Vietnam may not have the reputation of its Southeast Asian neighbors for leaning palms and turquoise waters, but its 3400km of coastline hides its fair share of resplendent beaches – not to mention the handful of tropical, coral-ringed islands off shore. Here's our pick of the best beaches in Vietnam, whether you're looking for a stretch of sand near one of the country's buzzing cities, a spot suitable for families, or a quiet cove to escape the crowds.
Con Dao
Con Dao, though commonly referred to as a single island, is actually an archipelago of 16 islands off Vietnam's southern coast. Con Dao, once known for its harsh French prisons, is now known for its coral reefs, diverse marine life, and soft sandy beaches. Local home stays, budget hotels, and a few high-end resorts, most notably the Six Senses Con Dao, which offers access to the beautiful Dat Doc Beach, can be found on the main island of Con Son. The tranquil Lo Voi Beach is located north of Con Son town (and is surrounded by no hotels). Beyond the main island, nature lovers flock to the beaches of nearby Bay Canh island to see the annual release of baby sea turtles.
Ha Long Bay
If you're in Hanoi, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a quick and completely worthwhile day trip that takes about four hours by bus each way. Though best known for its world-famous limestone outcroppings, Ha Long Bay has a number of its own beaches, the most obvious of which is Bai Chay, the artificial setup that draws the majority of tourists. For the full experience, take a boat tour to Ti Top Island, an island in the middle of the bay with its own beach. If you have the time, make an overnight trip out of it and visit the less-traveled, white-sand-laden Ban Chan beach.
Phu Quoc
Phu Quoc, Vietnam's largest and westernmost island, is nestled in the Gulf of Thailand, just a stone's throw from Cambodia. Recently, Phu Quoc has become more popular among the tourist spots in Vietnam. While Phu Quoc National Park, a dense tropical jungle draped around scenic mountains, covers more than half of the teardrop-shaped island, its many beaches remain the main attraction. The most notable of these are Khem Beach, known as one of the world's best beaches, and Sao Beach, both located on the island's southern tip and offering palm trees, white sand, and breathtaking views.
My Khe beach - Da Nang
Vietnam's third-largest city, once a French colonial port on the central coast, is also home to some of the country's best beaches. And it has something for everyone, from bustling beaches a short drive from the city to more secluded spots for those looking for adventure.
Water sports enthusiasts can visit My Khe Beach, which is the closest beach to the city center and a world-renowned destination for surfing, snorkeling, and jet-skiing. Meanwhile, those seeking solitude can ride their bikes to the pristine Tien Sa Beach on the Son Tra Peninsula's northern tip.
An Bang Beach - Hoi An
An Bang, located 3 kilometers north of Hoi An, is one of Vietnam's most vibrant and enjoyable beaches. There's a beautiful stretch of fine sand and an enormous horizon (with less serious erosion than at Cua Dai), and only the distant Cham Islands break up the seaside symmetry. Staying at the beach and taking day trips to Hoi An is a good strategy for a relaxing trip to the area.
Nha Trang
This south-central city long boasted some of the world's most beautiful beaches, though tourism and development have made quite a dent in its landscape in recent years. Still, there remain a number of pristine, well-kept beaches and islands that are worth a visit if you find yourself in the area. At the city's main beach, called Nha Trang Beach or City Beach, you'll find that iconic view of the bay, along with a decently-sized crowd during peak hours. For more secluded options, check out the beaches on the nearby cluster of islands, including Hon Lon and Hon Tre, which is home to the gaudy but popular resort Vinpearl.
Doc Let
Stretching for 18km, the chalk-white sands and shallow turquoise waters of Doc Let ensure it ranks among Vietnam's best beaches. However, in the last few years developers have moved in big time, and busloads of tourists are herded here on tours from Nha Trang. Keep heading north along the coast for more secluded spots including Bai Bau and Bai Xep.
Ho Coc
If you have a car, take advantage of the newly built road out of Saigon and head to the less-known Ho Coc Beach on the picturesque eastern coast. The beach is located north of the Ho Tram hamlet in the Ba Ria-Vung Tau province, in a curved bay surrounded by forests and sand dunes. Though there are a few hotels and resorts along the way, the area is mostly undeveloped, with plenty of local seafood shacks and beach chairs for rent.
Mui Ne
A short distance from the hustle and bustle of Saigon, the area known as Mui Ne is famous for its coastline as well as a number of other natural wonders. Mui Ne, a small fishing town with beaches to rival those on this list, is distinguished by a majestic, nearby expanse of desert known as the White and Red Sand Dunes, which are popular for sand-surfing and even hot-air balloon rides. However, the best-known beach portion of the Mui Ne area is actually located a quick 15-minute drive away in the Ham Tien ward, which is also home to the surreal Suoi Tien, or "Fairy Stream," known for its hardened sand embankments and waterfall.
Ly Son
Ly Son Island, located off the central coast of Vietnam, is a cluster of volcanic craters that is not yet well-known among tourists. On the two main islands, Dao Lon and Dao Be, there are fewer palm trees and beach resorts; instead, there are many fascinating geological formations, over 50 temples and shrines, and world-famous garlic and seafood. The garlic farms dominate much of the Dao Lon, which can be smelled from miles away, but the acclaimed To Vo arch (pictured above) opens up to clear blue waters and fossil reefs.
If you have time, take a 15-minute ferry to Dao Be, also known as An Binh, where you can swim off the shores and admire the underwater views of seaweed fields and colorful reefs.
See more: Tour packages in Vietnam
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