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Did you know the southern coast of Vietnam offers a unique beach holiday? Yes, here you can see local fishing villages, stay at luxury resorts with beach views, and experience lively local life.
This guide covers essential information on the best beaches in Vietnam, activities to try, and nearby dining options.
When you plan a perfect beach itinerary in Vietnam, you will return home with memorable travel stories, a taste of local food, and truly adventurous days.
The Best Beaches in Vietnam
For the best beaches in Vietnam, stay in the central and southern parts of the country. The top few beaches include My Khe Beach in Da Nang and Long Beach in Phu Quoc.
Activities at each beach can be both relaxing and thrilling. You can start with morning swims and try adrenaline-pumping water sports like parasailing and jet skiing. Then walk to the nearest beach bar for a cocktail or coffee and watch the sunsets.
Long Beach (Bai Truong), Phu Quoc
To reach Phu Quoc, you do not need a visa if you fly directly in and out of the island. This gives you a reason to visit Phu Quoc, which has many beautiful beaches to explore.
Once you land, Long Beach is just 6 kilometres from Phu Quoc Airport, offering excellent sunset views.
It is calm and quiet in the mornings, great for a peaceful swim, and becomes lively in the evenings. With gentle waves and soft sand, it is safe and one of Vietnam’s best beaches for families.
On the beach, there are bars, restaurants, and small shops. This area has some of Vietnam’s best beach resorts as well, from simple bungalows to luxury five-star hotels.
What can you do in Long Beach?
Short swims, snorkelling, stand-up paddleboarding, watching the sunset, kayaking, staying overnight camping and dinner parties are very popular on this beach.
Here are some of the dining options near Long Beach
- Versailles – Beach Club Phú Quốc
- Hien Cafe
Sao Beach (Bai Sao), Phu Quoc
If the Maldives feels expensive, Sao Beach in Phu Quoc offers a more affordable alternative. The beach stretches for 7 kilometres, and the surrounding mountain offers ideal photo shoot locations.
As it is a 25-minute drive from Duong Dong town, you will have a secluded beach experience.
Although there are fewer crowds, the beach does not compromise on activities for visitors. There are sunbeds, cafés, and restaurants that are well-maintained, clean, and spotless.
Water activities for travellers in Sao Beach
Kids can have fun on a banana boat ride, and parents can teach them to swim in calm waters. Adults and teens can go kayaking, jet skiing, and snorkelling.
Where to eat when in Sao Beach?
- Chezdugong Restaurant
- Highlands Coffee Bãi Sao Phú Quốc
- Paradiso Restaurant
- Sao Beach Club & Restaurant
Ong Lang Beach, Phu Quoc
Ong Lang Beach is known for its relaxed and natural atmosphere. There are palm trees lining the beach, and you can see small resorts among the gardens.
Just 7 kilometres from Phu Quoc’s central area, the beach remains peaceful and less crowded than Long Beach, offering more space and fewer tourists.
What to do when visiting Ong Lang Beach?
Start with a quick swim, sunbathing, and seashell collecting. Then you have options such as attending a yoga class, getting a drink to watch the sunset, trying fishing, and kayaking.
The best-rated restaurants near Ong Lang Beach
- Camia Restaurant
- Tree House Phu Quoc Restaurant
- Bamboo Restaurant
Dam Trau Beach, Con Dao
After you fly to Con Dao and land at the airport, just walk for 1 kilometre to reach the beach.
Despite its closeness to the airport, Dam Trau Beach is a peaceful destination with green hills surrounding it. With excellent archipelago preservation and restrictions on overnight camping and plastic use, Dam Trau is considered one of the cleanest beaches in Vietnam.
Activities to do in Dam Trau Beach
Swim, snorkel, walk along the beach, take photos, watch animals, meditate, and hike on nearby trails on Dam Trau Beach.
Dining options near Dam Trau Beach
- Tyna Food & Coffee
- Take-away Food & Coffee
Note: There are fewer restaurants and resorts near the beach.
Dat Doc Beach, Con Dao
Four kilometres from Con Son town, Dat Doc Beach is a quiet, beautiful spot. This beach is not easy to explore unless you are staying at Six Senses Con Dao. Though it’s a public beach, the resort has a covered beachfront area that restricts access to outsiders.
However, you can rent a bike to ride to the beach and find scenic spots along the way. The drive can be incredible as the roads are windy and unpolluted. The natural scenery makes this beach popular with couples and photographers.
What to do in Dat Doc Beach?
Relax in the sun, take photos, walk along the coast, watch for animals, or have a picnic on the beach.
If you are staying at Six Senses Con Dao, enjoy resort activities including boat trips, trekking, water sports, cooking classes, movies under the stars, and more.
The only dining option at Dat Doc Beach
- By The Beach Restaurant
Mui Ne Beach
Mui Ne Beach is a 10-kilometre-long beach that makes you feel as if you are in a different country, with dunes creating a unique view. Wake up early to watch the fishing boats at Mui Ne Beach. Later, in the evening, come here to try kitesurfing with steady wind.
Activities on Mui Ne Beach
Walk along the fairy stream, go kite surfing, and go to the white dunes for sunrise or try ATV rides. However, visit the red sand dunes for excellent sunset views.
Dining options near the Mui Ne Beach
- Gia Huy Restaurant & Store
- Quán 79
- Quán Ăn Minh Jun
Tran Phu Beach
Tran Phu Beach is right in the heart of Vietnam’s busiest beach city, Nha Trang. The main beach stretches for six kilometres and is lined with big hotels and a lively atmosphere. The seaside promenade comes to life in the evening, with locals taking evening walks and friends gathering for a coffee.
The beachfront offers numerous sun loungers for all budgets, as well as nearby restaurants, bars, and clubs.
Must-try activities in Tran Phu Beach
It welcomes many locals and tourists, so there will be people playing beach volleyball and badminton, in which you can partake. Then don’t skip water activities like jet skiing, parasailing, banana boat rides, snorkelling, flyboarding, and kayaking.
Places to eat near Tran Phu Beach
- K.House Restaurant
- Sailing Club Nha Trang
- Golden Bamboo Restaurant
- Tuan’s Vietnamese Cuisine
An Bang Beach, Hoi An
An Bang Beach is only 4 kilometres from Hoi An’s historic streets, which offer many cultural activities for travellers. After exploring the town, take a short ride to the beach. The area remains local, with Vietnamese families coming to swim in the early morning and older people practising tai chi at sunrise.
Most popular activities in An Bang Beach
Basket Boat Rowing is a famous activity in Hoi An; it’s fun and can make your head spin, so be prepared. You can then try regular beach sports such as surfing, kayaking, diving, and parasailing.
Recommended restaurants near An Bang Beach
- Purple Lantern Restaurant
- Minh’s Kitchen Restaurant
- Blue Sea Hoi An Restaurants
- Bikini Bottom Express An Bang Beach
My Khe Beach, Da Nang
My Khe Beach has been recognised by Forbes as one of the world’s most beautiful beaches.
The beach is well-organised, with lifeguards, numerous rental options, and resorts to suit every budget. This makes it ideal for families and travellers who want to explore Central Vietnam.
You can easily try Da Nang’s famous food near the beach or visit places like Marble Mountain, Dragon Bridge or the Danang Fine Arts Museum, all within 3 to 6 kilometres.
Famous activities in My Khe Beach?
Swimming, sunbathing, and watching the sunrise are the most popular activities at this beach. Joining locals for early morning jogs, along with surfing, jet skiing, parasailing, and volleyball, is ideal for an energetic beach day.
Best restaurants near My Khe Beach
- Bé Ni 2
- Quán Thanh Hiền
- Lua Viet Restaurant
- PapaSteak Võ Văn Kiệt
Vung Tau Back Beach (Bai Sau)
Bai Sau is known as Back Beach, a favourite destination for people from Ho Chi Minh City seeking a short trip to the sea. This is why Vung Tau is often called the “Beach City” by locals.
The beach is very long, with ample space for swimming and beach sports. If you enjoy kitesurfing, the strong coastal winds here are ideal.
Family-friendly activities you should try in Vung Tau Back Beach
Kids can learn to swim with their parents; teens can kitesurf, windsurf, and try parasailing. Then the family can bond while playing beach football and volleyball, building sandcastles, and enjoying some fresh seafood.
Most recommended restaurants to eat near Back Beach
- Restaurant & Cafe Oasky 36
- Hải sản Thu Hiền
- Van Chai Restaurant
- Dookki Korean Topokki Buffet
Bãi biển Quy Nhơn
Quy Nhon Beach is not very well known to visitors from outside Vietnam, but it is loved by locals. The view here is excellent with mountains facing the sea.
The beach is not too crowded, but there are enough visitors so you can find good food and places to stay.
Quy Nhon is a small city, so it is easy to get around and not as busy as bigger cities. Near Quy Nhon, there is Ky Co Beach, which is often called “Vietnam’s Maldives” and is a nice place for a quiet escape.
Most recommended beach activities at Quy Nhon
Swim, snorkel and dive at Ky Co Beach nearby, visit fishing villages, enjoy a drink at a bar, rent a cycle and explore the coast. In the late evenings, you can explore the Quy Nhon Night Market, located just 2 kilometres from the beach.
Best dining options in Quy Nhon Beach
- Jollibee Quy Nhơn
- Quán bún chả cá Phượng Tèo
- OM Vegan Bistro
- Oc Khanh
Ho Tram Beach
Ho Tram Beach is a quieter spot where locals come to relax, swim in calm waters, and walk along the beach with friends and family.
In recent years, large resorts have opened, including The Grand Ho Tram Strip, which features a casino, golf course, and spa. However, most of Ho Tram remains calm and ideal for relaxation.
Activities on Ho Tram Beach
Walk along the beach, relax at a spa, visit the casino, go cycling, and watch turtles during nesting season.
Dining options in Ho Tram Beach
- Ba Phi Seafood
- Hải Sản Ngọc Nữ (Hồ Tràm)
- Cơm niêu Kỳ Quán hải sản – Vựa hải sản tươi sống
Conclusion
Among all the beaches in Vietnam, these 12 are exceptional, offering a range of experiences. From the clear waters of Phu Quoc and the untouched beauty of Con Dao to the impressive sand dunes of Mui Ne.
So, don’t just visit the capital, Hanoi, for its street food and local markets; travel to the south for one of the best beach vacations of your life.
You can also plan your trip or seek expert guidance from us. At Dimaak Tours, we can help you with your flights and accommodation. Not just that, you get more recommendations for the best Indian and local restaurants and a customised itinerary for an international destination.
FAQs on Famous Beaches in Vietnam
1. What distinguishes the beaches in Southern Vietnam from those in Thailand or the Philippines?
Compared to Thailand, Vietnam’s beaches generally feel more relaxed. While the Philippines is known for island hopping, Vietnam stands out for better flight connectivity and simpler visa processes.
Also, if you are visiting only Phu Quoc Island and not the mainland of Vietnam, you don’t need a visa.
Moreover, Vietnam’s unique attractions, such as Mui Ne’s red dunes by the sea and Con Dao’s protected parks, enhance the beach experience.
2. How can you choose between Phu Quoc, Con Dao, and Mui Ne for your beach holiday in Vietnam?
Here are the top beach destinations in Vietnam and the reasons to choose them:
- Phu Quoc: It is ideal if you want high-quality resorts, family-friendly activities, a wide variety of dining options, and direct international flights.
- Con Dao: For those who prefer untouched nature, excellent snorkelling and diving, and a quiet environment, though it is more remote and can be more expensive. Nightlife is limited in Con Dao, but the natural beauty is remarkable.
- Mui Ne: This destination is well-suited for adventure sports such as kitesurfing and is known for its unique sand dunes and affordable prices.
- My Khe Beach: This is very tourist-friendly and crowded, but its 10-kilometre length offers many spacious spots and areas to enjoy the view in quiet.
3. What is the best time to visit beaches in Southern Vietnam?
- Vung Tau and Mui Ne: Experience stable weather, making them suitable for visits year-round.
- Phu Quoc: It’s best from November to March.
- Con Dao: The ideal season is from February to September, when the sea is calm and suitable for diving.
- Nha Trang, Quy Nhon, or Da Nang: From March to August is a perfect time when the heavy rain stops.
4. Are the beaches in Vietnam suitable for families with young children and elderly parents?
Families mostly choose My Khe Beach in Da Nang and Long Beach in Phu Quoc because lifeguards are available to help tourists.
Many beach resorts in Vietnam are equipped to assist older visitors and provide medical care during emergencies.
However, remote beaches like Dat Doc lack nearby medical facilities. So, it is better to stay near cities such as Nha Trang or Da Nang. This will help ensure everyone’s safety and comfort.
