The Best Beaches in Vietnam: A Bucket List for Beach Lovers

Vietnam is a country with a rich and diverse culture, history and cuisine. But it also has some of the most beautiful beaches in Southeast Asia, if not the world. Whether you are looking for a relaxing getaway, an adventurous escape or a cultural immersion, Vietnam has a beach for you. In this article, we will introduce you to five of the best beaches in Vietnam, from the popular to the hidden gems.

1. An Bang Beach

An Bang beach is a beautiful and popular beach in Hoi An, Vietnam. It has golden sand, clear blue water, palm trees and palapas, and a stunning view of the Cham Islands. It is one of the best beaches in Vietnam and was voted among the top 100 beaches in the world by CNN. An Bang beach is a great place to relax, swim, sunbathe, enjoy seafood and drinks, and experience the nightlife. An Bang beach is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves the sea and the sun.

1.1. How to get there

There are different ways to get to An Bang beach, depending on where you are coming from. Here are some options:

•  If you are in Hoi An, you can take a taxi, a Grab car or bike, or rent a bicycle or scooter and follow Hai Ba Trung street, which leads directly to the beach. It is about 5 km from Hoi An’s Old Town.
• If you are in Da Nang, you can take a taxi or a Grab car or bike and follow Pham Van Dong and Vo Nguyen Giap street, which run along the coast. It is about 29 km from Da Nang city center.
• You can also book a shuttle bus or a private transfer from Da Nang or Hoi An to An Bang beach online. This might be more convenient and comfortable than taking a taxi or a Grab.

1.2. What to do

• Walking on the beach in the early morning. You can enjoy the sunrise, the fresh air and the peaceful atmosphere before the crowds arrive.
• Swimming in the clear blue water. The water is calm and safe, and there is a local rescue team on duty. You can also rent a sun lounger and an umbrella for a small fee or a drink.
•  Trying some adventurous water activities. You can rent a jet ski, go parasailing, paddle boarding, surfing, scuba diving or snorkeling. The prices vary, but start from around 600,000 VND (25.85 USD) for 30 minutes.
• Eating delicious seafood and fusion cuisine. There are many restaurants and bars along the beach that offer fresh seafood, Vietnamese dishes and international flavors. You can also enjoy cocktails, coffee and live music.
• Experiencing the nightlife. Some places stay open until late and offer a lively atmosphere with trendy music, foosball, karaoke and more.
• Visit the nearby attractions. You can also visit some of the nearby attractions from An Bang beach, such as the charming Hoi An Old Town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or the Tra Que Vegetable Village, which is a rural oasis where you can learn about organic farming.

1.3. Where to stay

There are many places to stay in An Bang beach, depending on your preferences and budget. Here are some suggestions:

• Life Beach Villa. This is a 3-star hotel that features a garden and an outdoor pool. It offers spacious and comfortable rooms with free WiFi, a seating and dining area, and a private bathroom. It is located just 50 meters from the beach.
• The Watermark Beachside Hotel. This is a 4-star hotel that has free bikes, an outdoor swimming pool, a garden and a terrace. It offers elegant and cozy rooms with free WiFi, a flat-screen TV, a minibar, and a private bathroom. It is located in a quiet neighborhood and just a short walk to the beach.
• De Chiu. This is a 3-star hotel that has a restaurant and a bar. It offers stylish and modern rooms with free WiFi, air conditioning, and a private bathroom. It also has free bikes for guests to use. It is set in Hoi An, about 4 km from the beach.
• KA Villa Hoi An. This is a 4-star hotel that offers accommodation in Cam An Ward in Hoi An. It features free WiFi access, a tour desk and concierge services. It offers spacious and bright rooms with a balcony, a flat-screen TV, a fridge, and a private bathroom. It is located just 50 meters from the beach.
• AIRA Boutique Hoi An Hotel & Villa. This is a 5-star hotel that offers luxurious rooms and suites with an on-site Vietnamese restaurant, a day spa and 2 outdoor swimming pools. It offers elegant and chic rooms with free WiFi, air conditioning, a seating area, and a private bathroom. It is located right by the white-sand An Bang beach.

2. Phu Quoc Island 

Phu Quoc Island is a tropical paradise that offers something for everyone. Whether you want to relax on the soft sand, swim in the clear water, explore the lush forest, or learn about the local culture, you will find it here.

2.1. How to get there

• By plane. This is the fastest and most convenient way to get to Phu Quoc island. You can fly directly from Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, or other domestic and international destinations to Phu Quoc International Airport. The flight time varies from 50 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the departure point. The ticket price ranges from 500,000 VND (21.55 USD) to 2,000,000 VND (86.20 USD), depending on the season and the airline. You can check and book flights online on websites like Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, Bamboo Airways, or Skyscanner.
• By bus and ferry. This is a cheaper but longer way to get to Phu Quoc island. You can take a bus from Ho Chi Minh City to Rach Gia or Ha Tien port in Kien Giang province, which takes about 6-7 hours. Then you can take a ferry or a high-speed boat from Rach Gia or Ha Tien port to Phu Quoc island, which takes about 2.5 hours or 1.5 hours respectively. The bus ticket price ranges from 120,000 VND (5.17 USD) to 190,000 VND (8.18 USD), depending on the bus company. The ferry ticket price ranges from 240,000 VND (10.34 USD) to 330,000 VND (14.21 USD), depending on the boat line.

2.2. What to do

• Enjoy the sun-kissed Vietnam beaches. Phu Quoc island has some of the most beautiful beaches in Vietnam, with soft white sand, clear blue water, and palm trees. You can relax, swim, sunbathe, or enjoy water activities like snorkeling, diving, jet skiing, or parasailing. Some of the best beaches in Phu Quoc island are Sao Beach, Long Beach, Ong Lang Beach, and Khem Beach.
• Explore Phu Quoc National Park. The Phu Quoc National Park covers more than half of the island's northern area and is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. It is home to various kinds of wildlife, including rare animals and plants. You can hike, camp, birdwatch, or take a safari tour through the park. You can also visit the Ganh Dau Trail, which offers stunning views of the forest and the sea.
• Visit the Phu Quoc Prison Museum. The Phu Quoc Prison Museum is a historical site that displays the brutal history of the Vietnam War. It was once a prison where thousands of Vietnamese soldiers and political prisoners were tortured and killed by the French and American forces. You can see the exhibits of the prison cells, the torture devices, the guillotine, and the statues of the prisoners.
• Experience the local culture at Duong Dong Town. Duong Dong Town is the main town and the commercial center of Phu Quoc island. You can experience the local culture and lifestyle by visiting the Duong Dong Market, where you can find fresh seafood, fruits, vegetables, spices, and souvenirs. You can also visit the Dinh Cau Temple, which is a sacred place for fishermen and sailors. At night, you can enjoy the nightlife at the bars and restaurants along Tran Hung Dao Street.
• Taste the delicious seafood and fish sauce. Phu Quoc island is famous for its fresh and tasty seafood and fish sauce. You can find many restaurants and stalls that offer seafood dishes like grilled fish, squid, shrimp, crab, oysters, clams, and more. You can also try the fish sauce, which is a condiment made from fermented anchovies and salt. Phu Quoc fish sauce is considered to be one of the best in Vietnam and is exported to many countries.

2.3. Where to stay

• Salinda Resort Phu Quoc Island, a 5-star boutique resort with a private beach, an outdoor pool, a spa and three restaurants. The resort is close to the airport and the night market, but still quiet and peaceful. The resort has a beautiful setting, a stylish and modern design, and a spacious and clean room. The average price per night in Salinda Resort is from US$ 109 - US$ 276. 
• La Veranda Resort Phu Quoc, a 5-star colonial-style resort with a beachfront location, a tropical garden, an outdoor pool and a spa. The resort is inspired by the French Indochina era and has a cozy and elegant atmosphere. The average price per night in  La Veranda Resort is from US$ 125 - US$ 193. 
• Mtown Hotel & Residences Phu Quoc - Long Beach Centre, a 3-star hotel with an outdoor pool, a garden, a restaurant and a bar. It is close to the market and the beach. The average price per night in Mtown Hotel is from US$ 25 - US$ 40. 

3. Nha Trang Beach

Nha Trang Beach is the largest and most popular beach in Vietnam, with a stunning coastline of white sand and blue water. It’s a perfect place for sunbathing, swimming, surfing, diving, and enjoying the vibrant nightlife. Nha Trang Beach also has many attractions nearby, you can experience the culture, cuisine, and history of this charming city while relaxing on the beach. 

3.1. How to get there

• By plane: You can fly to Cam Ranh International Airport (CXR), which is about 30 km away from Nha Trang city center. There are flights from Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, and other domestic and international destinations. From the airport, you can take a bus, taxi, or shuttle to Nha Trang Beach.
• By train: You can take a train to Nha Trang Railway Station, which is located in the city center. There are trains from Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Hue, and other cities along the coast. The train journey can take from 8 to 20 hours, depending on the departure point and the type of train.
• By bus: You can take a bus to Nha Trang Bus Station, which is also in the city center. There are buses from Ho Chi Minh City, Da Lat, Hoi An, and other neighboring destinations. The bus journey can take from 4 to 9 hours, depending on the distance and the traffic.
• From the city center, you can easily access Nha Trang Beach by walking, cycling, or taking a taxi or a motorbike taxi.

3.2. What to do

•  If you like history and culture, you can visit the Po Nagar Cham Towers, which are ancient temples built by the Cham people between the 7th and 12th centuries.
•  If you like nature and adventure, you can trek to the waterfalls such as Ba Ho and Fairy Spring, which are located in the forested hills around Nha Trang.
• If you like diving and snorkeling, you can explore the underwater world of Nha Trang, which has coral reefs, colorful fish, and other marine life. You can either swim offshore or take a boat to some of the nearby islands.
• If you like relaxing and sunbathing, you can enjoy the beaches of Nha Trang, which have soft sand and clear water. Some of the best beaches are Nha Trang Beach, Doc Let Beach, and Bai Dai Beach.

3.3. Where to stay

• Sheraton Nha Trang is a 5-star hotel that is located on Tran Phu Street, the main street of Nha Trang. It has an outdoor infinity pool, a spa, a fitness center, and 6 food and beverage outlets. It is close to the beach and the city center, and offers various services and facilities for business and leisure travelers.
• Melia Vinpearl Nha Trang Empire is a 5-star hotel that is located on Hon Tre Island, a short boat ride from Nha Trang. It has 1,200 rooms and suites, all with ocean views and modern amenities. It is part of the Vinpearl Land complex, which has a theme park, a water park, a golf course, and a safari park.
• DTX Hotel Nha Trang is a 4-star hotel that is located on Nguyen Thien Thuat Street, a lively area of Nha Trang. It has an outdoor pool, a gym, a sun deck, and a restaurant. It is within walking distance from the beach and the city center, and offers friendly service and comfortable accommodation.
• Regalia Gold Hotel is a 4-star hotel that is located on Tran Phu Street, the main street of Nha Trang. It is close to the beach and the city center, and offers elegant design and spacious rooms.
• John Homestay Nha Trang is a 2-star hostel that is located on Nguyen Thien Thuat Street, a lively area of Nha Trang. It has dorms and private rooms, all with air conditioning and free Wi-Fi. It also has a rooftop pool, a shared lounge, a kitchen, and a bar. It is within walking distance from the beach and the city center, and offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere for backpackers.
• Le's Cham Hotel is a 2-star hotel that is located on Nguyen Thien Thuat Street, a lively area of Nha Trang. It is within walking distance from the beach and the city center, and offers affordable rates and friendly staff.

4. Con Son Island

The largest island of the Con Dao archipelago, which is known for its natural beauty and marine life. Con Son has lovely beaches, coral reefs and scenic bays. It is a beautiful and peaceful place with a rich history and nature.

4.1. How to get there

• By plane: You can fly directly to Con Son Airport (VCS) from Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) or Can Tho (VCA). The flight takes about an hour and costs up to $150 for a round trip. The flights are operated by Vasco Airlines, a subsidiary of Vietnam Airlines. You can book your tickets online or through a travel agent.
• By speedboat: You can take a speedboat to Con Son Island from Soc Trang or Vung Tau, two coastal cities in the south of Vietnam. The speedboat from Soc Trang departs daily at 8 am and takes about 2.5 hours to reach Con Son Island. The speedboat from Vung Tau departs daily at 8 am and takes about 3 hours to reach Con Son Island. The tickets cost around $20-$35 for a one-way trip. You can buy your tickets at the pier or through a travel agent.
• By ferry: You can take a ferry to Con Son Island from Vung Tau, but this option is slower and less comfortable than the speedboat. The ferry departs every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 5 pm and takes about 12 hours to reach Con Son Island. The ferry also allows you to bring your motorbike or bicycle on board. The tickets cost around $15 for a one-way trip. You can buy your tickets at the pier or through a travel agent.

4.2. What to do

• If you are interested in history and culture, you can visit the Con Dao Prison, which was used by the French colonists and the US imperialists to imprison and torture Vietnamese revolutionaries during the wars. You can see the cells, the tiger cages, and the monuments dedicated to the martyrs.
• You can visit the Con Dao National Park, which covers most of the island and protects a rich biodiversity of flora and fauna. You can hike, bike, or camp in the park, and see some rare animals such as sea turtles, dugongs, and dolphins.
• If you are interested in diving and snorkeling, you can explore the coral reefs around Con Son Island, which are among the best in Vietnam. You can see a variety of colorful fish, coral, and other marine life. You can also visit some of the nearby islands, such as Bay Canh Island or Hon Cau Island.
• If you are interested in relaxing and sunbathing, you can enjoy the beaches of Con Son Island, which is clean, quiet, and beautiful. Some of the best beaches are Dam Trau Beach, An Hai Beach, Dat Doc Beach, and Nhat Beach.

4.3. Where to stay

• Six Senses Con Dao is a 5-star hotel that is located on Dat Doc Beach, a secluded and pristine beach on Con Son Island. It has 50 villas and residences, all with ocean views and private infinity pools. It offers various activities and services, such as water sports, hiking, turtle hatchling release, and organic gardening. The average price for one night in a standard room for two adults in 2023 is $122.
• Poulo Condor Boutique Resort & Spa is a 4-star hotel that is located on Bai Vong Beach, a quiet and scenic beach on Con Son Island. It has rooms and villas, all with garden or ocean views and modern amenities. It offers various activities and services, such as yoga, meditation, cooking classes, and island tours. The average price for one night in a standard room for two adults in 2023 is $90.
• Con Son Island Hotel is a 3-star hotel that is located on Nguyen Hue Street, the main street of Con Son Town. It is close to the beach and the town center, and offers friendly service and comfortable accommodation. The average price for one night in a standard room for two adults in April 2023 is $26.
• Lighthouse Boutique Hotel is a 2-star hotel that is located on Tran Huy Lieu Street, a lively area of Con Son Town. It is within walking distance from the beach and the town center, and offers elegant design and spacious rooms.
• Kim's Garden is a 2-star hostel that is located on Nguyen Thien Thuat Street, a lively area of Con Son Town. It has dorms and private rooms, all with air conditioning and free Wi-Fi. It is within walking distance from the beach and the town center, and offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere for backpackers.
• Sala Hotel Con Dao is a 2-star hotel that is located on Pham Van Dong Street, near the Con Dao Market. It is close to the beach and the town center, and offers affordable rates and friendly staff.

5. Mui Ne

Mui Ne is a coastal paradise with golden sand, turquoise water, and swaying palm trees. It's a perfect place for sun lovers, adventure seekers, and culture explorers. Mui Ne is a former fishing village with a long stretch of sand and a popular spot for kitesurfing. 

5.1. How to get there

• By bus: You can take a bus from Ho Chi Minh City or Nha Trang to Mui Ne Beach, which takes about 5-6 hours and costs around $7-$10 for a one-way ticket. The buses are comfortable and have air conditioning and Wi-Fi. You can buy your tickets online or at the bus station.
• By train: You can take a train from Ho Chi Minh City to Binh Thuan railway station, which is the closest station to Mui Ne Beach. The train takes about 4 hours and costs around $10-$15 for a one-way ticket. The trains are spacious and have soft seats and beds. You can buy your tickets online or at the railway station. From Binh Thuan station, you can take a taxi or a local bus to Mui Ne Beach, which takes about 45 minutes and costs around $5-$10.
• By car: You can rent a car from Ho Chi Minh City or Nha Trang and drive to Mui Ne Beach, which takes about 4-5 hours and costs around $50-$100 for a one-day rental. The car gives you more flexibility and convenience, but you need to have a valid driver's license and be familiar with the traffic rules in Vietnam.
• By motorbike: You can rent a motorbike from Ho Chi Minh City or Nha Trang and ride to Mui Ne Beach, which takes about 5-6 hours and costs around $10-$20 for a one-day rental. The motorbike gives you more adventure and freedom, but you need to have a valid driver's license and be careful of the road conditions and weather.

5.2. What to do

• If you are interested in nature and adventure, you can visit the Mui Ne sand dunes, which are one of the most popular attractions in Mui Ne. There are two types of sand dunes: the white sand dunes and the red sand dunes. The white sand dunes are larger and more scenic, while the red sand dunes are smaller and closer to the town. You can enjoy the views, take photos, or try some fun activities, such as sandboarding, quad biking, or jeep riding.
• If you are interested in history and culture, you can visit the Mui Ne fishing village, which is a traditional and colorful place where you can see the local fishermen and their boats. You can also visit the Po Shanu Cham Towers, which are ancient structures built by the Cham people in the 8th century. They are located on a hill with a panoramic view of the sea and the town.
• If you are interested in water sports and activities, you can try some of the options that Mui Ne Beach offers, such as kitesurfing, windsurfing, sailing, surfing, or kayaking. Mui Ne Beach is famous for its strong and consistent winds, which make it an ideal spot for kitesurfing and windsurfing. You can find many schools and shops that offer lessons and equipment rentals.
• If you are interested in relaxing and sunbathing, you can enjoy the beaches of Mui Ne, which are clean, quiet, and beautiful. Some of the best beaches are Mui Ne Beach, Hon Rom Beach, Suoi Nuoc Beach, and Ong Dia Beach. You can also visit the Fairy Stream, which is a small creek that flows through a patch of red sand and rocks. It's a pleasant walk along the stream with some interesting formations to see.

5.3. Where to stay

• Anantara Mui Ne Resort is a 5-star hotel that is located on Mui Ne Beach, facing the Vinh Phan Thiet Bay. It offers various activities and services, such as water sports, hiking, turtle hatchling release, and organic gardening. The average price for one night in a standard room for two adults in April 2023 is $130.
• Four Oceans Resort is a 4-star hotel that is located on Bai Vong Beach, a quiet and scenic beach in Mui Ne. It offers various activities and services, such as yoga, meditation, cooking classes, and island tours. The average price for one night in a standard room for two adults in April 2023 is $90.
• Mui Ne Hills Budget Hotel is a 3-star hotel that is located on Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street, the main street of Mui Ne. It is close to the beach and the town center, and offers friendly service and comfortable accommodation. The average price for one night in a standard room for two adults is $26.
• Muine Bay Resort is a 4-star resort that is located in the beautiful Mui Ne Bay and overlooks the pristine Hon Lao Island in the middle of the blue sea. It offers various activities and services, such as water sports, hiking, fishing, and golfing. The average price for one night in a standard room for two adults is $72.
• iHome Backpacker Resort is a 2-star hostel that is located on Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street, a lively area of Mui Ne. It has dorms and private rooms, all with air conditioning and free Wi-Fi. It is within walking distance from the beach and the town center, and offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere for backpackers. The average price for one night in a dorm room for one adult in 2023 is $5.
• LongSon Mui Ne is a 2-star hostel that is located on Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street, near the Con Dao Market. It is close to the beach and the town center, and offers affordable rates and friendly staff. The average price for one night in a dorm room for one adult is $10.

Vietnam is a country blessed with stunning beaches that can satisfy any beach lover's dream. Whether you are looking for a relaxing getaway, an adventurous escape, or a cultural immersion, you can find a beach that suits your needs and preferences. 
Don't miss this opportunity to discover the best beaches in Vietnam with Threeland Travel. Contact us today and let us make your beach vacation a reality.