Guide to the Best Beaches in Vietnam in 2025
Vietnam, with its thousands of kilometers of coastline, is a top destination for those seeking the best beaches in Vietnam. This guide is your key to discovering the seaside jewels that make the country famous. Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, finding the best beaches is easy with our comprehensive list. From the dramatic landscapes of the north to the idyllic islands of the south, we’ll explore why these spots are considered the best beaches in Vietnam for your 2025 holiday.
Beaches of North Vietnam
Let’s begin our exploration in northern Vietnam. While many travellers look south for sandy shores, some of the best beaches can be found here, offering strikingly beautiful and unique seascapes.
Cat Ba Island (Lan Ha Bay)
Cat Ba Island, known as the “Pearl of the Gulf of Tonkin,” is a major destination and home to what many consider some of the best beaches in Vietnam for a peaceful atmosphere. It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, like neighbouring Ha Long Bay, and is distinguished by its exceptional natural setting away from the tourist crowds. Cat Ba offers several beaches, including Cat Co 1, Cat Co 2, and Cat Co 3, ideal for swimming and relaxation.
Monkey Island beach, accessible by boat, is famous for its clear waters and picturesque setting, while Cat Co 1 is probably the most attractive of the three main beaches, with its white sand backed by wooded hills. Here, visitors can enjoy a variety of water sports such as kayaking, jet-skiing, and surfing, and enjoy a natural and calm atmosphere.
Practical Information: To get to Cat Ba, there are direct buses from Hanoi to the Cat Ba pier in Haiphong, and then a ferry to the island (allow 3 to 4 hours of travel time depending on traffic). The Cai Beo pier, located 2 km from the center of Cat Ba, is the starting point for excursions to Lan Ha Bay.
Ha Long Bay
Ha Long Bay, located in the Gulf of Tonkin, in Quang Ninh province in northeastern Vietnam, is an exceptional natural site and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Famous for its karst landscapes, it also offers some beaches and coves with clear waters, perfect for swimming and relaxation. It is important to note that Ha Long Bay is a victim of its own success and can be very crowded with tourists. For a more tranquil and intimate experience, it is advisable to visit Lan Ha Bay, where many of the region’s best beaches are located.
Co To Island
Co To Island is located in the Gulf of Bac Bo, off the coast of Quang Ninh province, in northeastern Vietnam, about 9 kilometers from Ha Long Bay. With its wild and unspoiled beaches, Co To is the ideal destination for travelers seeking untouched nature. Remarkably, Co To’s beaches have white sand, which is quite rare in northern Vietnam. Still relatively undeveloped for tourism, Co To is appreciated for its authenticity and peaceful atmosphere. It offers three main beaches: Van Chay, Hong Van, and Bac Van, offering preserved natural settings and few foreign tourists.
Practical Information: It is advisable to avoid the summer season, the period when Vietnamese tourists flock to the island. Co To is accessible by boat from the city of Haiphong or other nearby coastal points, with regular connections.
Beaches of Central Vietnam
Let’s continue our journey to central Vietnam.
My Khe Beach (Da Nang)
“The most beautiful beaches in Vietnam”
My Khe Beach, located in the Son Tra district of Da Nang, is one of the most famous and beautiful beaches in Vietnam. It stretches for about ten kilometers, from the foot of the Son Tra peninsula to the Marble Mountains. Often listed among the 10 most beautiful beaches in Asia, it offers a long expanse of fine sand, turquoise water, and a “city-beach” atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy various activities such as surfing, paddleboarding, morning walks, and seafood tasting in the many restaurants. The beach is also close to tourist sites such as the Marble Mountains and the Dragon Bridge.
Practical Information: To ensure the safety of visitors, lifeguards patrol daily from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. My Khe is located about 3 kilometers southeast of Da Nang city center, making it easily accessible.
An Bang Beach (Hoi An)
A little further south, near the historic city of Hoi An (about 5 kilometers away), is An Bang Beach. This quiet beach is perfect for relaxing after visiting the old town. An Bang is distinguished by its clear waters, fine sand, and gentle waves, offering an ideal setting for swimming, lounging, or simply contemplating the sunrises and sunsets. The beach is less crowded than other popular beaches like My Khe in Da Nang, giving it a more intimate and relaxing atmosphere. The atmosphere is relaxed, with many cafes and restaurants by the sea.
Lang Co (near Hue)
Further north, near Hue, is Lang Co. Located in Thua Thien Hue province, about 60-70 km south of Hue city and 20-40 km from Da Nang, this long, uncrowded beach offers a preserved natural setting, ideal for nature and tranquillity lovers. At the foot of the famous Hai Van Pass, a beach of fine, soft white sand unfolds, bordered by clear and calm waters, creating a spectacular panorama combining sea and mountains.
“Coastal paradise”
Beaches of South-Central Vietnam
South-central Vietnam is also home to magnificent beaches, starting with Nha Trang.
Nha Trang
Nha Trang is a major seaside destination in Vietnam, famous for its spectacular beaches, turquoise waters, and lively atmosphere combining nature and urban life. The city stretches along Nha Trang Bay, bordered by a 6- to 7-kilometer main beach of fine sand called Tran Phu Beach, very popular for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. Popular activities in Nha Trang include diving, snorkeling, and excursions to nearby islands like Hon Mun and Hon Tam. The city enjoys a pleasant climate almost all year round, with 300 days of sunshine.
Practical Information: To get to Nha Trang, the city is served by Cam Ranh International Airport, located 40 km away, and has a wide range of accommodation, from budget hostels to luxury resorts, especially on Hon Tre Island.
Doc Let Beach
About 50 km north of Nha Trang is Doc Let Beach. This 18 km long beach is attractive for its white sand, palm trees, and clear blue water. It is renowned for its preserved natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere, often nicknamed the “Little Hawaii” of Vietnam. The beach stretches for about 2.5 kilometers and is divided into three zones: a northern zone with beachfront hotels, a central zone with a lively port, and a more isolated and quiet southern zone, very popular with couples for sunsets. Less crowded and more authentic than those in downtown Nha Trang, Doc Let is the ideal beach for families thanks to its shallow waters and activities such as diving, fishing, and camping
Mui Ne
Further south, Mui Ne is another popular destination. Located in the province of Binh Thuan, Mui Ne is a seaside resort famous for its unique landscapes combining beaches, sand dunes, and local culture. Its beach is known for its sand dunes and kitesurfing and windsurfing spots, making it an ideal place for water sports enthusiasts. The Cham towers of Po Shanu, vestiges of an ancient civilization, offer a captivating historical and cultural immersion.
Practical Information: Mui Ne is accessible by bus or car from Ho Chi Minh City in 4 to 5 hours.
Ninh Chu and Binh Tien
Finally, Ninh Chu and Binh Tien are two remarkable beaches located in Ninh Thuan province. These beaches are renowned for their natural beauty, peaceful atmosphere, and varied landscapes. Binh Tien is nicknamed “the hidden pearl” for its unspoiled natural beauty, while Ninh Chau is a crescent-shaped beach more than 10 kilometers long, located about 5 km south of Phan Rang. Ninh Chu is famous for its fine, light yellow sand, and clean, calm waters, offering an ideal setting for swimming, lounging, and barefoot walks on the sand.
Beaches of South Vietnam
Let’s conclude our exploration with southern Vietnam, famous for its islands and idyllic beaches.
Paradisiacal beaches of Phu Quoc Phu Quoc Island
Located in Kien Giang province, Phu Quoc is the largest island in Vietnam. It is famous for its immaculate white sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and preserved nature. In 2025, Phu Quoc stands out as a major seaside destination offering a wide range of activities, tourist sites, and modern infrastructure. With a coastline of 150 kilometres boasting many magnificent, calm, and swim-friendly beaches, Phu Quoc is renowned for its Star Beach (Bai Sao) and Long Beach. Visitors can enjoy clear water, white sand, and an ideal setting for swimming, snorkelling, and relaxation. Nature is also a highlight with Phu Quoc National Park, a nature reserve rich in biodiversity where visitors can hike and observe the local flora and fauna.
Practical Information: Phu Quoc is easily accessible thanks to an international airport serving the island directly, and offers a special visa exemption: foreign visitors do not need a Vietnam visa if they stay no more than 30 days in Phu Quoc.
Con Dao Archipelago
The Con Dao Islands, located off the southern coast of Vietnam, are a remarkable archipelago combining idyllic beaches, preserved nature, and poignant history. They are made up of several islands, the main one being Con Son Island, which concentrates the majority of the infrastructure and tourist sites. The archipelago offers secluded beaches with turquoise waters, bordered by palm trees and surrounded by mountains covered in dense jungle. Among the most famous beaches are Dam Trau Beach, Dat Doc Beach, Bai Ong Dung, and An Hai Beach, ideal for swimming, lounging, and snorkelling. Underwater visibility is excellent, making the archipelago one of the best diving spots in Vietnam with rich coral reefs and diverse marine life. To vary the pleasures, Con Dao National Park protects a large part of the terrestrial and marine biodiversity, with hiking trails to explore the rainforest, observe the local fauna, and enjoy spectacular views.
Practical Information: The main island is accessible by plane from Ho Chi Minh City (daily flights) or by ferry from Soc Trang. The city center of Con Son is compact and easily explored on foot or by bicycle, while more distant sites are accessible by motorbike or car.
Ho Tram
Finally, Ho Tram is a small seaside town located in Ba Ria-Vung Tau province, about 100-125 km southeast of Ho Chi Minh City. People come here for its beach, several kilometers long, bordered by casuarina forests that have been partially preserved, giving the area a unique natural charm. The sea is calm, ideal for swimming and leisurely walks. Nearby is an 11,000-hectare nature reserve, home to a rainforest where you can observe birds and monkeys.
Practical Information: Ho Tram is easily accessible by car or taxi from Ho Chi Minh City (about a 2-hour drive). An alternative option is the ferry from Ho Chi Minh City to Vung Tau, followed by a 90-minute road trip.
Best times to visit Vietnam’s beaches
To make the most of Vietnam’s beaches, it is important to consider regional climate variations. But overall, the dry season extends from October to April, offering a mild climate, little rain, and pleasant temperatures, making it the ideal time to visit the entire coastline. More specifically, for the Center and South of the country, the period from March to August is particularly favorable, with maximum sunshine and low rainfall.
A coastline of a thousand faces, an invitation to travel
From the emerald waters and limestone karsts of Lan Ha Bay in the North, down through the vibrant energy of Central Vietnam’s coastal cities, to the tranquil, palm-fringed islands of the South, Vietnam’s coastline is a destination of breathtaking diversity. Each region offers a unique seaside personality, proving that there isn’t just one perfect beach, but a perfect beach for every type of traveler. Whether you seek the thrill of water sports, serene relaxation on secluded sands, or cultural immersion by the sea, you are guaranteed to find your ideal spot along these shores.
As the 2025 season unfolds, the choices may seem endless, but your perfect stretch of sand awaits. Perhaps it’s the warm August sun gracing the coast of Da Nang right now, or the promise of a quiet sunset on a remote Phu Quoc beach later in the year. This guide is your starting point to navigate these incredible options and discover your personal paradise. The quest for the best beaches in Vietnam is a journey in itself, promising not just sun and sand, but the creation of unforgettable memories. So pack your swimsuit, embrace the spirit of discovery, and let the gentle waves of the East Sea welcome you.
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