9 Absolute Best Beach Towns In Vietnam For Every Traveler   

As exciting as planning a trip to the exotic beaches of Vietnam can be, it can also be a challenge. When planning such a big trip to a country riddled with amazing destinations, choosing where to go in Vietnam for your next holiday is no easy feat. To help, we’ve narrowed down the absolute best beach towns in Vietnam along with how to get there, what to do there and where to stay so that you can have an amazing trip to the incredible country of Vietnam.

Here are the seven best beach towns to visit in Vietnam:

• An Bang, Hoi An: Best Overall Beach Destination in Vietnam
• Long Beach (Bai Dai), Phu Quoc: Best For Families and Vietnam First-Timers
• Monkey Island, Cat Ba: Best For Wilderness Lovers
• Lang Co, Hue: Best For Luxury Travelers
• My Khe, Da Nang: Best For Nightlife
• Cu Lao Cham, Hoi An: Best For Those Seeking a Quiet Island Escape
• Ninh Van Bay, Nha Trang: Most Romantic Beach Destination in Vietnam
• Mui Ne, Phan Thiet: Best For Outdoor Sports Enthusiasts
• Dam Trau, Con Dao: Best For Unspoiled Beaches

1. An Bang, Hoi An: Best Overall Beach Destination in Vietnam

An Bang Beach is situated only three miles away from the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hoi An. Unlike the busy atmosphere and vibrant storefronts of the historical town, An Bang Beach offers a tranquil setting with picturesque views of nature. To spend a relaxing day soaking up the sun, all you need to do is bike from the port of Hoi An.

What to Expect in An Bang Beach

An Bang Beach is a popular destination in Hoi An for tourists of all ages, nationalities, and group sizes looking for a place to unwind and escape the summer heat. It offers a nice balance of low-key beach vibes while still being close to Hoi An, a city that offers travelers just about everything they could want.

Things to Do in An Bang

At the beach, you’ll find many different restaurants to choose from. They serve both local and Western-style dishes. You can also relax with live music, drinks, and comfortable bean bags in a casual beach setting.

When to Visit An Bang

The beach is enjoyable all year round, but the recommended time to visit is during the dry season which is from March to September.

How to Get to An Bang

An Bang is only about a 10-minute drive from Hoi An, making it a very accessible beach destination in Vietnam. A tax from the city center to the beach will cost around three to five dollars.

2. Long Beach (Bai Dai), Phu Quoc: Best For Families and Vietnam First-Timers

Phu Quoc Island, located off the southern province of Kien Giang in Vietnam, is known for its natural beauty and clear turquoise water. While it was once a prison island during the French colonial era, it has now been recognized as a top honeymoon destination by U.K. travel magazine Rough Guides and is also considered one of the world’s best places to watch sunsets, according to National Geographic’s 2018 list.

Long Beach is the most popular spot in Phu Quoc. It is situated on the northwest coast and extends up to 15 km long. It takes only a fifty-minute car ride from Phu Quoc International Airport to reach there.

What to Expect in Long Beach

Long Beach offers the perfect setting for photographers looking to capture stunning images. Its beautiful palm trees, clear water, and blue sky make stunning backdrops–never mind it’s notoriously incredible sunset.

Things to Do In Long Beach, Phu Quoc

There is a lot to do in Long Beach beyond the beach, enjoying water activities and admiring its incredible sunsets. For those that are looking for a bit of adventure in addition to relaxation, there’s kayaking, snorkeling, fishing on a boat, or exploring the town on a bike.

Around Phu Quoc there’s no shortage of things to do, from visiting the old Phu Quoc Prison (also known as Coconut Tree Prison) and trying new foods in the Phu Quoc Night Market to taking in amazing views via the Phu Quoc cable car and spotting live starfish at Starfish Beach.

When to Visit Long Beach, Phu Quoc

Long Beach is best visited for a beach vacation from November to March each year.

How to Get to Long Beach, Vietnam

You can easily travel to Phu Quoc Island from Ho Chi Minh City via a short 45-minute direct flight. Low-cost airlines like VietJet and Jetstar offer flights for less than $50 each way. However, be aware that these airlines have strict baggage policies and are known for their frequent delays.

If the idea of another flight makes your skin crawl, fast ferries also depart from the mainland to Phu Quoc from Ha Tien or Rach Gia towns. Check ferry schedules and prices on Bookaway.com.

3. Monkey Island, Cat Ba: Best For Wilderness Lovers

Monkey Island is a popular destination among the 367 islands in the Cat Ba Archipelago. Its stunning, unspoiled beauty never fails to impress visitors. You can reach it by cruise ships or boats, and from the shore, you can enjoy a view of the other islands scattered in the sea and extending into the horizon.

What to Expect on Monkey Island, Cat Ba

Monkey Island is an ideal destination for a beach vacation because of its curved shape, which gives a cozy and protected feeling. The turquoise water is beautiful, and the rugged mountains that surround the beach complement it perfectly.

Things to Do on Monkey Island, Vietnam

On Monkey Island, Cat Ba, Vietnam, there are plenty of activities to keep visitors entertained. There’s something for everyone, from relaxing on the beach to exploring the national park. In addition to enjoying the enchanting beaches and spending time with the island’s famous monkeys, visitors can also explore the Cat Ba National Park, which is a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. The park is great for hiking, and the area is known for its delicious seafood.

Best Time to Visit

The comfortable temperature and ample sunshine make spring and autumn excellent seasons to fully enjoy your time on this stunning island.

How to Get to Monkey Beach, Cat Ba

To reach Monkey Island Nha Trang, which is situated 18 kilometers away from the city center, various transportation options exist that cater to different needs and budgets. For those who are unsure about the directions, refer to the instructions below to reach Monkey Island Nha Trang:

• From the center of Nha Trang to Long Phu port: To save money, people usually choose to rent motorbikes for small groups or taxis for large groups. Renting a motorbike costs between 130,000 and 150,000 VND per day, while a taxi costs 200,000 VND.
• From Long Phu port to Monkey Island Vietnam Nha Trang: To reach the location, you can buy a ship ticket. The fee for adults is a fixed amount of 180,000 VND per person. Children below 130 centimeters in height can buy tickets for just 90,000 VND. This short ride is popular among visitors as they get to experience the sea’s beauty, which is rare amid busy city life.

Learn more about Monkey Island, how to get there and what to get up to while you’re there.

4. Lang Co, Hue: Best For Luxury Travelers

Lang Co beach, located at the center of Vietnam, is famous for its scenic beauty and breathtaking view of the surrounding mountains. One interesting feature of the location is that it enjoys a refreshing sea breeze on one side and fresh air from the Bach Ma National Park on the other.

What to Expect in Lang Co

Lang Co is a peaceful beach with friendly locals near Hue city, known for its white sand and beautiful turquoise lagoons. While it feels very remote, there are a couple of high-end resorts nearby giving luxury travelers a great place to post up in Vietnam. While it’s a long drive from Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, it is easy to access via a flight to Phu Bai International Airport, which is about 3 miles south of Hue city center.

Things to Do Near Lang Co

Just one hour away from Hue City, the UNESCO World Heritage Site, it attracts day trippers looking for leisure time on the beach. For those who wish to stay longer, Banyan Tree Lang Co is a beach-front high-end resort offering lagoon, beachfront, or hillside villas with dramatic vistas spread across a rugged landscape.

When to Visit

To avoid colder temperatures which can be below 20 degrees Celsius, the recommended time to visit Lang Co is between March and June.

How to Get to Lang Co 

The easiest way to get to Lang Co is to fly to Phu Bai International Airport. From there, Lang Co is about a 30-mile drive, which takes about an hour and 15 minutes.

At present, Phu Bai International Airport, located just outside of Hue city center, is serviced exclusively by Vietnam Airlines. Domestic flights are available connecting Hue to Hanoi with three daily flights and Ho Chi Minh City with four daily flights.

5. My Khe, Da Nang: Best For Nightlife

My Khe is one of the most stunning beaches in Vietnam with its smooth white sand and beautiful scenery. It has been recognized as one of the most attractive beaches in the world by Forbes. Visitors enjoy its long and flat white sandy beaches, ample sunlight, and a variety of accommodation options, including standard hotels and luxury beach resorts.

What to Expect in My Khe

This beach is situated in Da Nang City and has a 10 km coastline running from Son Tra Peninsula to Marble Mountain. It is an ideal location for family vacations as it is convenient for staying and traveling.

Things to Do Near My Khe

Khe Beach and Da Nang City have a lively atmosphere, offer beach sports, and have gorgeous sunrises. Additionally, visitors can explore local markets and bars for a bustling nightlife. And of course, don’t forget to try the unique local food specialty.

When to Visit

The best time to visit and fully enjoy the beach is during the summer months of May through August.

How to Get to My Khe

The easiest way to reach My Khe Beach is by taking a flight to Da Nang International Airport. From there, it’s just a short five to 10-minute drive to My Khe Beach. You can take a taxi for about $5, and budget travelers will be happy to hear that there’s a bus that goes to the beach in under 30 minutes for less than $1. There are domestic and international flights available from Vietnam Airlines, Jetstar, and VietjetAir that will take you to Da Nang.

Learn more about how to get to Me Khe from Da Nang International Airport.

6. Cu Lao Cham, Hoi An: Best For Those Seeking a Quiet Island Escape

One of the most amazing destinations on this list is Cu Lao Cham, also known as the “Pearl of the East Asian Sea.” It has been recognized by UNESCO as one of the world’s Biosphere Reserves, and the island boasts well-preserved marine biodiversity. You can easily reach the island by driving for one hour from Hoi An’s old town.

What to expect in Cu Lao Cham

Cu Lao Cham is a peaceful beach destination in Vietnam, perfect for escaping the hustle and bustle of daily life. The island boasts beautiful scenery with lush palm trees, clear green water, and serene sandy shores.

Things to do in Cu Lao Cham

Cu Lao Cham, which was a prominent trading port during the 15th-century Champa Kingdom era, provides a chance for tourists to explore historical artifacts and gain knowledge about the Cham culture. Outside of exploring temples and historic sites, expect activities to center around water activities such as snorkeling, diving and visiting Cam Thanh Coconut Village where you can take a basket boat down the river.

When to Visit Cu Lao Cham

The best time to enjoy the unspoiled beauty of Cu Lao Cham at its peak is between March and August.

How to Get to Cu Lao Cham

To reach Cham Island from Hoi An, you have three transportation options from Hoi An. So the first step is to get to Hoi An. From there, the first option is to take a public ferry from Bach Dang Wharf to Cua Dai Pier. The second option is to take a speedboat from Cua Dai Beach. Third, travel via a traditional Vietnamese sailing boat.

7. Ninh Van Bay, Nha Trang: Most Romantic Beach Destination in Vietnam

Always on the top list of must-visit beaches in Vietnam, Ninh Van Bay is the dream destination for those who wish to admire the precious gift of nature in Southern Vietnam. This remote bay is accessed only by a 20-minute speedboat ride and is surrounded by majestic mountains, providing the utmost relaxing atmosphere to every beach lover. 

What to Expect in Nha Trang

Ninh Van Bay has crystal clear blue sea water and stunning marine life. If you go snorkeling, you’ll be able to see beautiful coral reefs, while kayaking will take you to untouched nature. The area is not yet overcrowded with hotels because of its secluded location. If you have an adequate budget, luxurious beach resorts such as Six Senses Ninh Van Bay and L’Alyana Ninh Van Bay offer villas with private swimming pools and unbeatable ocean views. The beach has a romantic atmosphere and is perfect for honeymooners or couples looking to rekindle their love.

Things to Do in Ninh Van Bay

In Vietnam, Ninh Van Bay is a stunning destination that provides various activities for tourists. Here are the most recommended things to do in Ninh Van Bay: relaxing on the beach, snorkeling, scuba diving or kayaking in the crystal-clear waters amid colorful marine life (including fish and coral reef), and enjoy a boat tour to experience Ninh Van Bay from the water and to explore its surrounding islands, such as Hon Lao Island and Hon Heo Peninsula.

Off the water, there are still a ton of great things to do in and around Ninh Van Bay. For example, there is a protected area called Hon Lao Nature Reserve located near Ninh Van Bay, which houses various rare and endangered species of plants and animals. Those that want some exercise and the reward of beautiful views, are hikes in the surrounding mountains. 

For some history, check out the Po Nagar Cham Towers, which are a group of ancient Hindu temples nearby and to experience more of the local culture, visit the Nha Trang Night Market, where you can find a wide range of goods, including handicrafts, clothing, and souvenirs from local sellers.

When to Visit Ninh Van Bay

To have the optimal experience for sailing and hiking, we recommend visiting Ninh Van Bay between April and September when the average temperature ranges from 26 to 29 degrees Celsius.

How to Get to Ninh Van Bay

To reach Ninh Van Bay, you’ll need to travel by water. If you are staying at Six Senses Hideaway (one of the few hotels in Ninh Van Bay), you get a speedboat transfer from Nha Trang, which takes approximately 20 minutes. If you’re staying elsewhere, you can hire a speedboat transfer on your own.

8. Mui Ne, Phan Thiet: Best For Outdoor Sports Enthusiasts 

Families looking for a unique experience for their children shouldn’t miss Mui Ne Beach, which is a four-hour drive away from Ho Chi Minh City. This beach offers an amazing combination of the desert on one side and the beautiful ocean on the other. Moreover, Mui Ne Beach has a fairly tropical climate, so you can visit it any time of the year.

What to Expect in Mui Ne Beach

Mui Ne is an ideal destination for wind sports enthusiasts, particularly kite-boarding and windsurfing, due to its extensive stretch of sparkling sandy shore covering a distance of nearly 5 km. A plethora of rental shops and classes are available for equipment hire. However, if you aren’t interested in sports, it’s equally pleasurable to relax on the beach under a sunshade during daylight hours, go for a leisurely stroll, or even take a dip in the water.

Things to Do in Mui Ne

Mui Ne has an attraction called the Red Sand Dunes that is quite unique and mystical. It’s a great spot for sandboarding (for kids and adults alike). In addition to the red sand dunes, there are also picturesque white sand dunes overlooking the ocean–making for a magical experience. This is unique in the area and is something that sets Mui Ne apart from the other beach destinations in Vietnam.

Aside from the beach, beach activities and sports, the local Mui Ne fishing village and market is not to be missed. Take a breath-taking hike through Fairy Stream and visit the Po Shanu Cham Towers, which are remnants of the Champa Empire.

When to Visit Mui Ne

The best time to travel to Mui Ne is from April to August because the sea water is clear and the weather is cool.

How to Get to Mui Ne

Mui Ne is about a 3 to 3.5-hour drive from Ho Chi Minh City. However, if you’re not looking to drive, you can get to Mui Ne by bus, which takes about four hours as it takes a 30-minute rest stop about halfway through the journey. You can quickly book a ticket through one of the numerous tour agencies in town or go straight to the bus station. Most of the buses are “sleeper-style” so while it’s not an overly long drive, it does offer additional comfort compared to a standard bus.

If you don’t want to self-drive or take a bus, it is possible to get to Mui Ne by train. However, there are train stops in Mui Ne. Instead, you will need to get off at the Phan Thiet railway station and take a taxi for the last 25 miles to Mui Ne.

9. Dam Trau, Con Dao: Best For Unspoiled Beaches

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Con Dao is a great option if you’re unsure of where to go in Vietnam and are looking for a peaceful beach destination without the crowds and plenty to do. Con Dao is part of an archipelago off the southern coast of Vietnam, with Bai Tram being one of 16 islets there. It is known for its pristine beaches and tranquil environment and has been listed as one of the top 15 beaches in Southeast Asia.

What to Expect in Dam Trau

Although Con Dao is known for its welcoming locals, laid-back lifestyle, and beautiful surroundings, its past is dark. From 1862 to 1975, the island served as a prison under the French colonialists and later the American-backed South Vietnamese. Despite this history, visitors can now explore the prison and learn about Vietnam’s past.

Things to Do in Dam Trau

Dam Trau is located just one hour by flight from Ho Chi Minh City. The place is home to a stunning coastline, palm-shaded beaches, turquoise water, rainforest trails, nesting sea turtles, and the best diving spot in the country. You can swim in the lovely water and enjoy the beach while getting a tan. Dam Trau is also famous for serving fresh and delicious seafood at an affordable price.

When to visit Dam Trau

For the best weather, plan your trip between March and October.

How to Get to Dam Trau

The most convenient way to get to Con Dao is by taking a short one-hour flight operated by Vasco Airlines from Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN) in Ho Chi Minh City. Be sure to book your flight in advance as flights to SGN typically become fully booked a week in advance.

Reasons to Choose Vietnam For Your Next Asian Beach Destination

Though Vietnam is often overshadowed by Thailand, it boasts a laundry list of alluring beach destinations, incredible wilderness, great food and an amazing culture. It has something for just about every type of traveler too. From the pristine beaches of Tuy Hoa to the postcard-worthy beaches of Con Dao and Ninh Van Bay, you are sure to find the perfect beach town for you.

Vast Number of Unspoiled Beaches

Vietnam actually boasts 2,030 miles of coastline with several famous tropical islands that can compete with those of its neighboring country. Not only is there a host of beaches, but there is a large array of quiet and largely unspoiled beaches.

Value for Money

Another benefit of Vietnam getting overshadowed by Thailand is that not only are its beaches largely unspoiled, but it’s also a better value for your money. While it’s possible to spend a lot of money in Vietnam, your money typically goes further providing a better value for what you pay and in general, it tends to be more budget-friendly for travelers.

Great Weather During the Winter Months (November – April)

The country’s tropical climate, particularly in its southern region, attracts beach enthusiasts worldwide to bask in the year-round warmth and cool ocean breeze. The locals are friendly and hospitable, typical of coastal communities. Other draws include breathtaking sunsets, quaint fishing villages, and luxurious beachfront resorts situated atop cliffs overlooking the sea.

Food, Culture and History

Vietnam is so much more than just beautiful beaches, which is in part what makes it such an incredible vacation destination. From the colonial architecture of historic Hanoi, the bustling life of Saigon, and the charming vibes of Hoi An old town, Vietnam is a wonder to experience.

Bottom Line: Best Beach Towns in Vietnam

When it comes to choosing the best beach town in Vietnam for vacation, there are many factors to consider. First and foremost is location; each of Vietnam’s beaches offers its own unique atmosphere and features. There are several well-known beach towns throughout the country, such as Mui Ne and Dam Trau, but other lesser-known options may be worth exploring if you’re looking for a more off-the-beaten-path experience.

No matter which beach town you choose in Vietnam, there will be plenty of unforgettable memories made along the way.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)