Best beaches in Vietnam | Our top picks

With over 2,000 miles of coastline – and some of the best value in Southeast Asia – Vietnam beaches offer more than just sun and sand. Think quiet coves, surf-ready breaks, and seafood spots where the grill’s always hot. You can laze on the golden stretches near Hoi An, dive coral reefs off Phu Quoc, or chase the last light on Con Dao’s rugged shores.

This guide to the best beaches in Vietnam takes you beyond the big resorts to places where the water’s clear, the crowds thin out, and the vibe is exactly what you came for.

What are the best beaches in Vietnam?

Planning a trip to Vietnam? Then you’ve probably already pencilled in Vietnamese street food, scooters, and ancient cities. But don’t make the mistake of treating the coast like an afterthought. Vietnam beaches are just as compelling – and far more varied than most travelers expect.

You’ll find wide, breezy stretches near cities like Da Nang and Quy Nhon, where you can surf in the morning and hit a night market by sunset. Head further out and you’ll reach island beaches with hardly another soul in sight, where hammocks swing between palms and the seafood comes straight off the boat. These aren’t just places to unwind – they’re part of what makes the country so endlessly surprising.

The best beaches in Vietnam aren’t limited to one region or vibe. Some are perfect for a lazy afternoon swim, while others are ideal for diving, kayaking, or simply escaping the crowds. Some you can add in with a short detour; others deserve their own destination status.

If your Vietnam itinerary could use a change of pace, the coast delivers. This guide focuses on beaches worth including for their unique settings, atmospheric qualities, and the kind of experiences that make the journey worthwhile.

Star Beach (Bai Sao)

One of the most photogenic stretches on Phu Quoc, Star Beach delivers the kind of tropical scene people imagine when dreaming of Vietnam’s coast. The soft, white sand glows under the sun – the sea shifts from clear turquoise to deep blue – and the curve of coconut palms makes this a postcard in motion. It’s no surprise this beach is often listed among the most beautiful places in Vietnam.

But the real magic happens offshore. Just 150 feet from the beach, shallow coral gardens are teeming with parrotfish, clownfish, and – if you’re lucky – a cruising sea turtle. Vendors rent snorkelling gear right on the sand, and the calm, protected water is perfect for kayaking.

Need a break from the beach? Pearl farms and fish sauce workshops nearby offer a glimpse into Phu Quoc’s traditional industries – no ticket or guide required.

This one easily ranks among the best beaches in Vietnam – just arrive early to enjoy the quiet before day-trippers roll in.

How to get to Star Beach

Star Beach lies on Phu Quoc’s southeastern coast, about 15 miles from Duong Dong town. You can reach it by taxi, motorbike, or as part of a day tour from most hotels. Roads are paved but narrow – drive slowly and expect a few potholes.

When to visit Star Beach

The best time is between November and April, when the seas are calm and the water is crystal clear. May to October brings rain and rougher surf, which can cloud visibility for snorkelling.

Doc Let Beach

Stretching for 9 miles along Vietnam’s south-central coast, Doc Let Beach offers a quiet, clean escape with sand so soft it squeaks underfoot. The shoreline – around 300 feet wide – is backed by casuarina trees that sway in the breeze and provide natural shade. The shallow waters near shore glow turquoise before darkening into deeper blues, creating an eye-catching contrast with the nearly blinding white sand.

What sets Doc Let apart from more built-up Vietnam beaches is its peaceful, undeveloped feel. The sand’s high quartz content gives it an almost luminescent quality – one of the beach’s most striking features. For anyone looking to mix quiet beach time with offbeat things to do in Vietnam, the traditional salt fields of Hon Khoi to the north are worth a sunrise detour. Backed by fishing villages, the area stays grounded in everyday life, with beachside stalls serving fresh crab, squid, and grilled shellfish just steps from the water.

How to get to Doc Let Beach

Doc Let is about 30 miles north of Nha Trang. The easiest way to get there is by motorbike or private taxi – public transport is limited. Some resorts in the area also arrange day trips or transfers.

When to visit Doc Let Beach

Go between January and August, when the weather is warm and dry, and the sea is calm. September to December can bring storms and rougher water.

Ho Coc Beach

Just a few hours from Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Coc Beach delivers a rare combo – easy access and a sense of calm. This 2.5-mile stretch of golden sand is backed by forest and low dunes, with natural rock formations at both ends that help shelter the water and create ideal swimming spots. The beach is about 150 feet wide, with plenty of space to sprawl without bumping elbows.

While it's slowly gaining attention, Ho Coc still feels refreshingly underdeveloped. Local seafood shacks dot the shore, serving grilled fish, prawns, and clams straight off the boat. Mobile vendors pass by with pineapples, coconuts, and sticky rice snacks wrapped in banana leaves. Inland, natural hot springs offer a steamy break from the sea, perfect after sunset when the crowds thin out.

How to get to Ho Coc Beach

Ho Coc is about 75 miles southeast of Ho Chi Minh City. The easiest way to get there is by private car or motorbike via the coastal road from Vung Tau. Budget travelers can take a bus to Binh Chau, then hop on a taxi or local ride the rest of the way.

When to visit Ho Coc Beach

Visit between December and May – during the dry season – for the best beach conditions. June through November can bring afternoon showers, but mornings are usually clear and calm.

Dai Lanh Beach

Tucked between headlands on Vietnam’s south-central coast, Dai Lanh Beach is a half-mile crescent of soft sand that faces directly east, making it one of the first spots in the country to catch the sunrise. Hills rise behind the beach, the water stays calm and clear most of the year, and the whole place has a low-key, old-school charm.

It’s not built-up or busy – just a few beachside restaurants and the sound of fishing boats heading out before dawn. After your morning swim, you can walk to nearby fishing villages, hike the coastal trail to reach scenic viewpoints, or snorkel around the rocky coves. A short climb up to the nearby Dai Lanh lighthouse rewards you with sweeping views of the coastline.

How to get to Dai Lanh Beach

Dai Lanh is located about 20 miles north of Nha Trang, just off Highway 1. You can reach it by bus, motorbike, or train – the beach is a short walk from Dai Lanh town and the small local train station.

When to visit Dai Lanh Beach

The best time to visit is between February and August, when the skies are clear and the sea stays calm. Avoid October through December, when storms can sweep in and cloud the water.

My Khe, Da Nang

With 4.5 miles of soft sand and consistent waves, My Khe Beach is one of Vietnam’s top spots for surfing – but it’s more than just a surfer’s hangout. The beach is clean, wide, and well-maintained, with plenty of space to stretch out, whether you’re there to ride waves, swim, or just crash on the sand with a cold drink.

Surf schools and board rentals are easy to find, especially near the central stretch. Conditions are usually beginner-friendly in the morning, with stronger swells rolling in by afternoon. When you're done in the water, beachside cafés serve up grilled seafood, cold beer, and strong Vietnamese coffee with a view.

How to get to My Khe Beach

My Khe is located just east of central Da Nang – about 3 miles from the city center. You can walk, cycle, or grab a short taxi ride from most hotels. Da Nang International Airport is about 5 miles away.

When to visit My Khe Beach

Visit between April and August for prime beach weather and the most reliable surf. The rainy season runs from September through December – still surfable, but choppier and less predictable.

An Bang Beach

Just 2.5 miles from Hoi An’s old town, An Bang Beach offers a welcome contrast – laid-back, local, and ideal for a slow afternoon by the sea. With 2 miles of soft, golden sand and calm, shallow water, it’s one of the top choices for anyone exploring Vietnam with kids – safe, scenic, and easy to reach.

Palm-thatched umbrellas line the shore, and on clear days, you can spot the Cham Islands in the distance. The beach has lifeguards on duty, beach clubs with space to play, and gentle waves that make it safe for young swimmers. There’s also a solid mix of restaurants – some serve fresh Vietnamese seafood, others lean toward Western comfort food for pickier appetites.

An Bang isn’t flashy or remote – but it’s exactly what many travelers are looking for. Easygoing, scenic, and just enough removed from the tourist bustle without needing to go far.

How to get to An Bang Beach

An Bang is about 2.5 miles north of Hoi An, and a short bike ride or taxi will get you there in under 15 minutes. It’s a popular ride for those staying in town – just follow Hai Ba Trung Street straight to the water.

When to visit An Bang Beach

The dry season, from March to August, is the best time to visit. September to December brings more rain and rougher seas, but mornings are often still calm and clear.

Con Son Island (Con Dao)

Remote, protected, and dramatically underdeveloped, Con Son Island is home to some of the most peaceful beaches in Vietnam. Backed by coastal forest and lined with old mahogany trees, the sand is soft and pale – the kind that sticks between your toes – and the sea stays warm throughout the summer, hovering around 82°F.

Con Son is part of a national marine park, and its beaches still feel wild. There are no big resorts, few crowds, and more wildlife than most visitors expect. Between May and September, green sea turtles come ashore to nest, with hundreds of nests recorded each season. Offshore, snorkelling spots offer a glimpse of dugongs, reef sharks, and schools of tropical fish, making this one of the best diving spots in Vietnam.

Beyond the beaches, you’ll find coastal hiking trails, forest lookouts, and historical sites like the old French prison complex. The island balances nature and history in a way that few places do – and it’s easily one of the best places to visit in Vietnam for travelers looking to go beyond the usual stops.

How to get to Con Son Island

The fastest way is by air – there are daily flights from Ho Chi Minh City to Con Dao Airport, which is about 8 miles from the main town. Alternatively, ferries run from Vung Tau or Soc Trang, though rough seas can make the journey unpredictable.

When to visit Con Son Island

Visit between March and September, when the sea is calm, the weather is hot, and the turtle nesting season is in full swing. October through February brings stronger winds and more unpredictable conditions.

Quy Nhon

Quy Nhon blends everyday life with beachside calm – a golden stretch of sand where fishermen still launch round bamboo boats at dawn, and locals gather in the evenings over grilled seafood and cold beer. The water is clear, the slope is gentle, and the city’s laid-back pace makes it one of the most underrated beaches for travelers who want something real.

It’s not just about the shoreline. Quy Nhon is home to ancient Cham towers, early-morning fish markets, and even traditional martial arts schools you can visit (or try, if you're brave). What sets it apart is how seamlessly the beach fits into the rhythm of daily life – no aggressive development, no resort sprawl, just a coastal city doing its thing.

How to get to Quy Nhon

Quy Nhon is about 400 miles north of Ho Chi Minh City. The easiest way in is by flight – Phu Cat Airport is 20 miles outside the city. You can also reach it by train or bus along the north–south coastal route.

When to visit Quy Nhon

Go between February and August, when the skies are mostly clear and the sea stays calm. Avoid September to November, when typhoons sometimes brush the coast.

Ky Co Beach

Tucked between cliffs and open sea, Ky Co Beach looks like a screensaver brought to life. The crescent-shaped bay has soft white sand, calm turquoise water, and jagged limestone outcrops at both ends. It feels far from the modern world, but you can get here by speedboat in under 30 minutes.

There’s limited development – a few seafood huts and beach umbrellas – and that’s part of the charm. Snorkelling is solid near the rocks, and the shallow water makes it safe for swimming. For travelers already heading to Quy Nhon, this is an easy detour that rewards the effort.

How to get to Ky Co Beach

Take a boat or jeep tour from Nhon Ly fishing village, about 15 miles northeast of Quy Nhon. Most hotels in the city can arrange trips.

When to visit Ky Co Beach

Go between March and September, when the sea is calm and visibility is good for snorkelling. Avoid October to December, when the waves pick up.

Cat Co: beaches 1, 2 and 3

Tucked between limestone cliffs on Cat Ba Island, the Cat Co beaches offer an easy coastal break with distinct personalities. Linked by short cliffside walking paths, these three sandy coves sit side by side, each with a different vibe. Cat Co 1 is the busiest, with loungers, water sports, and cafés nearby. Cat Co 2 is a little more laid-back, with more room to breathe. Cat Co 3 is the smallest and quietest, often good for snorkelling just off the rocks.

The water here is clear and emerald green, great for swimming, kayaking, or just cooling off between hikes. While these aren’t the wildest or most remote stretches of coast, they’re scenic and accessible – ideal for travelers already visiting Cat Ba.

Part of the Cat Ba Archipelago, the beaches also work well as launch points for boat trips into the surrounding karsts. Inland, you’ve got easy access to Cat Ba National Park, the eerie Hospital Cave, and casual seafood restaurants serving what’s fresh from the bay. Their setting and ease of access make them a worthy entry among the best beaches in Vietnam, especially in the north.

How to get to Cat Co beaches

From Cat Ba Town, it’s about 1 mile to the beaches – you can walk, rent a bike, or take a quick taxi. Regular buses and ferries connect Cat Ba Island to Hai Phong, Halong, and Hanoi.

When to visit Cat Co Beaches

Visit between April and October, when the weather is warm and mostly dry. Weekdays are best for avoiding crowds. Winter months are cooler and mistier, but still fine for hiking and scenic views.