Topping all of Vietnam's "best beaches" lists are the glittering expanses of sand on paradisiacal Phu Quoc Island. This is Vietnam's very own Hawaii; far enough from the mainland to feel super exotic but still very much Vietnamese. If you are looking for a beach vacation in Vietnam, you'll be more than happy you chose to fly to this corner of the Gulf of Thailand. Long Beach is, you guessed it, Phu Quoc's biggest beach at 12 miles (20 km) long. It's where the majority of the accommodations on the island are, as well as restaurants and shops. The other side of the island is far less developed, reached via quiet roads cut through the dense jungle and ending in palm-fringed beaches straight from a travel magazine. You could spend a week riding around the island, hopping from white-sand beach to white-sand beach and never stepping on the same sand twice.

Da Nang is one of Vietnam's fastest growing cities, with an ever-evolving skyline of towering buildings and a growing population of local and international expats. It also boasts one of the most beautiful beaches in the whole country and has fantastic weather to boot. Beach days and city nights make Da Nang a dream beach vacation destination. My Khe beach runs for almost 20 miles (32 km) along the coast from Son Tra Peninsula towards Hoi An. The section closest to the city is the most well-kept, with a number of large seafood restaurants and bars lining the promenade. With some big name resort chains setting up on the sand itself, you could be forgiven for never leaving the beach. But, making time for trips to Lady Buddha and Marble Mountain will introduce you to more of Vietnamese culture. Heading into the city for incredible central Vietnamese cuisine is also a must.

Travel 80 miles (130 km) east of Ho Chi Minh City and you'll hit the coastal city of Phan Thiet, and its beachside neighbor Mui Ne. Here, the beaches are golden, the seafood is fresh, and the sea breeze is strong enough for a spot of windsurfing. Phan Thiet offers multiple long stretches of sand to explore, from the Mui Ne Cape to the rocky outcrop of Ka Ge Lighthouse. It's a busy coastline, but there's always room for an extra sunlounger. Wherever you decide to stay, start your day watching the sunrise out of Phan Thiet Bay, as the late night squid fishing boats come ashore. Enjoy the day's catch for lunch in a beachside restaurant and spend the afternoon savoring the sea breeze. Catch the sunset over the red sand dunes just outside of town, and congratulate yourself on a beach day well spent.