Overview
Sun, sand, and saltwater: Vietnam is home to countless inviting beaches – some are well-known, others completely hidden. The islands of Con Dao and Phu Quoc are famous for having the most inviting water and pristine shores. If you enjoy a bit of activity and nightlife mixed into your beach holidays, the coastal towns of Danang and Nha Trang will spoil you with five-star resorts and parties. Beyond this, Vietnam offers countless lesser-known and remote beach destinations, such as Quy Nhon, Cham Islands and Tam Ky. Snorkelers, SCUBA divers and kite surfers will all find much to love along Vietnam’s breezy coastline.
Phu Quoc
Phu Quoc’s pure white beaches, clear waters, and laid-back vibes make it a favourite for couples and quiet getaways. Beyond the beach, Phu Quoc offers snorkelling and diving, as well as tours of An Thoi Islands just south. The main drag, known as Long Beach, is relaxed. Toward the island’s southern coast, Bai Sao is equally famous for its scenery and comes with the added adventure of navigating Phu Quoc’s dirt roads. Further north, Ong Lang Beach and the long, empty stretch of Bai Dai represent the island’s more secluded shores.
Con Dao
The stunning landscapes of Con Dao make it Vietnam’s next up-and-coming destination. A tiny archipelago off the southern coast, only a small number of travellers wind up in Con Dao. Though the trip requires extra effort, those who commit to the journey are rewarded with some of the country’s most remote beaches and beautiful scenery. Roughly 80% of the island belongs to Con Dao National Park and its dense jungle offers visitors the chance to hike, dive, snorkel or generally explore the island.
Mui Ne
A sleepy stretch along the southern coast, Mui Ne has evolved from once-barren shoreline to increasingly sophisticated seaside retreat over the years, catering mostly to travellers and kite surfers who come for the waves and mellow atmosphere.
Most of Mui Ne’s appeal comes from the 12-kilometre beach that runs from nearby Phan Thiet all the way to Mui Ne proper, where a traditional fishing village still remains. Down at the harbour, early risers can see an army of brightly coloured fishing boats bobbing up and down with the tide, while beachgoers are free to soak up the sun anywhere along Mui Ne’s main strip.
Danang
Danang is a true beach city, with the golden sands of My Khe sweeping south from the mountainous Son Tra Peninsula, dividing the city’s two distinct bays. The southern section of My Khe is home to a host of upscale resorts, but much of the sand still belongs to the people who make it their playground, gym and source of livelihood fishing the waters. Along the shore, fishermen sell the day’s catch, their traditional coracle fishing boats lending romance to the scene. Football and volleyball matches spring up spontaneously, and locals jog, stroll or simply relax with an iced Vietnamese coffee as the waves lap the sand.
Hoi An
An Bang Beach, just a 10-minute drive from the Ancient Town in Hoi An, lures travellers with the promise of seafood lunches, sandy stretches and cool waves. A string of seafood restaurants make this beach popular with locals on the weekends, while travellers have a wide selection of international restaurants to choose from. Several restaurants play live music on the weekends, and the roads near the beach are sprinkled with boutique resorts and B&Bs. An Bang is a favourite chill-out spot for a full day in the sun, complete with books, beach blankets, and bikinis.
Nha Trang
All year round, this sunny urban hotspot attracts both Vietnamese and foreign tourists with its clean, well-maintained beaches and vibrant nightlife. During the day, Nha Trang Beach is awash with sunbathers. A few kilometres south of the city, Long Beach is home to its own clutch of local seafood joints, as well as a couple of surfing spots which provide lessons and board rentals to visitors. Nha Trang plays hard during the day but its night-time energy is unmatched. Beachfront parties routinely take place at the Sailing Club, while dozens of other lively venues around town play dance music well into the night.
