Travelers to Central Vietnam may already know about its picturesque mountain scenery, but the best beaches near Hue are worthy of a stop. A lot of the coastline is lined with impeccable white sands, teal crystal waters, and plenty of fresh seafood for sale in-store and at dining establishments.
Whether you’re looking for a beach that offers lots of water sports and activities or an uncrowded spot to relax, there is something for everyone in this region. Consider staying on-site at one of Hue’s beautiful beachside resorts.
The best time of year to visit the coast in Hue is April through July before the rainy season, although some visitors prefer to go as late as September for cooler temperatures. The weather can be pretty chilly by November and stay that way through March.
Here are the best beaches near Hue, in order of proximity to the city center.
Thuan An Beach – 15 km | 25 minutes
A trip to Thuan An Beach (Bãi Tắm Thuận An) will transform you into a tropical paradise, as this beach facing the East Vietnam Sea is lined with stretches of lush trees. This beach is particularly popular among locals and fills up pretty quickly on hot days with people looking to cool off in the water. Downtown Hue is very close by, making this destination ideal for travelers looking to explore the city’s attractions as well.
Some of the most popular activities at Thuan An Beach include camping, napping on the sand, swimming, diving. The drive to the beach from Hue is also very scenic and passes by a few farmland plots and rice paddies fields.
Hai Duong Beach – 19 km | 30 minutes
Hai Duong Beach (Bãi Biển Hải Dương) is a hidden local gem, as many foreign tourists don’t know about this sweet spot. This beach has some beautiful views of blue waters and gorgeous yellow sand facing the South China Sea. Visitors looking to get away from the chaos of city life will enjoy spending some time at Hai Duong Beach, which can be easily done on a day trip for anyone staying in Hue or Danang.
Due to less traffic at this beach, there aren’t as many activities available. Swimming, diving, and other water sports are doable, but it’s easier to bring equipment than rely on somewhere for a rental. Many restaurants serve an abundance of fresh seafood, and with fewer people in this area, getting a table shouldn’t be difficult.
Vinh Thanh Beach – 29 km | 40 minutes
Facing the East Vietnam Sea, Vinh Thanh Beach (Bãi biển Vinh Thanh) is another quiet beach that holds a lot of charm. The wild, open-air on this shoreline makes you feel like you’re miles away from the inland, but it’s less than an hour to get to the heart of Hue. Vinh Thanh Beach is a peaceful area that attracts both locals and foreigners to come and embrace that fresh salty atmosphere and enjoy a slower-paced life.
When it comes to things to do at Vinh Thanh Beach, numerous restaurants offer fresh seafood dishes. There are also a couple of hotel and resort options, in addition to a beach park. The best way to reach the coast is by car or motorbike, as the roads are also very scenic and thrilling to experience.
Ham Rong Beach – 45 km | 1 hour
Situated on the coast of the East Vietnam Sea, Ham Rong Beach (Bãi Biển Hàm Rồng) is a less-developed area with unspoiled yellow sand encompassed by forests and rock formations. This poetic scenery of this beach is gaining in popularity around this part of the country.
Still, it’s currently a fantastic spot for locals and travelers to get some relaxation by the ocean. The scattered rocks form beautiful caves and add to the unique sights of this area.
Tham Khe Beach – 50 km | 1 hour 20 minutes
Tham Ke Beach (Bãi Biển Thâm Khê Beach) is a quiet beach a little north of Hue that many tourists don’t know about. Many fishing boats and deep-sea fishers like to work here, but the sand is also clean and a nice place to relax. The shore itself is long and narrow, and the water isn’t too choppy or rough. This beach is ideal for escaping the crowds and enjoying some time in the salty air.
Canh Duong Beach – 55 km | 1 hour 15 minutes
Canh Duong Beach (Bãi biển Cảnh Dương) is situated on the shore of the Chan May Bay along with a crescent-shaped dip between Hue and Danang. The unspoiled, pristine 8 km of white sand and clear waters draw tourists from near and far, as the environment showcases some of the coast’s most beautiful sights. This beach is ideal for people who are traveling solo, groups of friends, or even families with young kids.
Waves at Canh Duong Beach are pretty gentle, making this spot a good choice for visitors who enjoy swimming, diving, and other water sports. By far, one of the most popular things to do here is camping, as the inland portion of the beach is lined with pine trees and relaxing sites to pitch a tent. Other activities include barbequing, bike riding, and fishing.
My Thuy Beach – 55 km | 1 hour 20 minutes
For those who want to experience a more rural beach with wide-open space, My Thuy Beach (Biển Mỹ Thuỷ) is a hidden gem on the coast just north of Hue. The sands are white and soft and docile and calm waves. Fishing boats are frequently seen leaving the shore, and the sunsets here are stunning over the sparkling water. There are a few seafood restaurants nearby right along the water, as well as a grocery store.
Since this is not a beach developed for tourism, it’s a great place to enjoy the ocean without all the crowds. While there are no resorts nearby, it’s not a far drive from Hue.
Lang Co Beach – 62 km | 1 hour 20 minutes
Located in the bay with a mountainous backdrop, Lang Co Beach (Bãi biển Lăng Cô) is considered to be one of the most beautiful beaches in the country. The white sands and teal waters are incredibly inviting, making this destination a popular place for resorts and restaurants right along the shore. This beach is just north of the famous Hai Van Pass, giving tourists easy access to multiple locations to explore Central Vietnam.
Activities like sunbathing, fishing, scuba diving, and indulging in fresh seafood are prevalent in this region. The best way to reach the area is by train, bus, or motorbike.
A trip to Hue can be filled with many tourist attractions and historical sights, but traveling to the area without spending some time at one of these beautiful beaches would be a mistake.
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