When people think of Vietnam, they imagine culture, amazing Vietnamese cuisine and natural wonders like nowhere else in the world. Add beaches with fine sand and dazzling turquoise waters into the mix – and beach holidays to Vietnam are the kind of holidays anyone would want to experience.
Beaches in Vietnam come in all shapes and sizes, ranging from remote and untouched to lively and exciting. With a coastline stretching more than 2,000 miles or 3,500km, one thing is for sure – you have plenty of choices when it comes to beaches in the country. Here’s what to expect from beach holidays to Vietnam.
Beach Holidays in Northern Vietnam
One of the most popular ways to experience beaches in northern Vietnam is to take a trip in a boat around Halong Bay – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Go on a trip with a company that specializes in off-the-beaten-track trips and you’ll be ped off at remote island beaches along the way, perfect for a desert island feeling. The beach on Cat Ba Island is the largest in Halong Bay and is popular with visitors who love the vibrant beach life. On the mainland’s coastline of Halong Bay are beaches including Tuan Chau Beach, with its huge stretch of golden sand, restaurants, and attractions.
Elsewhere in northern Vietnam, Bai Chay Beach is north of Hanoi, beautiful for being surrounded by a pine forest and high-end seafood restaurants. In Nam Dinh, Hai Thinh Beach is a less discovered spot, popular for beach-side walks and a feeling of discovery.
Beach Holidays in Central Vietnam
This region of Vietnam is one of the best known for its beaches. Danang has a number of well-loved beaches, such as Non Nuoc Beach – also known as China Beach. At 3 miles (5km) long, the white sands and alluringly blue waters prove to be tempting to anyone who passes by. This is a place to enjoy the facilities of the high-end hotels located here and soak up postcard-perfect views. On the other end of the spectrum is Lan Co Beach. Mostly visited by locals, this is a place to experience Vietnamese life, in an amazing location by the Lap An Lagoon.
Hue and Hoi An are central Vietnam’s other hubs, and both have beach life nearby that is worth exploring too. Thuan An Beach can be visited on a day trip from Hue. A relatively undeveloped beach, this is a perfect off-the-beaten-track discovery. Cua Dai is Hoi An’s primary beach – found just outside the city center. The seafood restaurants off the beach are said to be some of the best in the city.
Beach Holidays in Southern Vietnam
Traveling further south in Vietnam, Nha Trang makes for a perfect beach stop. Tran Phu Beach is a popular spot here, easily accessible from the city. The narrow strip of fine sand and palm trees is pretty, while the seafood restaurants and nightlife available across the road can’t be missed. Further south, the beach at Mui Ne has gained quite a reputation with water sports fans, and windsurfing, kitesurfing, and sailing are all available to do there.
For those with a little more time, a visit to the Vietnamese island of Phu Quoc is a must for beach lovers. Golden sands, clear turquoise waters and plenty of water spots – from sedate to action-packed – can all be found here.