Vietnam, with its 3,260 km of coastline, is a treasure trove of stunning beach cities. Each Vietnam beach city offers unique experiences, from the serene waters of the north to the vibrant shores of the south. Whether you love relaxing on white sand, diving in clear blue water, or exploring fishing villages, Vietnam’s beaches will give you unforgettable memories. What makes Vietnam Beach City destinations particularly special is how they blend natural beauty with authentic cultural experiences – from fishing villages that have operated for centuries to modern beach resorts offering world-class amenities.
In this guide, YESD Vietnam will take you through the best Vietnam Beach City destinations, from north to south!
Northern Vietnam Beach City
1. Quang Ninh – Ha Long Bay
Ha Long Bay is one of the most famous Vietnam Beach City destinations. This UNESCO World Heritage site features thousands of limestone islands and islets rising dramatically from emerald waters, creating one of the most breathtaking seascapes on earth. While not traditional beaches in the conventional sense, the numerous small coves and sandy patches between the karsts offer unique swimming and sunbathing opportunities.
The best way to experience this Vietnam Beach City marvel is on an overnight cruise. Modern junk and luxury boats navigate through the maze of islands, stopping at highlights like Titop Island with its panoramic viewpoint and beach, or the stunning
Sung Sot Cave. For active travelers, kayaking through hidden lagoons or swimming in the calm bay waters is an unforgettable experience.
Just south of Ha Long Bay lies the port city of Hai Phong, gateway to several underrated Vietnam Beach City destinations.
Cat Ba Island, part of Ha Long Bay, has stunning beaches surrounded by green mountains. Recent years have seen the development of Cat Ba Island as an alternative base for exploring Ha Long Bay, with its own beautiful beaches and national park. When visiting this island, check out the hiking trails through
Cat Ba National Park, home to the endangered Cat Ba langur.
Do Son Beach, located on the mainland near Hai Phong, is a popular weekend getaway for locals. This Vietnam Beach City spot features a 5-kilometer stretch of sand divided into three zones, with Do Son 1 being the most developed. Especially, seafood restaurants near Do Son Beach serve freshly caught squid, crab, and fish that satisfy food-lover travelers.
Central Vietnam Beach City
3. Da Nang – My Khe Beach and Non Nuoc Beach
Da Nang has emerged as one of the best beaches in Vietnam, thanks to its stunning coastline and excellent infrastructure. My Khe Beach, stretching nearly 30 kilometers south of the city, was famously dubbed one of the world’s most beautiful beaches by Forbes magazine. Its fine golden sand and gentle slope make it ideal for swimming, while consistent waves attract surfers during the autumn months.
Non Nuoc Beach, at the southern end of My Khe near the Marble Mountains, offers a more upscale Vietnam Beach City experience with luxury resorts lining the shore. The backdrop of the five marble and limestone hills adds dramatic scenery to beach days here. For active travelers, the area offers excellent golf courses, mountain climbing, and water sports facilities.
4. Hoi An – An Bang Beach and Cham Islands
Just south of Da Nang lies the charming town of
Hoi An, whose nearby beaches add another dimension to this Vietnam Beach City destination. The An Bang Beach has transformed from a sleepy fishing village to a trendy beach spot, with stylish beach clubs and restaurants serving both Vietnamese and international cuisine. The atmosphere remains relaxed, with lounge chairs under coconut palms and warm waters perfect for swimming.
>>>> Read More: Hoi An Beach Adventure: Dive Into Vietnam’s Coastal Treasure The Cham Islands (Cu Lao Cham), about 18 kilometers offshore, represent the wilder side of this Vietnam Beach City area. This archipelago’s main island features several beautiful beaches with excellent snorkeling opportunities in the marine protected area. Day trips from Hoi An include swimming, snorkeling, and visits to traditional fishing villages where life has changed little for generations.
5. Quy Nhon – Ky Co Beach, Hon Kho Beach, and Bai Xep Beach
Quy Nhon remains one of Vietnam’s most underrated Vietnam Beach City destinations, offering beautiful beaches without the crowds found further north. Ky Co Beach, accessible by boat from the city, boasts powdery white sand and crystal-clear waters that rival any in the country. The beach is set in a sheltered cove surrounded by green hills, creating a picture-perfect tropical setting.
Bai Xep, a small fishing village just south of Quy Nhon, offers a glimpse of authentic coastal life in Vietnam. The beach here is narrow but charming, lined with simple seafood restaurants serving the day’s catch. Hon Kho Island, visible from the mainland, features unique rock formations and excellent snorkeling spots in its clear waters.
6. Khanh Hoa – Nha Trang Beach
Nha Trang rightfully claims its place as Vietnam’s original Vietnam Beach City resort destination. The main beach stretches for 6 kilometers along the city’s shoreline, with a wide promenade lined with hotels, restaurants, and bars. While the central beach can get crowded, the soft sand and gentle waves remain appealing, especially for families.
What sets this Vietnam Beach City apart are its excellent offshore islands. Boat trips to Hon Mun, Hon Tam, and other islands in Nha Trang Bay offer superb snorkeling and diving opportunities in Vietnam’s richest marine environment. The city itself provides all the amenities beachgoers could want, from luxury spa resorts to vibrant nightlife options.
7. Thanh Hoa – Sam Son Beach
Nestled along Vietnam’s north-central coast, Sam Son Beach in Thanh Hoa province offers a classic Vietnam Beach City experience that has captivated visitors for generations. This 16-kilometer stretch of golden sand holds a special place in Vietnam’s beach culture as one of the country’s earliest developed seaside resorts, with a history dating back to French colonial times.
Recent infrastructure improvements have made Sam Son more accessible than ever as a Vietnam Beach City destination. The upgraded coastal highway connects directly to Hanoi (just 150km north), making it a convenient weekend escape for capital residents. For culinary adventurers, this Vietnam Beach City offers exceptional seafood experiences. The night market along the beachfront promenade buzzes with activity as vendors serve up Thanh Hoa specialties like “nem chua” (fermented pork roll) and “cha muc” (squid sausage).
8. Binh Thuan – Mui Ne Beach
Mui Ne has unique South Vietnam beaches, combining sandy beaches with striking red and white sand dunes, which create a surreal desert-like landscape just inland from the beach. The coastal strip features a 15-kilometer stretch of resorts catering to all budgets, with the northern end being more developed.
This Vietnam Beach City is particularly popular with windsurfers and kitesurfers, thanks to consistent winds from November through March. The beaches themselves feature golden sand and clear waters, though some areas experience stronger waves. The fishing harbor at Mui Ne offers colorful photo opportunities in the early morning when boats return with their catch.
Southern Vietnam Beach City
9. Vung Tau – Bai Sau Beach and Bai Truoc Beach
As the closest Vietnam Beach City to
Ho Chi Minh City, Vung Tau receives plenty of weekend visitors from the metropolis. The city has several beach areas, with Back Beach (Bai Sau) being the longest and most popular. While the water quality here varies, the beach offers good swimming conditions and plenty of seafood dining options.
Front Beach (Bai Truoc) provides lovely views of the city’s iconic Jesus Christ statue, while smaller coves like Pineapple Beach (Bai Dua) offer more secluded swimming spots. Vung Tau’s hillside location means visitors can combine beach time with panoramic views from places like the White Palace or the giant Jesus statue viewpoint.
10. Phu Quoc – Long Beach and Sao Beach
Phu Quoc Island represents the crown jewel of Vietnam Beach City destinations, with some of the country’s most stunning beaches. Long Beach (Bai Dai) stretches nearly 20 kilometers along the western coast, featuring soft white sand and gentle turquoise waters perfect for swimming. The northern end remains quieter, while the southern section near Duong Dong town offers more amenities.
For those seeking pristine beauty, Sao Beach in the southeast dazzles with its powder-fine white sand and clear waters. Starfish often dot the shallow seabed here, creating magical photo opportunities. The island’s northern reaches, now part of Phu Quoc National Park, offer secluded coves accessible only by boat, perfect for a true escape.
Tips To Choose Your Vietnam Beach City
When compared to other beach destinations in Southeast Asia, Vietnam Beach City locations offer several unique advantages. The country’s elongated shape means you can experience different coastal climates and landscapes within one trip. The value for money remains excellent, with high-quality accommodations and dining available at very reasonable prices. Unlike some overdeveloped beach resorts elsewhere, many Vietnam Beach City spots retain an unspoiled, authentic atmosphere while still providing good tourism infrastructure.
One of the most appealing aspects of Vietnam’s coastline is its seasonal variety. While southern beaches like those in Phu Quoc enjoy warm weather year-round, central and northern Vietnam Beach City destinations have more distinct seasons. This means that no matter when you visit, there’s always a perfect beach destination waiting for you. The winter months (November to March) are ideal for exploring southern beaches, while summer (May to September) is prime time for central and northern coastal areas.
Conclusion
From north to south, every Vietnam Beach City offers something special. Whether you want adventure, relaxation, or cultural experiences, Vietnam’s coastline has it all. Plan your trip now and discover why Vietnam is one of the best beach destinations in the world!
If you’re ready to explore Vietnam’s coastlines through authentic, meaningful travel, consider booking a tour with
YESD Responsible Tour. Our community-based approach ensures that your journey supports local livelihoods, respects the environment, and connects you deeply with each Vietnam beach city you visit. Check out our available Vietnam beach city and book your authentic tours!
The best way to experience this Vietnam Beach City marvel is on an overnight cruise. Modern junk and luxury boats navigate through the maze of islands, stopping at highlights like Titop Island with its panoramic viewpoint and beach, or the stunning Sung Sot Cave. For active travelers, kayaking through hidden lagoons or swimming in the calm bay waters is an unforgettable experience.
Just south of Ha Long Bay lies the port city of Hai Phong, gateway to several underrated Vietnam Beach City destinations. Cat Ba Island, part of Ha Long Bay, has stunning beaches surrounded by green mountains. Recent years have seen the development of Cat Ba Island as an alternative base for exploring Ha Long Bay, with its own beautiful beaches and national park. When visiting this island, check out the hiking trails through Cat Ba National Park, home to the endangered Cat Ba langur.Do Son Beach, located on the mainland near Hai Phong, is a popular weekend getaway for locals. This Vietnam Beach City spot features a 5-kilometer stretch of sand divided into three zones, with Do Son 1 being the most developed. Especially, seafood restaurants near Do Son Beach serve freshly caught squid, crab, and fish that satisfy food-lover travelers.
Non Nuoc Beach, at the southern end of My Khe near the Marble Mountains, offers a more upscale Vietnam Beach City experience with luxury resorts lining the shore. The backdrop of the five marble and limestone hills adds dramatic scenery to beach days here. For active travelers, the area offers excellent golf courses, mountain climbing, and water sports facilities.
Just south of Da Nang lies the charming town of Hoi An, whose nearby beaches add another dimension to this Vietnam Beach City destination. The An Bang Beach has transformed from a sleepy fishing village to a trendy beach spot, with stylish beach clubs and restaurants serving both Vietnamese and international cuisine. The atmosphere remains relaxed, with lounge chairs under coconut palms and warm waters perfect for swimming.>>>> Read More: Hoi An Beach Adventure: Dive Into Vietnam’s Coastal Treasure The Cham Islands (Cu Lao Cham), about 18 kilometers offshore, represent the wilder side of this Vietnam Beach City area. This archipelago’s main island features several beautiful beaches with excellent snorkeling opportunities in the marine protected area. Day trips from Hoi An include swimming, snorkeling, and visits to traditional fishing villages where life has changed little for generations.
Bai Xep, a small fishing village just south of Quy Nhon, offers a glimpse of authentic coastal life in Vietnam. The beach here is narrow but charming, lined with simple seafood restaurants serving the day’s catch. Hon Kho Island, visible from the mainland, features unique rock formations and excellent snorkeling spots in its clear waters.
What sets this Vietnam Beach City apart are its excellent offshore islands. Boat trips to Hon Mun, Hon Tam, and other islands in Nha Trang Bay offer superb snorkeling and diving opportunities in Vietnam’s richest marine environment. The city itself provides all the amenities beachgoers could want, from luxury spa resorts to vibrant nightlife options.
Recent infrastructure improvements have made Sam Son more accessible than ever as a Vietnam Beach City destination. The upgraded coastal highway connects directly to Hanoi (just 150km north), making it a convenient weekend escape for capital residents. For culinary adventurers, this Vietnam Beach City offers exceptional seafood experiences. The night market along the beachfront promenade buzzes with activity as vendors serve up Thanh Hoa specialties like “nem chua” (fermented pork roll) and “cha muc” (squid sausage).
This Vietnam Beach City is particularly popular with windsurfers and kitesurfers, thanks to consistent winds from November through March. The beaches themselves feature golden sand and clear waters, though some areas experience stronger waves. The fishing harbor at Mui Ne offers colorful photo opportunities in the early morning when boats return with their catch.
As the closest Vietnam Beach City to Ho Chi Minh City, Vung Tau receives plenty of weekend visitors from the metropolis. The city has several beach areas, with Back Beach (Bai Sau) being the longest and most popular. While the water quality here varies, the beach offers good swimming conditions and plenty of seafood dining options.Front Beach (Bai Truoc) provides lovely views of the city’s iconic Jesus Christ statue, while smaller coves like Pineapple Beach (Bai Dua) offer more secluded swimming spots. Vung Tau’s hillside location means visitors can combine beach time with panoramic views from places like the White Palace or the giant Jesus statue viewpoint.
For those seeking pristine beauty, Sao Beach in the southeast dazzles with its powder-fine white sand and clear waters. Starfish often dot the shallow seabed here, creating magical photo opportunities. The island’s northern reaches, now part of Phu Quoc National Park, offer secluded coves accessible only by boat, perfect for a true escape.
One of the most appealing aspects of Vietnam’s coastline is its seasonal variety. While southern beaches like those in Phu Quoc enjoy warm weather year-round, central and northern Vietnam Beach City destinations have more distinct seasons. This means that no matter when you visit, there’s always a perfect beach destination waiting for you. The winter months (November to March) are ideal for exploring southern beaches, while summer (May to September) is prime time for central and northern coastal areas.