The best beaches in Vietnam

We've hand-picked some of the best Vietnam beaches, from family-friendly to chic-romantic, to help you plan an unforgettable coastal escape. This is our expert guide to the most amazing Vietnam beaches.

The best beaches in Vietnam are mostly in the southern half of the mainland, from the smooth golden sands of Danang in the middle down to the secluded shores of Ninh Van Bay and watersports hotspot Mui Ne. Some of the best beach resorts are also in Phu Quoc to the south-west and the beautiful Con Dao archipelago to the east, two increasingly popular offshore areas. 

Cua Dai, Hoi An - Best beach for a lively atmosphere

Cua Dai Beach, translated as ‘big sea mouth’, is the most popular beach in the Hoi An area; it can get busy at weekends but there’s a great choice of seafront restaurants and bars here. Unwind with your feet in the sand and a drink in hand, ready to soak up the sunset views over the Chám Islands across the water. For a lesser-known white-sand gem make the 10-minute drive to peaceful Ha My Beach, home to the exquisite Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai, Hoi An Beach.

My Khe, Danang - Best beach for diving and snorkelling

Known as China Beach, this beach stretches over half a mile and is in a picturesque spot with a leafy green backdrop. You’ll find Asia’s first spa-inclusive resort, the fantastic TIA Wellness Resort, a restful retreat just a stone’s throw from the water. This beach is a must-visit if you’re keen to try snorkelling and diving – the water is a beautiful emerald colour and dotted with coral reefs.

Non Nuoc, Danang - Best beach for families

Non Nuoc is the other main beach in Danang, just a 10-minute walk from Vietnam’s spectacular Marble Mountains. It has calm waters and you can enjoy a range of activities here including volleyball, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding, making it a top choice for all the family. Stay at the laid-back and fun-filled Sandy Beach Non Nuoc Resort, Danang and you’ll be right on this stretch of golden sand, with panoramic views over the East Sea.

Mui Ne, Phan Thiet - Best beach for watersports

This beautiful stretch of white sand is one of the most underrated beach destinations in Vietnam – Mui Ne is known as the windsurf capital of South-East Asia, but it’s also a superb spot to just sink your toes into the sand and unwind with a good book. You’ll find the stylish Mia Resort Mui Ne here, with just 31 rooms and a charming boutique vibe.

Halong Bay- Best for something different

Halong Bay isn’t the place to go for long stretches of powder-white sand. Still, it’s impossible to talk about coastal escapes without a nod to this breathtakingly beautiful landscape of limestone islets and serene waters. You’ll find a smattering of hidden beaches tucked between the towering karsts, but the best way to appreciate the area’s beauty in its best light is from the deck of a traditional junk boat. We can include the Au Co Two Night Halong Bay Cruise into your Vietnam itinerary, which takes you sailing off the beaten track to explore the best swimming spots and remote coves. You’ll also get to try fun activities on board, such as fruit carving, tai chi and a Vietnamese tea ceremony.

Dam Trau, Con Son Island - Best beach for peace and quiet

This beach is one of the most beautiful spots on the island of Con Son, the largest in Vietnam’s Con Dao archipelago, on a bay dotted with striking rocks and pockets of tropical rainforest. You can quite easily spend a day here sunbathing on the pristine golden sand and relaxing under shady palm trees or at a bamboo beach bar. The beach also has a nearby offshore reef where you may have the chance to see green turtles while snorkelling. On the other side of the island, just a 12-minute drive away, is the more secluded Dat Doc Beach, where you’ll find the luxurious Six Senses Con Dao.

Vung Bau, Phu Quoc- - Best beach for a luxury escape

Stay at Fusion Resort Phu Quoc and you can take beach living to a new level. From morning to night, your days can revolve around the wonderfully private Vung Bau beach, where you’ll find a sweeping golden crescent, sapphire water and more coconut palms than people. The signature ‘breakfast anywhere, anytime’ can be enjoyed at a private table on the beach (or served to your bed, if you prefer). In the evening, head to The Beach Bar, designed in the style of an upturned boat, where you can sink into a sofa and sip icy cocktails. For the ultimate room with a view, opt for a Beachfront Pool Villa, which has a private pool and is just steps from the sand.

This feature was updated on 18th August 2022. The information within this feature is correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of print. Feature by Heather Flanagan.