The Best Beaches in Vietnam

Vietnam has over 2,000 miles of stunning coastline, in addition to an array of beautiful offshore islands. It is no wonder that this is one of Southeast Asia’s top destinations for those after a bit of sun and sand.

Deciding which beach destination is best for you can be an overwhelming decision at first. Each area has its own advantages, so we have broken down the best beaches in Vietnam below.

Due to the long coastline, Vietnam’s beach destinations are spread across the country, and each region has its own micro-climate. This means that no matter what your itinerary and travel dates, it’s easy to fit in a few days R&R at some point!

Here are what we consider the top beaches of Vietnam, ordered from north to south:

Lang Co Bay

Best for: Getting away from it all

Lang Co Bay, located in between Hue and Danang, is a little-known slice of paradise. If you are looking for water sports and nightlife then this is not the place for you. Instead, you will find a gorgeous crescent-shaped curve of white sand and clear blue water. The bay remains mercifully undeveloped, and there are couple of tranquil high-end resorts and a smattering of local restaurants in the nearby fishing village.

Best time to visit: February to September

Where to stay: There are only two real options at the moment, both of which are great. The luxurious Banyan Tree Lang Co is the top resort in the bay, while the Angsana Lang Co offers a more family-friendly alternative.

Danang

Best for: History and sunbathing

Once a former capital of the Cham Kingdom, Danang was more recently notable for being the R&R spot for American GIs during the Vietnam War. Nowadays, this is one of central Vietnam’s most impressive stretches of white sandy beach. Reaching for over 20 miles from Danang down to Hoi An, this is often named as one of the most beautiful beaches in Asia. Danang has something for everyone, with great hotels and restaurants, as well as plenty of activities and historical sights within easy reach for a day trip. Great for sunbathers and action-seekers alike. Not to mention the sunsets are spectacular!

Best time to visit: February to September

Where to stay: The Intercontinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort is a sprawling luxury resort with an exclusive private beachfront. The idyllic Naman Retreat is closer to Hoi An, and has some fantastic beachfront villas.

Hoi An

Best for: Culture and families

Hoi An is most famous for its charming Ancient Town. However, this can be a fantastic beach destination as well, particularly for families travelling in the summer holidays when Central Vietnam’s weather is at its best. An Bang Beach is the most famous and most popular of Hoi An’s beaches. This is a lovely expanse of white sand, with plenty of bars and restaurants and sun loungers. For a quieter spot head to the southern section of An Bang or to ‘Hidden Beach’, located in between An Bang and Cua Dai.

Best time to visit: February to September

Where to stay: There is no shortage of good hotels along the beachfront near Hoi An. The Boutique Hoi An Resort is our pick of the superior level options, while the sumptuous Four Seasons The Nam Hai is one of the top beach resorts in the country. The beach is close to the town, so you also have your pick of the hotels closer to the Ancient Town as well, for the best of both worlds.

Qui Nhon (Quy Nhon)

Best for: Up and coming

Qui Nhon (also known as Quy Nhon) has long been popular with local holidaymakers, but it is now creeping onto the radar of more and more international tourists. Outside the city the coastline is dotted with gorgeous sandy beaches, hidden coves, and several sleepy fishing villages. For now the area remains very underdeveloped, with just a few local hotels, and now two fantastic international resorts. With the new Vietage luxury train connecting the city to Danang and Hoi An, a visit to Qui Nhon is easier and more tempting than ever. 

Best time to visit: December to May

Where to stay: The Avani Quy Nhon Resort is an understated superior level resort where every room has an ocean view, while the nearby all-villa Anantara Quy Nhon Villas is the most luxurious property in the area, both set on a magnificent stretch of beach.

Nha Trang

Best for: Variety

Nha Trang is one of Vietnam’s best-known beach resorts. It has long been popular with local visitors, backpackers, and more upscale travellers as well. Nha Trang city boasts a five-mile stretch of uninterrupted sun and sand. Staying in or near the city gives you access to this beautiful sandy beach, a good range of hotel options, and no end of shops, restaurants and bars. Although the city and its beach can be busy, you don’t have to go too far out to find some beautiful and quiet bays. For example, Bai Dai Beach, or Doc Let Beach on the Hon Khoi Peninsula, around an hour’s drive south of Nha Trang.

Best time to visit: January to September

Where to stay: The Evason Ana Mandara is the best option close to the city, right on Nha Trang Beach. Heading further out, the Mia Resort and the Anam offer a more peaceful experience but still with easy reach of the city. For the ultimate in luxury and tranquility then the spectacular Amanoi is unparalleled for both. 

Ninh Van Bay

Best for: Luxury

Just across from Nha Trang, and accessible only by boat, the remote peninsula of Ninh Van Bay is the place to go if you are looking for luxury and seclusion. Due to its isolated location this area has a remote castaway vibe. There are no hostels and beach bars here. The only accommodation is at high-end exclusive resorts, each with their own private beaches and amenities. Activities can be arranged from the resorts, such as snorkeling, diving, hiking, etc. The city is accessible by boat if you wish to visit, but everything you need is right here.   

Best time to visit: January to September

Where to stay: There are three luxury resorts to choose from. The Six Senses Hideaway is the top resort, perfect for couples and families alike, while the chic An Lam Retreats caters to adults only. The nearby l’Alya is the most affordable of the three resorts. 

Mui Ne / Phan Thiet

Best for: Active travellers

A four-hour drive from Ho Chi Minh City, Mui Ne Beach in Phan Thiet is one of Vietnam’s most accessible beach resorts. Although a number of guesthouses and resorts have now sprung up in the area, Mui Ne still retains its original traditional fishing village and the early morning fish markets offer a fascinating glimpse at the lives of the local fisherman who still work in the area. Phan Thiet is also one of Vietnam’s premier fish sauce producing areas. Mui Ne Beach is a haven for action seekers, as it is a world-famous windsurfing destination. Another draw is the surrounding sand dunes, where you can go quad biking, sandboarding, and take jeep rides across the dunes. This isn’t Vietnam’s quietest beach destination, but it is one of the most fun! 

Best time to visit: November to April

Where to stay: There is an array of hotels to suit every budget here. Our favourite small resorts are the friendly Cham Villas and more upmarket Sailing Club Mui Ne. The top resort in the area is the luxurious Anantara Resort & Spa. 

Con Dao Islands

Best for: Diving

The Con Dao Islands are found off the southern coast of Vietnam, reached by a short domestic flight or a lengthy speedboat journey from Ho Chi Minh City. This collection of 16 islands was once a French penal colony, and some of the ruined prisons can still be seen today. Now however, it is an exclusive island paradise which sees only a few visitors a year due to its remote location and limited accommodation options. The islands are now a protected area and are full of unspoilt beaches and pristine mangrove forests. This is one of Vietnam’s best spots for marine wildlife, and is one of the country’s top places for diving and snorkelling. The waters are at their clearest for diving from February to July, and May to October is turtle hatching season across the islands. 

Best time to visit: March to June

Where to stay: The top resort is undoubtedly the Six Senses Con Dao, but the Poulo Condor Boutique Resort & Spa offers a fine superior level alternative for those with a lower budget.  

Phu Quoc Island

Best for: All-round

Vietnam’s largest island Phu Quoc is found right in the south of Vietnam, close to Cambodia. Phu Quoc’s development has moved quickly and this is no longer a sleepy undiscovered island. There are now hotels and resorts to suit every taste and budget, whether you are an active family or a couple looking to get away from it all. Due to the island’s size travelers can take their pick from the busy resorts close to town or on the bustling Long Beach, or choose to base themselves on one of the quieter bays in the north or south. Duong Dong town has some good restaurants and a great night market with some fantastic seafood. The beaches on the East Coast, such as beautiful Sao Beach, are less developed than on the West Coast. With stunning beaches, lush forest and a mountainous interior, and great hotels Phu Quoc really does have it all!

Best time to visit: November to April

Where to stay: Long Beach has the highest concentration of accommodation, with our picks being Cassia Cottage and La Veranda Resort. For a quieter experience, the eco-friendly Mango Bay has a stunning beachfront and barefoot luxury style, or the impressive Nam Nghi Resort occupies its own peninsula. Families can enjoy the extensive facilities at the Salinda Resort or The Shells Resort & Spa.

A beach stay can be fitted into almost any Vietnam itinerary. We can adapt any of our existing tours to include the beach destination of your choice, or put together a bespoke tour just for you. Get in touch to speak to one of our consultants to start planning your perfect adventure.