The most beautiful beaches in Vietnam: North, Center, South

The most beautiful beaches of Vietnam in the North

Vietnam is a premier destination in Southeast Asia for those looking to enjoy seaside pleasures. With its 3,000 kilometers of coastline, the country is full of a multitude of islands and heavenly beaches that invite relaxation and contemplation. From the magical bays of the Gulf of Tonkin in the North, including the famous Halong Bay, to the magnificent beaches of the Gulf of Thailand in the South, including the paradise island of Phu Quoc, Vietnam offers a variety of ideal destinations for an unforgettable vacation as a couple, with family or friends.

Whether you are looking to lounge on the warm sand, swim in turquoise waters or discover exceptional flora and fauna, Vietnam will satisfy all your seaside desires.

1. The beaches of Cat Ba

Located 50 km east of downtown Hai Phong , with its 367 islands and islets classified as biological reserves by Unesco, Cat Ba is a haven of peace for travelers looking for relaxation and relaxation during of their stay in Northern Vietnam. Nicknamed the “pearl of the Gulf of Tonkin”, the island is an ideal place to recharge your batteries before or after an unforgettable cruise in Halong Bay.

You can enjoy several small beaches around the island including its 3 main ones which are Cat Co 1, 2 and 3. The sublime beaches of Cat Ba are nestled on the east coast of the island, offering breathtaking panoramas. The crystal clear waters, soft sand and imposing mountains in the backdrop instantly transport you into a dream world. Every moment spent on these beaches is a true delight for the senses.

But the island is not just about its heavenly beaches. It is also home to a magnificent national park where you can explore exceptional flora and fauna during beautiful hikes. As you pass through the lush forest and reach the peaks, you will be rewarded with spectacular views of the surrounding landscapes. Whether you are looking to relax on the fine sand, cool off in the crystal clear waters or reconnect with nature, Cat Ba Island is a true haven of peace that you absolutely must discover during your trip to Vietnam.

The most beautiful beaches in Vietnam in the Center

1. Lang Co (Hué)

Fine white sand, arc-shaped seaside, crystal clear waters, the beaches of Lang Co are one of the most famous seaside destinations in Central Vietnam. The World Bays Club site lists them among the most beautiful bays in the world, like that of Mont Saint-Michel.

From Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) or Hanoi, you must first travel to the former imperial capital of Hue . Lang Co is easily accessible by train, car or bus, too, from Danang. From the first metropolis of the Center, you can admire the road that winds through the rugged mountains, surrounded by lush tropical jungle to the Cloud Pass.

You can stay in Lang Co for just one night, in beautiful juxtaposed resorts, such as Banyan Tree or Laguna Lang Co. For the pleasure of relaxing there to be complete, go there during the dry season, between May and September .

2. Da Nang

Intimately linked to the history of the French presence in Indochina, Danang was called Tourane during this colonial period. You truly get a change of scenery during a trip to Vietnam, thanks to its surrounding nature – with often breathtaking views – and its cultural heritage. The large central city is easily reached by plane from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh city.

It is located in a long line of coastline including several beautiful beaches, sometimes wild, sometimes romantic, even spectacular. There is that of My Khe for example, one of the most beautiful in Asia, or Non Nuoc as well as Nam O. Soft white sand, transparent waters reflecting a dream setting and the green peninsula of Son Tra, in far, complete the picture. For fans of staying in a “resort”, those at Thanh An beach have everything they need to spend pleasant nights. The proximity of the village and bars and restaurants are among its significant assets.

After a few hours of sunny relaxation, you can walk along Song Han, the picturesque river flowing through downtown Danang. Some of Vietnam’s most beautiful bridges can be admired in Danang, such as the one that rises above the Ba Na Hills further away. This “Curved Golden Bridge”, supported by two giant mossy hands, has become one of the most iconic bridges in Vietnam.

The central metropolis is also home to the Cham museum, not to be missed. “The” collection of sculptures and works of art from the Kingdom of Champa are exhibited there. April-September is the best time to visit this destination, and enjoy these luxury hotels overlooking the beautiful beaches.

3. Go back

About thirty kilometers south of Da Nang, Hoi An has always been an unmissable tourist site in Vietnam. This ancient port attracts travelers for its historic district, peaceful countryside and beautiful beaches further east. These are not extensive and splendid as in Da Nang, but their intimacy gives them a certain charm.

That of Cua Dai is particularly appreciated by lovers of relaxation. After suffering from erosion a few years ago, it has experienced a sort of rebirth with the reappearance of its fine sandy seaside. Several luxury hotels – such as Victoria Hoi An, Palm Garden, and Hoi An Boutique – have direct access. An Bang beach, right next door, has retained its authenticity.

Cua Dai and An Bang are accessible from the old port area. Free shuttles make it easy to reach them from the hotels. It is recommended to stay there between April and September.

2.5 hours from the port of Cua Dai by boat is Cham Island (or Cu Lao Cham), recognized by UNESCO as a world biosphere reserve. This destination is mainly aimed at lovers of scuba diving or snorkeling. It is an archipelago also home to small fishing villages such as Bai Lang and Bai Huong, as well as magnificent beaches which are definitely worth the detour.

Nature or culture lovers can find many other attractions in Hoi An. Cycling through its peaceful surrounding countryside is a must, as is a day trip to explore the ruins of the ancient Cham sanctuary .

The most beautiful beaches of Vietnam in the South Central Coast

1.Dream beaches in Quy Nhon

The beaches of Quy Nhon , in Binh Dinh province, north of Nha Trang, are true escapes off the beaten track. Indeed, Ky Co beach for example is in the middle of the mountains with azure blue water like the most beautiful beaches in Vietnam, whose transparency and calm current allow swimmers to see the small fish and shrimps evolving in their environment. natural between the reefs.

Finally, the beach of Eo Gio, which is accessed by following a white barrier path, is pleasant in that a little fresh wind has given it its name “wind cape” and invites us to have a picnic or camping in the middle of this blue bay. The beaches of Quy Nhon are beautiful all year round, but the best time to visit Quy Nhon is from January to June.

2.Heavenly beaches in Nha Trang

The Nha Trang region is one of the most beautiful regions appreciated by its heavenly beaches as well as its sumptuous bays dotted with virgin islands such as Van Phong Bay and Ninh Van Bay which is considered one of the 20 most beautiful bays in the world.

North of Nha Trang, the Dam Mon peninsula, nestled between hills of ocher rocks. A destination off the beaten track where you can enjoy its warm blond sand and crystal clear waters in complete tranquility.

Located in Van Phong Bay, at the end of the Dam Mon peninsula, Whale Island is a true natural gem where you can enjoy seaside pleasures in the simplicity of a bamboo bungalow on the water’s edge. This is one of the best diving and snorkeling spots in Vietnam!

Between Whale Island and Nha Trang is the Doc Let peninsula which offers vast stretches of beach where you can relax and feast on fresh seafood. Some waterfront accommodations welcome you for a detoxifying stay.

The period from March to October is the best for the seaside stay in Nha Trang. It is among the top of the most beautiful beaches in Vietnam, and for this reason, it is also the most popular. However, it is possible to stay in beautiful, quiet places outside the city, such as Mia Resort, Six Senses Ninh Van Bay or An Lam Retreat. Nha Trang has its own Cam Ranh International Airport. You can therefore easily take a direct flight from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City.

Located more than 200 km from Ho Chi Minh City, the heavenly beaches and sand dunes of Mui Ne are very popular for respectively kitesurfing and windsurfing on the one hand, and its desert on the other. Its graceful waves are the perfect terrain for indulging in the joys of Point Break or simply practicing surfing. Its orange sand dunes contrast radically with the landscape usually known from the wild jungles of Vietnam. It is an exceptional destination that shows the magic of nature par excellence.

You can visit Mui Ne all year round, but the weather is pleasant during the dry season, especially between November and March. To reach this seaside site, opt for a private car or a bus, a five-hour drive from Ho Chi Minh City. From the nearest Cam Ranh Airport, the drive can take almost four hours. Construction of Phan Thiet Airport is expected to be completed in 2023, which will facilitate access to Mui Ne from major cities in Vietnam.

The most beautiful beaches of Vietnam in the Center

1. Con Dao Archipel

If you want to escape the beaten track, mass tourism or even the slightest presence of vacationers, you have to go to the Con Dao archipelago which is a real Martinique in the middle of the Eastern Sea. A 1-hour flight from Ho Chi Minh City, you will land at a small airfield which strangely resembles the one at the foot of the sea on the island of Saint-Martin.

It is a real gem which has nothing to envy of its big sister of Phu Quoc and is well on its way to being a very nice alternative with in particular the island of Bay Canh (Turtle Island), where you can see evolve turtles in their natural environment. From March to the end of September is the best time to go to Con Dao.

2. Island of Phu Quoc

Located in the Gulf of Thailand, in the extreme southwest of Vietnam (off the coast of Cambodia), Phu Quoc is the largest and among the most beautiful islands in the country. It is known as the “pearl” of Vietnamese tourism due to its extensive national park, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is also home to pristine beaches with sublime emerald green waters; those of Khem, Dai and Sao are among the most captivating.

Phu Quoc also offers an attractive base for carrying out numerous cultural activities. The discovery of pearl oyster farms, fish sauce factories and pepper plantations – or tropical and exotic myrtaceae – leaves lasting memories for visitors. History buffs with a capital H will not fail to visit the remains of Phu Quoc Prison, which recall moving events from the warlike or colonial past.

Other activities, more adventurous and sporting, attract lovers of marine flora and fauna to the island of Phu Quoc. They can practice jet-skiing, water skiing, snorkeling and diving in particular.

The dry period from October to the end of April is the best time for an island trip. Several means of transportation are available to get to Phu Quoc: by plane from Ho Chi Minh City, Can Tho, Hanoi and Haiphong; by speedboat from Rach Gia (Mekong Delta) and Ha Tien (Kien Giang).