnam

With a coastline of 2,030 miles, excluding islands, it’s no wonder that Vietnam has some of the most pristine white beaches and fantastic teal waters in southeast Asia. The ocean towns in the country have some great tropical resorts, hotels, or just casual beaches to spend some time playing in the sand and surf.

Even though the coastal culture is similar around the country, there are a few unique features depending on the part of Vietnam you’re visiting.

Northern Vietnam Beaches

The beaches in northern Vietnam are easily accessible from Hanoi, as most of the closest coastal towns are a couple of hours away by car, train, or bus. Some of the most popular towns to visit for a beach experience are Hai Phong, Ha Long Bay, and Nam Dinh.

Cat Ba is a large island off the coast of Hai Phong accessible by car and ferry and is highly sought out by tourists for its beautiful blend of tropics and culture.

Central Vietnam Beaches

The central part of Vietnam is fortunate to have so many beaches, making this region of the country one of the most desirable for a seaside vacation. A few of the more famous cities by the shore in this area include Da Nang, Hue, Hoi An, Nha Trang, Qui Nhon.

Several of the beaches in central Vietnam are close to one another, making it possible to visit more than one in a day or over a range of a few days. Additionally, numerous beaches here are known for their soft white sands and beautiful coral reefs, making them ideal locations for activities like snorkeling and diving.

Southern Vietnam Beaches

Although southern Vietnam is famous for its metropolis, Ho Chi Minh City, there are plenty of gorgeous beaches that aren’t too far away for a change of scenery. Many tourists go to southern Vietnam to see the Mekong Delta and floating markets, then schedule a trip to the coast for a few days or a quick side trip.

Coastal towns known for their stunning ocean views, water sports, and beach experiences include Mui Ne, Vung Tau, Phan Thiet, and Phu Quoc. Many of the beaches in this area have been compared to similar scenery that you might find in places like the Mediterranian or other tropical hubs.

Popular Vietnam Islands

It’s hard to compete with staying on an island when you’re looking for a beach vacation, and fortunately, the islands in Vietnam are some of the best you’ll find in Asia. The culture on the shore is unique to the rest of the country and is an excellent mix of Vietnamese traditions and tropical life, creating a relaxing and welcoming experience for all.

Some of the most desirable islands you can visit for the ultimate beach vacation are Phu Quoc, Con Dao, Cham Islands, Cat Ba, Vung Tau Island, and Ba Lua Islands.

Beach Accommodations

Staying at a beach in Vietnam is a perfect way to relax and take in the fresh air. Sometimes the beaches are near cities, creating an excellent opportunity to spend time in the sand with many other sightseeing possibilities in downtown and metro areas.

There are numerous resorts, hotels, hostels, and homestays available in every coastal region of Vietnam, making it a breeze to find something that suits every budget. Whether you’re looking for a luxury five-star property or just a modest bungalow with easy access to the water, there are plenty of options in the southern, central, and northern regions available.

Popular Beach Activities

Water sports in Vietnam are great ways to enjoy the pristine beaches and often crystal-clear seas. Many hotels, resorts, and other accommodations have the equipment to lend for use at the beach, or customer service can set up visitors with tours, lessons, or experiences. Some of the most popular beach activities in Vietnam include:

• Surfing
• Diving
• Snorkeling
• Fishing
• Boating
• Swimming
• Sunbathing
• Canoeing

No matter what beach you venture to, you are sure to catch a little sun during your stay. Boasting stunning water, beautiful sand, and miles and miles of coastline, make sure you visit at least one beach while visiting Vietnam.

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