CNN.com recently published an article about the most beautiful beaches in the world and we are happy to announce that two of Vietnam’s beaches have made the list! However, we feel that more than two beaches in Vietnam are world-class. With more than 3,400 kilometers of coastline and countless remote islands, the list of beautiful beaches in this country could last for a while. In addition to the Vietnam travel tips we’ve provided in previous blogs, here’s our take on the top 5 beach destinations in Vietnam.
The best coastal and beach areas in the country:
Phu Quoc is a small island off the southern coast of Vietnam, near the coast of Cambodia. Historically a collection of fishing villages on the island, the shores are slowly becoming packed with hotels and resorts. Demand for accommodation and restaurants has increased tremendously over the past few years but the island has retained its rustic charm. Dirt roads, small beachside restaurants serving grilled seafood right on white sands, and unexplored jade-green waters are just some of the things you’ll get to experience in Phu Quoc. But hurry – the new international airport just opened in August to serve flights from Singapore and neighboring Southeast Asian countries. Many people have touted Phu Quoc as the next Phuket!
When you’re in Phu Quoc, head to Bai Dai, where there’s a lot of development. Long Beach is actually the first beach of Vietnam to be listed by CNN.com! If you are more adventurous, you can rent a motorbike and go to the other side of the island to the breathtakingly beautiful Bai Sao. Bai Sao is very popular among Vietnamese tourists so it is quite possible that you will see hundreds of people there if you come during the domestic tourist season, but don’t worry! Just walk a little further through the rocks to find a deserted beach for yourself!
Nha Trang is the most popular beach resort in Vietnam and certainly the most developed in terms of accommodation, restaurants and nightlife. It is also one of the top destinations in Vietnam for scuba diving and snorkeling! The water is not as clear as the sea like the beaches in Phu Quoc but the main beach in Nha Trang seems to stretch for kilometers with no end – just crystal clear water and sand as far as the eye can see!
This beach is so popular that there are direct flights from Nha Trang to Moscow! Since this seaside city is very popular, it’s important to know that if you want some quiet time on the beach, you’ll have to venture out a little further from the main strip. You can rent a taxi or motorbike and go in the direction of Cam Ranh airport to Bai Dai beach for a fresher atmosphere. If you want to stay where all the action is, keep in mind that the beach gets packed with tourists late in the morning and early afternoon, so for some peace and quiet, visit the beach early in the morning and watch the sunrise! Remember that Nha Trang faces the east so the only time to see the sun along the horizon is at sunrise.
In recent years, Mui Ne has experienced rapid development. Although not a bustling seaside city like Nha Trang, Mui Ne has a little something to it – great restaurants, nightclubs, and a beautiful beach! Moreover, Mui Ne is the water sports capital of Vietnam! Snorkeling, snorkeling, windsurfing and kitesurfing are just some of the activities you can enjoy in Mui Ne, and many service providers have them ready.
Most resorts and hotels are located right next to the beach, but recently many hotels have been built facing the main strip of land. While they are usually cheaper, be aware that hotels on the beach side may not give you beach access. Due to changing water levels and changing shoreline, you may not have a sandy beach to sit on at all as the shoreline will extend all the way to the resort’s concrete barrier. However, many beach hotels have started building artificial sandbanks and infinity pools to compensate. However, the sound of the breakwater hitting the concrete is sometimes soothing too! And if you love sand, you can always visit 2 large sand dunes in Mui Ne, red sand dunes and white sand dunes.
The area near Da Nang has long held a special place in the country’s history. It was a very important military base town during the war and the ruins are still visible to this day! One of the most famous beaches in the area, China Beach, served as a military base during the war. Now, with just a few motels, eateries and war memorabilia, China Beach is one of the most unspoiled beaches in Da Nang – not to be missed! Da Nang also has some of the most luxurious resorts in Vietnam. If you’re looking for an all-inclusive all-you-can-eat and full-day massage, Danang is the place to be.
With that said, Da Nang can also be attractive to backpackers as there are parts of the coastline that are still undeveloped. Alternatively, you can take a taxi or rent a car and go to Hoi An. Hoi An has beautiful beaches and is a very well preserved ‘old town’ style city, just 40 minutes from Da Nang. Its quaint and charming atmosphere is sure to impress all types of travelers and as it is also located along the ocean it has a beautiful beach area just a drive away. short machine. In fact, An Bang beach in Hoi An has been honored in CNN.com’s list of the most beautiful beaches in the world! An Bang Beach has just enough restaurants and bars where you can sit on the beach and have a cold beer, but not so much that it feels like a resort town. It is just as charming as its parent city, Hoi An!
Lan Ha Bay is essentially an extension of Ha Long Bay off the coast of Hai Phong city. This little-known bay is really popular among local tourists during the summer months of July and August and its most popular beach on Cat Ba Island is always packed with people! This effect is even more obvious since the beach itself is not very large. However, if you’re looking for a quiet time to go, Cat Ba beach is quite easily one of the most beautiful beaches in Vietnam. Imagine white sand under your toes, turquoise water and limestone formations on the horizon. It’s so incredible and something straight out of a magazine!
Since it is only a small and underdeveloped island, it may be difficult for you to do any activities other than enjoying the beach. However, this part of Vietnam is a mecca for rock climbers, and the island town is well established to lead tours around the bay. You can also rent kayaks and sail around the island to find your own private beach! You might even spot some squatters living in the caves of the rock formations – there are apparently 700 people living on their boats or in caves in Ha Long Bay/Lan Ha Bay! It was quite the scene.
We hope you get to the beach during your trip to Vietnam! For more Vietnam travel tips, visit our blog.
