Southern Vietnam has a lot of beautiful coastlines, so it’s no wonder that the best beaches near Nha Trang are on many travelers’ to-do lists. With gentle waves and azure waters throughout this part of the country, this attractive city brings in many local and international visitors.
The climate in Nha Trang is relatively mild, maintaining an average temperature of 26° C/78.8° F, and doesn’t swing too high or low like other parts of Vietnam. There are two distinct seasons in Nha Trang, with the rainy months being typically October through December, and the dry months being January through August.
Visiting the city during the rainy season might be prohibitive for doing outdoor activities, so most natives would recommend late winter or early spring for tourism. Consider booking a few nights at one of Nha Trang’s best beach resorts to stay right by the water.
Here are the top beaches near Nha Trang, in order of proximity from the city center.
Nha Trang Beach – 1 km | 2 minutes
Due to its close distance and excellent reputation, Nha Trang Beach is one of the most visited beaches in the city. The white sand and blue waters shimmer from the bay, alluring tourists and locals to come to hang out on the shore for a day of relaxation or water activities.
Many streets in Nha Trang lead to this beach, including Tran Phu Street, which is why this section of the coast is sometimes called “Tran Phu Beach.”. This beach is ideal for people who want to enjoy the city life and attractions with easy access to the ocean, as many hotels are nearby and within walking distance to the main promenade by the water.
Nha Trang Beach has a lovely stretch of a sandy area that’s perfect for sunbathing, wading in the sea, and swimming. Visitors can also dive, canoe, windsurf, fly board, and snorkel off these shores. After a day in the sun, tourists can shop and dine along the promenade that backs the beach. Rental equipment is offered from stores along this strip, as well.
Visitors also enjoy going up the Tram Huong Tower, a cultural building located right at the beach that offers sweeping views of the city and ocean. Inside the tower, people can also take the opportunity to learn more about the history and culture of the area.
Hon Chong Beach – 4 km | 10 minutes
Set about 4 km/2.5 miles from Nha Trang’s city center at the base of La San Hill, Hon Chong Beach offers some of the most unique scenery in the area. This beach isn’t a typical sandy one but has clusters of large rocks on the shore that flow into the teal water. There are two significant sections of rocks, named “husband” and “wife” in English, and the way they all lay together forms a pretty unusual sight. One of the most-visited rocks has an imprint of a “fish palm,” and another is a boulder that’s been trapped between two larger ones in the air.
Due to the enormous natural wall that these rocks have formed, it’s not too windy at this location and is safe from typhoons. The beach is open daily from 7 am to 7 pm, and for a fee, visitors can purchase tickets to climb the rocks and capture photographs of the sweeping sea views. The most convenient way to get to Hon Chong from the city is by taxi, motorbike, or bus. Other activities near this beach include fishing, eating at ocean-side restaurants, boating, or sipping a cup of hot coffee from a nearby cafe while admiring the views.
Hon Tre Beach – 10 to 15 minutes by cable car or boat
Hon Tre Beach is one of the biggest in Nha Trang, set on an island getaway easily accessible from the city. The white sands, bright teal waters, and tropical surroundings beg visitors to come to immerse themselves in this beautify, which emits relaxation from every corner. Also known as “Bamboo Island,” Hon Tre Island is home to the VinWonders Nha Trang amusement park, which offers guests something to do during their time in addition to hanging out at the beach. Several annual events also occur at Hon Tre Beach, such as the Ba Xua Chu and Ong Nam Hai festivals.
Hon Tre Island isn’t far from the Nha Trang, so getting there doesn’t take long. The three most popular ways to reach it are by motorboat, ferry, or cable car. After arriving on the island, people also like to stay for a few hours doing watersports or sunbathing on the sand. Guests that want to stay right at Hon Tre can also book accommodations right on the island.
Hon Mun Island – 10 km from Cau Da Port (Nha Trang
Even though it’s a boat ride away, getting to Hon Mun Island is worth the journey. Snorkelers and divers love the underwater paradise by the island, with beautiful and bright coral just underneath the surface. Hon Mun Island is also the country’s only ocean reserve and home to a treasured biodiverse ecosystem. Onshore is an exciting place, too, with beautiful limestone cliffs and caverns all over to explore and admire.
Nhu Tien Beach – 14 km | 25 minutes
Owned by the Diamond Bay Resort (affiliate link), the Nhu Tien Beach is a small slice of the coast with unspoiled white sands and deep blue waters. Located just 10 km/6 miles from the center of Nha Trang, this lovely little spot by the sea is just a few minutes away by bus ride or motorbike. Guests to the resort can use the beach for no cost, but the general public has to pay a small entry fee. Both sides of the beach are surrounded by fluffy green trees, providing a serene environment for everyone who visits.
Nhu Tien Beach is an idyllic place to swim, thanks to the lack of strong winds and beach equipment available for use. The cliffs around this little beach add dimension to the background, and the water is immaculate. Travelers staying at the resort will also have access to tennis courts, a golf course, various restaurant options, spa treatment, and equipment rental for water sports.
Bai Dai Beach – 29 km | 35 minutes
Located south of Nha Trang, the Bai Dai Beach, also known as “Long Beach,” is a treat for ocean lovers. The pristine sand and crystal waters are so inviting, stretching for 17 km/10.5 miles long, and the area isn’t too developed for tourism. There are a few hotels and restaurants along the shore, but it’s a relatively calm place with mostly rural features. Even though a lot of the coast has shallow waters, it’s best for small kids not to venture past that as there can be some strong currents going further out.
There are a several places to rent chairs, kayaks, and surfboards at the beach in exchange for a drink purchase, along with toilet and shower facilities. If you’re planning to spend a whole day at the beach, bring something to collect your garbage due to the lack of trashcans on the sand. The winds in the area really pick up in the fall around October, making this season ideal for surfing and other extreme sports. Other popular activities at Bai Dai Beach include picnicking and photography.
Doc Let Beach – 50 km | 1 hour 10 minutes
Doc Let Beach is a fantastic all-around beach that suits travelers of every budget level and style. Located just 45 km/28 miles from the heart of Nha Trang, this beach is crescent-shaped and lined with coconut trees along the shore. This coast area is also famed for its abundance and variety of fresh seafood, providing tourists and locals with many different fish to purchase.
The water at Doc Let Beach is clean, teal, and primarily shallow with gentle waves, making it a smart choice for families with kids and elderly members to visit. Snorkeling is a popular activity here, as visitors enjoy viewing the colorful coral reefs below the surface. Other ocean sports like water skiing, swimming, and windsurfing are equally trendy.
Jungle Beach – 62 km | 1 hour 20 minutes
This private beach is located to the northeast of Nha Trang and is a part of a larger resort that has accommodations. Most people who visit Jungle Beach stay for at least a night in the rustic bungalows, breathing in the sea breeze and sounds of the ocean as they slumber. Because most people who visit this beach are also staying the night, visitors to these sands are pretty exclusive. The rural area comprises unspoiled white sands and bright blue waters, perfect for anyone who wants to experience a type of beach camping with a few conveniences.
Hon Noi Beach – 2 hour boat ride from Nha Trang
Also known as “Dao Yen,” the Hon Noi Beach is set on an island a little ways off the Vietnam coast. The only way to get there is on a two-hour boat ride, but upon arrival are met with fantastic white sands and bright blue waters. Hon Noi Beach is famous for its double-sided beach area, with a strip of sand that divides a section of the water.
Snorkeling at Hon Noi Beach is a no-brainer with crystal clear waters and an array of unique fish and coral to view. There’s also a large population of salangane living on the island, which can be interesting to see during their nesting season. Some of the other small nearby islands can also be visited, but generally, most people find enough to do on Dao Yen.
Dai Lanh Beach – 84 km | 1 hour 40 minutes
Located just to the north of Nha Trang, Dai Lanh Beach is a beautiful destination option for a day trip from the city. This cozy beach is only about 1 km/0.6 miles long, but it isn’t often too crowded and provides a nice setup for a fun, tranquil day at the ocean. Then cream-colored sand and striking teal waters are great for families and couples looking to get some fresh salty air, and even during the stormy season, these waves don’t get too rough. The back of the beach is encompassed by trees, adding to that tropical ambiance.
Getting to Dai Lanh Beach from Nha Trang is most accessible by train, but motorbikes and bus rides will get you there, too. On the south side of this beach, there are amenities for visitors and families to use for convenience and enhance their experience. Lockers, showers, lounge chairs, thatched umbrellas, and changing rooms are available to use for a small charge.
Any one of these beautiful beaches would be an excellent place for some fun in the sun. Vietnam is home to so many kilometers of gorgeous coastlines it would be a shame not to check out any on your next trip to Nha Trang.