10 Best Beaches in Vietnam You’ll Love

Looking for the best beaches in Vietnam? With more than 3,000 km of shoreline, Vietnam has beaches for every mood: quiet coves, lively city stretches, and wild island escapes.

What I’ve learned over time is that no two beaches feel the same. Some are perfect for a lazy afternoon with fresh coconuts, others are better if you enjoy snorkeling, kayaking, or even kite surfing.

Let me share some of my favorite beaches in Vietnam, and tips for a perfect beach holiday.

Cat Co beaches, Cat Ba

Cat Co Beaches are one of the reasons why I love Cat Ba Island.

There are three of them: Cat Co 1, 2, and 3. All have soft sand, gentle waves, and views of limestone cliffs rising above the water.

When I stayed in Cat Ba town, I often walked along the cliffside path to Cat Co 3. It’s an easy stroll, but the ocean views along the way are beautiful, especially if you go around sunset.

These beaches are great for a simple day of swimming and relaxing, but there are also plenty of ways to stay active. You can rent a kayak and paddle close to shore, go snorkeling in the clear water, or join a boat trip out to Monkey Island for a bit of adventure.

• Season: April to November for warm weather.
• How to get there: From Hanoi, take a bus to Hai Phong, then a ferry to Cat Ba Island. You can also take a bus from Hanoi to Cat Ba that includes the ferry ride.

Ky Co Beach, Quy Nhon

Ky Co Beach is probably one of the most beautiful beaches I’ve visited in Vietnam. It’s hidden between green mountains and the open sea. And when you first arrive, the view looks like something from a postcard.

I spent the day swimming and lounging on the sand, but the highlight was taking a boat out to Dua Island. The water around the island was so clear that I could see the coral and fish without even snorkeling.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also rent an ATV and explore the trails behind the beach. And of course, fresh seafood is everywhere. I grabbed a simple grilled fish from a beach stall, and it was super yummy.

• Season: April and August for the best weather.
• How to get there: Take a taxi or motorbike from Quy Nhon, or join a day tour that usually includes a boat ride and lunch.

Bai Xep, Quy Nhon

If you want a quiet beach that’s not crowded with tourists, Bai Xep is a great choice.

Bai Xep is a small fishing village about 20 km south of Quy Nhon, and it’s one of those places that still feels local. There are two beaches here, both with soft sand and clear water, and you’ll often see fishermen pulling in their catch.

When I visited, I stayed in a homestay and really enjoyed how laid-back it was. Days here are simple, with swimming, walking along the shore, and eating fresh seafood that tastes like it came straight from the boat.

• Season: March to September.
• How to get there: Take a motorbike or taxi from Quy Nhon; the ride takes about 20-30 minutes.

My Khe Beach, Da Nang

My Khe is the most famous beach in Da Nang, and once you’re there, it’s easy to see why. The sand stretches for kilometers, the water is warm, and there’s plenty of space to just relax.

What I like about My Khe is the mix of options. You can keep it simple and just go for a swim, or you can try parasailing, surfing, or even jet skiing if you want something more active.

On one trip, I spent the morning on the beach and then went up to the Marble Mountains in the afternoon. They’re close by and worth a visit.

• Season: April to August for the best beach weather.
• How to get there: It’s about a 10-minute ride from Da Nang city center by taxi or motorbike.

An Bang Beach, Hoi An

An Bang Beach is only a short ride from Hoi An, but it feels much calmer than the busy Ancient town. The beach is clean, the waves are gentle, and it’s easy to spend a full day here.

I usually bike from town through the rice fields, which takes about 20 minutes and is a nice ride. Once at the beach, it’s nice to grab chair at one of the small cafés, order something cold, and just relax.

If you want more than just sunbathing, there are yoga classes and cooking lessons around too, but honestly, I usually just enjoy the beach itself.

• Season: The best time to visit is from May to September.
• Getting there: About 4 km from Hoi An Ancient Town. You can bike or take a quick taxi.

Cham Islands

The Cham Islands are a nice day trip from Hoi An if you want a change of pace. The main island, Hon Lao, has quiet beaches, small fishing villages, and a relaxed vibe.

I joined a day tour here and really enjoyed the snorkeling. The water was clear, and there were plenty of colorful fish. You can also hike a bit on the island or visit Hai Tang Pagoda.

It’s less developed than the mainland, so bring what you need for the day and don’t expect too many facilities. That’s part of the charm though.

• Season: March to September for good weather and calm seas.
• How to get there: Speedboats leave from Cua Dai Port near Hoi An. Most people book a day tour that includes the boat ride.

Nha Trang Beach, Nha Trang

Nha Trang is one of the busiest beach cities in Vietnam, but it does have a beautiful stretch of sand right along the town. The beach goes on for several kilometers, so you can always find a spot to swim or relax.

What I liked about Nha Trang was the mix. You can spend the day on the beach, then walk straight to cafés, restaurants, or the night market in the evening. I also tried a mud bath here, which sounds odd but is actually pretty relaxing.

If you want a bit more adventure, you can take a boat trip to nearby islands or go diving, since the area is known for good underwater visibility.

• Season: February to August is ideal for a visit.
• How to get there: The main beach is right in Nha Trang city and easy to reach on foot or by taxi.

Ho Tram Beach, Vung Tau

Ho Tram is one of the easiest beach getaways from Ho Chi Minh City. It’s about a 2–2.5 hour drive, so you can head there for a weekend without much planning.

The beach itself is wide and quiet, with soft sand and calm waves. You can just swim, take a walk along the shore, or find a shady spot to sit and watch the water.

Seafood here is fresh and affordable. I had a simple grilled crab at a small beachside place, and it was the perfect end to the day. If you want more than just the beach, the Binh Chau hot springs and nature reserve are close by too.

• Best season: December to April for sunny, dry weather.
• Getting there: Around 125 km from Ho Chi Minh City. You can drive yourself, book a car, or take a limo bus service.

Sao Beach, Phu Quoc

Sao Beach  is one of the most famous beaches on Phu Quoc. The sand here is soft and white, and the water is a clear turquoise that looks straight out of a postcard.

When I visited, I spent most of the day just lying on the sand and swimming. It’s a simple beach, but that’s what makes it so enjoyable. If you want to be more active, you can rent a kayak or paddleboard right on the beach.

Seafood is everywhere on Phu Quoc, and the small stalls at Sao Beach serve some really fresh dishes. I had grilled squid with rice, and it was perfect after swimming all afternoon.

• Best season: November to March.
• How to get there: Sao Beach is about 25 km from Duong Dong town. A taxi or motorbike ride takes around 40 minutes.

Starfish beach, Phu Quoc

Starfish Beach is a little further out, but it’s one of the most unique places I’ve visited in Vietnam. The shallow water is filled with starfish, and you can see dozens of them just by wading in.

The beach itself is quieter than Sao Beach, with fewer facilities, but that makes it peaceful. I brought some snacks and spent the afternoon just walking along the shore and taking in the view.

It’s a good spot if you want to get away from the busier parts of Phu Quoc and enjoy something different. Just remember not to pick up the starfish. They look amazing where they are.

• Season: January to May.
• How to get there: About an hour by taxi or motorbike from Duong Dong town.

How to plan your Vietnam beach vacation

If you’re planning a beach trip in Vietnam, a little preparation makes it much smoother. Here are some of my other guides that will help you plan:

• When to visit: Weather can make or break a beach holiday. Check my best time to visit Vietnam guide so you know when it’s sunny and dry.
• Vietnam itineraries: Not sure how to fit the beaches into your trip? My two-week Vietnam itinerary shows you how to combine cities, culture, and coast.
• Vietnamese food: No beach trip is complete without fresh seafood. Take a look at my Vietnamese street food guide so you know what to try.