When you picture swaying palm trees, pristine white beaches, and crystal-clear turquoise waters in Southeast Asia, Vietnam might not immediately spring to mind.
But it should.
Beyond its many natural wonders, Vietnam boasts an impressive 3,400 km (2,113 miles) of coastline, hiding some truly stunning beaches — plus a handful of tropical, coral-ringed islands just offshore. Whether you want a lively beach near a bustling city, a family-friendly spot, or a quiet, secluded cove, our roundup of Vietnam’s best beaches has you covered.
# Nha Trang
Top city beach
Nha Trang’s 6 km (3.75 miles) stretch of golden sand curves beautifully along the coast and is the city’s main attraction. Certain areas are cordoned off for safe swimming, free from jet skis and boats. Popular beach hangouts include the Sailing Club and Louisiane Brewhouse, while quieter sunbathing spots can be found closer to the airport to avoid the crowds. Don’t miss the affordable island-hopping tours from here, featuring snorkeling and lunch. For a day trip, beaches around Ninh Van Bay north of the city are worth exploring.
Travel tip: Full-day island tours can get crowded, so consider Rainbow Divers for a more relaxed snorkeling and diving experience.
# Mui Ne
Best for kitesurfing
Once Vietnam’s premier beach resort, Mui Ne has seen some of its sandy charm eroded by tides and overdevelopment. Still, pockets of beautiful sand remain — perfect for daytime lounging and lively nightlife during the season. Kitesurfing is a major draw, with top-notch schools and ideal winds from late October to April. The new Dau Giay-Phan Thiet highway (opened mid-2023) has cut travel time from Ho Chi Minh City to just over two hours.
Travel tip: Mui Ne Kitesurfing School offers lessons in six languages, taught by IKO-certified instructors.
# Phu Quoc
Best for island hopping
Phu Quoc is a rapidly evolving island paradise, with white-sand beaches and lush tropical jungle interiors. Sao Beach stands out with its picture-perfect shore and clear mineral waters, but exploring solo might reveal your own private beach. Island-hopping tours operate off both the southern and less-visited northern coasts. A must-try is the affordable 8 km (5-mile) cable car ride from An Thoi to Hon Thom Island, offering stunning panoramic views.
# Ho Coc
Ideal for a Ho Chi Minh City escape
Just 2½ hours from Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Coc offers nearly 10 km (6.25 miles) of golden sands and clear waters along the northern stretch of Ho Tram. Weekends bring crowds from the city, but weekdays remain peaceful and inviting.
# My Khe (Da Nang)
Best for people-watching
My Khe is evolving into Da Nang’s eastern suburb, buzzing with life. Early mornings and evenings see locals practicing tai chi on the beach, while tourists arrive for sunbathing during peak hours. Fishermen launch their coracle boats in the evenings, adding to the charm. Beware of dangerous undertows, especially in winter, but the beach is mostly sheltered by the Nui Son Tra peninsula.
# An Bang
Best for endless sea views
Just 3 km (2 miles) north of Hoi An, An Bang boasts a lively atmosphere with a wide stretch of fine sand that has resisted the erosion seen at nearby Cua Dai. The sea view extends uninterrupted to the distant Cham Islands. Staying at An Bang while making day trips to Hoi An offers a wonderfully relaxing combo.
# Cat Ba
Best for off-season tranquility
Cat Ba Island, the largest in Halong Bay, is a lush, rugged retreat popular on many tourist boat routes. While it can get busy, visiting during the off-season rewards you with some of Vietnam’s finest, quieter beaches. The three beaches at Cat Co Cove, a short walk from Cat Ba Town, are top picks.
# Con Son
Best for untouched natural beauty
The remote Con Dao archipelago, once a site of political imprisonment, is now famed for its stunning landscapes. Con Son, the largest island, features pristine beaches, coral reefs, scenic bays, and tropical forests. Just an hour’s flight from Ho Chi Minh City or a longer ferry ride, it remains largely undeveloped and is more popular for its history than as a beach resort — making it a special find for early visitors.
# Doc Let
Best for white sand and shallow waters
Doc Let’s 18 km (11 miles) of chalk-white sand and shallow turquoise waters rank it among Vietnam’s best beaches. However, growing popularity has attracted developers and busloads of tourists from nearby Nha Trang. For quieter spots, keep heading north toward Bai Bau and Bai Xep.
# My Khe (Quang Ngai)
Best for families and safe swimming
Not to be confused with the Da Nang beach, this My Khe near Quang Ngai offers fine white sand and calm swimming waters. Stretching for kilometers along a thin spit of sand separated from the mainland by the Song Kinh Giang river, it’s usually peaceful except on holidays and weekends. The gentle, shallow shore is perfect for kids and family fun.
